Articles
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Estimates
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Good Mover
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Hand Dolly's and Four Wheel Dolly's
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Household Donations
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Insurance & Valuation Protection
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Inventory Of Property
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Movers Liability
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Moving Appliances
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Moving Contract
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Moving Electronics
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Moving Refrigerator
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Moving With Your Pets
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Protect Flooring & Carpet While Moving
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Tips for Buying a Fixer Upper
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Truck Inspection And Maintenance
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Vacuum Packing Bags
Tips for Buying a Fixer Upper
With the housing market currently being favorable to the buyer, now is an ideal time to purchase a fixer upper home. These 5 tips will guide you for your purchase, and ensure that you don’t make any mistakes when it comes to purchasing your next project:
1- Price the cost of repairs and remodeling before making your offer to the seller. If possible, have a contractor walk through the home to check for any major obstacles you might face after the purchase. Having a contractor give you an estimate of the total cost of everything that will need to be done is also a good idea. Don’t forget to include the price of all necessary supplies, and be sure to add on between 10-20% for unforeseen costs.
2- Determine what work you can do on your own, and be realistic! Many home improvement shows make remodeling look easy, when in reality, it can be very difficult and time consuming. Tasks such as ripping wall paper and painting can usually be done relatively cheap, and by you, while electrical work and plumbing need to be done by professionals.
3- Check with the local community or city for required building and remodeling permits, as well as the cost to obtain them. The amount of time it may take to get a permit varies, so allow enough time to get everything completed before your remodel. Also keep in mind that contractors and builders who may be doing the permits may have a different idea for how things should be done. Keep an open mind when dealing with contractors, as they often will lead you in the best and safest direction when it comes to remodeling.
4- Hire a structural engineer to do a structural inspection. Although your contractor may do a walk through, it is never a bad idea to have a qualified structural engineer do one as well. The last thing you want is to purchase a home only to find out it needs $30,000+ of work done to repair the foundation. When deciding whether or not to purchase a home after your structural inspection comes back that the home needs work, a few things to keep in mind are; can the problem be completely fixed, are you purchasing the home at a steep enough discount to make the repairs worth it, and to get a written estimate of the cost of all repairs needed to make the home structurally sound.
5- Include an inspection contingency report in your offer. If there are things that you feel the seller should be responsible for, include those in the offer. Things such as septic and well inspection or pest control inspections are often paid for by the seller, to ensure the buyer knows what they are getting into.
Purchasing homes and fixing them up can become a great hobby, or even a form of income. By keeping these tips in mind, you will keep yourself and your projects above ground, all while giving new life to old homes!
A "Good Mover"
ABC Moorpark Movers have been in transportation business for over two decades. Over the years we have worked with hundreds of employees, some of which were very knowledgeable and experienced, however experience alone doesn't make one a "good mover". In our opinion a good mover is a person that meets the following criteria, which has been determined by our management over the years.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
Obviously, a "good mover" is experienced and has intricate knowledge of working with any possible piece of household item, large and small appliances, electronics and musical instruments, such as organs and upright, grand and concert pianos.
He must have and must know how to use all available moving equipment and tools.
He must be able to disassemble and reassemble beds, desks, pool tables, grandfather clocks (white glove service), antique furniture, chandeliers, exercise equipment, water and sleep-master beds, armoires, entertainment centers, playground equipment (4 to 6 post swing set and wooden set with forts and slides), wall unit and other furniture.
Know how to disconnect and reconnect large appliances and electronics, keeping the wires numbered and easy to find at destination.
Must protect furniture with proper materials, crate bulky and heavy pieces.
Must be comfortable maneuvering large and bulky items in tight spots, such as narrow corridors and staircases.
Must be able to hoist articles that are too large to fit through doorway.
Must protect household goods and the premises he is working at, walls, floors, doorways, stairs, banisters.
