Moving Myths, Facts and Tips

Filing a claim for loss or damage with your mover.

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:50:12 -0700

The first thing you have to remember is that your mover did not provide you with "insurance".

Regardless if you purchased additional "valuation" from your mover or elected to just move with the standard 60 cents/lb./article...you do not have "all risk" coverage.

#1. If your claim is for packing damage, it is incumbent on you to keep all packing materials, so that the mover can inspect them. Failure to do so could negate your claim on a technicality. My advice, if you discover packing damage and your packing was done by the mover. Stop unpacking that particular box and alert the mover.

#2. Movers will tell you that you have no coverage for items you packed yourself. NOT TRUE. Do not let a mover tell you otherwise. If necessary the American Moving and Storage Association, AMSA, www.moving.org has more information on this for you to cite with the mover.

#3. Never waive the Bingo Sheet...it is your best way to prove missing items. On a local move, where the is no inventory it may be hard to prove that you are missing something.

#4. The mover is under no obligation to replace a damaged item. The wording in your contract with them is that they will "repair or replace, at their option".

#5. Do not threaten to sue your mover, particularly a large interstate van line. They have in house legal consel and it will do nothing more than cost you money in the long run...even if you are proved right. There is a provision for arbitration...it is much less costly and truly fair, use it.

#6. Use agencies like the BBB to help effect change. I have personally seen movers bend over backwards so their record with the BBB remains good.

There are many other ways to resolve a claim, these tips are just a small sample. Remember that the claims person you are speaking with is a human being and don't take your frustrations with the moving company out on them...they are only doing their job. The old saying goes...you catch more flys with honey than with vinegar!

The right paper for packing...

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:19:00 -0700

Have you ever noticed how sometimes when you read the newspaper, afterwards, your fingers are black from the ink?

Well packing with regular newspaper does the same thing to your household goods. While newspaper is plentiful and easy to come by, it is not suited for packing, especially for items that are light colored.

Professional movers will use plain white paper that comes in 20-40 lb. bundles ironically called "newsprint" or "news-stock". It is similar in feel to regular newspaper stock, but without the ink. My suggestion to you is to contact a local mover and see if they will GIVE you their partial/open bundles of newsprint. Once the bundles are opened, movers will generally set aside the open bundles as they are a pain to use in the future. Typically movers/packers will wrap packing tape around the bundles to re-roll them and at that point, it's easier for the mover to use a fresh bundle than to go through the hassle of getting the tape off the old.

Pets and moving...

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:18:54 -0700

Regardless if you are moving around the corner or across the country, pets pose a special concern during the moving process.

On packing and moving day the doors to residence will be open...a lot! It would be very easy for a pet to get loose. In addition, the constant coming and going of strangers into and out of the house may be upsetting...especially to dogs.

It's highly recommended that you make an accommodation for your pets with a trusted friend or at a local pet resort on moving day. Why not treat your favorite friend(s) to a day at the pet spa?

Moving plants on Interstate relocations.

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:31:11 -0700

Plants pose a unique challenge in the moving biz.

Drivers may take plants, but are sometimes reluctant to do so due to the space they take up (considerable due to inability to stack anything above them), relative to the weight they add (minor). Whatever you do, don't count on them being watered by the driver.

Another factor to consider is that even if the driver does accept your plants as part of the shipment, should his trailer be inspected along the way (i.e. at state weighing stations, etc..) he may be forced to offload the plants, should he be ordered to do so by officiials.

California is particularly tough in this regard. Most states try to protect their crops/plants from being infested with insects from other states, even if the plants are just passing through.

My suggestion is this. If you have small houseplants, give them to friends or relatives prior to your move. If you have larger plants that you want to take a chance with, pack them in boxes and hope for the best at the weigh stations/checkpoints. Since they're not going to be watered anyway...what do you have to lose? For tall plants, I'd suggest a wardrobe box.

Doing the "Shuttle" two step....

