Joe's Moving & Storage

The key to a smooth move is organization. Based on our years of experience, we have combined a series of helpful hints and useful suggestions to assist you in organizing and planning your next move.

Please use the links below for helpful moving tips:

Checklist For A Smooth Move

Packing Tips For A Successful Move

Glossary Of Moving Terms

Items of extraordinary value

5 Weeks Before "Move-Out Day" Back To Menu

Take an objective look at what you own, and decide what must go and what can be left behind. Books you've read and will never read again? The pan with the broken handle or the children's long-neglected games? Remember –extra weight equal more money.
Sit down and start organizing your move. Make a list with three columns: items to leave behind, items for Joe's Moving to move, and items you'll move by
yourself.
For each item you aren't going to take with you, decide whether you'll sell it, give it away to charity, or otherwise dispose of it before your move.
Get your mail moving. Your post office will have change-of-address cards to help you with this task.

4 Weeks Before "Move-Out Day" Back To Menu

Start including your children in the move planning. Make it exciting and fun by having your kids do some of their own packing, and let them suggest layouts for their new room. Ask us for a "My Move" kit for children.
Start collecting suitable containers and packing materials if you plan to do any part of the packing yourself. You can obtain these materials for a reasonable fee from your Paul Arpin agent.
Ask us for a helpful "Do-It-Yourself Packing Guide."
It's a good idea to let us do most of the packing. That's what we do for a living, so we know the proven methods for keeping items safe.

3 Weeks Before "Move-Out Day" Back To Menu

Talk to your Moving company and decide how much packing you will handle by yourself, if any. Leave the big items for us. Because our packers are specially trained professionals, it's a good idea to let us do everything we can to ensure the safety of your possessions.
Make sure to notify the Moving company if you add items to, or subtract items from, your planned household goods shipment or if there are any changes in the dates of your move.
If you have young children, arrange for a baby-sitter
to watch them on moving day. Since you'll be concentrating your efforts on the move, a sitter can keep your children occupied and make sure they remain safe during the busy loading process.
You will need to carry valuable jewelry with you. If you've hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them before leaving.
Some state laws prohibit the moving of house plants. Consider giving your plants to a friend or local charity.
While you are sorting through your belongings, remember to return library books and anything else you have borrowed. Also remember to collect all items that are being cleaned, stored or repaired (clothing, shoes, furs, watches, etc.).
Since you will want to have your utilities (electric, gas, phone, etc.) still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected from your present home after your scheduled move-out.
Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home the day before or the day of your scheduled move-in.

2 Weeks Before "Move-Out Day" Back To Menu

Make final packing decisions. Start preparing for the move of those items you don't use often.
Clean and clear your home including closets, basements and attics.
Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, paint, ammunition and poisons such as weed killer.
Plan meals that will use up the food in your freezer.
Have your automobile serviced if you're traveling by car.
Transfer all current prescriptions to a drugstore in your new town.

Thousands of people leave town without clearing their safety deposit boxes. Don't be one of them. Call your bank to find out how to transfer your bank accounts, as well.
Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to ensure safe transportation. Refer to your owner's manual for specific instructions.

1 Week Before "Move-Out Day" Back To Menu

This is your week to tie up loose ends. Check back through the Move Planner to make sure you haven't overlooked anything.
Since you will want to have your utilities (electric, gas, phone, etc.) still connected on moving day, arrange to have them disconnected from your present home after your scheduled move-out.
Call ahead to have utilities connected at your new home the day before or the day of your scheduled move-in.
Take the "Do Not Load" stickers from the back of the Move Planner and place them on all the things you want to take with you. Then, since the last items loaded are the first ones unloaded, put the "Load Last" stickers on things that you will need to use as soon as you get to your new home. The "Fragile" stickers should be placed on items that need special care.
Pack your suitcases and confirm your personal travel arrangements (flights, hotel, rental cars, etc.) for your family. Try to keep your plans as flexible as possible in the event of an unexpected schedule change or delay.
Make sure your agent knows the address and phone number where you can be reached until you get into your new home.
Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator and freezer, and clean your stove, all at least 24 hours before moving to let them air out. Try using baking
soda to get rid of any odors.
Prepare a "Trip Kit" for moving day. This kit should contain the things you'll need while your belongings are in transit.

"Move-Out Day" Back To Menu

Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a "Load Last" box.
Make sure to be on hand when the movers arrive. It's important that an adult be authorized to take your place if you are unable to be present at any time while the movers are there. Let the agent know to whom you have given this authority. Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do, and which valuation program and amount you have selected. Remember - this person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to charges.
Confirm the delivery date and time at your new address. Write directions to your new home for the van operator, provide the new phone number, and include phone numbers where you can be reached in transit.
When the van operator arrives, review all details and paperwork. Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the inventory.
It is your responsibility to see that all of your goods are loaded, so remain on the premises until loading is completed.
Since you'll probably want to clean before the furniture is unloaded off the truck, make sure your vacuum is packed last, so it can be unloaded first.
Stay in your home until the last item is packed. Make a final inspection before you sign any paperwork (Inventory, Bill of Lading, etc.).

