How to Choose a Mover

1. Move only with a legitimate licensed mover. It is in your best interest to use a licensed mover. In the event that something goes wrong, you will be able to contact the authorities. If you are moving within a state, make sure the mover that you are considering is licensed by that state’s Department of Transportation, Public Utilities Commission, or Bureau of Consumer Affairs.
2. Consider the advantage of using a local boutique moving company over an agent of a large van line. BestGuy Moving is proud of the personal warm service that we provide our clients. We have the advantage of being an elite small company located within your county, and can provide quick, flexible and economical service. Agents affiliated with one of the larger van lines such as Mayflower, United, North American, Allied, or Atlas are usually well-established and professional moving companies, but they will never be able to provide the personal tailored service that a local company can.
3. Make sure to compare apples to apples. When requesting quotes from multiple moving companies, make sure to provide all estimators with the same information. Also,remember that every small detail can impact the pricing of your move, so try to provide your moving consultant with as much information about your upcoming move as possible. Provide your moving consultant with a comprehensive list of items you want to move, items you would like to pack yourself, additional delivery or pickup addresses (if applicable,) access at the delivery address and other relevant information.
4. Have a representative of the moving company visit your home/office before providing an estimate. Many companies will try to sell their services over the phone without taking the important step of coming to see your shipment. A phone estimate can be accurate only for very small shipments (under 15 – 20 items. All other shipments MUST have an on-site estimate. At BestGuy Moving we recognize the importance of an accurate estimate for your budget planning. The owner of BestGuy Moving, who has vast experience in the moving industry, conducts most on site estimates.
5. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. This is what your moving consultant is there for. Make sure you understand every charge that is included in your estimate.
6. Don’t automatically assume that the lowest offer is the best one. All clients are shopping for the best price possible for their move. Make sure that there are no hidden charges that will accumulate to a total that is much larger than the estimated amount. It is recommended to demand an estimate from the mover that is guaranteed, either not to exceed the amount quoted or a flat price. BestGuy Moving local estimates are always binding.
7. Ask your mover if they carry the necessary insurance coverage. Ask about worker compensation, personal injury and general liability policies. If you have doubts, ask to see “proof of insurance” in the form of an “Insurance Certificate” issued by their insurance carrier.
8. Call references. Many moving companies place a long list of references on their websites and literature; these lists usually don’t have contact info. Ask your mover for e-mail addresses or phone numbers of real clients they recently moved. Do not hesitate to call and check about the customer service, the movers, the estimate vs. the actual move, etc.

 Local Moving

How are customers charged?

 When you move, your bill will typically reflect charges for labor, materials, trucks, insurance and travel time:

1. Labor: You will pay an hourly rate per each member of your moving team and for the number of trucks used. The rate is calculated from the time the crew arrives at your home until they finish at your new destination. It is very important to ask the moving company for a guaranteed number of hours / charges. Some movers will estimate a low number of labor hours but on the move day will charge the full number of hours. The difference can be significant.

2. Travel Time: Moving companies charge for the time it takes the crew to reach the starting point of the move and to return to their facility at the end of the move. The travel time that it takes the loaded truck to get to your new home is included within labor time.

3. Materials: This is the cost of boxes and other packing materials provided by the mover during the move. At BestGuy Moving we always include the packing materials that the movers are going to use in the estimate. Make sure that your movers DON’T charge you for the use of moving pads to wrap your furniture, packing papers, PVC tape and bubble – wrap. Most companies will charge extra for the use of boxes, it is advisable to check how much do they charge for the boxes prior to the move date.

4. Valuation Coverage/ Insurance: Basic coverage of $.60 per pound per item in NJ and $.30 in NY is offered at no charge, and additional coverage can be purchased from the moving company. (Please see valuation vs. insurance section.)

Forms of Payment

The standard form of payment is cash, cashier’s check, money order, traveler’s check or certified check.

Valuation and Insurance

Following are options available for valuation and additional valuation for household, commercial, interstate and intrastate moves:

Valuation

Standard moving valuation provides you with coverage of $.60 per pound per article in New Jersey. This means that should there be a loss or damage of/to any item(s), it will be valued at $.60 per pound ($.30 per pound for New York moves). This valuation is included in the hourly rate at no additional cost.

Depreciated Valuation

BestGuy Moving offers extended valuation coverage. Under this option, a damaged item is repaired or you will be paid for its depreciated value. It can be purchased for $5 for each $1,000 of the declared value. For example, repair or depreciate value for a shipment that is declared at $10,000 will cost $50, a $20,000 declared value coverage will cost $100 etc.

