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1 Hiring a Mover Making a successful move to your new home is reliant on the mover hired to get you there. With so many aspects to consider, it can sometimes be difficult to decide which one is best, or even how to approach choosing. By breaking everything down, further examination of an individual company doesn’t have to be overwhelming. First, you’ll need to establish your individual needs.
WHere are you Moving? There are three types of moves that can be made; interstate, intrastate, and international. Interstate is moving between states, where pricing is based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are shipped with additional costs incurred by the amount of packing or other services you may require. Intrastate pricing, or “local” move, is usually priced per-hour for the personnel and number of vehicles provided by the moving company. This also is dependent on the distance; after a certain number of miles additional charges may be added for the weight of belongings and distance travelled. As far as international moves, the charges are a combination of the land charges between your residence and ports, the ocean transportation between ports, and any additional customs, postage, or handling charges that may apply in the various countries travelled.
WHat services does tHe coMpany offer?
Other than the obvious need for moving your belongings from point A to point B, there may be things that you need in order to make your move a success that you’ll want to ask about when consulting with a moving company
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Will they pack your belongings for you?
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How do they handle bigger or more expensive items such as artwork, pianos, etc.?
Should you want to pack yourself, can you get packing materials through the company?
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WHat type of estiMate does tHe coMpany give?
Moving companies will typically give either a non-binding or a binding estimate.
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Non-binding estimates are not bids or contracts but rather an approximation of the cost based on the mover’s survey of the items to be moved, finalized after the entire shipment is weighed. A non-binding estimate is based on the actual weight of the shipment, so the price will usually be lower than a binding estimate. However, there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate originally given. Despite this, the mover cannot charge you more than the amount of the estimate plus ten percent, or 110% of the estimate amount per governmental regulations.1
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Binding estimates require you to pay the price set forth in the binding estimate even if the shipment weighs more or less than the original estimated amount. This covers only the goods and services listed on the estimate, allowing the mover to bill you for any additional services requested and/or performed during the move itself.
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A third commonly used estimate type is a not-to-exceed estimate. Sometimes referred to as Guaranteed Price or Price Protection, this type of estimate is based on a binding estimate or actual cost, whichever ends up being lower. Whichever type of agreement you select, be sure to thoroughly read the terms so that you understand exactly what is included and what may bring additional charges.
WHat kind of revieWs or past client testiMonials does tHe coMpany Have? Check out sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Angie's List to see what people are saying about the company you’re interested in. Sites like these help chronicle what a company might not put on their own reviews section, like if something went wrong with a move, how employees temperaments are, and small acts setting them apart from their competitors.
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WHat options are offered for Moving insurance?
Moving companies offer an amount of insurance as part of their services to cover your belongings to a certain extent. You should always establish how much insurance the company will provide should something happen in the move. Additionally, more insurance can be purchased based on your individual needs. There are three types of valuation a moving company may provide: • Declared value The value of your possessions based on the total weight of the shipment multiplied by a specific amount per pound. The settlement would be based on the depreciated value of the damaged goods.
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Lump sum value or Assessed value If your household goods do not weigh much but are valuable, this type of insurance would be a better choice since it is based more on cost rather than weight, allowing you to purchase insurance for a specific amount per $1,000 of value.
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Full value protection This covers lost, damaged, and destroyed property, also paying for repairs or replacement of goods. There is usually a minimum coverage amount and deductibles.
It is recommended to consult with at least three different companies so policies and pricing can be compared. Doing your research can not only save you money, but could alleviate the risk of bigger issues arising during the moving process.
parking perMits Prior to moving day, you’ll want to establish how all your vehicles, including the moving trucks, will be able to park. If you have a driveway at your new home, this may not be an issue. In many urban areas, you may need a moving parking permit so check with your town or city hall to find out how to obtain a permit and posting guidelines. You can also ask your moving company to handle the permits; many will deal with everything for a fee.
Dwell360 Preferred Movers * Bell air Moving BellAirMoving.com 617-968-6633 five stars Movers FiveStarsMovers.com 877-738-2800
Notes:
gentle giant GentleGiant.com 800-442-6863 go a plus Moving GoAPlusMoving.com 857-540-9531 MaratHon Moving MarathonMoving.com 877-424-1976 Mark’s Moving MarksMoving.com 800-966-6275 olyMpia Moving & storage OlympiaMoving.com 617-926-5555 rare Moving & trucking BostonRareMovers.com 617-825-7273 road runner Moving & storage RoadrunnerWorldwide.com 800-242-6164 stairHopper Movers Stairhoppers.com 857-928-0876 Š2014 Dwell360 *DISCLOSURE: These moving companies are provided as a courtesy and are intended for customer convenience only. Dwell360 does not endorse any companies represented in this brochure, nor does it receive compensation from any of the companies listed herein. Dwell360 recommends that consumers always check references and insurance as well as consult with regulatory agencies prior to entering into a contract with any company.
