MOVING
TIPS
All large plants will be moved if labeled. Small personal plants should
be packed separately, but they will be moved at owner's risk.
Point out to the packers any extra-fragile items needing special
attention. Mark appropriately any items you do not want packed or moved,
as well as cartons you will want first when the van arrives at
destination.
Although your agent can move valuables such as money, credit cards, stamp
collections or items of extraordinary value if specifically notified prior
to the move, we strongly recommend that you take such items with you, or
make other arranegments.
Notify your agent if you add or subtract items from your planned household
goods shipment or if there are any changes in the dates of the move. Also
be sure to supply the destination location, contact address and phone
numbers where you can be reached while in transit.
6 to 8 weeks before moving day, start collecting suitable containers and
packing materials if you plan to do the packing yourself.
Report your move to any lending agency with which you do business. A
lender's permission may be required to move personal property in which the
lender has an interest.
Scout your new neighborhood for shopping areas. You may need furniture,
tools, housewares unexpectedly.
Give your new home a good cleaning before arranging furniture.
If you moved to a different state, contact the DMV to exchange your
driver's license.
Moving can be stressful. Watch for effects on family members and pets so
you can give comfort and a helping hand.
Locate police and fire stations as well as hospitals and gas stations near
your new home.
Call the Department of Sanitation in your new town to find out which day
the trash is collected. Also ask about community recycling programs.
Be sure to sign the "Most Important Letter", "High-Value Inventory" and"Washing Machine & Ice Makers" release.
If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence or
if the van operator is unable to contact you upon delivery, arrangements
can be made for your belongings to be stored at a reasonable cost until
you are ready for them.
The van operator is obligated by law to collect the charges for your
shipment before it can be unloaded, unless other arrangements are made in
advance.
Let the agent know if your company will be paying for the move.
Keep handy the telephone number and name of a contact person at LTS or
your local agency.
Ask your dentist and doctor to recommend colleagues in the new city. See
your physician offers a records request form.
The exact cost of a move cannot be determined until after the shipment has
been loaded on the van and weighed. Basic transportation charges depend on
the actual weight of your goods and the distance they will travel. The
total cost of the move will include these transportation charges, any
charges for declared valuation, plus charges for any accessorial services
performed by LTS at your request.
On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by
phone and/or will make an appearance at residence if he or she is unable
to reach you. If you are unable to be contacted by phone, leave a note on
your residence door indicating where you can be reached. If neither you
nor your representative appears to receive the shipment within the free
waiting time, your household goods will be placed in storage. You will be
responsible for all additional charges related to the storage and
re-delivery of your goods. One hour of free time is allowed at destination
if the shipment is traveling less than 200 miles; two hours of free time
are allowed if the shipment is traveling 200 miles or more. (No free
waiting time is allowed at origin.)
Make certain you fully understand the extent of the carrier's liability in
case any of your goods are lost or damaged. The extent of the carrier's
liability is governed by the declared valuation statement on the Bill of
Lading.
Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor
carrier liability. If you desire the kinds of additional protection
afforded by insurance coverage, you should see your insurance company
representative.
Be sure water is emptied from your steam iron.
3 days before moving, pack your suitcases and include extra clothing
just in case.
Arrange for a babysitter on moving day, or have your older children look
after the younger ones.
Consider packing a picnic lunch to eat while traveling to your new home.
Get in touch with local organizations that specialize in helping new
residents get to know the community.
When moving to the United States, all alcoholic beverages included in
your household goods shipment are subject to duty and tax. Alcoholic
beverages are not mailable, therefore, will be seized when imported
through the mail. You may, however, import wines and alcoholic beverages
into the United States in your household goods shipment -- pursuant to the
laws of your state of residence. Many states require a permit or receipt
that must be presented to U.S. Customs officials upon importing alcoholic
beverages. If this is the case, you will need to secure the permit prior
to your departure. To expedite the process, you should write your state's
alcohol control board for more information on how to petition for a
permit.
Lawrence Transportation Systems uses creative implementation of modern
technology. We use state-of-the-art communications technology to monitor
SAFE-GUARD shipments every mile of the way. Computer-assisted dispatch
also helps us have our equipment when you need it where you need it.
Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be
sure you authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery.
