We've all heard the horror stories of items that didn't survive
the move, whether it was Great Grandmother's china, the crystal
vase that you saved for months to buy, the now-scratched armoire
... the list is endless.
You can argue that moving crews won't be as careful as owners
when it comes time to safely transport your possessions. But
in fairness, it's also true that in some cases owners have
not properly packed valued items.
That a box you pack yourself is one that your movers can't
see inside; nor do they know that the contents have been packed
according to their standards. That's why it's critical that
you understand the terms of your moving insurance coverage.
If you want to hire a company to individually wrap and pack
all of your valuables, they might be happy to accommodate you
-- in exchange, of course -- for a fee. If you're like the
vast majority of homeowners, however, you'll be packing your
own possessions -- or at least most of them, including your
precious valuables -- and so you'll have to assume responsibility
for their safe transport.
Depending upon your insurance coverage and the policies set
forth by your moving company, there are some items that you're
better off moving yourself. Take, for instance, your jewelry.
As you review your inventory with your moving company, you'll
probably be asked to fill out a separate document which asks
you for a list of your high value possessions.
The items on this list should receive additional coverage
in the event of loss, so make it your mission to ensure that
all of your "high-value" possessions are recorded.
Otherwise, they'll receive "standard" coverage, which
will be inadequate.
In any event, many would argue that you're better off moving
your jewelry and other priceless or irreplaceable items --
such as heirloom glassware, small antiques or valuable collections
-- by yourself, simply for the sake of peace of mind.
Is shipping with movers safer? That's anyone's guess. If you've
found a highly-recommended moving company with whom you're
comfortable, and you've decided to have the movers transport
your most valuable items, be sure to notify them -- both verbally
and in writing -- before packing begins so that your special
goods may be labeled accordingly and transported with additional
care. Get receipts in writing when goods are picked up. Also,
it makes sense to make a photo record of valued items.
You should provide this extra notification even though you
would have already completed a high-value inventory and reviewed
your bill of lading on which those items are listed. It never
hurts to repeat yourself for the sake of your valuables, just
in case you're working with a crew of several individuals,
some of whom may not have been adequately briefed.
Moving companies are required to give every customer a bill
of lading, something which serves both as your receipt and
your contract ensuring the safe transport of your possessions.
Make sure that you read it and fully understand its terms before
you sign . In addition to outlining your total charges, the
bill of lading also lists the estimated total value of your
transported possessions, and most important, the amount of
the mover's potential liability (depending on insurance coverage)
in the event your possessions are damaged or lost.
Is there anything that movers won't transport? In some cases
(depending upon the company, of course), movers will refuse
to transport house plants because they'll rarely survive the
stress of moving. The company will inevitably be faced with
a disgruntled customer whose dissatisfaction is rather unjustified
given that movers specialize in transporting large, heavy items
and personal possessions that have been carefully packaged.
Plants are out of their realm and should be.
Before you select a moving company, contact your local chapter
of the Better Business Bureau to find out if any complaints
have been issued against a given mover and how they have been
resolved.
|
