Moving Topic #3: How to Survive Packing, Loading & Delivery Day
By Amy Velte Olsen
Packing, loading and delivery day can be the 3 most stressful days of your move. But, our CRS employees have put their heads together and compiled this list of things to do, not do and things to prepare for to make these 3 days a breeze.
PACKING DAY
If you have requested that the mover provide packing services, this will typically be done a day or two before the loading. The agent for the van line will contact you prior to this day and let you know what time they plan on arriving.
Be sure that the packers have ample room and a flat surface on which to work. Set aside and clearly mark items that you do not wish the movers to pack. They will not pack your basic necessities until the day of actual loading.
If you are moving alone we strongly suggest arranging for a friend or relative be with you. Another set of eyes and ears and just moral support will help you through the packing and loading process.
LOADING DAY
When the moving day finally arrives, it is crucial that you have the entire day set aside to supervise the process. The driver and crew may have questions or concerns only you can address. If you have small children you should make every attempt to arrange for them to be with a friend or relative. There will be a lot of activity that will require your undivided attention.
If you have any items that are not being shipped, tell the crew and the driver and set the items aside, clearly labeled, to avoid any confusion. Likewise, store your pocket book, cash or any valuables in a secure location such as the trunk of your vehicle. Do not leave any items such as jewelry or cash out in the open.
Prior to loading the driver will be completing an inventory of your goods and their condition. You are required to sign this completed inventory at the time of loading and at the time of delivery. Before signing this inventory, you must note any exceptions you take to the driver’s assessment of your goods. If anything is damaged or missing when delivered, your ability to recover from the mover may depend on the notations made.
When all your belongings are loaded and before the driver leaves, it is your responsibility to be certain that nothing has been left behind. Check all closets, the attic, basement, garage, and outside for any items that may have been missed.
Be sure that the driver has all the correct destination information including contact numbers while en route, directions to your new home, and other specific instructions relating to your move.
While it’s not common, it’s possible if you happen to be the final household scheduled to load onto the van, that there might not be enough room for all your belongs. This can happen when previous shipments loaded or your shipment is larger than scheduled. If this should happen the driver will ask you what things are not immediately required at destination. The local agent will arrange to pick up those items and bring them to their warehouse for pick up by another van operator going to the same general destination. These items are not subject to any delay claim but will be delivered as quickly as possible. Nobody likes this in-convenience but it’s not completely unavoidable.
DELIVERY DAY
The first step to a smooth delivery is making sure you arrive to your new home prior to the movers. We suggest again that if you are moving alone that a friend or relative be with you during this time. Make travel arrangements that coincide with the prearranged delivery period provided by the moving company. This is important because the movers will place your household goods into storage, at your expense, if you are not able to accept delivery of your shipment.
It is your responsibility to know in advance of the delivery if there are any parking restrictions or permits that may be required for the tractor trailer at both origin and destination. Contacting the local police department should help in obtaining that information.
At the time of delivery, the driver should provide you with his copy of your inventory. The crew should let you know each inventory number as it is being brought in while you check them off. It is crucial at this time that you point out to the driver and make notations on the inventory of any obvious damage or any missing items.
When your delivery is completed you will be required to sign the inventory. The settlement of a potential claim weighs heavily on this process and your notations. Any boxes that show any outward damage must be noted on the inventory at the time of delivery.
Having a plan outlining the placement of your furniture will help considerably during the unloading. The movers will not move furniture again once it has been placed in your home.
If you are taking delivery into a self storage unit please note that the mover’s liability ceases when the unloading is completed. Any damaged or missing items MUST be noted on the driver’s inventory at the time of unloading.
Please check back in next months eNewsletter for our Summer Series Moving Topic #4!
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