Relocating Without Breaking A Sweat: Your Personal Handbook For A Perfect Move

Relocating Without Breaking A Sweat

Your Personal Handbook For A Perfect Move

Authors:

Manuella Irwin

Pamela Smith

Joshua Green

Copyright World Media Group 2014.

Published by World Media Group at Smashwords.

Introduction

History Of Moving Industry

Origins of moving industry business

History of moving industry and World War I

Moving industry and World War II

Present-day moving industry

How Often Do Americans Move And Why?

How often do Americans move?

Why do Americans move?

Job-related relocation

Home becomes too small

Home becomes too big

The grass is always greener…

Marital status

Retirement

Neighborhood is no longer the same

Health issues

Pursuing a dream

Moving Timeline: Week-by-Week Checklist

8 weeks before moving

7 weeks before moving

6 weeks before moving

5 weeks before moving

4 weeks before moving

3 weeks before moving

2 weeks before moving

10 days before moving

1 week before moving

4 days before moving

2 days before moving

How To Mentally Prepare For A Move

Plans are nothing; planning is everything

It’s time to say goodbye

You are what matters most

A change might do you good

Top 10 Best Organizing Ideas For Moving

Be prudent when choosing your moving service

Box it in and pack it up

Devise a clever sorting system

Make a survival kit

Guard your valuables

Get rid of excess stuff

Accept any help you can get

Let your camera be your pal

Spread the word

Make it children and pet safe

Bonus idea: Start early and don’t rush yourself

Moving To A New State

Plan your move

Checklist for moving to a new state

Help Deciding To Move To A New City

Job opportunities and unemployment rate

Real estate market

Climate

Attractions and entertainment opportunities

Infrastructure

Distance from family and friends

What You Must Know Before Moving To The Country

Income

Property

Water and electric power supply

Emergency services

Road maintenance

Community

Moving To A Foreign Country

Moving Abroad Tips

Determine the country

Can you live and work legally in that country?

What do you know about the culture? Do you speak the language?

Have you secured a job in the foreign country?

Finding Affordable Movers

Don’t Spend Your Life On The Road: Move Closer To Work

Cost

Time

Health

Happiness

Top 10 Cities To Move To in the USA

Top 10 Cities to move to when it comes to affordable housing

Top 10 Cities to move to if you are looking for a job

Top 10 safest cities to live in

Top 10 cities for college students

Top 10 cities for expats

Best cities for business owners

Top 10 green cities to live in the US

Top 5 Countries To Retire (And Move) To

Ecuador

Panama

Malaysia

Mexico

Costa Rica

Top 10 Moving Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

1. Not planning your move

2. Failing to ask for an in-house estimate

3. Not obtaining multiple moving quotes

4. Not researching the moving companies

5. Choosing the company with the lowest quote

6. Bypassing items during the estimate

7. Packing poorly the day before the move

8. Failing to understand your insurance options

9. Entrusting irreplaceable valuables in the hands of the movers

10. Not understanding the moving paperwork

How Much Do Movers Charge?

How much do movers charge for a local move?

How much do movers charge for a long-distance move?

Movers charge by weight

Movers charge by volume

Reducing overall moving costs

Moving Company Deposit – Booking Fees

Movers’ deposit – standard practice when hiring a moving company

Refundable and non-refundable deposits

What is a reasonable moving company deposit?

Additional Costs When Relocating

Packing labor and packing supplies

Valuation Coverage

Extra charges for handling bulky items

‘Long carry’ fee

Elevator fee

Cancellation fee

Storage fee

Charge for extra stops

Travel Fee

Environmental charges (disposal fee)

Hoisting fee

Express delivery fee

Fuel surcharge

Types Of Moving Estimates And Quotes

Binding versus Non-binding Moving Estimate

Non-binding Estimates

Binding Estimates

Understanding The Paperwork

What should be included in a legit mover’s Bill of Lading?

Contact and license information of the carrier

Shipper’s contact information

Shipment information

Provided services and costs

Form of payment

Carrier liability

Dispute settlement program

Bill of Lading attachments

Company Tariff, Rules & Regulations

Types Of Moving Insurance & Rates

Moving Insurance Options and Types

Moving valuation – Basic Limited Liability Protection

What is the difference between Liability Valuation and Moving Insurance?

Additional moving insurance

Third party moving insurance cost and rates

How does moving insurance work?

How To Avoid Moving Scams

Where to start when looking for movers?

