When looking for movers, reputation and reliability are paramount. Make sure the candidates you consider have plenty of positive customer reviews from reputable sites like Google, Yelp, and social media.
It is also important to know whether your move is intrastate or interstate, as the shortest route between your old and new homes may cross state lines. Knowing this will help you understand moving company valuation rates, insurance options, and other important details about your upcoming relocation.
Moving is stressful at any time, but it can be especially challenging when you’re going a long distance. The more planning you can do in advance, the better. This will help you avoid stress and unexpected costs.
There are many things to consider when moving, including the cost and timing. The longer the move, the more expensive it will be. To minimize your expenses, start by identifying the date when you’ll be ready to move and then work backward. This will help you determine how much time you have to prepare for the move.
The most important thing to do when moving is to do research and find reputable movers. Make sure that they have a USDOT number and are registered with the FMCSA. Also, ask for a written estimate before signing any contracts. Avoid hiring rogue movers, who have been known to take advantage of consumers by charging hidden fees or even stealing items from them.
A good way to prevent this is by making sure that your boxes are clearly labeled with your name. This will help the movers identify which box belongs to you and avoid mixing up your belongings. Also, if you have any valuables, you should keep them with you and not place them in the truck.
If you’re a homeowner, check to see what your home and auto insurance policies cover in terms of moving. If you have a lot of expensive items, you may need to purchase additional coverage. You can also try negotiating with the company. If you’re turned down on your first attempt, don’t be discouraged. Just try again later. If you’re persistent, you might save hundreds or thousands of dollars on your move.
When packing, be sure to include items that you will need during the first few weeks of your move. This includes toiletries, clothing, and personal documents. You can also pack a “first box” that contains items you will need as soon as you get to your new house, such as towels and bedding. Also, make sure to pack any medications and essential items that you need with you during the move.
Packing
Using proper packing materials for your move will ensure that your items arrive in the same condition in which they were picked up. For example, dishes should be packed in heavyweight dishpack cartons that are shaped to prevent breakage. Files should be packed in specially designed file cartons, and clothes can be safely stowed in specialty wardrobe boxes.
When hiring movers to help you with your relocation, consider adding packing services to your contract. Having professionals do the packing for you will save you time and make your moving experience much less stressful. Additionally, movers are familiar with the weight limitations of their vehicles and can quickly identify the best boxes for your items to minimize the risk of damage during transport.
A local or intrastate move is a relocation within the same state. Unlike interstate moves, which are based on the distance of the move and hourly moving rates for movers, a local or intrastate move is often more cost-effective for customers. However, the cost of a move will vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Insurance
It is important for consumers to know that while movers must carry cargo, public liability, and workers’ compensation insurance, there are no specific regulations that govern intrastate moves. Consumers should ask movers about their insurance and how it covers damage or loss to items in transit. In addition, it is important for consumers to fully understand how excess valuation coverage works. Consumers should make sure their mover carries full-value contents coverage and also purchase a third-party policy or a trip transit policy to provide additional protection.
Many of the complaints the OCP receives involve a mover’s refusal to unload goods unless a certain amount is paid. In such a scenario, the mover has the right to a carrier’s lien against the consumer’s goods until he is compensated for his “reasonable charges.”
While there are federal moving regulations that govern interstate moves, intrastate (within one state) moves are not covered. However, movers must comply with the laws of the jurisdiction(s) involved in the move (Maryland or the Washington Metropolitan Area), as well as local moving laws.
In addition to having adequate insurance, a professional mover should have a clear procedure for handling claims and should offer consumers an inventory sheet that lists all of the items in the shipment along with their condition. Consumers should sign the inventory sheet and also photograph or videotape valuable items. These records will be helpful if a claim is filed later.
In most cases, a mover must provide consumers with a written estimate before the move begins. This estimate should include a description of all services the mover will perform, the cost of each service, and the estimated total charge. In addition, the mover must give consumers a copy of the bill of lading or transport document at the time of pick-up. The bill of lading should clearly indicate the items that are being transported, their destination, and the amount due for the transportation and services provided. If the mover does not give consumers a copy of this document, consumers should ask them for it. Then, they should read the bill of lading carefully to verify that all items are listed and that the agreed-upon value is stated.
Driver’s License Transfer
Moving is a great time to make a fresh start in your life and embrace your new surroundings. However, there are some logistical details that you need to keep in mind before you hop behind the wheel and take off for your new home. One of those details is updating your driver’s license to reflect your new state of residence. The requirements for this vary from state to state, but most have a limited window of time in which you can get the transfer done. Here’s a quick rundown on how this process works:
To get your driver’s license transferred to your new state, you will need proof of your identity and residency. This can include anything from a birth certificate or passport to utility bills and mortgage statements. The specifics of these documents will vary by state, but you should be able to find all the necessary information on your local DMV’s website.
You will also need to pass any driving or knowledge tests required by your new state. This may include a written test, a road test, or both, but again, the exact rules will vary by state. Some states have a grace period during which they allow drivers to go through the transfer process without having to take any new tests, but this will vary by state.
