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The Moving Process

Needs and Goals

Each move is different. Many factors add up to make move coordination complex: the intricate timing associated with home purchase and sale; the amount and type of furnishings to move; the number of pick-ups and drop-offs required; the physical conditions of the home and surrounding area; the total move distance; state and/or international borders.

Interstate vs Intrastate Moves

When a carrier moves goods across state borders they are subject to different regulations than apply to in-state moves. These differences can impact your cost.
Interstate Moves
An interstate move is a shipment moving between two states. Interstate moves are priced according to a tariff, total weight of all items to be shipped, and distance from the point of origin to your new home. Interstate moves are federally regulated under specific tariffs (published schedules of rules, rates, and charges for the transportation of goods). The tariff provides the schedule of rates and charges from which the van lines compute the total cost of the move. Our van line partners offer many advantages for you on the shipment of your household goods, among which are discounted rates on transportation and savings on insurance by providing free excess replacement value coverage for interstate moves.
Intrastate Moves
An intrastate move is a shipment moving within the borders of one state. Intrastate moves are state regulated and are generally priced according to an hourly rate filed with the state's regulatory body. The cost of an intrastate move will be determined by time and manpower required to accomplish the move. Discounting the hourly rate for an intrastate move is usually not allowed. Our van line partners offer competitive pricing on intrastate moves as well as attention and care for your belongings.

Items Movers Will Not Accept

Even at additional cost, movers will decline to handle certain items:
  • Watches, jewelry, precious metals, or stones
  • Articles of extraordinary value, such as rare collector's items
  • Coins, stamps, valuable papers, or legal tender of any kind
  • Articles of inherent or sentimental value, such as heirlooms
  • Livestock, pets, plants, and perishables
  • Weapons
  • Explosives, or dangerous items that could cause damage to the mover's equipment or your belongings, such as aerosols, gasoline, kerosene, paint, matches, and ammunition.

Non-Standard Services

The following services performed by the moving company are not standard and will incur additional cost:
  • Any additional stop between origin and destination
  • Sunday/holiday delivery, overtime labor, or exclusive use of the van
  • Packing/transporting any unusual items not normally found in a home
  • Storage
  • Shipment of firewood, and construction/building materials such as wood, cement, bricks, and stones
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Selecting A Carrier

Selecting the right mover is critical to a successful move, as not all carriers provide all the services you may want or require.

Our Van Line Partners

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Moving Services has partnered with several carefully selected moving services vendors based on their customer service, quality standards and competitive pricing. Please click here to receive a no cost or obligation moving quote from one of our partners.
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Preparation

Once you have determined your needs and selected a carrier, there are a number of important steps in preparing for a successful move.

Planning

Establish a plan for how you will manage the move and stick to it. A moving coordinator can be helpful in walking through a detailed plan and providing advice. We have also prepared a sample Moving Checklist to help you plan your move.

Scheduling

It is a good idea to confirm your scheduled dates with the van line three to four weeks before the move date. Pack, load, and move dates are important timelines to reconfirm throughout the moving process. You should provide the mover with a spread of delivery dates; the earliest date on which you will be available to the latest acceptable delivery date.

Sorting

Moving provides an excellent chance to throw away, or give away, the things you'll never use. You can give items to a friend or neighbor, plan a yard sale, or donate them to a worthwhile charity. Set aside those items that you will be taking to your new home personally, so the mover will not pack them in the van.
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Supervision

Although the movers do the heavy lifting (and potentially the packing and unpacking), supervision is required to ensure a complete and efficient move. Some of the important steps you will participate in during the move have been detailed here.

Confirm The Arrival

If your household goods shipment includes packing, you should call the mover the day before you are scheduled to move, in order to confirm the arrival time of the packers at your home, and to ensure that the mover has the correct address and contact information. The mover will also give you an estimated arrival time of your shipment.

Supervise The Packing

If your household goods shipment includes packing, you should be available to answer the packers' questions. This step ensures that items are appropriately grouped, and that boxes are marked for contents and placement within the new home.

Review And Sign All Inventory Forms

Before your goods are loaded, the driver will complete an inventory form by placing a numbered tag on each carton and piece of furniture. At the same time, a description of the item will be listed on the inventory form, including the details of any pre-existing damage. You will be asked to review and sign each page of the inventory, indicating that you agree with the notations and that it is a complete list of all the items to be moved. The driver will also sign the inventory and give you a copy. [Note: It is recommended that you do not sign blank inventory forms.]

Supervise Loading And Confirm Delivery

If possible, make certain that only the items listed on the inventory form are loaded onto the van, and that the driver's papers contain the correct delivery address, including a phone number where you can be reached during transit. Also, make sure that the delivery dates are the same as agreed upon with the moving company. Check the house to make sure nothing has been left behind.
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Completion

Once the van has arrived at your destination, there are a number of important steps in completing a successful move.

Supervise The Unloading

At your new home, the movers will place each box where you want it. Being available to answer their questions will minimize the chance that you will need to move boxes or heavy furniture between rooms or floors.

Check For Damaged Or Missing Items

Be sure to check the inventory for all items as they are brought into the house. High value and special items should be inspected in the presence of the movers. If something is missing or damaged, note the problem next to the item on the inventory and ask the driver to initial it. Check the condition of any boxes you don't plan to unpack. If any are damaged, unpack them and inspect the contents.

Review And Sign The Inventory

After everything is unloaded, the driver will ask you to review and sign the inventory indicating 'all items received in good condition except as noted'. The 'as noted' section is your proof of damaged or missing items.
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Listing data is derived in whole or in part from the Maine IDX & is for consumers' personal, noncommercial use only. Dimensions are approximate and not guaranteed. All data should be independently verified. © 2009 Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.