Moving News and Relocation Advice

The tropical beaches, perfect weather all year long, island tradition. Who wouldn’t want to move to Hawaii? It’s paradise, right? But the task of moving even across town is a daunting one. Moving so far from the mainland will not be an easy task.

All the usual long distance moving rules apply whether you are moving to a new state or a new country. Make sure you know where you are going and what protocols you need to follow, particularly if you have pets or unusual belongings. Hawaii may be a state in the USA, but it is an island with its own rules and regulations.

If you can, avoid bringing too many small items such as cooking pots, toasters, etc.  It might be less expensive to buy new than to pay to ship everything over. Check it out with shipping estimates: get your estimates and make your own, adding up how much it would be to buy new vs. the shipment costs.

You can save even more by selling your furniture and buying new, or purchasing a home fully furnished.  In resort and tourist areas, such as Hawaii, you can always find a furnished place with all the necessary equipment for living. Make sure you do bring all your important documents with you, including ID, personal papers, medical records, prescriptions, etc. Keep these documents in a safe place in your carry-on luggage.

Ship Your Car:

If you have determined you definitely want to ship your car (rather than buying a new one once you arrive), make sure you know who moves cars to the Islands and the best costs. It is generally around $1,000 (ballpark figure) to ship a car from the Mainland to Hawaii.

Your Plants:

Plants can enter Hawaii only after inspection. If you have plants you want to carry over to Hawaii, contact the U.S Department of Agriculture for more information. Here is there address: Animal and Plant Health Insurance Service, Terminal Box 57, Honolulu International Airport, Honolulu, Hawaii 96819.

Your Pets:

Hawaii is very strict when it comes to importing pets. The first thing you should do in order to import a pet into the state of Hawaii is to contact the Animal Guarantee Section at least 4 months prior to moving. They will provide you with the necessary information and instruction.

Living on the Islands will be a very exciting move. Make it less worrisome by getting your facts well in advance and hiring the right movers. Aloha!

Moving Liability insurance is a vital step in the process of moving goods from one destination to the next. On the moving company’s side, insurance is offered, however, the level of liability can vary. You need to be aware of the amount of protection and the charges for each option.  Insurance and liability is often the area in moving that people know very little about. As a result of this it is often the area in which people make bad choices. Movers are required to provide you with information on what it will cost you to place a value on your shipment.

You should be provided with information or a brochure on putting a value to the belongings you are moving. Be sure you actually read the papers and brochures you receive so you can accurately put a value on your shipment.

Check with the local Better Business Bureau to get information on how the mover has handled claims in the past. In the unlikely event your merchandise gets damaged as a result of your move, you have nine months to make a claim.  However so, you still have to pay the fees for your move on time. This is generally COD or cash on delivery on the day of unloading.

If a claim is made, the mover is required to respond to your claim within 30 days, and the issue must be resolved within 120 days. In the event that arbitration is chosen to resolve the issue and you are not satisfied with the outcome of the arbitration process, you may sue for damages.

If this happens, make sure you have a true claim and proof of the damages (take photos and make notations of all goods damaged in any fashion before the move).

When you are moving and you get a free estimate, you will want it to be as accurate as possible. There are small variations that can easily occur, but they should be just that…small variations. To get as close to the price you will have to pay, make sure you discuss everything with your estimator.

Don’t leave anything out. Make sure the estimator knows the exact destinations you are going to and from and every single item that will be moved with the shipment, even small and insignificant. Also make sure the estimator knows if anything in the shipment  is highly valuable.

Ask the estimator how he will calculate the estimated price of your move. What does the estimate include and what does it not include? Find out any additional charges for special services, such as stairs carries, elevators, long carries, shuttle services if they are applicable to any location the truck has to go.

If you have anything that will need to be picked up or dropped off along the way, make sure he knows about it. Also, if you cannot move into your new home immediately, talk to him about storage options.

A “not-to-exceed” estimate is one of your best bets, or a binding. Have everything put into writing.

Purchase moving insurance/extra coverage for your shipment, especially if you have the aforementioned valuable items onboard. The basic limited liability coverage offered to you, free of charge, by the movers will not be sufficient.  If your items are extremely valuable, getting extra coverage is a must.

Why would a moving estimate change or vary from the original price that was quoted to you? It’s vital to know not only that this can happen, but why. If a moving company’s estimates stray too far from the original price and the reasons seem too far fetched, it might be time to search for a new moving company.