How to avoid moving scams

Red flags when choosing a mover

Consider federal, state and local organizations

What to do to protect yourself

Non-Allowable Items: What To Do When Movers Say No

Hazardous materials

Perishable food

Pets and plants

Irreplaceable items

The Ultimate Packing Guide:

Picking the right materials

How to fit your entire house in the boxes

How To Pack Your Bedroom

Make a list of all bedroom furniture

Start with your clothing, jewelry and other personal belongings

Bedding, carpets and curtains

Packing bulky items

The best way to move your wardrobe

How To Pack Your Kitchen

Packing Supplies

Wrapping and stacking your breakables

How To Pack Consumer Electronics

How to pack your TV: step-by-step instructions

How to pack your computer: step-by-step instructions

How To Pack Pictures And Mirrors For A Safe Move

What materials you will need to pack your pictures

Packing for a move can be extremely hard

Treat Your Moving Crew The Way You Want To Be Treated

Be there on time

Make them feel welcome

Provide timely information

Be considerate of your crew’s needs

Keep the communication channel wide open

Be polite and well-mannered

Show your gratitude

Tips For Moving With Kids

Tips on how to best relocate with kids

Tips on how kids can contribute

Some other issues you have to consider:

How To Properly Move Children’s Toys

Sorting

Packing

Plush stuffed animals

Construction sets, jigsaw puzzles and model kits

Miniature motor vehicles

Dolls and action figures

Creative, educational or sound toys

High-tech gadgets

Books

Most loved toys

Unpacking

Essential Tips When Moving To College

Campus versus off-campus housing

Moving to campus residence halls

Moving to off-campus apartment

Moving to college must-have items:

College transition: moving and packing tips

Our final moving-to-college tip

How To Move Your Pets

Moving with birds

Moving with cats

Moving with dogs

How To Move A Fish Tank The Right Way

Preparation

Before the move

After the move

How To Move Your Plants

Moving with garden plants, shrubs and trees

Moving indoor plants

How To Properly Move A Grandfather Clock

How To Pack And Relocate Your Golf Clubs Like An Ace

Preparation

Travel golf bag

Custom shipping boxes or individual tube boxes

Bubble wrap

Towels

Head covers

Rain cover

Stiff arm

Packing tape

Step-by-step packing

How To Move A Wine Collection

What to know when moving a wine collection

Moving wine across country

Moving wine internationally

Tips On Relocating Elderly People

1. Plan the senior move carefully

2. Create a checklist

3. Get rid of the possessions you don’t need

4. Hire outside help: selecting a moving company

5. Negotiate your moving cost

6. Settling in – unpack strategically

7. Bonus tip: smart packing & unpacking

What To Know When Downsizing Home For Retirement

Moving to a smaller house

Moving to a retirement home

Retiring and moving abroad

Moving into a rental

Alternatives

Car Shipping Tips

How much does car shipping costs?

Things you need to know about car transportation

Car shipping tips

How to prepare your car for transportation

How Do Mobile Storage Units Work?

Mobile storage units for rent

Mobile Storage Cost

DIY Moving: Renting A Truck

Choosing the right size truck

Truck rental sizes:

Truck rental: choosing the right time to move

Choosing truck rental companies

Compare truck rental rates and options

Hire labor help for loading

DIY Moving: How to pack and move bulky or heavy household items

Preparation

King Size Mattress

King Size Bed

Wardrobe / Dresser / Desk

Sofa / Couch

Bookcase

Heavy kitchen appliances (refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dish washers, cookers)

Protecting the floors and the walls

Final tips:

DIY Moving: Announcement Ideas

Do-it-yourself personal relocation announcements

Commercial relocation announcement do’s and don’ts

Adjusting To Your New Neighborhood After A Move

Put some effort in meeting your new neighbors

Find active and friendly people that share your interests

Explore your new domain

Finding A New School For Your Child After Moving

Where to begin the hunt for a new school?

The school tour

Important questions to be answered

School records checklist

Finding A New Doctor After Moving

Where to begin the search for a new doctor?

Suggestions and recommendations

Online resources

What to consider when evaluating a doctor?

Primary Care Doctor vs Specialized Doctor

Experience vs personality

The final choice

Why And How To Write A Moving Review

Why take the time to write a moving review

Give and you shall receive

Responsibility

Regulatory power

Dispute solver

Sympathetic ear

What to observe when writing a moving review

How to write a moving review

How To File A Complaint Against A Moving Company

File a complaint against a mover with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Filing a complaint against a moving company with the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA)

Filing a complaint against a mover with the BBB

A notice to the local public utilities commission

Write a moving company review

Contact the Attorney General

Small-claims court

Resolve your issue by communicating with your mover

How To File A Claim In A Small Claims Court

Filing your lawsuit

Basic considerations to have in mind when you file your lawsuit:

Statute of limitations:

Jurisdiction:

Your arch-enemy: the Carmack Amendment!

Amount you can recover:

Determining the proper party:

Informing the moving company - Service of Process

Mediation

Preparing for trial

Trial and judgment

Enforcing the judgment

Filing a lawsuit against movers: is it worth it?