PERSONAL APPEARANCE
Mover's appearance speaks of his personality, organization skills and self confidence. Their truck, equipment and tools are in order and the truck is immaculately clean and orgonized. Movers with poor appearance are more often less organized, have low self respect and do not care for their employment and job tasks.
A "good movers" has a pleasant appearance and friendly personality. Our customers spend a lot for professional moving, they deserve to be treated with respect and highest level of customer service. Moving is generally a very stressful time, a "good mover" must have customer at ease and accommodate their moving needs with a smile. Explaining to customer the process of taking care of their belongings is for their benefit, it reassures that everything will get done in promised time frame with no damages. Movers should never smoke in front of the customer, even if the customer is smoking.
PUNCTUALITY
Everyone is judged by the appearance and punctuality. Being on time is a matter of respect. A "good mover" if running late due to circumstances outside of his control will not have the customer wait and wonder, but will call the customer ahead of time, will apologize, provide a new time frame for arrival and explain the reason.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
Mover must have a clean driving record, be enrolled in a drug free work program, which has random drug and alcohol tests. Be able to accurately and safely maneuver his truck to get it as close as possible to the front door of the residence to avoid long carry of goods or shuttle.
RESPECT FOR CUSTOMER'S PRIVACY
Movers are generally involved in moving customer's very personal and even sensitive items. A "good mover" will not pry, will not ask insensitive questions that are irrelevant to the moving job. Mover must do the job without making customer feel unreasonably uncomfortable. Allow customers handle personal items, such as albums and other personal belongings themselves, unless the customer asks for help.
AT THE END
After the move is complete a "good mover" will do the following:
- make sure that all of the used moving materials are removed;
- will go over the delivered shipment with customer to make sure there are no move related damages;
- will show customer the truck to make sure that everything was offloaded and nothing was left back in truck;
- will ask customer if there is anything else that movers can do before leaving the customer in a new place;
- and will NEVER ask for tip, but will graciously leave or accept any tip you give.
Inventory Of Household Goods
Detailed inventory and description of household goods must be performed by long distance movers or any movers taking possession of your property overnight. You may request local movers to inventory of your goods as well. However, as most local moves are hourly, inventory will take extra time and therefore will cost you extra. As the local deliveries are made the same day most customers do not wish their shipments to be inventoried, as it becomes an unnecessary expanse.
Those that get their shipments inventoried, need to be actively participating in this process. You want to make sure that movers inventory every item in your shipment and that the description of the items condition before and after delivery is agreeable with you. If you disagree with mover's description, you may make your own notations on the inventory form.
After your shipment is loaded on the truck or trailer, the movers will provide you with a copy of the moving contract and copies of inventory forms. Make sure to hold on to those documents until the shipment is delivered to you.
On the day of delivery, if possible, open every box with valuables or fragile items. This will give you an opportunity to make notations on the inventory forms on the day of delivery. If there are items that are missing or damaged during the move you want to make those notations on the inventory forms. Notations are not considered to be official claim, but they will definitely will help you with your claims process.
Every item and every box in your shipment is assigned a numbered sticker, the number is then represented in the inventory and described by movers using descriptive, location and exception symbols. Example: Item 1 - Box, PBO, CU. PBO, packed by owner; CU, condition unknown. Item 2 - Dining Table, SW, W-10. SW, stretch wrapped; W-10, badly worn-top.
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Donations of Household Goods
First steps of preparation before moving to a new residence is finding the right neighborhood, new home, school for your kids. However, there are other things you need to plan for as well.
Planning what to do with the items you will need to get rid of. Some of those items can be simply thrown away, some of them are hazardous and need to be brought to special disposal locations, and most importantly there will be items that can be donated to organizations which will distribute them to less fortunate.
DONATIONS
Please keep in mind that the old crib you no longer have any need for, or that refrigerator you’ve kept in your garage or in the storage unit, they can be donated and used by someone who cannot afford to purchase the new ones.
We have all heard of places like Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries. However, there are more places that accept donations. Some of them will come and pick some of your donations from your residence.
