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Helpful Moving Hints to Make Your Move as Smooth as Possible

  
  
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By following these procedures you will save time, money, and have a safe and efficient move into your new home. 
Once you found your perfect home
Call your mover well in advance so that he can schedule the move for your preferred day.  A Well-organized move must be planned ahead.  
Get an estimate 
Your mover will give you a reliable estimate if you show him everything you want to move.  They will also give prices for packing services and containers.  Be aware of movers that give you a very low price.  Chances are they are not insured or may disappear after the move is done and then you are left with damages.   
Set the date 
If possible, try to avoid moving at the beginning and end of the month, since these are our busiest times.  If you need help packing, plan for the mover to come a day or two earlier to do the packing.   
Helpful hints for some of your most common household goods: 
  • Air conditioner – Consult your authorized dealer.  Some sealed units need to be bolted down. 
 
  • Bedding – Place bedding in clean cartons.  Light articles such as blankets or pillows may be put into furniture drawers.
 
  • Beds – The movers will dismantle your beds and set them up in your new residence.
 
  • Books – Should be packed in small, strong cartons.  Place cover-to-cover alternating bindings to prevent the pages from becoming interlocked and damaged.  Do not pack books in furniture drawers or leave them in portable bookshelves or bookcases.
 
  • Bric-A-Brac – Wrap separately and pack in cartons, boxes or barrels.  Cushion well with newsprint. Pack largest and heaviest items in bottom of container.
 
  • Canned goods – Pack upright in small, sturdy cartons.  Do not pack beyond the limit of portability – 24 cans is ample per box.
 
  • China – Wrap china and all fragile objects in paper individually.  Large plates and heavy pieces should be placed on the bottom of container, on edge.  Smaller pieces should be toward the top. Plates and dishes should be placed in a vertical position with pads of paper between.  We recommend 3” of paper on the bottom of carton and 2” of paper between layers.
 
  • Clothing from the closets can be packed in wardrobe containers to help protect from wrinkling.  Each wardrobe can hold approximate 25 hangers.  Clothing in your dressers can remain there, we can move the dresser as one with the clothes still packed in the drawers. 
 
  • Clocks – Pendulums on clocks should be removed or secured tightly to the base of the clock.  Small clocks can be wrapped and placed in boxes.
 
  • Curtains – Can be placed in drawers or packed in boxes.
 
  • Drawers in furniture – Articles such as blankets, cushions, pillows, and clothing can be left in drawers.  Do not pack heavy items, liquids, firearms or breakable items in drawers.
 
  • Dryers, electric or gas – Check with your service man.  Motors may need to be checked and secured.  Gas should be shut off, capped and disconnected from appliance. 
 
  • Food – Dispose of food in open containers that might spill or spoil en-route. The carrier will not be liable for damage caused by food spilling on other items. Perishables should never be stored or shipped.
 
  • Freezers – Must be completely defrosted, dried and aired prior to moving.  Have a service man bolt motor if necessary.
 
  • Glass tops to furniture – If storing or shipping, these should be crated.  If moving local, the movers will pad them and pack them safely in the van.
 
  • Glassware – Stemware and glassware should be wrapped individually and placed in barrels or placed in the top of china containers.  Do not nest unwrapped glasses into each other.  Place wrapped glassware right side up, not on their sides.
 
  • Grandfather clocks – Remove chimes, secure weight chains tightly against the base of the clock with wire or strong string and remove weights and pendulums.  If it is going a long distance, call a reputable clock man to prepare the works against damage.
 
  • Jewelry – Keep valuable jewelry in your immediate possession.
 
  • Kitchen utensils – Should be clean and placed in cartons or barrels. Durable heavy pieces should be placed on bottoms and lighter pieces on top.  Each piece should be padded against dents, chipping or scratching.  Toasters, irons, waffle irons, mixes, etc. should be wrapped individually and placed in cartons with other kitchen utensils.
 
  • Lamps – Remove tops and put in a safe place.  Small lamps may be wrapped and placed in cartons for safe moving.
 
  • Lampshades – Wrap in white, clean tissue paper only.  They may be nested carefully as to not puncture parchment shades.
 
  • Linoleum – The moving company is not responsible for the safe moving of linoleum which has been used or tacked to the floor, or which cracks and breaks when rolled.
 
  • Mattresses – Do not try to roll as this may result in damaged springs or fabrics.  You may protect them with a sheet or mattress cover.
 
  • Medicines – Seal bottles and jar stoppers.  Wrap individually placing upright in small cartons or metal waste containers.
 