The declared value MUST represent the true value of the ENTIRE shipment. Declaring a value that is significantly lower then the true value might result in problems with the claim processing procedure.

Full Replacement

This plan provides for the full cost of repair or replacement of any item that may be damaged while in transit, up to the amount that you declare your household goods to be worth.

The cost is $12 per $ 1,000 with a minimum of $ 30,000 declared value and $300 deductible.

Remember – The amount of valuation or full replacement coverage should reflect the value of the entire shipmen

International Shipping

Definitions:

1. FCL (Full Container Load) – A container carrying your belongings exclusively. The net capacity of household goods in a 20 ft container is 1,000cf (cubic feet), in a 40ft container is up to 2000cf. There is also a 40 ft container High cube (the inside of the container is higher) that can hold 2400 cu ft.

2. LCL (Less than Container Load) – When your shipment does not fill a complete shipping container, the shipping company will group several shipments together and fit them in a large container. The shipments are well separated in the container and the paperwork / customs clearance is handled separately for each one.

3. Destination agent – The agent designated in the destination country to be available to assist or provide information to the customer regarding the shipment.

4. Custom clearance – Formal inspection procedures carried out before allowing a shipment into a country. BestGuy Moving takes care of all necessary paperwork and prepares all required documentation.

5. THC (Terminal Handling Charges) – a charge for handling services performed at terminals. The specific charge varies from country to country and is dependent on the shipment volume. The destination port usually carries additional charges and it is important to check what they are and what the charges will be.

6. Airfreight shipments are calculated by weight or by volume (the greater of the two). The formula commonly used for this calculation is cubic meter/6=kg.

How are customers charged?

1. International moves usually involve a full door-to-door service from your home in the United States to your new location abroad. The price of your international move is based on the size of your shipment, destination country and on the amount of packing that is required.

2. Packing and packing materials – there is a charge for both labor and materials. However, the full pack option includes all packing materials and labor.

3. Insurance – the insurance charge is not included in the initial estimate provided. The final charge is based on the value declared by the customer and is calculated as 2.5%  – 3.5% of the declared value, depending on which deductible you choose.

4. Destination delivery charges. The estimate includes the charges for “normal access”, which is a street that is wide enough for the container / truck to fit in and up to a certain number of outside stairs. If access is not normal, there will be additional charges.

5. THC – Terminal Handling Charges.

Insurance

Insurance is not required for overseas shipments. However, we strongly recommend that customers l purchase insurance prior to their move. Overseas insurance includes a full replacement option. The customer will be required to prepare an inventory list, declaring the value of each item that needs to be covered.

Forms of Payment

The standard forms of payment are cash, cashier’s check, money order, traveler’s checks or a certified check.

Documents Used During The Move

Probable Cost of Service

When you select a moving company, your moving consultant prepares a probable cost of service document (an estimate), which states the date and time of the move and all of the services included in your estimate including any special needs, ie, additional stops, storage. All your moving charges will be based on this document. It is important to have a clear yet short probable cost of service document (estimate).

Bill of Lading

The contract for your move is called the Bill of Lading. You will sign this on the day of your move or on the day the mover packs for you. You will also sign it when the move is completed. You will need to sign at the time the movers arrive and leave, which will be the basis for your hourly charges (plus travel time).

Inventory List

During your international move, long distance moves or move into storage, your moving foreman creates a detailed inventory list. The foreman carefully lists each item that is being moved and marks these items with a special ID sticker. When packing yourself, it is important to thoroughly mark each box and identify its contents clearly, so your foreman will be able to include closed boxes in the inventory list.

Moving Boxes and Supplies

BestGuy Moving offers a variety of high-quality packing materials for purchase that are specifically designed for moving your valuable possessions. Choosing the right professional moving cartons ensures the safe delivery of your household or commercial goods:

Dish Pack (or China Barrel): Extra-sturdy corrugated carton of double-wall construction for all breakables such as china and dishes, crystal and glassware. Size is L 18 – W 18 – H 27

Small Box (Book Carton): A small, easy to handle carton designed for heavy items such as books and records or CDs. Size is L16 7/8 – W 12 5/8 – H 12 5/8

Medium Box: Medium utility box often used for linens, cloths and light non-fragile miscellaneous items. Size is L 23 ¾ – W 18 – H 18.

Large Rectangular Box (Lamp): Used for floor lamps. Size is L 12 1/8 – W 11 7/8 – H 40.5.