These charitable organizations will gladly accept any household goods, clothes, working electronics, and nonperishable food, which you have no use for, but still can be utilized by others (please don’t bring junk).
Besides having to getting stuff you no longer need you can help those less furtunate, and you can receive tax-duduction for some of the items.
Donatate: Appliances, Furniture, Household Goods, Clothing, Miscellaneous.
Determine the estimated value of your donation.The chart has a range of values that are dependant on the items age and current condition. Please choose a value that reflects your item’s relative age and quality.
| Appliance Donations | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Air Conditioner | $20.00 | $90.00 |
| Dryer | $45.00 | $90.00 |
| Electric Stove | $75.00 | $150.00 |
| Gas Stove | $50.00 | $125.00 |
| Heater | $7.50 | $22.00 |
| Microwave | $10.00 | $50.00 |
| Refrigerator (working) | $75.00 | $250.00 |
| T.V. (color, working) | $75.00 | $225.00 |
| Washing Machine | $40.00 | $150.00 |
| Furniture Donation | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Bed (full, queen, king) | $50.00 | $170.00 |
| Bed (single) | $35.00 | $100.00 |
| Bedroom Set (complete) | $250.00 | $1,000.00 |
| Carriage | $5.00 | $100.00 |
| Chair (upholstered) | $25.00 | $100.00 |
| Chest | $25.00 | $95.00 |
| China Cabinet | $85.00 | $300.00 |
| Clothes Closet | $15.00 | $50.00 |
| Coffee Table | $15.00 | $65.00 |
| Crib (w/mattress) | $25.00 | $100.00 |
| Desk | $25.00 | $140.00 |
| Dining Room Set (complete) | $150.00 | $900.00 |
| Dresser w/Mirror | $20.00 | $100.00 |
| End Table | $10.00 | $50.00 |
| Folding Bed | $20.00 | $60.00 |
| Hi Riser | $35.00 | $75.00 |
| High Chair | $10.00 | $50.00 |
| Kitchen Cabinet | $25.00 | $75.00 |
| Kitchen Chair | $2.50 | $10.00 |
| Kitchen Set | $35.00 | $170.00 |
| Mattress (double) | $12.50 | $75.00 |
| Mattress (single) | $15.00 | $35.00 |
| Playpen | $3.75 | $30.00 |
| Rugs | $20.00 | $90.00 |
| Secretary | $50.00 | $140.00 |
| Sleeper Sofa (with mattress) | $85.00 | $300.00 |
| Sofa | $35.00 | $200.00 |
| Trunk | $5.00 | $70.00 |
| Wardrobe | $20.00 | $100.00 |
| Household Goods Donation | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Bakeware | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Bedspread/Quilt | $3.00 | $24.00 |
| Blanket | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Chair/Sofa Cover | $15.00 | $35.00 |
| Coffeemaker | $4.00 | $15.00 |
| Curtains | $1.50 | $12.00 |
| Drapes | $6.50 | $40.00 |
| Fireplace Set | $20.00 | $80.00 |
| Floor Lamp | $6.00 | $50.00 |
| Glass/Cup | $0.50 | $1.50 |
| Griddle | $4.00 | $12.00 |
| Kitchen Utensils | $0.50 | $1.50 |
| Lamp | $5.00 | $75.00 |
| Mixer/Blender | $5.00 | $20.00 |
| Picture/Painting | $5.00 | $200.00 |
| Pillow | $2.00 | $8.00 |
| Plate | $0.50 | $3.00 |
| Pot/Pan | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Sheets | $2.00 | $8.00 |
| Throw Rug | $1.50 | $12.00 |
| Towels | $0.50 | $4.00 |
| Miscellaneous Item Donation | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Answering Machine | $10.00 | $30.00 |
| Bicycle | $5.00 | $80.00 |
| Board Game | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Book (hardback) | $1.00 | $3.00 |
| Book (paperback) | $0.75 | $1.50 |
| CD | $2.00 | $5.00 |
| Computer Monitor | $5.00 | $50.00 |
| Computer Printer | $5.00 | $150.00 |
| Computer System | $100.00 | $400.00 |
| Copier | $40.00 | $200.00 |
| DVD | $2.00 | $5.00 |
| DVD Player/VCR | $8.00 | $15.00 |
| Edger | $5.00 | $25.00 |
| Golf Clubs | $2.00 | $25.00 |
| Ice Skates | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Luggage | $5.00 | $15.00 |