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:20:55 -0700

Ahhh the shuttle. The single biggest fly in the moving ointment.

Shuttles are OK when they are known about in advance...but when they pop up last minute you know there are gonna be fireworks!

A shuttle is called for when the large over the road tractor/trailer can not get close enough to the residence to allow for easy walking/carry of the household goods onto or off of the truck. The items are then "shuttled" to a smaller vehicle that can get closer to the home and then into or off of the truck.

A couple of things to remember. 1. There is no consistency to size of truck that is coming to pick up your things. The driver is generally an independent owner/operator. So, he may have a HUGE tractor, you know the ones that are like mini-motor homes, pulling a 53' trailer or he may have a small cab over with a 48' trailer. Like Gump said "You never know what you're gonna get!" The driver ultimately has the call for safety reasons and so the estimator may see it one way, but the driver another. 2. The driver does not want to shuttle. The extra fee for the shuttle in no way makes up for the headache of having to handle the goods twice. A shuttle is a Pain in the ***. 3. Even if a shuttle is called for, you do not have to pay for the shuttle on the spot. New regulations call for the van line to have to deliver and then bill you 30 days after delivery for the additional charges. Get your things off the truck, don't create a conentious situation. 4. Be fair. The driver is doing what he thinks is best for your pick up or delivery. Don't take it personally...it's not you and they're not trying to rip you off...see point 2 above. 5. It does not matter about others previous pick ups or deliveries...I don't care how many times you've seen other deliveries done in your apartment complex...it all gets down to the size of the rig and the skill of the driver. Yours is different from theirs.

Now, most movers will have a provision on the estimate to "approximate" shuttle charges...should they occur. Basically it's the movers way of saying...we don't think you'll need it, but if you do...here are the charges...you've been warned!

As they say...shuttle happens!

Moving Cars.

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:07:49 -0700

I get asked frequently about shipping vehicles.

The first thing to keep in mind, is that sending the car inside the moving van with the household goods is NOT the best way to ship the car, even though it would at first appear so, as it is "inside" and protected from the road and the elements.

Drivers will build a deck over the vehicle in order to maximize the space they have available within the trailer. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen the decking partially collapse or something from above the car fall and damage the vehicle below.

Also, the hauler will most likely charge an "In Van Fee" to haul the car inside the trailer. This fee will begin at $250 and go up from there. Should you have a Mini-Van or SUV and you can add an "over sized vehicle fee" on too.

Note: Something that has never made sense to me; a Honda CRV, which is a "mini" SUV is charged as an over sized vehicle, while a Cadillac Sedan DeVille, which is much larger and weighs much more does not carry the surcharge?

The best way to ship your car is via the trailers specifically designed to move cars. You know the ones I'm talking about...the kind you see hauling new cars to the dealership. These trailers are specially designed to offer maximum protection.

Things the movers should NEVER move!

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:15:30 -0700

Irreplaceable, valuable items should never be left for the movers to move.

Items like, cash, jewelry, coins, family photographs, and important papers should either travel with you or should be sent ahead by a traceable courier service like FedEx or UPS. There may be other items too that may not be able to be replaced that are only valuable to you.

While the actual loss or destruction of these items is extremely rare, I can assure you it does happen. My single worst moment in the moving business came when a fire (caused by trailer wheel bearing malfunction and not as a result of negligence, etc...) destroyed an entire trailer containing items of an elderly couple (he 87, she 85) including all photographs and mementos of their deceased son. It was heartbreaking to have this elderly gentleman tell me that his life was ruined.

Fortunately the couple had purchased optional valuation and they were issued a large check in order to replace their items. However, there is NO REPLACING things that are truly irreplaceable.

YOUR MOVING QUESTIONS???

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:32:13 -0700

If you have questions about moving, please feel free to ask me. If the questions are relevant to the activerain community as a whole, I will blog both the question and the response.

Feel free to direct your clients my way as well with their questions, etc...

I can be contacted either here or via my website at www.boutiquemoving.com .