Some of the reasons a moving company might change their estimates include:

• Your destination changes or the route of the truck changes. The charges could go up if the truck has to vary greatly from an original set route.
• When moving long distance, trucks can run into all sorts of detours such as non-truck access roads.
• If you live, at either location, where there’s an elevator - or worse, lots of stairs - and the movers have to make more trips than planned to get all your belongings out and in, charges can go up.
• Know the moving restrictions on your new apartment or condo. If there are restrictions on movers that were not known in advance you will be charged for them.
• “Acts of God” such as floods, fire, earthquake, tornado, etc. can destroy a moving trip or cause major delays. Any variation or delay might cost you extra money for the moving company’s extra time.
• Know the area you are moving to and the best route for the driver.  They don’t know the area and only have a set route to follow, not the community news, so if there’s a parade going on in town the day the movers are coming through, please have an alternate route available.

Following a few good common sense tips will help you and the movers have a more hassle-free (and for you, less expensive) experience.

When you move, you have to get an estimate of the price the moving company will charge you to move everything from one home to another. However, don’t use the estimate as your only deciding factor in choosing a moving company. Make sure the moving companies you choose all have excellent reputations and always use that as your first deciding factor.

Don’t find just one moving company and stick with that one. Even if they have the best reputation, find others and get estimates from up to three movers. The estimates are free so don’t be afraid to get several. It’s OK to use a mover you found online (remember the good reputation), but don’t get only an online estimate. A mover has to see what they will be moving in order to give the most accurate estimate possible.

Make sure that you show the estimator everything, including what’s in the basement, attic, garden shed, garage, closets, etc. Tell him if your neighbor is using your John Deere mower, unless you’re planning to drive it to your new home.

Make sure you get the right type of estimate and ask plenty of questions. If you get an estimate that is significantly lower than the others, it will be in your best interest to ask why. Perhaps the estimator didn’t see a piece of heavy machinery such as the washing machine in the basement. If he did and he sticks by his estimate, ask him to make it binding and to put it in writing.

Ask the estimator about purchasing extra insurance. Movers provide a basic insurance that will not nearly cover the replacement cost of more expensive items. So if you want to make sure you can take advantage of your satellite dish when you reach your new home, insure your big-screen TV set.

Using common sense when moving, choosing a company and getting a good estimate is vital. Make sure you try to avoid disaster by thinking ahead.

A Binding estimate is when the mover offers you a guaranteed price (with perhaps a tiny deviation) that is based on the list of items you have that need to be moved and the time it takes to move them, plus any services you need the movers to perform.

Non-Binding or Hourly Rate is not an estimate at all, but a price list. These rates are based upon the mover’s previous experience of jobs similar to yours.

A Not to Exceed estimate is popular for long distance moves. Unlike local moves, which are based on the time it takes to get items to where they need to go, and services, long distance moves are based mostly on weight and distance. Time is not an issue here. Typical problems such as heavy traffic and bad weather prevent local movers from offering you this type of estimate. This quote is binding only on the mover. The final price for the move cannot exceed the estimate figure; but if the move comes in under the estimated amount you pay the lesser price.

This estimate (the Not to Exceed estimate) is the best type of estimate to receive. Similar to binding estimates, they are based on an accurate and complete list of items you expect to have moved. However, the “not to exceed” estimate gives you a little bit of leeway if you happen to decide you need to bring extra items with you on the day of the move.

Keep in mind that if the extra items exceed the “not to exceed” estimate, you will be charged more. However, if the final bill comes out to be lower than the estimate, you pay the lower price and nothing more. It is strongly recommended that you ask your mover to offer this one to you… and get it in writing.

In fact, no matter what kind of moving estimate you get, it’s always best to get it in writing.

When you move, you want everything to be as orderly as possible, from the very beginning when you start searching for houses, to the end when you move into your new home. That is why a checklist is vitally important to keep. Even things that may seem obvious can be overlooked.

• Pack heavy items in small boxes and lighter items in larger boxes.
• Give your kids a learning exercise. Have them write their names and new address on the boxes from their rooms. This will help them remember their new address.
• Plates and record albums should be packed end to end horizontally rather than vertically, do not place flat and stacked.
• If it’s irreplaceable, take it with you in the car (you don’t want regrets later). But if you do decide to pack framed photos or art, place sheets or blankets between them for added protection.
• Take your current home’s phone book with you when you move. You may need to make calls to residents or businesses back in your former hometown.
• The necessities. Toilet paper, telephone, toiletries, snacks, coffee (and pot), soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, and paper towels are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival at your new home. Pack a box with these types of items and ask your truck loader to load it last so that it will be unloaded first.
• Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won’t have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.
• Write down your shipment registration number and keep it with you in case you need to call your mover with questions about your shipment.
• Give the mover driver your cell phone number so he can call you enroute or wherever you can be reached in case there’s a problem or question about your shipment.
• Thoroughly clean and dry the inside of your refrigerator then put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior smelling fresh.
• Remove bulbs before packing lamps.
• Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house. Always move pets last.
• If you move your plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows as the leaves will scorch.
• Leave the rest to the professionals, sit back and relax and look forward to the new opportunities, friends and experiences that are part of any move.