| Mower | $25.00 | $100.00 |
| Mower (riding) | $100.00 | $300.00 |
| Radio | $7.50 | $50.00 |
| Roller Blades | $3.00 | $15.00 |
| Sewing Machine | $15.00 | $85.00 |
| Stereo | $15.00 | $75.00 |
| Stuffed Animal | $0.50 | $1.00 |
| Tennis Racket | $2.00 | $5.00 |
| Typewriter | $5.00 | $25.00 |
| Umbrella | $2.00 | $6.00 |
| Vacuum Cleaner | $15.00 | $65.00 |
Here is a short list of those charitable organizations "Serving People in Need in America a
Here is a short list of those charitable organizations “Serving People in Need in America and Around the World”:
- Rescue Mission Alliance,
- Salvation Army –https://donate.salvationarmyusa.org/ - pickup service available;
- Goodwill Industries;
- Westside Food Bank – www.westsidefoodbankca.org (310) 828-530-4125 x12;
- LA Shares – www.lashares.org/index.php
- Out of the Closet Thrift Stores – www.outofthe closet.org (877) 2-PICK-IT-UP (Benefiting AIDS Healthcare Foundation);
- Brother Bennos Donations of Food, Clothing, Goods and Furniture – www.brotherbenno.org/donate/goods.html;
- The 700 Club – www.cbn.com (800) 759-0700 (working in over 100 countries, has humanitarian outreaches, orphan ministry, medical missions disaster relief, water wells, etc);
- “A Child’s Hope Fund” – www.achildshopefund.org (888) 291-6018 – (fighting for children’s cancer and illness, sexual exploitation and hunger);
- “Adopt America Network” – www.adoptamericanetwork.org (800) 246-1731;
- “Advocates International” www.advocatesinternational.org (703) 894-1084.
Most of your donations are going to at risk vulnerable families who live in low income, high density, gang ridden communities. Struggling to provide for their children.
Mover's Liability for Loss or Damage
Movers are legally liable for loss or damage that occurs during performance of any transportation of household goods identified on their lawful bill of lading.
The extant of mover's liability provided in the current Surface Transportation Board's Released Rates Order for interstate moves and California Public Utilities Commission in intrastate moves within California.
All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods transported. However, there are different levels of liability, and you should be aware of the amount of protection provided and the charges for each option.
In California moving companies are required to provide three levels of liability:
- BASIC COVERAGE is 60 cents per pound per article. This coverage ensures recovery at 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the item or the carton its packed in. Thus, if an item weighs 20 lbs is lost or damaged, you can recover $12.00 for that item ($0.60 x 20 pounds). This is a very minimal protection and your goods are most likely worth a lot more than that. This protection is included in the mover's rate at no additional cost.
- ACTUAL CASH VALUE is a protection that ensures recovery of the actual cash value (i.e. market value) of your goods, up to the total value you declare. There is an additional cost for this protection. The extra charge, associated with this protection will be described on the mover's bill of lading.
- FULL VALUE protection ensures recovery at the full value (i.e. replacement value) of your lost or damaged articles, up to the total value you declare. The mover may offer deductibles in combination with full value protection. The customer will be responsible for the deductible unless the item was lost by the mover. The mover will charge for full value protection and will indicate the cost on its bill of lading.
You must select the coverage you wish prior to mover's commencing their services.
