Nine Most Forgotten Items

With millions of families planning to move this year, odds are even the most organized may not remember every detail of a move -- or every item. Remembering the “out of sight, out of mind” objects increases your success in moving all of your belongings.

1. For the record -- Obtain copies of your and your family's medical records, including any dental and vaccine/immunization information, as well as any veterinary records for the family pet. In some cases, a notarized letter is required to receive official documentation; you may need to contact the American Medical Records Association to determine your new state's needs. You might also consider transferring current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.

Don't forget the grades -- Another record you'll want to be sure to have in hand is your child's permanent school record. School records are usually required when registering your child at his/her new school. Often, copies are not sufficient and require a raised seal

2. Buried treasure -- If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving. If you're assisting in the move of a elderly parent, remember to ask them if they've ever hidden anything valuable? When we moved my grandmother we found a diamond ring wrapped in a tissue, hidden underneath her mattress. It could have easily been mistaken as trash.


3. Taken to the cleaners -- Remember to collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (for example, dry cleaning, shoes, watches, etc.). Also, remember to return library books, movie rentals and anything else you may have checked out or borrowed from your neighbors.

4. What's your new address? -- Keep your new address handy in your wallet or purse. In the flurry of preparing for a move, you may forget your new address -- important information when forwarding periodicals, mail and credit card bills, as well as keeping in touch with old friends. Check out www.shutterfly.com to print creative we're moving notices. Also, visit retailmenot.com to receive discount codes for Shutterfly.

5. Spic and span -- Remember to leave out cleaning supplies for the final “once-over” before closing the door for good, or make arrangements in advance for a service to clean for you. To reduce the amount of things you take with you, if you are cleaning the home yourself, use up previously purchased cleaning products, and then discard the empty containers when you leave.

6. The opener -- Many people often forget to take the electric garage door opener out of their automobile or purse before leaving. Remember to leave the opener for the new residents.

7. Remember “Rover” -- In most cases, moving companies cannot transport animals or plants. Plan ahead and make arrangements for their safe transfer. You may want to check out www.petrelocation.com for tips and advice.

8. Bank on it – It's wise to open a checking account in your new town about a month prior to your move so that you have immediate access to your funds. It enables you to have a little cash on hand for unexpected expenses.

9. Keys to success – Remember the collection of spare house keys. Whether it means retrieving keys from neighbors or from under the rock next to the front door, don't forget to gather all sets before you depart.

Great How to Videos!

For the do-it-yourselfer, learn how to professionally load a portable storage container and properly pack your items to prevent damage during transit.

Getting Organized

1. Start early- Almost everyone has more stuff than they think they do, and almost no one leaves enough time to pack it.
2. Room Lists- Start by forming two room lists, one for your current place and one for your future place. This will help you manage what has to go where. Keep in mind your current and new floor plans. If they are different, preplan where you would like your items to go in your new home. Remember to label the boxes accordingly.
3. Room Inventory- Go to each room and write down the types of things that need to be packed: books, glass shelving, closets, etc.
4. Time Allotment- Make sure to leave enough time. The most common timeframe reported by people moving is that it takes a month to pack. One study reported that it takes 4-5 hours to pack an average living room, so that should give you an idea of what’s involved.
5. Calendar- Pull out a calendar and plan by day when each room will be completed.
6. Delegation- If you’re moving with family members, agree with them exactly while tasks they will be doing and the date they will be finished.
7. Track your progress- at least once per week track where you are against the date on the calendar. Revise your plan if you’re falling behind.

MOVING TIP: If you are one of those gifted people that have a “green thumb” and enjoy growing house plants, perhaps one of your toughest decisions to make when moving is what to do with your Flora friends? Options may include gifting plants away to friends or donating them to a nursing home, school or hospital.

If the thought of getting rid of your plants makes you sad, pre-planning is the key to keeping them with you. You’ll need to decide if you want to move the full plant or just cuttings to start anew; then – and here is the important thing – contact the U.S. Dept of Agriculture and see if you will need a permit to transport plants through or into certain states. Also, ask your mover of choice for transportion tips. They may have extra packing materials available to assist you in safely perparing your plants for transport.

A-Mrazek pinch hits for the Cardinals

http://www.ksdk.com/video/default.aspx?aid=123857&storyid=199285#/Cardinals+move+back+to+Busch+Stadium/75730460001

Top Ten Ways to Prepare for a Smooth Move

Great information from the American Moving and Storage Association. www.moving.org

1. Get three written in-home estimates. Be wary of phone or internet estimates. Show the mover everything that will be moved, including items in attics, basements, garages, storage areas, sheds, etc. Typically two of the estimates will be very close together in price, weight, and service. Select one of those two estimates. The other bid will be very high or low. Avoid that carrier.

2. Obtain and read the three “pre-move” required documents from your carrier. These documents include: Your Rights and Responsibilities and Ready to Move brochures, and information on the arbitration program that the carrier participates in. These documents are all required for every interstate shipment.

3. Avoid large down payments. Be wary of carriers seeking large down payments to hold dates or to reserve service.

4. Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask. The moving business is complex and has its own language. If you aren’t satisfied with the answers to your questions or if the carrier hesitates when you ask for clarification, talk to another carrier.

5. Plan an Off-Peak Season Move (when possible). June to September is the high season. If you can avoid moving during those months, you will likely receive better service. If you must move during the high season, move mid-month, mid-week, and avoid the end of the month.

6. Be Reachable by Phone. Make sure the carrier is able to reach you by phone during your move. This can save time and storage costs if the driver is ready to deliver and you ready to receive the shipment. Be sure to have the driver’s full name, id and truck number to allow for fast and easy communication.

7. Take Valuables with You. Valuables, such as cash, coins, jewelry, photographs,and important papers should be taken with you or sent ahead. Be sure to use a traceable service, such as FedEx and United Parcel Service.

8. Segregate Personal Travel Items. The items traveling with you, such as clothes and papers, should be put in one place or in the vehicle you are taking with you. Avoid having those items loaded on the truck and having to find them later.

9. Try to Relax. No matter how prepared you are things occasionally go wrong. Moving is one of the most stressful times in your life. Take a deep breath, be patient, and get a good night’s sleep before moving day.

10. Use an AMSA ProMover. Make sure your mover is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association. Visit AMSA’s consumer website: www.moving.org and also visit the Department of Transportation’s web site: www.protectyourmove.gov

Moving Terminology

Moving Terminology

Accessorial (Additional) Services - services such as packing, unpacking, or shuttle service that you request to be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation charges.

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.

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 it 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.

Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service - an additional level of service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the mover providing 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. These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure that they are protected accordingly.

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

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

Order for Service - the document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.

Pickup and Delivery Charges - separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the 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 linehaul equipment (large moving vans).

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. Added charges for SIT service and final delivery charges from the warehouse will apply.

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