Wardrobe Carton: This large carton has a hanger bar to accommodate clothes from your closet or draperies. Movers also use the wardrobe carton for large bulky items or for small non-fragile items that are left after everything else has been packed. Size is L 23 5/8 – W 20 5/8 – H 46.

Mirror Carton: Mirror cartons fit almost any picture, mirror or glass. Size is L 40 ¼  – W 4 1/8  – H 32 3/4

Mattress Carton or Plastic Cover: Available in king, queen, double, single (twin) and crib sizes; you’ll need one for every box spring and every mattress.

Bubble Wrap: Great for wrapping glassware, picture frames, mirrors, electronics and collectables.

Bubble Craft: Plastic bubble sheeting backed by craft paper—used to wrap furniture in storage and for overseas deliveries.

Moving Pads– Made from soft yet thick cloth to protect furniture from nicks and scratches.

PVC Tape: Heavy-duty tape ensures that boxes are properly secured.

Unprinted Newswrap – Newswrap fills voids while keeping your hands and your items clean (as opposed to printed newspaper!).

Home Stretch – Plastic stretch film to wrap and protect furniture and other items in order to keep them clean. Holds curtain rods, ski poles, keeps pots and pans with their covers and any hard to pack items that can be bundled.

Packing Tips

We usually recommend leaving the packing for the professionals, our movers.

Check the full pack option price, after deducting the cost of boxes, that you are going to need any how, you might find the price difference between full pack and no pack options not significant.

If you decide to pack your shipment yourself, plan on at least two to three weeks to pack and get ready for your move. BestGuy Moving offers the following packing suggestions:

Before you start packing, determine the items you want to throw away, give away or sell. Moving is a good time to get rid of items you no longer need. You will save money and have less to pack and unpack. Give yourself enough time to make these decisions.

Don’t just start packing before planning how you will pack. Pack items you seldom use first. Pack items of similar size and weight together. Don’t make any carton too heavy to easily lift.

Always use proper packing cartons and wrapping materials. Use professional packing tape, which is a wide, strong, clear or brown tape. Masking tape is not strong enough to support the weight of a fully packed carton. Tape all cartons closed on the top and bottom, don’t just fold the end flaps closed. Use crumpled, unprinted newspaper to pack items in boxes.

Indicate boxes holding essential items such as cooking utensils, bedding, linens and toiletries that need to be opened first by writing “open first” on the box and making sure these are the last boxes to be loaded onto the moving van.

Non-Allowable Before your possessions are packed and loaded, it is important that you understand which items cannot be shipped because they represent hazardous or are perishable items– Ammonia, Liquid bleach, Cleaning solvents, Gasoline, Paint thinner, Paints, Fireworks, Loaded Guns, Ammunition and other similar materials.

Frozen food, Refrigerated foods, Open or half used foods and Plants (on long distance moves).

Advise your moving consultant in advance of the move of any items that may require special handling. Please let your moving consultant know of big or bulky items that require disassembly, fragile items that require special packing or crating, or other items that may call for special attention.

Some items you will have to carry with you. Moving companies are not

responsible for bills, bullion, coins, currency, deeds, evidence of debts, money,

notes, securities, stamps, precious stones, jewelry or other similar valuables.

Make sure to take these with you.

BestGuy moving delivers your purchased boxes and supplies.  We offer

all packing material for very low prices. So, before you start digging garbage

out of cartons and collect empty boxes from the local deli check our prices.

You might that it is better to buy good, new and professional packing material

in a low price .

Certain possessions require specific care when packing. The following are some of the basic packing techniques used by packing professionals:

China
Wrap each item separately in unprinted newspaper, and use a thick, heavy-duty box such as the “dishpak”. Generally, china and glasses are being packed in layers. You should pad the bottom of the box with plenty of crumpled packing paper, and make sure to wrap each item separately. Then place large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter, more fragile items on the top. Remember to separate the layers with extra padding of crumbled packing paper. Things of a similar shape should be loaded vertically to utilize their own maximum structural strength. Fill in any voids and top off loaded cartons with wadded paper.

Don’t put too many items into one box, but try to pack as tightly and neatly as you can so that item’s will not shift during transit.

Stemware
First, wrap the stems for extra protection; then wrap each glass individually and place upside down in a china box.

Mirrors and glass-covered photos and artwork
Cross the glass with a series of masking tape “Xs” to help strengthen the glass, then wrap in bubble wrap or a generous cushion of clean paper and place in a flattened packing or telescoping carton.

Silverware
Place utensils in groups of three or four, wrap securely and place in silver chest or cushioned box.

Lamp Shades
Handle shades only by the wire frames; place in large boxes. Shades can be nested together in one box if separated by clean paper. Glass or mosaic shades should be packed in the same method used for china (see above).