Interstate movers offer two different levels of liability:
FULL VALUE PROTECTION (FVP) - This is the most comprehensive option available for the protection of your goods. Similar to interstate relocations there is additional cost associated with this protection, which will be described on the mover's bill of lading. Under this protection, if any article is destroyed, or damaged while in mover's custody, your mover will, at its option, either:
- repair the article to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by your mover, or pay you for the cost of such repairs;
- replace the article with an article of like kind; or
- pay you for the cost of damaged article.
RELEASE VALUE of 60 cents per pound per article. This is the most economical protection option available; however, this no-cost option provides only minimal protection. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. The lost of damaged claims are settled based on the wight of the article multiplied by 60 cents per pound.
These two levels of liability are not insurance agreements that are governed by State insurance laws, but instead are contractual tariff levels of liability authorized under Released Rates Orders of the Surface Transportation Board of the US Department of Transportation.
LIABILITY FOR VALUABLES
Items of extraordinary value, such as antiques, art objects, gold or silver and other precious metals, jewelry, etc. should be separately described on the inventory and a value declared for each. It is best not to ship currency, jewelry, important and valuable papers and other valuable articles. It is best to keep such articles with you at all times during the move.
Bill of Lading
Bill of Lading is the most important document it is an official contract between you and your mover. This document contains all pertinent information, terms and conditions of the agreement for transportation of goods, costs, time frames, method of payment, mover's liability over your shipment. This document has to remain with shipment at all times until delivery. The customer signs it on the day of pick up and receives a copy of it along with other documents, like order for service, inventory forms, etc.
There are interstate and intrastate types of transportation of household.
Interstate moves are long distance relocations that cross state lines. They are governed by federal agency, Department of Transportation.
Intrastate moves are local and long distance relocations with in the same state. These moves are governed by the state agency in which the moves take place.
California Public Utilities Commission and Department of Transportation have terms and conditions almost identical, however the tariffs are very different.
Before you decide on your mover make sure to read the terms and conditions on their company's bill of lading.
Below we will show both contracts, the print is very small if it is too hard to see on your screen you can ZOOM IN, or ask your mover to mail you the original.
DOT, BILL OF LADING - FRONT
DOT - Bill of Lading, BACK SIDE
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CA Bill of Lading, Front
CA Bill of Lading, BACK
Valuation Protection and Moving Insurance
Moving Insurance may be available through your homeowner's insurance. If you have no homeowner's policy or it offers inadequate protection you can research other insurance carriers through your state's Department of Insurance.
Get a quote from at least two insurance companies.
Check insurance reputation and financial stability, as well as their claims payment record. You also have to make sure that the insurance company will be able to insure the moving company of your choice.
Find out:
- Minimum and Maximum policy values.
- Deductibles,
- Exclusions,
- Premium payments,
- How much in advance you need to purchase the policy,
- The claim process.
- Basic: 60 cents/lb. No cost.
- Actual Cash Value Rate: $1.25 per $100 of insurance coverage.
- Full Value Rates
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VALUATION PROTECTION is not an insurance policy, it is your mover's tariff liability over your shipment.
There are three levels of valuation protection that are offered to shippers. Mover's Contract also known as a bill of lading has a section dedicated to valuation options. Shipper must sign that section, choosing the protection. Shippers have until the movers begin loading to select coverage, once the move commenced no changes to selected valuation protection may be made.
No Deductible: $1.65 per $100 of insurance
$250 deductible: $1.45 per $100 of insurance
$500 deductible: $1.10 per $100 of insurance.
You must also select the value for the remainder of shipment to be delivered.
Example: If you select a value of $20,000 and Full Valuation coverage with $250 deductible, you will be responsible to pay a valuation charge of (20,000 x 1.45) = $290.00 as a part of your other service charges on the bill of lading.
Actual Cash Value protection insures recovery at the actual cash value (i.e. fair market values) of your lost or damaged item(s), up to the value you declare. The mover may charge for this protection.
Full Value protection insures recovery at the full value (i.e. replacement value) of your lost or damaged items(s), up to the total value protection. You are responsible for deductibles unless an item is lost by the mover.