Harry Lakin

Moving...the movie.

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:24:40 -0700

Today, I take a break from the serious subject of moving and make a recommendation to anyone that is in the process of moving, considering moving, has ever moved, will ever move or knows someone who has or will.

Maybe it's just me, but this movie is HILARIOUS! Two big thumbs up!!!

In 1988, Richard Pryor starred in the movie "Moving", about a guy who gets a promotion and has to move his family to Idaho. This one may be hard to find in the local video store, but I promise you, you will roll on the floor, laughing! Also, note Dana Carvey is in this film...I think he must have been 15 at the time, LOL.

Best single scene. When the packer shows up...he is just this side of the grave. Pay close attention to the window behind him as he packs the box.

Enjoy some summertime fun...find the movie Moving.

Here is a link to give you more info: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095662/

On Interstate moves, be sure to fill out the HIGH VALUE INVENTORY FORM!!

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:50:28 -0700

IF you purchase additional "valuation" coverage as offered by your mover (i.e. coverage in excess of the 60 cents/lb./article as provided by basic coverage), you will need to fill out a special form provided by the mover to alert them to items of "High Value".

NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT PURCHASE THE OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL COVERAGE, THE HIGH VALUE INVENTORY DOES NOT APPLY AS THE MOVER BASICALLY CONSIDERS YOU TO HAVE NOTHING OF EXTRORDINARY VALUE. CRAZY RIGHT!!!

Movers have different definitions of just what constitutes high value items. Some define those items as items in excess of $1,000, while others define high value as those items in excess of $100/lb. Be sure to ask your mover, what their definition of a HIGH VALUE item is!

Either way, failure to alert the mover to the presence of such items may make any claim for damage, destruction or loss an adversarial situation.

If your mover uses the $100/lb. definition, there are many items that you might not consider to be high value, that indeed are. For instance, most people clearly see where artwork, china and crystal are high value. But, what about shoes? For instance a pair of Manolo Blahnik sandals (ladies, you know those, right??) might weigh virtually nothing, yet cost $600 a pair. What would happen if a box containing a few pair of those went missing? Without having alerted the mover to their presence...you might end up with a settlement at $5/lb! They might make a courtesy settlement of $25/pair...how nice of them!

Be wise, be smart, don't let the mover beat you on a technicality! Use the high value inventory form correctly and you will be well served!

Inventory of your items on a move. NEVER WAIVE THE BINGO SHEET!

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:23:08 -0700

Many times on a move, your driver will ask you to "waive" the "bingo sheet" at delivery.

The bingo sheet (a mover term) is basically a grid form with hundreds of numbers on it. As the movers bring items into the residence, they call off the number written on the moving labels they've put on each box or furniture item. In a perfect world, each labeled item put on the truck comes off, and all items, check off the bingo sheet. (**Please note, Interstate and Intrastate (i.e.statewide) moves will have an inventory. Many times, local moves will not).

Waiving the bingo sheet is a huge mistake! The driver wants you to waive for two reasons. 1. It speeds up his delivery and 2. Should any item be missing, it absolves him of liability for the missing item...hey after all, you didn't check them off.....right?

By waiving your inventory check off, you have effectively stated that all items are there and accounted for. Without checking the items off, how would you ever know?

Most Interstate drivers carry multiple shipments on their truck. It is common that boxes for one customer are accidentally delivered to another.

Drivers are generally great people and you as the customer become very friendly with them during the course of the move. However, as Donald Trump says..."It's not personal...it's business!" Make the driver complete the inventory process, check off your bingo sheet.

Storage of your household goods...the best kept secret!

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:15:16 -0700

If you need storage during the course of your move, this little tip could save you significant damage and frustration.

It only makes sense that the more times your furniture and other household goods are handled, the greater the likelihood of damage, right? Well, there is a way to minimize this.

Goods are stored at the mover's warehouse in large wooden crates, called vaults. Vaults are generally stacked 2 to 4 high. It is the way movers maximize their interior warehouse space. What ordinarily happens is the moving truck comes to the residence, the movers load your items onto the truck and then the items are placed in the vaults at the warehouse.

If your mover could bring the vault to your home, wouldn't it make sense the could eliminate the extra step of moving from your house to the warehouse and then to the vault? Of course it would.

Be sure to ask your mover if they can "vault at residence". Less handling = less damage.

How does a mover estimate the weight of your shipment?

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 08:51:48 -0700

A quality estimate is the starting point for a great move.

Local moves are typically done on an hourly basis. But, Interstate and moves within a state as well as International moves are done on the basis of weight. So, how is this magical number derived?

Regardless if your move goes on a truck or into a contanier, there is a known volume of that container. Think back to school and you'll remember that to get volume, you take length x width x height...from that, you get a known cubic footage. Therefore, movers try to take every item within the residence and convert it to a cubic footage. Using a standard "Table of Measurement" the mover will apply a standard cubic footage to each item within the residence. Then, using a standard weight factor (typically 7 lbs. per cubic foot) they will multiply the cubic footage by the weight factor and estimate the weight.

This is where it can get tricky and this is why some estimates are spot on and some are way off. An oak and leather sofa may have the exact same cube as a wicker sofa, but obviously they don't weigh the same. It is up to the estimator to adjust his/her weight factor up or down as dictated by the items within the residence. A seasoned estimator will make these adjustments.

Ask your estimator what weight factor they are using. If it is less than 7 be suspicious (unless your items are truly light weight). If you have exceptionally heavy items (a lot of solid wood furniture or perhaps many tools or machine tools in the garage ex. lathes or drill presses) ask the estimator to up his weight factor.

The right box for the right job.

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 09:02:29 -0700

Regardless if you are doing it yourself or hiring a professional mover to move you, using the right box is important.

A couple of things to consider. First books and papers while light indiviually, become heavy very quickly when put all together. Movers generally will use a "book box" or a 1.5 cubic foot carton for books. When fully packed those boxes will weigh between 45 and 70 lbs. If you were to pack the next sized box (3.0 cubic foot), the weight would double. Moving boxes that weigh between 90 and 140 lbs. isn't easy. Also, the heavier the box, the greater the likelyhood that the box will fail on the bottom and all the items will fall through.

Below are the standard size boxes and typical applications:

3.0 cube's should be used for kitchen items (not dishes or glasses) like tupperware, and bulkier things like lamp shades. 4.5 cubic foot boxes should be used for computer components (printers, scanners, CPU's) and small appliances, also towels, clothes, larger lamp shades, electronic items (like dvd players, etc..) and wicker baskets. 6 cube's should be used for pillows, larger toys, garage items and bulkier lighter weight items. Dishpacks (5.2 cu. ft.) are double walled boxes and should be used for (obviously) dishes, glasses and other fragile items). Wardrobes are for clothes. Be sure to use the bottom of the wardrobe boxes for shoes, pillows and bedding. Wardrobes can also be used for larger fake plants, real plants and tall garage items like shovels, rakes, etc.

Good luck and good packing!

Stuff your mover may or MAY NOT tell you...

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 08:29:54 -0700

Front loading washers and dryers require special service prior to moving or will most likely be destroyed in trasit.

Simply tipping these machines without the the drums being locked down correctly will render them 200 lb. paperweights. Don't believe me? Just try it.

Front loaders come with a special drum lock down kit at the time of delivery. Most people discard the kits or allow the delivery guys to take it with them with other trash. Big mistake as you will have to have that lock down kit or an after market kit to transport those machines in the future.

After market kits will cost anywhere from $75 to $150. Also, vendors, such as Sears do not always keep all the various kits on hand. Sure they can get them, but you may have to wait, which will put a crimp in your plans on move day.

Simple solution? Keep the kit that comes with the washer/dryer. If not, be sure to have one on hand PRIOR to move day. Plan for this well in advance of the actual move.