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2 planning & packing With moving day approaching, there are still a few things to consider. Will you need storage for the move? What sort of packing system is best? On the day of the move, will there be any special considerations for parking? It all can be overwhelming, but breaking it down to simple steps can help alleviate unnecessary stress.
container storage* When there’s either a lot of packing to be done or storage needed, PODS are a great option. PODS containers have a lot of flexibility when it comes to what they can be used for. When renting from PODS, a unit is delivered directly to your current residence, where you’ll be able to pack as much or as little inside at your own pace. When you’re ready, a PODS driver will come to pick up the unit and deliver it to wherever you need, whether it’s across town or the country. If you’re not ready for it to go to your new home, the unit can be stored at a secure storage facility until you need it again! PODS come in three different sizes to accommodate varying client needs; 7 foot container (typically holds 1 room), 12 foot container (typically holds 2-3 rooms), and 16 foot container (typically holds 3-4 rooms). Each allows natural light to enter the unit and can be opened easily with a roll up steel door. Weather resistant, you won’t need to worry about your belongings getting damaged. The cost for renting one or multiple PODS will depend on your specific needs—check out PODS.com for an estimate form. Other companies with similar container storage options include:
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UBox from Uhaul Door to Door Moving & Storage Pack-Rat Moving & Storage Containers by United Mayflower
PODS.com
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organizing Boxes
In order to organize boxes, you’ll need to find a place to get them first. Many grocery stores and liquor stores are willing to give away boxes for free; all you have to do is ask. Free or moderately priced boxes can also be found on Craigslist, Lowe’s, or Home Depot, which can usually be more cost effective than buying packing packages through stores like UHaul.* Even the thought of packing all your belongings can make anyone nervous, but there are ways to make the process much more manageable.
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Supplies: □ Boxes □ Bubble Wrap □ Packing Paper □ Stretch Wrap
Keep a list or record of what you pack. As you’re loading a box, write down every item that goes inside by using the Packing List included in this guide! This way when you’re looking for something as you’re unpacking or want to know what exactly is in a particular box, you’ll have an easily accessible list without having to unpack the wrong box or rummage around.
□ Packing Tape
Have plenty of supplies on hand. Even if it means buying more than you think you’ll need, you’ll be thankful to have an abundance should you come into a tight situation. If you buy your boxes through the moving company you’re using, you will likely be able to return any unused items for a refund. Having a certain number of boxes set aside for emergencies on moving day can also be helpful. Wardrobe boxes can be a big help - whether for hanging clothes or for other bulky items such as comforters, pillows, gift wrap tubes, or large baskets.
□ Box Cutters
Color coordination can be your best friend on moving day. Assign a different color to each room so boxes can easily brought from the truck to their respective residence in your new home. Whether you use small colored stickers, markers, or even colored packing tape, this can make the moving-in process a breeze.
□ Colored Labeling Tape □ Permanent Markers □ Scissors □ Pens & Notepads □ Small Ziploc Bags □ Furniture Pads □ Large Trash Bags □ Toilet Paper □ Paper Towels □ Cleaning Supplies □ Tool Box ©2014 Dwell360
617-762-4080
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Keep things together as possible. Pack lamps with lightbulbs, picture hooks with their frames, extensions cords with appliances. This will eliminate the loss of any pieces, allowing you to set things up more quickly and efficiently as you’re trying to settle. If your moving company is persistent about removing items such as these to lessen chances of breakage, have a “Parts” box as a backup. As things are put into the box, keep small items such as nails or clips in plastic baggies, labeling each before they’re left in the box.
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Pack ahead of time. Procrastinating packing will only lead to headache and turmoil on moving day. Leave yourself plenty of time; you’ll be able to go at a steady pace without feeling rushed or losing anything in the midst of panic.
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Use your luggage! You remember that beautiful luggage set that sits in the back of your closet collecting dust the majority of the year? Now is its time to shine. What a better way to pack clothes than in a rolling container that was built to hold them?
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Consolidate your cleaning supplies. You may want to clean the new house before you fully unpack and if it’s a yucky day, the movers might be tracking in dirt or mud. So keep your cleaning supplies in one place where they’re easily accessible so that you can start your life in your new home clean and fresh.
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Create a “Right Away” box. You will not be able to have your home completely unpacked and settled on moving day, but your family will have certain things they need right from the start. Have each family member pack a “Right Away” box containing items such as a towel, clean sheets, a couple extension cords, etc.
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Consider keeping important items with you. Antiques, jewelry, valuables, and important documents aren’t things you’ll likely want to throw into any old box. Keep these things carefully packaged and together, labeling with a non-descript label such as “Misc. Kitchen Stuff” so not to draw attention but to have it easily recognized by you or a member of your family.
keep it as a master list of the contents of all of your numbered boxes, or cut as indicated and tape a strip right to the side of each box to list the contents! CONTENTS
BOX NO. & COLOR
ROOM
CONTENTS
BOX NO. & COLOR
ROOM
CONTENTS
BOX NO. & COLOR
ROOM
CONTENTS
ROOM
BOX NO. & COLOR
Packing List
Copy and use this list in two ways—
©2014 Dwell360 Real estate’s home address
617-762-4080
BOX NO. & COLOR
ROOM
CONTENTS
BOX NO. & COLOR
ROOM
CONTENTS
BOX NO. & COLOR
ROOM
CONTENTS
BOX NO. & COLOR
ROOM
CONTENTS
©2014 Dwell360 Real estate’s home address
617-762-4080
M ov in g G u i d e 3 Moving day! After much anticipation, moving day has arrived! It is finally time to bring everything to your new home. As much as your mind may be scattered, there will be some key things to focus on to make the process go smoothly for everyone.