There is more to a move than packing up your belongings and putting them on a truck. Like everything else in this world of dot the i’s and cross the t’s, moving companies require a bunch of papers for you to sign. Below is a list with descriptions of the most basics of the paperwork involved in your move.

• Order for Service: This paperwork is prepared by the moving companies on every shipment transported for an individual shipper. Once it is prepared, you will get a copy.  This is not a contract. It is an order, so if you need to cancel your move, or change it, you can cancel the order. This document will need to be signed by you and the mover.
• Bill of Lading:  This is your contract, between yourself and your mover. Movers are required by law to prepare a bill of lading for each shipment transported. Read your Bill of Lading thoroughly. The information contained on it should be the same information that is on your Order for Service. You should receive a copy of the Bill of Lading before your shipment is loaded onto the truck. This is an important document! Please make sure you keep your copy with you until the entire move is complete and all fees are paid up.
• Inventory: Driver’s generally inventory your shipment as the belongings are loaded onto the truck, noting any dings or scrapes or damage. This is a record of the condition of your property. If the driver doesn’t do the inventory, you should. If the driver makes the inventory list, read it over before signing. Make sure it is accurate and includes all items on the truck. Attach the inventory to the Bill of Lading and keep it with you. When your property is moved to your new location, check everything against the list and be sure all is as it was when the shipment left. Don’t sign anything until you are assured that all your property is in the condition it was in when it left its last location.

Each year about 40 million Americans pick up and move to a new location. Moving companies abound and are everywhere. Help and advice on moving comes from every source; friends, family, your local grocery. Just say you are moving and you will get a truck load of advice and tales. And though some of those tales may be far fetched, there are tales out there that are not only true, but downright scary. Mover beware.

While the majority of the moves happen without incident, the GAO reported that about 3,000 consumer complaints were filed against interstate movers in 2006.  The most common scams are “rogue movers”:  Thieves who pretend to be movers. In the most classic and prevalent scam, a moving company will give a low estimate to pack up someone only to substantially hike the quoted price once the items are loaded on the truck. If the consumer doesn’t pay the new price, the belongings are held hostage.

Several years ago, a Massachusetts woman (who prefers to remain anonymous) said a mover loaded her goods on a truck and demanded $16,000 afterward. That was more than four times the company’s estimate of $3,600.

You might think something like this cannot happen to you. But, rogue companies think nothing of driving away with everything you own unless you pay them the set amount they have given to you. The American Moving and Storage Association also has issued warnings about shopping for a mover online.

Use the internet for research and check out the AMSA site for more information and warnings.  You should be skeptical of Web sites that look good but could be run by dishonest brokers who don’t actually own a moving company. They collect a deposit and then refer consumers to rogue movers. Legitimate referral companies will generally not ask you to pay an upfront deposit.  If you are asked for a significant deposit, look for another moving company.

Every year, thousands and thousands of people relocate and move to new homes. These people come from varying backgrounds with many reasons for moving. Which type of these movers are you? Is this your first move? Or perhaps you are moving in with someone? Whatever type of mover you are, there are tips that can help you.

First Timer:  If this is your first time moving, it can be doubly overwhelming, especially if you are moving alone or moving to live alone for the first time (it can also be quite exciting being on your own).

• Make sure you ask a lot of questions. Every service you request comes at a cost, such as packing and unpacking services, bulky article transportation and any third-party services that you may need.
• Even if your items are sparse, get a quote from at least one professional moving company, having them do an in-home survey to give you an idea of moving costs.
•  Moving company representatives will be able to offer alternative ways of staying within your budget.
• Always get an estimate in writing, and ask for a guaranteed price. Don’t change your plans or the price could change.
•  Start planning early, especially since this is a new experience for you.

The Brady Bunch: Combining two households is essentially two moves and makes for a much more complex time. If using the same movers for both moves, be sure your mover knows that. The extra pick-up charge is usually small depending on the distance between the two locations.  Make lists of each other’s household items. If there are duplicates, decide what to get rid of so you’re not shipping the same article twice. Items to be moved from both locations should be inventoried by the mover, and loaded so that unloading is smooth. Plan, ask, communicate!

Moving with Children:  You think it’s hard for you, moving can be extremely stressful on children who have to leave their friends, home and school.  If your children have certain items that make them feel better, or calm them in a tough situation, don’t pack these special items. Keep them separate and make sure the children have them and the mover knows not to take them into the truck. Keep your children out of the way of the movers. They can get hurt.

Empty Nest: All the kids are grown and gone and it’s time to downsize. If you are of retirement age, there are many things to keep in mind. Through the years, items pile up. Decide what to keep and move, and what you no longer need. If you are indeed downsizing, you won’t have as much space for all that stuff anyway. If you have a lot of antiques, pack them accordingly or have a professional do it for you.