"Move-In Day" Back To Menu

The van operator will contact you or the destination agent 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time. This allows time to locate you and arrange for unloading. If for some reason you cannot be reached, it is then your responsibility to contact the destination agent.
Be sure you're there when the movers arrive. Plan to stay around while they unload in case they have any questions. If you cannot be there personally, be sure to authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the destination agent of your chosen representative's name. Your representative will be asked to note any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any items missing at the time of delivery.
Have payment on hand for your moving charges. Unless other billing arrangements were made in advance, payment is required upon delivery in cash, traveler's checks, money order or cashier's check. Personal checks are not accepted.
Check to make sure the utilities have been connected, and follow up on any delays.
Make sure your phone is connected. Ideally, you should have the phone company hook it up the day before "Move-In Day."
Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room to help keep them from running away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.
It's a good idea to review your floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture and appliances. Plan to be available to direct them as they unload.
To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

Packing Tips For A Successful Move Back To Menu

More than 40 million Americans will be "packing it up and taking it on the road" as they move to new homes this year. With fragile keepsakes and valuable household goods to keep in mind, proper packing techniques become essential. If you decide to pack your shipment yourself, plan on at least six weeks to pack and get ready for your move. Below are some suggestions:

Before you start packing, determine the items you want to throw away, give away or sell. Moving is a good time to get rid of items you no longer need. You will save money and have less to pack and unpack. Give yourself enough time to make these decisions.
Don't just start packing - plan how you will pack. Pack items you seldom use first. Pack items of similar size and weight together. Don't make any carton too heavy to easily lift.
Always use proper packing cartons and wrapping materials. Use professional packing tape, which is a wide, strong, clear or brown tape. Masking tape is not strong enough to support the weight of a fully packed carton. Tape all cartons closed on the top and bottom - don't just fold the end flaps closed. Use crumpled, unprinted newspaper to pack items in boxes.
Label the contents on the outside of all boxes, along with the rooms to which they should be delivered in your new home. When packing fragile items, clearly mark "fragile" on the outside of the box, with arrows on the sides to indicate the correct upright position.

Indicate boxes holding essential items such as cooking utensils, bedding, linens and toiletries that need to be opened first by writing "open first" on the box and making sure these are the last boxes to be loaded onto the moving van.

Certain possessions require specific care when packing. The following are some of the basic packing techniques used by Paul Arpin packing professionals:

China Back To Menu

China

Wrap each item separately in unprinted newspaper, and use a specially partitioned box such as the "dishpak".

Stemware

First, wrap the stems for extra protection; then wrap each glass individually and place upside down in a partitioned box.

Mirrors and glass-covered photos and artwork

Cross the glass with a series of masking tape "Xs" to help strengthen the glass, then wrap in a generous cushion of clean paper, and place in a flattened packing or telescoping carton.

Silverware

Nest utensils in groups of three or four, wrap securely and place in silver chest or cushioned box.

Lamp shades

Handle shades only by the wire frames; place in large boxes. Shades can be nested together in one box if separated by clean paper.

Clothes

Clothes can be folded and boxed. For faster unpacking, you can obtain special wardrobe boxes from your mover, allowing you to neatly pack by leaving clothes on hangers.

Small appliances, computers, stereo equipment

If possible, pack small appliances, computers, stereo equipment and VCRs in their original boxes. Otherwise, cushion appliances with crumpled packing paper. Tape down moving parts, such as stereo turntable tone arms.

Glass jars and bottles

Pack with bubble wrap or several layers of paper. Secure stoppers or lids with masking tape to the top of the jar or bottle. Don't move flammable items.

Statuary, figurines, curios

Wrap generously in bubble pack, wrap in a layer of clean paper and pack in boxes with plenty of crumpled paper or foam packing "peanuts" in between items. Objects with delicate appendages, such as candelabras or figurines with extended arms, should be wrapped with extra bubble pack and surrounded by extra packing material.

Record albums, tapes, CDs

Stack these items on end so they can absorb shock with less chance of damage. Pack tightly so they're secure and can't shift.

Antiques, delicate furniture

Movers can supply specially made crates to secure and ship fragile items and antiques.

Glossary Of Moving Terms Back To Menu

While most people do not move often enough to become familiar with the language of moving, knowing a few basic terms will make it easier to work with your moving company to set up a move that is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Here are a few terms that will help you to better work with your mover:

Accessorial services include services other than the transportation of the customers goods. Services including packing, unpacking and extra pickup are performed by the carrier at the customer's request. Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation costs.

An agent is an affiliated moving company authorized to act on behalf of the van line. The agent may handle the booking, origin, hauling and or destination services.