Before leaving • Start early! It’s going to be a long day regardless of when your alarm goes off, but starting early will allow you to get as much done as possible, ensuring you can unpack necessary things before spending the first night in your new home.
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Check over the bill of lading. When the movers show it to your before they start loading the truck, make sure you read it through thoroughly to see that everything is outlined as originally discussed. Hang onto a copy until after the moving has been completed in case anything gets damaged along the way.
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Keep everyone fed and hydrated. Whether it is friends who are helping out, the movers, or your family, it will be a long day for everyone involved. You’ll want to have healthy and light snacks around for energy and sustenance as well as copious amounts of bottled water.
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Check everything over one last time before leaving your home. Make sure there was nothing left behind. Also, look for damages to the current residence the movers may have accidentally caused. Write down your meter readings so that when your final bills are received you can verify that they match.
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Make sure everyone has contact information! You’ll want to have a way to contact your moving company, and make sure they have your cell phone number as well. In the event that someone gets lost or delayed, you should be able to get in quick contact so not to further delay the moving process. Be sure to have phone chargers nearby as well in case they’re needed!
©2014 Dwell360
617-762-4080
upon arrival • Tape room names on doors to help movers.
Or color code the rooms to match your box labels. Labeling the rooms will help your movers determine where things should be brought without causing headache or stopping to constantly ask questions.
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Occupy your kids. If you have children, it can be easy for them to get underfoot. Designating a friend or family member as the babysitter can free you up to direct the move. And why not allow children to unpack their rooms themselves? This will not only keep them occupied, but help them feel involved in embracing their new environment. Moving can be difficult for children, but making it fun with special foods or treats can help show the child that this is a fun new chapter as opposed to a scary change.
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Plan for your pets. If you have pets, make sure they have water and food readily accessible so they too can settle in. Keeping them in a separate room can sometimes help eliminate the stress they may feel from being in a new environment while keeping them out from underfoot.
recycle your packing Materials! Each city has particular recycling guidelines, so check your town’s website for more information. Better yet, do you know someone else who is making a move? Giving away your extra supplies and boxes can be an easy way to reduce your impact and save a friend quite a few dollars! Your Dwell360 REALTOR® can connect you with other local clients who would be happy to take those boxes off your hands!
Sources: 1 American Moving and Storage Association. Before You Get An Estimate. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/p2AVCV. Schmidt, Diane. Should You Purchase Moving Insurance? Retrieved from http://goo.gl/ZpGk6S. City of Boston. Street Occupancy Permits. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/p8eBfH. Nafie, Coral. 12 Terrific Moving Tips for When You’re Moving Your Home. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/eNC7a. PODS. Local Moving with Storage - What Size Fits Me?. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/iSoZLp. Hazeltine, Richard. Tips on Tipping Your Movers. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/qtxcNC. Wahlgren, Kara. Tips for a Smooth Moving Day. Retrieved from http://goo.gl/v3bReL.
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Start cleaning or unpacking. If you are doing the unpacking, you can do this beginning as soon as the first boxes are off the truck. Your movers and friends will bring the rest of your belongings inside. If your movers are unpacking for you, be sure to supervise the process to lessen the chances of anything getting lost or damaged.
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Remember the essentials. Don’t assume the previous homeowners will have left anything behind in the house; bring the essentials like toilet paper, a flashlight, and bathroom plunger. You won’t want to find yourself in a need during a situation on moving day!
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Tip the movers for a job well done. If your movers displayed good attitudes, attentiveness to your needs and instructions, and professionalism a tip is in order. Whatever you are comfortable with is fine, but typically a tip is based on the amount of hours they helped. If the move was only a half day, $10 a person is considered appropriate. For a full day or longer move, $20-40 per person would be correct. Don’t give the entire tip amount to the crew leader, but distribute to each worker. This not only ensures they’ll get their full tip, but shows your appreciation for their personal effort. If you choose to buy the crew lunch as a tip, make sure you ask their preference for food. Many people think that buying pizza is easy, but this is often overused. Alcohol as a tip is not a good idea; stick to a cash tip or buying lunch for the crew to stay safe.
The last truck is pulling out of the driveway and you’ve closed the front door. There’s no more furniture on the lawn and your house is full of your boxed belongings. As the quiet sets in and you begin to unpack, don’t forget that this process is all just to begin the newest chapter of your life.
Congratulations on your new home! ©2014 Dwell360
617-762-4080
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Dwell360 Real Estate Service@Dwell360.com 617-762-4080
You want an agent who cares – We are experienced real estate agents who use professional marketing tools. We have neighborhood insight and are current with local market conditions. We know the inventory, have opinions about each property, are confident negotiators, and care about our clients – because buying and selling a home is a big deal! Dwell360 46 Austin Street Suite 302 Newton, MA 02460