Here is what it looks like on most contracts.
Electronics and Computer Preparation
We all cannot imagine our lives without them.
Home Office Home Stereo Equipment
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Just follow our instructions described below.
One of the most important tasks when packing electronics is to properly label the plugs and wires to ensure you can set-up the equipment when you get to your new home.
Here are the important steps:
1. Use the manufactures' guide or user's guide as a reference for moving instructions. If you have misplaced your user's guide, visit the manufacturer's website for an online version it.
2. Remove all parts out of your electronic equipment, such as a toner or ink cartridge, remove it and store it in a seal-able bag. Pack the bag in the same box with the piece of equipment that it was removed from. Also remove all CD's, DVD's, VHS tapes or other media from equipment. Pack media separately and carefully to prevent damage.
3. Copy all your computer files on a flash drive, also known as a jump drive, or portable drive. Flash drives range in storage sizes. If you have a lot of graphic intensive files, you may need a few flash drives to copy and store your files.
4. If you have the original packaging, use that to pack the equipment. If you don't, purchase electronic specialty boxes from a moving company or directly from the manufacturer. Manufacturers often provide you with a "return kit" at no or little cost. If specialty boxes or return kits are not available, use a double-carton box slightly larger than the piece of equipment you're moving, movers often use dishpack boxes to pack smaller electronics.
5. Purchase colored labels large enough to write on but small enough to secure to equipment connection ports. Colored, round sticky circles are the labels of choice.
6. Prior to disconnecting any wires or plugs, mark the wire or cable and the port you're removing it from with the colored labels. Color-code the ports and cables so that you can reconnect them later. If you don’t have enough of different colors, you can simply write a number on the label that will match the port and the cable.
7. For extra protection, write down detailed instructions on how you've dismantled the equipment so you can use it later when re-assembling it. Keep this instruction guide in the same box with the equipment.
8. Once you have the wires and cables disconnected, use twist ties to carefully secure the cables so they don't unravel. Place the cables and wires into a seal-able bag and tape it to the piece of equipment or place it in the same box.
9. When packing electronics, you must use anti-static packing bubbles or popcorn. Never use materials that will conduct electricity. This could damage your electronics during transportation.
10. Remove all parts that can be disconnected. Wrap each piece separately in anti-static bubble wrap and secure ends with tape.
11. Use a thick layer of anti-static packing popcorn or bubble wrap to line the bottom and the sides of the box.
12. Place the largest piece of equipment on the bottom. Fill holes with anti-static packing material. Place smaller protected items on top.
13. Fill all remaining spaces with anti-static packing material. Make sure nothing rattles or will shift during the move.
14. Seal the box with packing tape and mark it "Fragile" and indicate which end is up. Indicate the contents and which room it belongs in.
15. Warning: CD's and software cannot tolerate high temperatures. If you have sensitive media, you may want to carry it with you as opposed to moving it on the truck. Speak to your movers about this issue before you ship it.
16. And finally, get adequate insurance to protect your valuables. Check your home owners policy to see if they insure moves, in case it doesn't - check with your mover regarding their valuation protection options. Movers offer a few different packages, make sure to be prepared for the worse case, as accidents happen even to movers with excellent reputation.
Packing Materials and Items You Will Need
• Manufacturer's Guide (helpful, but not necessary)
• Original Box or Return Kit ; or
• Double-walled Box
• Anti-static Packing Popcorn or Bubbles
• Packing Paper
• Small Color-coded Labels
• Marker
• Packing Tape
• Twist Ties
• Anti-Static Reseal-able Bags
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TV Box |
DishPack |
Anti Static Bag
Packing Paper |
Packing Tape Marker |
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Packing Peanuts |
Anti-Static Packing Foam |
Anti-Static Bubble |
Anti-Static Zip Bag
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Preparing Your Pets
Dogs and catss are most popular pets in America. Each pet reacts different to a change of place of living. But this time is as stressful for them as you. Here are some tips:
Take your time. Stretch out your packing time over several weeks. Avoid panic in the last days, leaving moving day as relaxed as possible for you and your pets.
