Preparing A Flawless Move

10 Tips from trans national van lines from transnationalvanlines.com

1. If packing your own belongings: be certain to properly wrap and package everything tightly. Loose items are more susceptible to damage and misplacement. Although it will cost more it is usually better to have a professional moving company pack your belongings.
2. Avoid moving in the summer months: when at all possible. Summer months are the busiest months of the year for the moving industry and you know the old saying, "supply and demand" you are sure to pay much more to move during these months.  The same goes for the end of the month, this is when everyone wants to move.  It will cost you more and there could be unexpected delays.
3. Never plan things such as: Airline travel, house closings, walk throughs, disconnecting of utilities or anything you might need during your "move window". Delays happen and it is better to be safe then sorry.
4. Be certain that items such as: Birth certificates, drivers licenses, credit cards, jewelery etc. are personally packed by you. These are items that are difficult to replace if  lost and should be transported personally.
5. Remember Time Frames: A driver can only drive 500 miles a day or 10 hours which ever comes first. So if your moving from the east cost to the west cost remember it will take atleast 6 days for delivery. On the other hand if you are moving within a 500 mile radius your delivery can be in as little as 1 day. Make the proper arrangements ahead of time to be available for delivery.    
6. Declaring your items list: Be as accurate as possiable when going through your items list with your moving consultant. No matter which moving service you use and how they calculate cost you will be charged for these items in the end. It is always better to over estimate your itemized list to ensure room on the truck that you have booked. In the end you only pay for the weight or cubic feet on the truck. It's always better to pay less at the end. 
7. Prepare for Delivery: If you are expecting a weekend delivery remember banks are closed. Althouth you have been given an estimate your balance may be more or less depending on weight, mileage, and any additional services renderd. Most moving companies only except money orders, certified checks, or cash upon delivery. These may be hard to get or alter on a weekend. It is a good idea to have half of your C.O.D. in certified funds and the other half  in cash. Remember it works both ways if your balance should go down you will not be able to change a check or have difficulties with money orders. 
8. To good to be true: As in all industries there are the cost factors.  We here at TRANS NATIONAL VAN LINES work closely with our certified moving consultants as well as our research department. The number one question always asked is why Bobs moving says they can do this relocation for less. There are a few common cost factors such as fuel, labor, materials, insurance etc. So where is the difference??   We like to call this the "Four S's"  Services, Stability, Security, and Survivorbility. If  Bobs mover should lose damge or suffer a severe set back you are intrusting your most valuable possessions other then your family and health to the relocation company that you choose . Choose wisely, you get what you pay for. 
9. Research your relocation provider: Make sure you are chosing a licensed, bonded and insured moving company.  Ask for their motor carrier number, check with the Fmcsa    http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/ . Make sure they're active and in good standings.
10. Prepare for the move in:  You should make sure you remember to forward your mail, turn on your new utilities at your new location and if possible check your e-mail.  Remember as a new home owner your on a list where everyone is going to want to let you know of their services.  Check to see if your cell phone provider covers your new area as you may have to wait a few days for your home phone to be activated and your cell phone may be the only communication with your moving provider.  You may be a few days without most of your belongings such as pots, dishes, glassware, television, games etc. so you might want to consider a short vacation. This is the perfect time to explore your new surroundings.  A local tour of the neighborhood is a good idea.  Explore the museums , local theatre,  historical sites, or even camping . Remember your new home will be empty take advantage of this opportunity you may never have this chance again.  Consider painting, carpet cleaning, prewiring for electronics, exterminating etc. Remember time is valuable use it wisely.

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