TECHNOLOGY TIPS – PROTECT YOUR MOVE
TECHNOLOGY TIPS – PROTECT YOUR MOVE
Congratulations! You’ve purchased a new home and are now getting all the details worked out so your move will go smoothly. You may have seen the signs locally at a bus stop or while riding the El. There is now a site that is here to assist anyone during their move. It’s called Protect Your Move and is backed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. As the individual moving you have rights and responsibilities. The site is designed to help you spot red flags that indicate possible fraud as well as providing a search function.
The site lists registered interstate movers for your convenience. If you are looking for a local mover our association in Illinois is Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association which also has its own site with steps for making your move easy.Here are several of the key tips provided on each site.
First do your research. Be sure to get at least three different estimates in writing first. Talk to your circle of friends and family about movers they’ve used in the past. In the state of Illinois discounts on residential moves are not allowed. The mover you hire should be licensed. Once again it’s state law for the mover to show their license number in all advertising (online and in print). Loss and damage protections are key to your successful move be protected. Finally if you plan to use storage the warehouse must have a separate license in the state of Illinois. Your storage contract should include the warehouse receipt with a detailed inventory of all your belongings the loss and damage protection the storage rate and the location of the warehouse.
Second use caution before signing an agreement. Research the moving company you are interested in using. It’s not just about Better Business Bureau rankings. You’ll also need to review the number of complaints logged against the company you are considering. The goal is to avoid getting scammed.
Finally be prepared for your move. There are many sites out there that offer checklists and suggestions for you. Here are some basics to get you started. Don’t overload the boxes. Unplug your electronics (computer TV etc.) 24 hours before you move to allow them to cool down. Do not pack any valuables to be put into the moving truck as the mover will not be responsible for them. Use your car to pack important things like medicine toiletries and any other necessities you may need at your new home.
Remember taking some time to do your research and prepare will save you a lot of potential stress in the future.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
