Moving Frequently Asked Moving Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to prepare children for a move?
While there are as many answers to this question as there are children, here are some general tips provided by experts:
- Talk to your children freely and often about the move and what it will mean to their lives.
- Keep your normal routine as much as possible.
- Keep familiar items (toys, books, blankets, and teddy bears, etc.) out in the open and available. Don't pack the pacifier!
- If possible take your children to your new community before the move to acquaint them with their new surroundings.
- Above all, listen to what your children have to say, and keep that communication open and honest.
For more information, ask us for a copy of A Moving Experience: A Professional Councelor's Guide to the Personal Side of Moving.
Why do movers sometimes put more than one household on a trailer?
In order to keep cost down for you. The average trailer holds from 18,000 to 24,000 pounds - the equivalent of three to four households.
Can you transport our pets and plants to our new home?
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) allows us to move plants if the trip is less than 150 miles and under 24 hours.
However, some states may want to quarantine them anyway. In the event that this should happen we won't be able to ensure their proper care, and unfortunately, cannot be held responsible for their final condition.
The DOT also prohibits moving companies from shipping animals in moving vans.
If your pets and plants can't travel with you, ask us about helping you make arrangements to safely transport them to your new home. Ideally both travel better in your own car.
How can I reduce the cost of my relocation?
Anything you don't need - sell! A "moving sale" can help reduce the cost and put some money in your pocket at the same time!
Am I allowed to pack my own belongings for the move?
While you can pack your own belongings and benefit from some cost savings, we don't recommend it. One of the major advantages of hiring a professional moving company to handle your move is the assurance that your belongings will safely arrive at your new home. Our trained packing crews stand behind every box, crate and item we pack, load and ship, and we're responsible.
When you pack the belongings, we are unable to stand behind this commitment. If the items you pack are damaged and no exterior carton damage is evident, the responsibility for the damage is yours. However, we can offer assistance if you choose to pack yourself. Ask for a copy of our Guide to Better Packing as well as packing supplies the experts use.
What about perishable foods?
Perishable food items cannot be safely shipped in moving vans -- please dispose of them, or give them away.
What are inventory exceptions?
When your household goods are delivered to your new home, your van operator will ask you to check off items as they are removed from the van and sign the Inventory of Household Goods.
If any item is missing or damaged you must note this on the inventory sheet at the time of delivery. This is know as an "inventory exception" and if for your protection. Signing the Inventory of Household Goods is a declaration that all items and cartons were received and arrived in their original condition. We don't expect you to unpack every carton before signing. If for any reason you are unable or refused to sign the Inventory Exception Document, please indicate this in writing on the sheet and notify North American Immediately at 1-800-348-2111.
What are accessorial services and what do the cost?
Accessorial services are any services provided to you in addition to the linehaul transportation.
Ask us to fully explain the total range of services available -- including: crating, packing, unpacking, appliance services, elevator, stair and long carries, or shuttle service when access to your residence is limited and a second, smaller truck may be necessary.
What should I do with the gas in the lawnmower, leftover paint, turpentine, etc.?
It is against the law for movers to transport flammable, combustible or corrosive materials.
Safely drain or dispose of these materials including: household paints, bleaches, propane tanks, gas cans and fuel in power equipment.
What's the best way to prepare a PC for safe transport?
As with any delicate piece of electronic equipment, a few precautionary measures will ensure its safe arrival. A few suggestions:
- Make backup copies of all your data
- Remove any diskettes from the disk drives and replace them with blank or disposable diskettes for transport
- Move PCs in their original carton when possible
Of course, your local computer dealer can help ... that's part of their expertise.