Moving Planner

8 Weeks Before You Move
    • Obtain a floor plan for new location and decide what household items you want to keep
    • Contact your insurance agent and find out about your homeowner policy and if they cover your move and/or storage
    • Decide if you are taking your car
    • Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts
    • Resolve what to do with prohibited items
    • Arrange to transfer your children’s school records

6 Weeks Before You Move
    • Search for health care professionals at your new home
    • Fill out post office change of address cards
    • Send your new address to anyone that might need it i.e. insurance agents, credit card companies, friends and family
    • Clean out closets and garage of all items that you not are taking and make a garage sale or donate items to
      charities

4 Weeks Before You Move
    • Start packing
    • Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair and/or cleaning
    • Obtain medical and dental records
    • Ensure birth and marriage files are complete and with you on the day of the move
    • Notify insurance companies and cancel or transfer all policies (life, house, and car)
    • Advise electoral office, IRS, local municipal authority, government departments (if any family allowances are paid),       solicitor, church and local clubs
    • Cancel or transfer subscriptions for publications
    • If moving overseas ensures passports, visas, travel bookings and accommodations are finalized
    • Start using overstocked food

2 Weeks Before You Move
    • Arrange for cancellation of utilities: gas, electricity, water, cable and phone service
    • Dispose of all paints and flammables (we cannot move or store such items)
    • Arrange to move your pets
    • Make service for your car and prepare it for the trip

Just Before You Move
    • Cancel all delivery services (milk, bread, newspaper, fuel)
    • Clean out medicine cabinet and dispose of unwanted drugs etc.
    • Empty fuel from mowers etc.
    • Remove food from fridge and defrost (at least 24 hours before moving)
    • Collect any laundry and/or dry cleaning
    • Set aside valuable items to carry with you including jewelry, vital documents, money and valuable small items
    • Finish packing your suitcases
    • Disconnect electrical appliances
    • Remove all pictures, mirrors, curtains and light shades
    • Confirm actual packing and moving dates with GM Van Lines

On Moving Day
    • Be on hand or have an authorized person there to answer questions and have a last look around to ensure nothing
      has been overlooked
    • Sign inventory with mover and retain your copy in a safe place
    • Ensure all travel documents etc. are set aside for taking with you (don’t forget books and games for the children)
    • Before the van leaves, take a final look to be certain nothing has been left behind

Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move

Advanced Charges
Charges for services not performed by the mover but instead by a professional craftsman or other third party at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to your bill of lading charges.

Agent
A local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger, national company

Appliance Service
Preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for shipping

Bill of Lading
The receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility to understand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you do not agree with something on the bill of lading do not sign until you are satisfied that it is correct. The bill of lading is an important document. Don't lose or misplace your copy.

Binding/Non-Binding Estimate
A binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with the mover that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier's approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariff provisions in effect.

Carrier
The mover providing transportation of your household goods

C.O.D
Transportation for an individual shipper for which payment is required at the time of delivery at the destination residence (or warehouse)

Expedited Service
An agreement with the mover to perform transportation by a set date in exchange for charges based on a higher minimum weight

Flight Charge
An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs

Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service
An additional level of service whereby dates of service are guaranteed with the mover proving reimbursement for delays, this premium service is often subject to minimum weight requirements

High Value Article
Items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound

Inventory
The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item

Line Haul Charges
Charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition to the additional service charges.

Long Carry
An added charge for carrying articles excessive distances between the mover's vehicle and your residence

Order of Service
The document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods

Order Number
The number used to identify and track your shipment

Peak Season Rates
Higher line hauls charges that are applicable during the summer months

Pickup and Delivery Charges
Separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the SIT warehouse and your residence

Shuttle Service
Use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover's normal, larger line haul equipment

Storage-in-Transit (SIT)
Temporary warehouse storage of your shipment pending further transportation. For example, if your new home isn't quite ready to occupy. You must specifically request SIT service, which may not exceed a total of 90 days of storage, and you will be responsible for the added charges for SIT service, as well as the warehouse handling and final delivery charges.

Tariff
The mover's required published price list of rules, regulations, rates and charges for the performance of interstate moving services

Valuation
The degree of "worth" of the shipment, the valuation charge compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges

Warehouse Handling
An additional charge applicable each time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.

Points to Remember
    • Movers may give binding estimates
    • Non-binding estimates may not be accurate; actual charges may often exceed the estimate
    • Specify pickup and delivery dates in the order for service
    • The bill of lading is your contract with the mover. READ IT CAREFULLY. If you have any questions ask your mover
    • Be sure that you understand the extent of your mover's liability for loss and damage
    • You have the right to be present each time your shipment is weighed
    • You may request a reweigh of your shipment
    • If you have moved on a non-binding estimate, you should have enough cash or a certified check to pay the estimated
      cost of your move plus 10 percent more at time of delivery
    • Unresolved claims for loss or damage may be submitted to arbitration; ask your mover for details.