Be sure your representative knows what to do. They will be asked to note
any changes in the condition of property from that noted on inventory at
the time of loading, and note missing items at the time of delivery.
If
any articles of extraordinary value are included in the shipment your
representative will be asked to acknowledge receipt of these items.
Inform the agent of the person you have authorized to act as your
representative. The van operator will contact you or the destination agent
24 hours prior to the expected arrival time. This allows time to locate
you and arrange unloading. If for some reason you cannot be reached, it is
your responsibility to contact the destination agent.
Planning a garage sale? We can help! We can send you our "Planning A
Garage Sale" booklet which will help you with organizing hints, pricing
suggestions, advertising ideas, plus what to do with the items you can't
sell.
When packing, avoid overloading the carton but strive for a firm pack
which will prevent articles from shifting; the cover should close easily
without forcing but should not bend inward.
When packing: NEVER wrap lamp shades in newspaper. Carefully wrap each
shade in 3 or 4 sheets of fresh tissue paper, a pillow case or large
lightweight towel.
When packing yourself: Label cartons clearly by marking each carton on
the top, sides and end corners. When marked this way, determining the
contents of any carton is much easier.
When packing books - pack on edge, alternating bound edge to open edge.
Pack books of the same general size together. Because books are heavy, be
sure to use small cartons.
Clothing left on hangers and placed in wardrobes used by moving
companies will arrive at destination wrinkle-free and ready to wear
without the need for pressing.
One wardrobe carton will hold about two
feet of compressed clothing.
The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) is the national trade
association of the moving and storage industry. It represents movers, van lines and their agents who are engaged in the interstate transportation of
household goods.
If you are not having valuables forwarded through a bank, keep them
with your suitcases and other items that are going with you. To avoid any
confusion, place these things in the trunk of your car, but only if you
will be driving your car. Do not place personal belongings in your vehicle
if it will be shipped on the van or by car carrier. Another option is to
put the items in a closet with a sign stating, "DO NOT PACK & DO NOT
LOAD."
Before moving your CD Player, there are certain procedures to follow
which will protect your system from mechanical failure or damage due to
normal physical shock which occurs during transport. Follow these tips:
Remember to remove all CDs from your player before packing.
Make sure all
CDs are back in their cases.
If you don't have an owner's manual, draw a
diagram of the wiring PRIOR to disconnection. Some CDs have a transport
screw under the unit. Tighten before packing.
Remove any stacker or
multi-play cartridges prior to packing and wrap individually.
Close CD
trays.
The best way to move your CD player is in the original box with
original packing. If you do not have the original box and/or packing, use
a box big enough to cover the entire unit with enough room for packing
material. The packing material should snugly fill the excess room in the
box so the unit will not move around. Plastic bubble sheets make an
excellent packing material. Try to avoid using newspaper. Seal box with
packing tape. The mover has the packing materials available.
Don't move the Gypsy Moth!! Planning to move form a state infested with
gypsy moth to one not infested? There is regulation to prevent the
interstate spread of this pest. All household items moved from high-risk
areas into or through non-regulated areas must be free of gypsy moth life
stages - eggs, caterpillars, pupae and adults. This means that you, the
owner of the items about to be moved, are responsible, by law, for making
sure you are not moving a serious pest along with your outdoor household
articles.
Gypsy Moth Information is available from your mover. If you are moving
from a Gypsy Moth area, they will provide you with the information
automatically. You may also contact a local office of the United States
Department of Agriculture for information.
If you are packing yourself - start with out of season items. Next pack
those things used frequently. Leave until last, the things you'll need
until moving day.
Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered.
Transfer fire, theft and other personal property insurance to insure
coverage at your new home.
Remind the packers to leave open the cartons containing your high-value
items for the van operator's inspection.
Before leaving for your new home, take a last look around.
Water shut
off?
Furnace shut off?
Light switches turned off?
All utilities arranged
for disconnection?
Windows shut and locked?
Old house keys surrendered?
Have you left anything?
As soon as possible, register to vote in your new area.
Take time to relax on "Moving Day". Consider taking your family out to a restaurant for dinner.
If you go out, leave a light on or take other
precautions against burglary.
Personally report any loss or damage to your Booking Agent at
destination immediately.