Clothes
Clothes can be folded and boxed. For faster unpacking, you can obtain special wardrobe boxes from your mover, allowing you to neatly pack by leaving clothes on hangers, make sure to fasten all buttons so clothes don’t fall from hangers. Keep in mind that a wardrobe box is very tall so there is plenty of empty space left at the bottom of box. You can use this space for cushions, linens, and other non-fragile items that don’t seem to fit anywhere else.

Small appliances, computers and stereo equipment
If possible, pack small appliances, computers, stereo equipment, VCRs and DVD players in their original boxes. Otherwise, cushion appliances with crumpled packing paper. Tape down moving parts, such as stereo turntable tone arms. Please be advised that your moving crew is not allowed to connect or disconnect any appliances or electronics. BestGuy Moving will be happy to arrange this service with a third party provider for your convenience. Please ask your moving consultant for details.

Statuary and figurines
Wrap generously in bubble pack, wrap in a layer of clean paper and pack in boxes with plenty of crumpled paper or foam packing “peanuts” in between items. Objects with delicate appendages, such as candelabras or figurines with extended arms, should be wrapped with extra bubble pack and surrounded by extra packing material.

Record albums, tapes, CDs, DVDs
Stack these items on end so they can absorb shock with less chance of damage. Pack tightly so they’re secure and can’t shift. We recommend that you use small boxes (such as book boxes) because larger boxes of these items tend to be very heavy.

Antiques, delicate furniture
BestGuy Moving can supply specially made crates to secure and ship fragile items and antiques.

Unpacking

BestGuy Moving provides unpacking services for an extra charge. Our moving crews are expertly trained to unpack your belongings and place them in your new home, so all you have to do at the end of your move is walk through the door!

Our customary unpacking service includes the removal of moving pads from all furniture, the unwrapping of all electronics boxes and placement of all other boxes in the right rooms.

Labeling

Want to avoid the headache and confusion of trying to guess which box contains which items? Label your boxes like a pro and cut your unpacking time in half.

• Use a broad, felt-tipped marker.
• Clearly mark your name, the room where it belongs and contents on each box.
• Indicate “FRAGILE” on delicates; “THIS END UP” where appropriate.
• If available, include your bill of lading (or invoice) number on every box.

Things that you might forget to do:

• Ask the Internal Revenue Service for information about tax deductions on moving expenses.
• Contact your insurance agent to transfer property, fire, auto and medical insurance.
• When organizing dental and medical records, be sure to include prescriptions, eyeglasses and vaccinations.
• Wills, stock certificates, and other one-of-a-kind documents are difficult or impossible to replace. Plan to carry them with you instead of packing them.
• Animals can’t be moved in a moving van, and state laws can prohibit the moving of house plants out of state. If you’re not taking your pets or plants by car, make shipping arrangements. Make sure your pets have had necessary shots and that their tags are current. Consider giving plants to a friend or local charity.
• If you live in a large building, speak with your building’s management about their “moving out” policies; inquire about the elevator’s operating hours, and make sure to reserve the elevator for the day of your move. Some buildings require a certificate of insurance from the movers; remember to advise us of that.
• You’ll probably want to carry valuable jewelry with you. If you’ve hidden any valuables around the house, be sure to collect them all before leaving.
• While you’re sorting through your belongings, remember to return library books and anything else you’ve borrowed. Collect items you’ve loaned or have on lay-away.
• Drain all the oil and gasoline from your lawn mower and power tools to prevent fire in the moving van. See your owner’s manual for details. Drain the water from your hose. Wrap and tie it for moving day.
• Send change-of-address cards to national newspapers and magazines. Cancel delivery of local papers and settle your account.
• Thousands of people leave town without clearing their safety deposit boxes. Don’t be one of them. Call your bank to find out how to transfer your accounts.
• Arrange appliance disconnection and preparation. Please remember that the movers are not allowed to disconnect gas or electricity.
• Arrange to have the utilities at your old home disconnected the day after your scheduled Move-out Day. Since your utilities aren’t disconnected until the day after moving day, your bill won’t come until you reach your new home. Be ready to pay this and other outstanding bills.
• Call ahead to have utilities connected at the new home the day before Move-in Day, if possible.
• Your kids will probably want to help. We appreciate the thought, but if possible, it’s a good idea to get a babysitter to supervise children during the packing and loading.

Stay in your home until the last item has been packed. Make a final inspection to verify that all the items you want shipped were indeed picked up by the movers. Turn off any remaining utilities.