Moving and Relocation

It doesn't stop with what you need to know about selling one home and buying another. You also need to know how to move your stuff.

And the more you know, the smoother your move.

New rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will help you ease on down the road, and the American Moving and Storage Association also has some information that can help you master getting your move on.

There's a lot more to a move than selecting a mover and signing over care of your goods.

You must also:

• Understand binding and non-binding estimates. Binding estimates guarantee the estimate for the move based on items moved and services listed on the estimate sheet. Items or services added later could result in higher charges. Once the mover arrives at destination, the driver cannot ask you to pay more than the binding estimate before unloading unless you added items or services not included in the estimate.
• A non-binding estimate comes with no guarantee. Final cost is determined after your shipment is weighed and certified. Certified weighing could exceed the estimate. However, the driver cannot legally demand payment for more than 110 percent of the non-binding estimate before unloading. You then have at least 30 days to pay remaining charges.
• The not-to-exceed estimate -- sometimes called "guaranteed price" or "price protection" -- is based on a binding estimate or actual cost, whichever is lower. Like a binding estimate, it must be in writing and is binding on the mover. The driver cannot collect more at destination before unloading.

You can also smooth the move if you:

• Be present when goods are packed. Professional packing is crucial. Schedule the mover to pack a day or two before loading the van.
• Be flexible. You may be asked to select several consecutive days for loading, and a second series of dates for delivery. This gives the mover flexibility to work to keep on schedule.
• Start soon if you are packing yourself. Remember, movers aren't liable for items you packed but packing non-breakables, like clothes and bedding can speed things along.
• Resolve disagreements before signing off on the driver's inventory. Make sure you get legible copies of the inventory and that all items are numbered. See to it that valuable items are listed separately.
• Buy extra insurance if necessary. All interstate household goods shipments move under a very limited liability of 60 cents per pound. Without additional coverage, for example, if a 10-pound stereo component worth $1,000 is lost or destroyed, your mover is liable for a pittance -- only $6 (10 pounds times 60 cents). Full replacement value coverage is the most comprehensive protection available.
• Report losses and damage immediately. If goods are damaged or lost, report this promptly and in detail on the driver's copy of the inventory sheet before signing. For damage found after unpacking, you must file a claim within nine months after delivery.
• Movers must acknowledge receiving the claim within 30 days and deny the claim or settle within 120. When making a claim, keep in mind the amount of liability that you declared on your shipment. If the value you declared was $10,000, the mover's maximum liability is $10,000.
• Be on hand when movers arrive on moving day to discuss packing and delivery arrangements. Have beds stripped and ready for packing, but let the moving crew disassemble items.
• Sit down, take a breather, read the contract before signing.
• Stay in contact with the mover while in transit and tell the mover how to reach you at the destination. If the mover can't reach you at the destination, your goods may have to be stored adding to your cost.

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