Know your Mover

CONSUMER’S RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN MOVING:

Under Texas law, anyone offering to perform a moving service for hire must be registered with TxDMV. To verify whether your mover is properly registered, check the status of the mover's motor carrier registration - or contact Texas DMV at (888) 369-4689

http://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/rights/rights.htm

MOVING TIPS: (from American Moving & Storage Association)

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 are 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

PACKING TIPS:

Contact EDC for your carton, paper and tape needs
Plan how you will pack. Pack items first that you know you will not need.
Start packing as soon as you find out that you’re moving. Waiting until the last minute could cause you some un-needed stress.
Never pack flammable items or non-allowable items (items such as liquids, perishables, etc).
List contents and room on the outside of the carton (use a large black marker).
Clearly mark “Fragile” on the outside of cartons.
Use clean newsprint paper. Old newspapers may work, but use them carefully because the ink may rub off onto your items. Clean “newsprint” paper is available from EDC.
Write “Open First” on cartons containing essential items such as cooking utensils, toiletries, etc.
Pack breakables and non-breakables separately.
Pack all cartons as tight as possible to prevent damage.

About Atlas

Know your Mover

CONSUMER’S RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES WHEN MOVING:

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU:

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF Motor Vehicles :

IMPORTANT INSURANCE FACTS:

OFFICIAL PORTAL OF TEXAS:

MOVING TERMINOLOGY:

MOVING TIPS: (from American Moving & Storage Association)

PACKING TIPS: