How should I work with a moving company?

Following are several suggestions to keep in mind when working with a moving company:

• Begin looking for your moving company eight weeks before your move out.
• Your moving company will provide you with a several documents for your move:
  • A service order, outlining the terms of the financial agreement.
  • A “bill of lading” - a legal contract between you and the moving company.
  • A “binding estimate” - dictating how much property is to be moved, and at what cost. If you go over this amount, you will receive a second estimate, attached to the original.
• Carefully label your boxes, complete with your name, new address, telephone number and contents of each box. Number each of the boxes so you can easily verify all boxes are accounted for at your new condo.
• Create a detailed list of everything that is being moved. A licensed moving company is responsible any loss or damage of your property. The list can prove valuable in the event something goes missing. If something is missing, complete a claim form and provide it to the movers while they are still on premises.
• Mover’s liability is generally 60 cents per pound, so it is wise to purchase extra insurance to cover the actual value of your goods. You’ll be required to declare the value of your insured goods before a single box is placed on the truck.