Old style top loading washers still need a lock down kit to keep the drum from damage, but they are cheap and readily available from Home Depot or even DIY truck rental places.

Tips for Moving Plasma and LCD Flat Screen TV's

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:42:02 -0700

Plasma and LCD flat screen TV's are everywhere, and moving them is not as simple as moving a traditional tube TV.

First, Plasmas and LCD's must remain vertical. Laying down these type of sets WILL damage the image quality and possibly even destroy the screen. Second DO NOT let anything rub against the screen durring transit. These screens are very sensitive and will scratch and rub easily. Whatever you do, do not let the mover just throw a blanket over the set and move it that way. You WILL end up with a damaged set.

Last...if you can manage to do so, keep the original box the TV comes in. Manufacturers recommend that putting the TV back into the original container IS the safest way to move the set. If the box is not available, speak to your mover about options. There are some aftermarket boxes specifically designed to make transportation safe. An alternative is to find a crating company to bulid a wooden crate for transport. Aftermarket boxes and crates are expensive options. With prices for these type of TV's coming down all the time, you will need to weigh cost of replacement vs. cost of the box or crate. Consider the age of the set when making this decision. Expect to pay between $125 and $300 for a box or a crate. With a crate, there typically also be an un-crating charge. Un-crating the set yourself may limit the liability of the mover/crater for damage.

On a local move you might want to consider moving the TV yourself inside your own vehicle.

More Moving Myths...Insurance?

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 11:10:24 -0700

It's time to move, so you hire a professional mover and then buy their insurance to protect you against whatever damage or loss may occur to your things while in the mover's control....right????

Wrong!

Movers don't sell insurance. Think about it, you need a license to sell insurance! Movers sell a product called VALUATION. Valuation, while "insurance like" is distinctly different than insurance as it does NOT cover all risks. Basically, unless you purchase the mover's valuation coverage the mover will provide you a bare bones 60 cents/lb./article coverage against damage or loss. For example, a television that weighs 60 lbs. is destroyed and you have basic covearage you are going to get $36 for that television (60 lbs x .60 cents/lb). Clearly NOT enough to buy a new TV.

Oh yes and one other thing. Let's take that same television, works just fine at origin but at destination, it doesn't work. No visable damage to the set either. Good luck in trying to get compensation. If you see on your movers write MCU on your inventory, stop them. MCU is mover speak for MECHANICAL CONDITION UNKNOWN. Basically they don't know if that TV worked going onto the truck, so if it doesn't work coming off the truck...can't be their fault, right?

As for your own homeowners policy covering you. Talk to your agent well in advance of the move. If they say you have coverage, get it in writing! Most policies specifically exclude goods in transit. Some homeowners policies do however cover goods while in transit. Some will cover for an additional fee. Those additional fees genearally are priced at or near what the mover will charge. Also, if you do have or purchase additional coverage from your insurance company and you submit a claim...well, we all know what happens then. You are subject to policy cancellation!

The best solution? First hire only reputable movers...ones that will stand behind their work. Then, do purchase the valuation coverage they sell but bear some of the risk yourself...select a deductible that you can live with. Last, cross your fingers!

Today's Household Moving Tip

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:17:57 -0700

When packing up household goods, the natural inclination is to label the box's contents on the top of the box. That is a mistake.

Boxes should always be labeled on the side. That way, when they are stacked, the contents and the room they belong in will be clearly visable.

Boutique Moving has many tips to make your relocation more successful. In the Phoenix area, we are the ones to call to professionally manage your household relocation project.

Moving myths.

Harry Lakin (Boutique Moving) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 09:46:03 -0700

Myth One: Get as many estimates as you can.

Fact: Too many estimates is a waste of time. Boutique Moving knows the best movers in the Valley of the Sun and will assemble three qualified estimates/bids on your behalf. Price should not be the determining factor. Service delivery is the key to a successful move.