A Relocation Specialist Team's Do's & Don'ts
No matter what we’re doing, it’s beneficial to seek advice and learn from those who know more than us. The same is true when we’re getting ready to move. A relocation specialist knows all there is to know about moving – whether you’re attempting a local, national or international move. Here are a few do’s and don’ts from the relocation specialist team at Allied Van Lines.
THE DO’S
- DO hire a moving company. Yes, you can attempt a move on your own, but it’s just not the recommended route. If you want a move to go as smoothly as possible, enlist the experts to help you with packing, loading, transporting and unloading your belongings.
- DO read the fine print. According to the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission, you should always make sure you understand anything you’re signing. “Despite promises made by sales people, promises may not be enforced unless they appear in the terms and conditions of the … moving contract.”
- DO sort your belongings before packing. There’s no sense in paying to move things you no longer need. Take the time to determine which belongings you want to keep, which you want to sell/donate, and which you want to toss. Then, hold a moving sale for the items you want to sell.
- DO label your boxes. If you choose to hire a moving company for the transporting and loading/unloading only – and to pack yourself – then be sure to label each box! Nothing is worse than arriving at your new home and needing a clothing item, a certain tool or a utensil, and not being able to locate it because you didn’t label the contents of each box.
THE DON’TS
- DON’T wait until the last minute to plan. Staying organized is the key to keeping your moving-related stress low. Take time to create a moving checklist and apply your to-do list to a moving timeline. Ideally, begin planning your move two months in advance.
- DON’T hire a moving company that seems too good to be true. Avoid movers that ask for a large deposit or full payment up front, refuse to give you an in-home estimate, ask you to sign blank paperwork or have lots of public complaints about them.
- DON’T assume your belongings will be insured. Moving companies usually offer valuation, which means they’ll replace or reimburse any belongings that are damaged or lost. But that reimbursement doesn’t always mean the same thing since every company has its own policies. Be sure to inquire about the policies ahead of time so there are no surprises.
Let Allied’s relocation specialist team assist you with your next move. Contact us for a free estimate today!