  • Mirrors – Crate if storing or moving long distance.  If moving local, wall mirrors can be removed from wall by the movers and wrapped and placed safely in the moving van.
 
  • Mowers and gasoline powered tools – Gas tanks and oil reserves should be drained. No flammable mixtures or articles may be transported on public carriers.
 
  • Paintings / Pictures – Small pictures can be placed between folds of blankets or pillows in drawers or cartons.  Large and valuable pictures must be padded, wrapped and crated for moving.
 
  • Refrigerators – Defrost and let dry before moving.  Doors should be left open several hours to air after defrosting.  All pans, trays, crispers, shelves or removable parts should be removed and wrapped separately. Motor may need to be bolted down and do not plug in until unbolted.
 
  • Rugs – You can leave the rugs on the floors.  Our men will roll them up for you.  If you are having them stored, you should get them cleaned first.
 
  • Silverware – Wrap in low-sulfur paper or tissue. Place padding in silver chests to prevent moving and scratching.
 
  • Stoves – Must be disconnected prior to pickup.  If gas, have disconnected and capped.  If electric, remove loose coils and griddles and pack separately.
 
  • Washers – Motors should be checked and secured, tumbler action protected and fastened in place.
  
Who to notify of move: 
  • Cable Company
  • Newspaper
  • Trash collector
  • Post office
  • Bank
  • School
  • Doctor
  • Dentist
 
Transfer to new house: 
  • Telephone
  • Electricity
  • Gas
  • Water
  • Fuel
Don’t forget to pack a snack and if move will take longer than a day be sure to phone ahead for a hotel or motel reservations. 
Before leaving turn off utilities, lock windows, lock door, turn in keys. 
When arrive at new home take a walk around and orient your children to their new neighborhood.

 

Car registration, license and insurance information

  
  

Refurbishing Your Floors?

  
  
carpet mask

Planning to refurbish your floors?  Call the Professionals at Bert Hill Movers

Transporting Plants

  
  
moving plant 1

One thing you may not have considered about moving is your plant.  You spend a lot of time keeping them healthy, shouldn’t they come with you? 

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Business Relocation Planning

  
  
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Moving a business is a complicated task needing good organizational skills.  Good communication with employees is important to help alleviate the stress.  Employee input can be crucial to understanding your business needs.

Moving your Aquarium

  
  
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Moving a fish tank of any size can be a daunting task.  Without the proper precautions, most of your fish can end up dying in the move.

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Picking the Right Storage Facility

  
  
3 pack

Picking the right storage facility is just as important as picking the right mover.  It is necessary to research storage facilities to find out which one provides the right security, humidity and temperature control for your belongings.

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Helping kids adjust to moving

  
  
1345652827 md

Moving can be an exciting time.  Moving to a new town, meeting new people, making new friends.  But this can also be a daunting task especially for children. The younger the child, the easier this can be but as your child gets older the more friends they have and the more attached they become to their friends. 

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Animal Transport

  
  
Pug in a Box

Moving time for your pets can be stressful.  Animals are habitual, they like things the same everyday.  They sense the stress you are feeling, which can be elevated before moving day and even more on moving day.   Comfort levels are compromised with furniture being moved around and items being put in strange boxes with strange smells.  Household items will begin to disappear.  

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Massachusetts Moving Company's - FAQs

  
  
mass movers association



If you are moving household goods from your home to another location within Massachusetts, your mover must be licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). The DPU helps you by setting certain licensing and insurance requirements which movers must meet and by investigating complaints when problems arise.
If your intent is to move your household goods from one state to another, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has jurisdiction over the mover; not the DPU. You can contact the FMCSA with any questions at 888-368-7238.
No matter where you are moving or whether the move is large or small, you should take the time to carefully plan your relocation. This information will help you begin the process of moving within Massachusetts.

How Can I Select A Reputable Mover?
A personal recommendation is the best way to start, but you can also check with the Mass Movers association (massmovers.org). Be sure the company you contact has an up-to-date DPU operating certificate number. This is important because, in order to obtain authority to operate in Massachusetts, moving companies must be licensed by the DPU. They are subject to State laws and the Department's rules and regulations, designed to protect the consumer. For example, movers licensed by the DPU are required to carry a minimum amount of cargo insurance. However, your ability to recover for loss or damage is dependent upon your agreement with the mover. All movers are also required to file a Tariff containing the rates charged for various moving services. The Tariff is filed with the DPU and is available to the public.