The Magical Fairy-Tale World Of Moving

Glossary Of Moving-Related Terms

Useful links

Introduction

Relocation is undoubtedly one of the most nerve-racking experiences one may endure in their life.  The moving process itself consists of a number of different activities and any failure to execute even one of them may result in a bad overall experience. Nowadays, there are so many relocation companies, and yet even more dissatisfied customers. The key factor that determines whether a moving job will finish without drama is the moving service provider itself. There is no fixed formula in moving since each relocation job is unique and has its specifics. And even though sometimes unforeseen circumstances may occur, if one employs the services of a professional and trustworthy company, adequate solutions will be provided timely.

This book endeavors to disclose the aspects of each step of the moving process and to acquaint you with the specifics of the Moving Industry, so that you can make the right choices when the time of relocation comes along.

Organizing and more importantly, experiencing a smooth move can be as easy as pie, but only if you are well informed. From preparing for the move to settling in your new home, this e-book covers it all:

EVERYTHING you need to know for your relocation at hand.

How to select a mover? How much does a relocation job cost? How to properly pack your household items? How to resolve an issue with a mover efficiently?

Find out the answer of these and many other questions below.

Educate yourself, be informed and make smart choices.

Play the leading role in this thrilling adventure.

History Of Moving Industry

The moving industry is wide-spread today – from big corporate companies to small local businesses. But unlike modern days where we face an overpopulated scene of the moving business, a long time ago there were barely any moving companies worth talking about. Here is some info about the history of the moving industry and how it all began.

Origins of moving industry business

In reality, the moving business, as we know it today, did originate in the USA, back in the days when newcomers and colonists traveled to populate the west. It is speculated that the first do-it-yourself movers were exactly those immigrants that favored the use of the famous covered wagons (which we often see in western movies).

They used the wagons to pack their belongings and relocate to populate new areas, essentially making them the first people that used a primitive form of moving. One could argue that the act of moving as described is not similar to hiring professional moving help for that purpose, but there is a small fact that balances the scales – when immigrants were traveling westward, it was an easier and generally smarter decision to travel in groups along the trails, with each group consisting of 3-5 wagons (or even more), so that people could help each other – it probably included packing and loading goods onto the wagons too. Of course, the main reason for people banding up was better survivability on the road (groups like that were often the target of Indian raids, diseases, wild beasts and so on), but the very fact that the need for moving companies was there is considered the spark that started the fire.

History of moving industry and World War I

The first moving companies that resembled the modern day business model were being created parallel to the development of the railroad industry. With railroad transport becoming the main means of transportation in the US during the 40’s – 60’s period (of the 19th century), small moving companies created their first warehouses near railways for convenience. They used pack animals to drive wagons to the warehouse in the city where the order originated, then they would unload them into the warehouse, after which they would load everything in a train car. As soon as the train arrived at the destination, another local company would unload the goods into their warehouse, then use their wagons to finally transport everything to the desired home. Most of the so-called wagon firms had other main activities, moving was an extra service that they could provide occasionally. By the end of the period, railroad transport had blossomed, but the moving business would not achieve the general form which it has now until World War I.

During WWI paved roads were becoming a necessity to support the war effort. Motorized trucks were scarce, most of them were being redirected to the military, and so was most of the fuel and accessories needed for their servicing. Therefore, not many companies could afford to possess moving trucks. At that time, the main cost that the growing population had to pay when moving into a new home was being directed at either the creation of new furniture in every town, or at the handling of old furniture throughout the railroad station warehouses (where it had to be loaded and unloaded several times before it would reach its destination). That was a concern for a guy known as Ward B. Hiner, the founder of a moving company, who figured out that it would be more profitable and cost-effective to move household items not by train, but rather by a motor-van (thus the origination of the term Van Company, synonymous to Moving Company). That turned out to be an incredible idea, supported heavily in the first few years after 1919, during which the government was desperately trying to lower the economic dependence on railroad transport as the dominating means of transportation of both goods and people.

Moving industry and World War II

This is what moving vehicles looked like in the past. Now they are replaced by big tractor trailers that can fit all your house belongings at once.

When the moving business of transporting goods with motor-vans started gaining popularity, many of the companies were small and the industry was fragmented. The situation did not bode well for the drivers that worked on interstate orders, simply because they had to either postpone the execution of the first errand in order to gather enough goods to fill their whole truck for the same or a similar destination, or drive with just that one order all the way to another state. That increased the cost substantially or resulted in angry customers whose goods were delayed too much. That problem was resolved as the industry steadily intertwined unto itself, resulting in many co-operation contracts.

During World War II, the industry was forced to briefly revert back to train cars, but when the war was over in 1945, profits spiked upwards as all soldiers returned home. Some of the oldest companies in the line of business have even survived to present day, companies like the Aero Mayflower Transit Company of Indianapolis (now known as Mayflower Transit) and Johnson Storage and Moving United (now an agent of United Van Lines). The moving industry history remembers many more moving companies, some of them are still operating and some of them have gone out of business.

Present-day moving industry

Up till today when we have a developed, unregulated (in terms of rates) industry that provides moving services. Information about the line of business is rich, detailed and widespread, and can