Auxiliary service (shuttle) is used if the assigned over-the-road van is unable to make a normal pickup or delivery because of physical constraints (extremely narrow road, inadequate parking area for the truck, weak bridge, etc.). An auxiliary service is the use of a secondary, smaller vehicle to complete the pickup or delivery. Charges for this service are based on the weight of the shipment and the area of the country where the service is performed.

The Bill of Lading is the customer's receipt for goods and contract for transportation. The customer's signature acknowledges that the household goods can be loaded on the van and "released to the carrier."

The booking agent accepts the order for the customer's move and registers it with the van line. The booking agent may or may not be the origin or destination agent.

Bulky articles include such items as boats, snowmobiles, golf carts and campers. These "bulky" items usually carry an extra charge to compensate the hauler for the difficulty of loading and unloading, as well as for their unusual bulk or low-weight density.

The carrier is the moving company providing transportation for the household goods under whose Department of Transportation registration the shipment is moved.

A claim is a statement of loss or damage to any household goods while in the care, custody or control of the carrier or its affiliated agent.

C. O. D. (cash on delivery) shipments are those where the customer pays the moving charges at the time of delivery. For C. O. D. shipments, payment is required in cash or by traveler's check, money order or cashier's check. If a credit card is used, it must be arranged with the booking agent because authorization is required prior to loading.

The consignee is the person to whom the shipment is to be delivered.

The customer is the person whose household goods are being moved.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the federal agency which, through the Surface Transportation Board within the DOT, governs the interstate transportation industry, including movers of household goods.

The destination agent is the agent designated in the destination area to be available to assist or provide information to the customer or the van operator regarding the shipment.

An estimate is an approximation of the probable cost of the move based on factors such as the van space required, the weight of the household goods and the origin and destination of the shipment. The two basic types of estimates are binding and non-binding.

With a binding estimate, the customer knows in advance what the move will cost, excluding required destination services, regardless of variances in the actual weight (as long as the inventory of the items actually moved is the same as the estimate inventory and additional services are not requested.)
A non-binding estimate is based on an inventory of the customer's household goods and provides the customer with a pricing guideline. There is no contractual commitment to this estimate, and the final charges the customer must pay could be higher or lower than the estimated costs, depending on the actual weight of the shipment, the actual services provided and the origin and destination of the shipment.

Gross weight is that of the van and its contents after goods are loaded.

A high-value inventory is used for items of "extraordinary value" such as antiques, coin collections and jewelry included in the shipment. Items worth more than $100 per pound per article are considered articles of extraordinary value.

The inventory is a detailed list of the items in the shipment and their condition before the van is loaded. The van operator will present the inventory to the customer after the van is loaded and again when the shipment reaches the customer's new home. The customer's signature on the inventory acknowledges that the goods have been delivered in the same condition as received by the mover for transportation.

Net weight is the gross weight minus the tare weight.

Non-Allowables are items that should not be included in the household goods shipment, including hazardous materials such as poisons, corrosives and flammables. Unless special arrangements are made, perishables such as refrigerated and frozen foods are not allowed. All non-allowables are prohibited by law.

The Order for Service is a document authorizing the moving company to transport the customer's household goods.

An order number is used to identify the customer's shipment and appears on the upper right corner of the Order for Service and the Bill of Lading. This number should be used whenever the carrier is contacted.

An origin agent is the agent designated in the origin area to be available for preliminary readying of the shipment before movement or to provide information regarding the customer's move.

Origin and Destination Service Charge is a hundredweight rate that applies based on the weight of the shipment and the location where the shipment is picked up and delivered; compensates the carrier for basic handling and servicing of the shipment.

Overflow happens when articles to be shipped are left behind due to insufficient space on the primary van. A second van is then utilized for transportation and delivery.

PBO (packed by owner) occurs when articles are packed by the customer for moving.

Storage-in-transit is the temporary storage of the customer's household goods in the warehouse of the carrier's agent, pending further transportation at a later date.

A survey is performed by an agent to examine the customer's goods in order to develop an estimate of move charges.

Tare weight is that of the van and its contents before the customer's goods are loaded.

A tariff is the carrier's provisions, including rates, for services performed, applicable to the customer's move.

Third-party services are performed by someone other than the carrier at the customer's request or required by federal, state or local law (e.g., appliance servicing).

Unpacking includes removing the customer's goods from containers and placing them on a flat surface, as well as the disposal of such containers and packing materials. If ordered, unpacking service must be performed at the time of delivery unless requested otherwise.

Valuation is NOT insurance. It is a tariff based coverage for a customer's household goods while they are in the care, custody and control of the carrier.

Items of extraordinary value are defined as those items having a value greater than $100 per pound per article.
Some of the items typically considered in this category are:
Antiques
Oriental Rugs
Art Collections
Crystal
Figurines
Video Cameras
Television or Stereo
Silver/Silverware

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