March 23, 2011 by MSI
As we prepare for the busiest time of the year
for relocation and moving, following are a few tips to help your relocating
transferees prepare for what, according to some, is considered to be one of the
most stressful events in their lives, moving.
- Hire a professional mover. Whether your company
provides for transportation services or you receive a ‘lump sum’ if you have
any household items that you value, it’s wise to hire a professional. And,
don’t make your selection on price alone. Do your research and ask around and,
if you are on your own and without the services of a relocation management
company, choose wisely and based on experience. Also, remember that the movers
must do the packing to have the items covered by insurance, so don’t pack in
advance.
- Organize prior to moving day. Everyone has at
least a little bit of clutter and the more space we have, typically the more
‘stuff’ we accumulate. As soon as possible after learning about your move, it’s
best to begin to sort items and clear out anything you know that you will not
be moving. This will alleviate a lot of stress immediately prior to your move and
on packing day.
- Research what you can and cannot move. Work
with your relocation management company and/or moving company to make sure you
identify any specific items that you cannot move, like cleaning products, propane
tanks, etc.
- Make sure that you have adequate insurance.
Speak with your moving company and ensure that you have the appropriate amount
of insurance to protect your household goods including your valuables. Ask
specifically what is and is not covered so that you may either make other
arrangements for those items or plan on personally transporting them to your new
destination.
- Make arrangements for young children. Moving is
stressful and often ‘action packed’ and, as such, it will require your full
attention. It’s best, if possible, to make childcare arrangements for any small
children and have them out of the home during the pack, load and delivery days.
- Identify a ‘first off’ box with any necessity
items such as paper products, cleaning items etc. so that when the truck
arrives at your new home, you have access to those items immediately and don’t
have to search for them.
- Separate items for travel or temporary
accommodations. Set aside all of your critical items for travel and/or
temporary housing and, if you have a drop-off by the movers at a temporary
location, make sure that items are labeled as such so they do not get mixed in
with your primary move items.
- Be present for the move. Don’t schedule lunches
or plan on running errands during your pack, load and delivery days. Leave the
time completely open so that you may work with the team to expedite the process
and keep everything well organized. Support the team as they pack and begin to
inventory items so that you know exactly what is going on and you understand
the process, as this will help you as your items are delivered. It’s also critical
for insurance should any items be missing upon delivery.
- Watch your property. While professional movers
will surely lay down protection in your home, damage may occur. It’s critical
to make note of this immediately as most companies have a 30 day notification
policy for any property damage that may occur whether at origin or destination.
- Be patient. Moving is a stressful process and
one which many of us wish we never had to experience, but if you remain
patient, work with your team and take advantage of professional resources, you
are sure to have a much less stressful experience and be settled in your new
home more quickly.
a330a7f5-026e-4e1c-ba92-db23c3e7f838|1|5.0
