Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Protecting Your Belongings While You Move

Moving to a new home is simultaneously exciting and stressful. New surroundings provide opportunities to build new friendships and expand professional networks. Many of the decisions that need to be made at this time affect the outcome of the move. Because we understand that protecting your personal possessions and household goods is very important, we have compiled a list of recommendations to help make your move a success.

1. Vet your mover.

Although federal, state, and local laws regulate valuation, contract terms, claim adjustment and dispute resolution procedures, it is important to investigate the reputation of the company you plan to entrust with your move. − Ensure that the moving companies you consider are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCA) by calling 202-366-9805. − Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) (http://www.bbb.org) to check on your contenders. What are their ratings? How many disputes have been lodged against them, and how many have been amicably resolved? − Be aware that although written estimates can be binding or non-binding, verbal estimates are worthless. The most accurate estimate will document in writing the value and services needed to complete your move and it will result from an on-location survey of your shipment. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCA) by calling (202) 366-9805 or visiting www.protectyourmove.gov. Registration at this site indicates that the company has met all of the federal requirements. If there have been any DOT issues with this company or its drivers, they will be shown here.

2. Which insurance options suit you?

− Federal law requires that movers provide $.60 per pound of replacement value in any contract at no additional cost to the customer. − Full replacement value protection usually covers $6.00 or more per pound of goods at additional charge with deductible options. − Third-party insurance policies may provide additional insurance options. − High value items, which exceed $100 per pound in value, should be insured separately.

3. Do your part.

– Review all of the documentation provided by the moving company before the day of the move. – Be physically present while your belongings are being loaded and unloaded. – Exchange contact details with moving company personnel. – Follow professional packing instructions or have the mover pack for you to ensure the safe transport of your belongings.

4. Check your belongings.

- Check your inventory list. Make sure that every item made it to your destination in good condition. – Inspect your packages. If there are any problems, take pictures of the damage and bring it to the attention of the movers immediately. – If anything is missing, try to track down where it was last seen. Make sure that it was not left behind at the point of origin. Ask for the movers’ assistance in locating missing pieces. – Any professional moving company will have in place a procedure for handling loss or damage that occurs during a move. Be sure to document every statement or action in the process of resolving problems related to the move. Hidden Valley Moving & Storage has (www.hvmoving.com) been helping individuals, families, and businesses with local, long-distance, and international moves since 1964. Our A+ rating with the BBB (http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/movers/hidden-valley-moving-storage-inc-in-escondido-ca-1006422) is a reflection of our devotion to quality. Lighten your load by hiring Hidden Valley Moving & Storage (http://www.hvmoving.com/contact-us/) for your next move.
via:http://www.hvmoving.com/protecting-your-belongings-while-you-move/

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