Make travel arrangements. If your move involves air travel, contact airline carriers one month in advance. Ask about their pet regulations, and make reservations. Choose a nonstop flight to avoid extra handling and climate and air-pressure changes.
Visit your veterinarian. A couple weeks before moving, request a copy of veterinary records, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate. Be sure your pets are up to date with their shots. If your pet is a senior or has health problems, ask whether a mild sedative would be advisable before travel. Can your vet recommend another in your new location? For out-of-state moves, contact the State Department of Animal Husbandry or the state veterinarian about entry regulations, almost all states have entry laws for most animals except tropical fish.
Don't change much... Keep your pets' routines, such as feedings and walks, as normal as possible in the week before moving. Because dogs and cats need to feel in control, they might exhibit behavioral changes or even become ill when stressed. Treat them with the same level of attention you would ordinarily give them.
Make a pet room. A few days before moving, choose a small room to be the "pet room." Tape a sign to the door that says "Pets: Do Not Open." Make the sign large enough that friends or movers can see it easily. Move food and water bowls, as well as toys, into this room. Provide dogs and cats with sturdy carriers equipped with litterbox (for cats), chew toys, or favorite objects that have a familiar smell. Leave carrier doors open so pets can adapt to them before travel day. On moving day, keep animals in their carriers. As an alternative, consider boarding dogs and cats, or ask a friend or family member to care-take your dogs during the last few days.
Get tags and leashes. If you have a dog or an indoor/outdoor cat, buy or create identification tags with your new address and phone number. Be sure your pets are wearing them during travel.
Check list for pet travel:
• Veterinary records, certificates, and recent photos
• Medications
• Your pets' usual foods and plenty of water from the home you're leaving (changing their water source can be disorienting and upset their stomachs)
• Food and water bowls, a can opener, and resealable lids
• Toys, chew bones, and treats
• Leashes for cats and dogs
• Beds (pillows, towels, or other crate liners)
• Plastic bags and scoops for dogs
• Litterbox for cats
• Cage covers for birds and rodents
• Paper towels for messes
• Provisions for the first day at the new home
More information on traveling tips for pets.
And finally is your pet travel ready?
A lot more information on humanesociety.org
Road Tips:
If you're traveling by car, keep cats and dogs in carriers large enough to accommodate food and water bowls plus a small litterbox for Fluffy. Stop about every two hours to give larger pets some fresh air. Be sure to use a leash if you let your cat out. Maintain a comfortable car temperature for all pets, and don't ever leave animals alone in a car on a hot day. Even with the windows cracked, this can be fatal. Birds and other small pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, and the like) are especially susceptible to drafts and heat. Cover cages to keep animals calm and well protected, and remove water bottles except during rest-stop water breaks.
Estimates
The only way to get a binding quote for your move is to order an on-site inspection of your goods, estimate.
Our Estimators will come to your facility, office or residence and take a thorough inventory of every item and log them in a report. This report will later be transferred into a computer program and with in minutes we will get a size of customers shipment.
Based on the estimators report we will provide customer with a Binding Estimate. This will promise customer a final cost of the move. The only changes may apply, if there will be extra services performed by a mover. The mover will explain which services were extra and will have customer sign a new revised estimate.
Here is a page out of a PUC booklet
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vices. A mover will have to provide you with a new estimate of costs and a new Order for Serive form. |
Moving Your Appliances
Moving appliances from one home to another requires a great deal of preparation.
Movers' responsibility
Movers are supposed to do the heavy work - the actual transporting of the appliances from client's home into the truck and then safely out of the truck into the new residence. Our movers will do anything possible to ensure that appliance gets to its destination safely.
However, the preparation of major appliances and other home furnishings is an important activity for you to schedule. Some of it needs to begin days before the actual move day.
