Full-Service Moving & Hauling

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. If you plan to do the packing yourself, start collecting suitable containers and packing materials. Summer is "PEAK" moving season. If you can be flexible about when you move, don't wait until the summer.

Also keep in mind that the first and last weeks of the month are extra busy for all movers.If you are being relocated at your companies request, find out what portion if your moving expenses will be paid by the company. If your company has a written moving policy, ask for a copy.

Unplug all electronic equipment such as television sets, home computers, stereos, etc., 24 hours in advance of a move so they will be at room temperature on moving day. Moving a TV set and other electron equipment in which heat is still retained could cause internal damage.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. Cars and motorcycles shipped on the moving van should be drained nearly empty of fuel. motorcycle batteries should be disconnected. Automobile antifreeze should be ample to protect against severe cold in winter.

Notify the post office that you will be moving, www.USPS.com. Provide them with a new address (permanent or temporary).Make arrangements to disconnect gas, electric and other utilities. Also, make arrangements to connect utilities at your new place.

Collect all keys to locking items. Put them in a safe place. Consider a sitter for children and pets on moving day. If you are short on time you could move everything from the attic to downstairs and everything from the backyard to the front.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. PRE-MOVE
When is the best time to move?
When should I begin contacting moving companies for estimates?
What happens when an estimator comes to my home?

PRICING AND PAPERWORK
What is a Binding estimate?
What is a Non-Binding estimate?
What is a "Not to Exceed" estimate?
What is an Order for Service?
What is a Bill of Lading?
What is an Inventory?

PACKING
Will the driver load all boxes that I packed?
What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
Are there any items I should not ship?

VALUATION OF COVERAGE
Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?

THE MOVE
How do I prepare my home for moving day?

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. Thorough planning is the key to an easy move. With so many decisions to make, and details to remember, a checklist will help you to get organized initially…and stay organized throughout your move. Experience tells us most moves take 8 to 10 weeks from start to finish, so start early. In fact, start your planning now. Today!

This chart is organized to spread your pre-move activities over eight weeks. Begin by writing your anticipated moving date at the top of this page and work down through the chart, dating each week appropriately.

8 Weeks before the move.
Week of: _________________
-Call for estimates from at least 3 professional movers.
-Draw a floor plan of your new home to figure where to place your furniture.
-Call the Chamber of Commerce in your new town for their “Residential Information Packet”.


6 Weeks before the move. Week of: _________________
- Inventory all possessions now. Decide what to move, sell, replace or donate to charity.
- Complete US Postal change of address forms, mail to media, stores, organizations.
- Obtain copies of all medical, dental, legal, accounting, and veterinarian records.
- Make arrangements for record transfers between schools on both ends of the move.
- Ask tax advisor to review your potential moving related tax deductions and potential tax liability.
- Itemize moving related costs with mover including packing, loading, special charges, valuation, etc.



4 Weeks before the move. Week of: _________________
- Repair, send out for re-upholstery, or clean furniture, drapes, carpeting as necessary.
- Advertise a garage/yard/tag sale to dispose of unneeded furniture, accessories, clothes, etc.
- If a professional mover is packing your goods, schedule packing day(s) 1 or 2 days before the move.
- If you move yourself, order adequate boxes, packing materials, tape now.
- Arrange for short-term or long-term storage if you will need it.
- Make travel arrangements for pets, including necessary medical records, immunizations, etc.



3 Weeks before the move. Week of: ________________
- Assemble sufficient supply of packing materials, equipment.
- Pack items you won’t use immediately or that will go into storage.
- Contact utilities on both ends of the move, order termination or turn-on for occupancy date
- Confirm final travel arrangements for family and pets.


2 Weeks before the move. Week of: ________________
- Prepare auto(s) for trip to new home. Check tires and have car(s) serviced before the move.
- Terminate newspaper and other delivery services.
- Conform new bank accounts by phone and FAX.
- Schedule an appliance service firm for moving day to prepare major appliance for the move.


1 Week before the move. Week of: ________________
- Gather important papers, records, valuables for protected shipment to new home or safe deposit box
- Notify friends and neighbors of new address, (and phone number if possible).
- Make plans for young children to be cared for on moving day.
- Fill any necessary prescriptions, medications needed for the next two weeks.



0 Day before the move…and moving day!!! Moving day: ______________
- Defrost refrigerator and freezer. Give away all food in both units.
- Plan simple meals for moving day (or take out food) to avoid using the refrigerator.
- Pick up cash for your trip and a certified check for the mover’s invoice.
- Pack items that you will need to take with you including valuables, financial records, and personal papers.
- Pack signed Bill of Lading and inventory where they can be easily reached at your destination.
- Carefully mark LAST BOX PACKED-FIRST BOX UNPACKED containing tools, shades, etc.
- Give the mover a telephone number and address where you can be reached in your new town.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. Country Wide Moving & Storage strives to provide the best services in the moving & storage industry by the most knowledgeable, professional and experienced personnel. Providing the best customer service possible is priority number one and creating long lasting, honest and solid relationships with all Country Wide customers defines who Country Wide will be as a business.

Country Wide Moving & Storage will value the customer relationships that we have built and know that our customer's success is the key to our own.