Moving Tips

Today's Helpful Topic: Packing and Loading Day

Packing Day-
If you have requested that the mover provide packing services this will typically be done a day or two before the loading. The agent for the van line will contact you prior to this day and let you know what time they plan on arriving. Be sure that the packers have ample room and a flat surface on which to work. Set aside and clearly mark items that you do not wish the movers to pack. They will not pack your basic necessities until the day of actual loading. If you are moving alone, we strongly suggest arranging for a friend or relative be with you. Another set of eyes and ears and just moral support will help you through the packing and loading process.

Loading Day-
When the moving day finally arrives, it is crucial that you have the entire day set aside to supervise the process. The driver and crew may have questions or concerns only you can address. If you have small children, you should make every attempt to arrange for them to be with a friend or relative. There will be a lot of activity that will require your undivided attention.

If you have any items that are not being shipped, tell the crew and the driver and set the items aside, clearly labeled, to avoid any confusion. Likewise, store your pocket book, cash or any valuables in a secure location such as the trunk of your vehicle. Do not leave any items such as jewelry or cash out in the open.

Prior to loading, the driver will be completing an inventory of your goods and their condition. You are required to sign this completed inventory at the time of loading and at the time of delivery. Before signing this inventory, you must note any exceptions you take to the driver's assessment of your goods. If anything is damaged or missing when delivered, your ability to recover from the mover may depend on the notations made.

When all your belongings are loaded and before the driver leaves, it is your responsibility to be certain that nothing has been left behind. Check all closets, the attic, basement, garage, and outside for any items that may have been missed.

Be sure that the driver has all the correct destination information including contact numbers while en route, directions to your new home, and other specific instructions relating to your move.

While it's not common, its possible if you happen to be the final household scheduled to load onto the van, that there might not be enough room for all of your belongings. This can happen when previous shipments loaded or your shipment is larger than scheduled, If this should happen, the driver will ask you what things are not immediately required at destination. The local agent will arrange to pick up those items and bring them to their warehouse for pick up by another van operator going to the same general destination. These items are not subject to any delay claim but will be delivered as quickly as possible. Nobody likes this inconvenience but it's not completely unavoidable.