PLANNING ON MOVING?

 

USING MOVERS

One of the most important things that you should do before you move is to have complete knowledge of your new neighborhood and the route to your destination. With local moves, time is everything. You can save hours off of the moving time if you can recommend a quicker route to your destination than the one your mover was expecting to take. Always have a person accompany the movers during the packing and loading processes. This will keep their attention squarely on the job at hand.

Is the mover licensed with your state's Department of Transportation (DOT) or a member of a local trade association?
Reputable movers are always licensed with the Department of Transportation. Be sure to check your mover's license certificate and call the DOT for verification. Local trade associations maintain high standards and can give you detailed information about companies' business practices.

What kind of estimate does the mover offer?: Your mover cannot  usually give you a binding estimate over the telephone or the Internet. For a more accurate appraisal, a professional estimator needs to physically look over every item that you wish to have moved. In addition, know (1) which items you are packing, (2) which items the mover is packing, (3) which items need to be picked up from a storage facility and (4) what packing supplies you'll need from them.

How much are you supposed to tip movers?
Tips differ depending on the size and difficulty of the move as well as the efforts put forth by the movers. An honest day's job should not go unnoticed. The average tip for local moves is 7-12% of the total bill. The average tip for long distance moves is $3-5 per hour based on the labor. It is best that you compensate each mover separately to acknowledge the hard work by everyone involved in the relocation.

Are  moving expenses deductible? The moving process can be costly. However, some moving expenses can be tax-deductible.

• Job-related relocation. If your new job is at least 50 miles away from your old job, the IRS allows you to claim some expenses as tax deductions.
• Packing and unpacking expenses. Includes materials and services, such as boxes and moving services.
• Transportation to your new home. Includes moving trucks, rental vans, and personal travel. Lodging is also deductible.
• Moving insurance. Either standard, declared value or full replacement value.
• Storage. Up to a month during the relocation.
• Donations. Moving is the best time to rid yourself of unwanted possessions. If you give your unwanted items to charity, you can deduct your donations. Keep a list and approximate value of what you've donated, along with the receipt from the charitable center, and submit both items with your tax return.

 

Things to Know Before You Pack

1.       You can save a lot of money if you do the bulk of the packing on your own.

2.        The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. Don't toss everything into one huge box. It will make the hauling much more difficult.

3.       You should never let the movers pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, or other priceless items. Should they be lost or damaged, the insurable value will not come anywhere near the value you would place on them.

4.       Get the proper boxes for your items - the right sizes and strengths.

5.       Take the time to pack everything carefully. It is important for you to buffer and separate the fragile items that you pack with old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each fragile item separately. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked.

6.       For the safety of your items, movers are required to inspect each box tendered for shipment. Immediately point out to your mover each and every box that you packed yourself, especially if they're fragile or valuable. Keep in mind that movers are not liable for items they didn't pack.

7.       To protect themselves, movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer. Also prep your computer and back-up your important files.

8.       Movers will not transport living things such as your plants or pets. If you do not wish to give them away, don't forget to prepare them for the move. They will need a "plant/pet suitcase" of their own.

9.       Movers will not transport or allow you pack hazardous materials. These items include: paint, thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms and ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans. Also note that spilled sesame oil leaves a terrible stench on nearby items.

10.    Make the loading process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home/apartment, preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your boxes. Keep related boxes together since they'll end up in the same room. This will help cut on the carrying time and make the move much more efficient.

 

Be Prepared for Your First Night :Chances are you will simply be too weary to unpack.  Pack a special box that includes the essential items you'll need for the first night in your new place. Things to consider may include