Owners' Responsibility
These preparations must be done by the customer, a professional technician, or moving company can set up their partner (Reputable Appliance Tech.) who will do it, in any case let your mover know which of these options you prefer ahead of time.
Preparing appliances to withstand handling during transit or while in storage.
This process can include bracing a washer tub, disconnecting an ice maker, capping off a gas line, and special handling of satellite dish components.
Most Movers do not:
- Disconnect appliances (ice maker, washer, dryer, etc.) or reconnect them in the new residence;
- Disconnect utilities;
- Repair appliances;
- Remove or install window air conditioners or television and radio antennas;
- Perform wiring, plumbing, electrical or carpentry services.
REFRIGERATOR
Cleaning
• Use mild detergent to wipe off the exterior finish.
• Before cleaning the interior, dispose of perishables and unplug the power cord.
• Wash removable parts such as shelves and drawers with a mild detergent or in a solution of warm water and baking soda (about one tablespoon. of baking soda to one quart of water). Ice trays and ice storage bins should be washed in lukewarm water only.
• Wash the interior walls and any non-removable parts with a mild detergent or baking soda solution.
• Leave the door open for at least 24 hours. Allowing all moisture to evaporate. If your refrigerator is not a frost-free model, allow extra time to complete defrosting and drying.
• Secure all loose plastic parts.
• Glass shelves should be removed, cleaned and carefully packed in a carton for protection during transit.
• Be sure the appliance is totally empty and clean. A refrigerator which is not cleaned before transit can develop an unpleasant, permanent odor, making the appliance unusable at destination.
• After cleaning, place an odor and mildew preventative in your refrigerator.
• At the bottom of the refrigerator, remove the base covering and vacuum the condenser or compressor.
• Empty and clean the evaporator pan; allow time for it to dry.
Servicing
• Turn off the water and disconnect the water line if you have a cold water dispenser or automatic ice maker. You should also empty the water reservoir.
• If your refrigerator is an older model, you may need to have the motor or compressor bolted down. The majority of refrigerators now are sealed units that do not require this service.
• At destination, do not operate the refrigerator for at least 24 hours after delivery. This allows the oil time to settle, preventing possible damage to the compressor.
• Ice makers and water dispensers must be connected to a water line. Installation service or parts can be obtained from an authorized dealer. Copper tubing, a shut-off valve and fittings may be required. Once the ice maker is in service, dispose of the first few batches of ice because of possible impurities from opening a water line.
WASHER
Cleaning
• Use appliance cleaner to wipe off the exterior.
• On the inside, clean lint filter and tub.
• Leave the lid open so that any moisture will evaporate.
Servicing
• Turn off water faucets, disconnect and drain hoses.
• Wrap the metal connector ends of hoses in a towel and place inside the washer.
• To ensure the safe transport of the washer, it should be serviced to prevent swaying of the tub.
• All water should be drained from the tub because shipments can travel through a variety of climates and terrain.
• Ask our specialist about third-party appliance servicing. There are more than 20 different washer moving kits available from various appliance manufacturers. The cost for third-party servicing is nominal, especially for the protection it provides to your washer.
• After your move, be sure to have the washer connected by a qualified installer.
DRYER
Cleaning
• Unplug the dryer or turn off the electrical power to the appliance.
• Remove any debris from the lint screen with your fingers or a dry paper towel. Do not use water on the screen.
• Wipe off the exterior with an appliance cleaner and soft damp cloth.
• You can remove dust from the interior with a damp sponge.
• If the dryer drum is discolored, try a mild liquid household cleaner or a paste of laundry detergent and warm water. Rub the area until the discoloration is removed. Wipe thoroughly. Then reconnect to electricity and operate the dryer with a load of old rags to remove any soap residue and to thoroughly dry the drum. Remove the rags when finished.
Servicing
• Disconnect the electrical supply to the appliance.
• For a gas dryer, the appliance should be disconnected and the gas line capped off before moving day by a qualified service technician.
• At destination, use a qualified installer who is familiar with requirements for gas and or electricity, as well as the exhaust system.