Have you reached that point in your life where it’s just time to move? Do you need to relocate for a new job? did you decide to live closer to your parents? Whatever the reasons are that you have to move, either way, you’re in for a certain amount of stress. While moving is a burden, you can alleviate some of the hardship by having your belongings covered by insurance. Having insurance during your move is not only a smart idea, but an absolute must. You never know if your mover will accidentally break your TV. Make sure for your next move you’re things are properly insured so your moving stress can immensely reduced. Here are the different types of insurances you can get for your upcoming move:

1. Full Value: This, like its name implies, will cover your entire shipment. This is the most comprehensive and expensive plan, but it puts more pressure on the movers to be careful with your things. Under this plan, if anything is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the movers can either offer to repair the item, reimburse you with cash, or replace it with a similar item. Some movers may limit their liability for expensive items (>$100), so make sure to ask them about their policy regarding this. The price for this protection plan varies and is subject to different deductible levels.
2. Released Value: This is the most affordable option, but it leaves you the most vulnerable. Under a released value plan, movers are only responsible for 60 cents per pound per article (intrastate moves may differ). So let’s say you packed your new iPod that weighs 5 ounces, if it breaks during transport, the mover is only liable to reimburse you approximately 20 cents. So you see that this type of insurance does not really do much in your benefit. The only plus side is that it comes at no additional cost to you. But be wary; if you do not say you want released value insurance, the mover will automatically give you full value.
4. Third-Party: If you choose released insurance, some movers may allow you to obtain third party insurance. This is an additional cost that must be purchased separately by you. With this coverage the mover will be liable for the 60 cents per pound per item. The additional losses can be recovered from the third party company that you purchased the insurance from. If this insurance is purchased through the mover, they are liable to present you with a written record of this purchase. If you use an outside company, check to make sure that your homeowner’s insurance doesn’t already cover you.

Keep in mind that there are some actions that may limit the mover’s liability of your things. These include:

• Packing hazardous or perishable items without informing the mover.
• Packing your own boxes.
• Choosing Released insured.
• Failure to notify the mover about expensive items (>$100).
• Language in your contract that relinquishes the mover from any liability.
• If you wait over 9 months to issue a written claim of your losses.

So now that you know your options, play it smart and always make sure that you’re covered from any accidental and purposeful damages. For more information, visit the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) article on this topic: Understanding Valuation and Insurance Options.

Vacation rental homes are a time honored tradition among American families, especially during the summer months when the kids are off from school and can enjoy themselves at the beach. Many vacation homes have weekly or even monthly rates, but a majority of these vacationing families rent the house for a month or more. While many of your personal belongings will be left behind, unattended for long periods of time and without any supervision, it is important to make arrangements for a neighbor or family member close by to act as a caretaker to ensure you come back to your home in the same condition as when you left. If you do not have anyone to do you this favor there are companies available, for a fee, that offer personalized home care services.

A great option to consider is self storage or even seasonal storage facilities where you can save money over a house sitting choice and store your most prized possessions in a secure, climate controlled environment that has full CCTV (closed circuit television) security systems and twenty-four hour watchmen patrolling the premises. Depending on the amount of storage space you need, this could range from $40.00 to $300.00 per month in fees.

There is never any contractual obligation or lease involved with renting a storage space; this is a month to month agreement with payment due usually at the beginning of the new month and notification of cancellation required 2 weeks prior to moving your stuff out. Upon renting your storage space, most facilities offer either a complimentary rental truck for do it yourself moves or they have relationships with several local moving companies that can help you by doing all the heavy work.

Storage options don’t have to be just relegated to the renters themselves, the owners of these vacation homes can benefit greatly as well from having reserve furniture, carpets, extra appliances and more in storage, near at hand for any emergency and readily available for seasonal changes.

Hi Linda,

I have recently used your company to move my furniture from Las Vegas, Nevada to Flemington, New Jersey.  I have had the pleasure of dealing with Karen Snyder, one of your agents, who has taken care of the move from the start.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell you what a pleasure it has been to work with her.  She is professional and courteous and I am sure she goes far beyond her job description to help people.  It is quite a stressful experience to move your belongings across the country and as you probably know, many things can go wrong.  Karen was right there to assist me with a small glitch and made sure that everything was taken care of quickly and efficiently.  Her follow-up is truly impressive.  I, too, am in the "client service" area and can appreciate a job well done.   I truly can not sing her praises enough!

In this day and age when there are so many people ready to complain, I thought it might make your day to know that you have a wonderful employee in Karen.  Every step of the way - from the quote - to the walk through - to the crating - to the actual move, I can honestly say went effortlessly.  She even provided her personal cell number over the weekend to ensure that my order would be completed before I had to fly back to  NJ.  Too little times are people acknowledged for the good things they do.  I know that Karen is probably paid according to your company policies but I can assure you she is not paid enough.   As far as I am concerned, she went above and beyond what she probably needed to do.

I hope this letter will be put in her file for future consideration when raises come due.  Because of her excellence in dealing with my entire move, I would recommend your company very highly to anyone I know who would be making such an extensive move.  Peace of mind is a wonderful thing!  This may sound silly, but she was so kind and I will miss talking to her when our business finally comes to a close.

Thank you for your attention,
Joan Bracchi

As you know, clutter can often make or break a sale! Let’s work together to educate your clients on the best ways to de-clutter a home. You’re the real estate expert and we’re the storage expert - so this e-mail, part of our e-mail series on working with movers, offers some “home de-cluttering” tips that you can modify or update, and then share with your clients.

 

3 Quick Ways to De-Clutter Your Home

 

1. Have a Garage Sale:

   Before putting your home on the market, think about having a garage sale. There are more advantages than just getting rid of items that are cluttering your home, you'll pocket some extra cash to off-set your moving costs and it will lighten your load on moving day, which could save you even more money!

2. Ask an Expert:

   Your real estate agent will help you by doing a walk-through of your home to identify any problem rooms or areas that need to be de-cluttered.

3. Use Storage Services:

   Want a surefire way to make a small room look larger? Storage could be your answer. Working with your real estate agent, you should determine which rooms would benefit from furniture storage. By eliminating large pieces, you will be able to open up your floor plan and make your house look noticeably larger!