10 Moving MUSTS to or from Louisville KY

 1) HAVE A PLAN

• This diminishes STRESS!
• Have a MOVING CHECK LIST.
• CHECK off each task when completed.
• Start a checklist as early as 60-45 days prior to move.

2) HIRE A QUALIFIED REPUTABLE MOVER     

• Check out the company’s licenses, credentials and track record. Ask friends and family for recommendations.  Check with the Better Business Bureau in Louisville KY.
• Check with the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) to see if your mover is a ProMover. ProMovers have met stringent criteria in order to make the list. 
• Skip Pricing Estimates over the phone. Get IN HOME estimates.
• AVOID movers who ask for deposits or down payments, especially if they ask for them in cash.

3) SET A BUDGET

• There is more to than home buying and moving costs when relocating. Calculate transportation, meals and lodging. 
• If STORAGE is required until you get into your new home, you will want to find out the costs and liability differences between self-storage or storage in the moving companies facility. 
• SAVE RECEIPTS! If relocating for a new full time job and more than 50 miles from your home you can deduct the cost of packing, transporting and storage (Storage-up to 30 days).

4) UNDERSTAND PACKING: 

• Utilize proper packing materials. Discuss with your Moving Consultant. 
• Label your boxes properly: NAME, ITEMS packed, ROOM that box will be moved to at destination, 
• Know what household goods items can’t be moved on a moving truck: Flammables, Plants, and Perishables.
• Pack a “Moving Survival” kit: EXAMPLES: Medications, Toiletries, Toilet Paper for destination 1st day in new home) extra light bulbs, tape measurer (comes in handy to see if certain furniture will fit properly in room), hammer, nails etc.  Take this kit with you or mark 1st BOX to COME OFF van and show this personally to driver.
• You are responsible to transport valuable and irreplaceable items: coin collections, heirloom jewelry and “important” documents. Moving companies do not insure these items.
• LESS STRESS: PACK a FEW BOXES each day starting a couple weeks before move date if you choose to self pack.

5) UNDERSTAND Insurance Options = VALUATION in Moving Company terms

• Basic Liability which comes automatic with each move pays only $.60 per
pound for damaged goods.
• FULL  REPLACEMENT Coverage is an additional costs Ask your mover.

6) SHARE ALL MOVING PLAN DETAILS with your MOVING COMPANY

• NO SURPRISES on COST. The household good items that are loaded on a
truck are what you pay for. 
• Any add-ons on moving day are newly calculated charges to your invoice.

7) CHECK OFF your INVENTORY at Destination!!

• Driver will provide you with a “Bingo” type inventory form. Each item he takes off the truck will have sticker # on it that will match a number on your bingo sheet. CHECK it OFF!

8) PETS MOVING? 

• Make early arrangements. Look for Pet Friendly Lodging.
• FLYING? Need to make for flight arrangements up to 3-4 months prior to move date. Airlines have limited flights that will transport pets.
• Discuss with your Vetinarian that you transporting your pet by air.

9) DO YOURSELF a BIG FAVOR-Don’t Move items you don’t need or use! 

• Do Not Be a Pack Rat…time to clean house!
• Cleaning house saves you $$$$$!
• Have a Garage Sale.

10) TIME YOUR MOVE…SUMMER is the least Flexible time for all movers.

• Discuss dates as soon as you know when you want to move. Book well in advance!

**credit for the bulk of this page to Mary Ann Colton with A. Arnold Moving