How Important Is Obtaining An Estimate?
A written estimate where a company representative comes to your home is one of your best safeguards against overcharges and other potential issues. Verbal estimates over the phone or email are non binding estimates.
To obtain a reasonably accurate estimate, you must show the estimator everything you intend to ship. An estimate is not a bid or a contract and choosing the mover submitting the lowest estimate will not assure you of the lowest cost move. Regardless of any estimate provided, the final amount you must pay for your move is determined by the hourly rate or actual weight of your household goods, the amount of packing completed and any other additional services performed by the mover.
Be sure to ask about all additional costs when you are given an estimate for your move. For example, moves based on hourly rates will be assessed a travel time charge in addition to the actual time it takes to complete your move. Travel time charges are calculated on the distance between the original point of loading and final point of unloading. Mileage is determined in accordance with approved mileage guides or vehicle odometer readings. For moves based on the weight of the shipment, the mover will not charge additionally for travel time.

Rates
Moving companies must file their rates with the DPU and may not charge more or less than the rates on file. You can request a copy of the mover's rates on file with the DPU.

Who Packs For The Move?
That depends. Frequently, the customer packs all the household items in cartons and the mover takes care of protecting the furniture. When packing, use enough filler to reduce the chance of breakage. A mover may not bear the liability of your boxes if you packed them.
If you wish to have the mover pack all your household items, the mover will be more expensive but will be professionally completed. However, the mover may bear additional liability by providing this service.

Must I Sign The Bill Of Lading/Contract? YES
The bill of lading is the contract between you and your mover. The mover is required by law to prepare a bill of lading for every shipment it transports. The information on a bill of lading is required to be the same information shown on the order for service. Be sure the bill of lading includes the movers' name, address, license number, and telephone number where you can reach them. It should also indicate an address and telephone number, provided by you, where the mover can communicate information regarding your shipment. The bill of lading should also include the loading and delivery dates, storage instructions, if any, and the declared or released valuation of your shipment (refer to Placing a Value on your Household Possessions). You are required to sign the bill of lading.
It is your responsibility to read the bill of lading (front & back) before you sign it. If you do not agree with something on the bill of lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it indicates the service you have ordered.
The bill of lading requires the mover to provide the services you have requested and that you must pay the mover the charges for these services.
The bill of lading is an important document. Do not lose or misplace your copy. You should have it available until your shipment is delivered, all charges are paid and all claims, if any, are settled. Do not underestimate the importance of the bill of lading.

Should I Schedule A Back Up Day?
Actually, rather than schedule a back up day, it is best to reconfirm with the mover 48 hours in advance of your moving date.

How Will I Be Expected To Pay?
Discuss the method of payment before you move. Some companies will accept a credit card or personal check and others will only take a certified check. Payment depends on the terms of the bill of lading or your oral agreement. Be sure to review the bill of lading carefully.

Movers Responsibility For Loss And Damage
Many public movers offer to you, as the customer, a base rate called a declared rate, which is on file with the DPU. The base rate limits the mover's responsibility for your goods to $.60 per pound per article and is not to be construed as insurance. This means that if any article is damaged or lost, you are entitled to be reimbursed for the actual damage or loss not to exceed $.60 times the actual weight of the article (Example: 50 pound article-movers maximum liability is $30.00/$.60x50 pounds).
Most movers offer you the option of increasing your declared value above $.60 per pound per article. Check with your mover to see if this option is available.
If you will be moving items of special value, you should inquire about additional coverage for specific items. A mover's cargo insurance will not cover items of extraordinary value such as antiques or paintings. Separate moving and insurance arrangements may have to be made for these items. Ask the mover for a list of articles not covered by insurance.

How Long Do I Have To Report Damage?
The terms of the bill of lading may set specific limits. Read the bill of lading carefully before you sign it. If you have a damage claim, save the damaged items so the mover or adjuster will be able to make a proper judgment. It is in your best interest to report a claim promptly to the mover or adjuster and confirm it in writing.

What Should I Do If I Am Dissatisfied With Any Aspect Of The Move?
Your first step should be to contact the mover and explain the problem. Often, you will be able to resolve matters at this level with little difficulty. If you cannot resolve your issues with the mover, you should contact the DPU. The Department's Transportation Oversight Division is obligated to investigate written complaints.

-Information from the Massachusetts Department Of Public Utilities  http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/guidance-technical-assistance/agencies-and-divisions/dpu/dpu-divisions/transportation-division/moving-tips.html

 













































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