Selection of a qualified mover is a "must" for a good move. A few suggestions that may help are (1) choose an experienced moving firm, with an established reputation for good service and reliability, (2) ask the advice of a friend or neighbor who has moved recently, and (3) arrange an appointment with the representative of a responsible moving firm to determine whether he will provide the services you need. Remember, you will be entrusting him with your valuable personal possessions...so, disregard flamboyant directory advertising "pitches" and select your mover carefully. We hope that you will consider Sourdough Express and our concept of " Total Service and Satisfaction."
What about Costs
Charges for transportations are determined by the actual weight of your shipment and the mileages. The van is weighed before loading your household goods on truck scales...then weighed again after loading. The difference is the actual weight of your shipment. The official mileage is determined from a published standard mileage guide.
A representative from Sourdough will be pleased to perform a moving consultation, without obligation, to inform you about our services and average transit schedules. Show him everything you intend to move whether it's in the basement, attic or garage. He must see everything to give you an accurate estimate for your relocation.
How to Save Money
The best way, of course, is to avoid moving anything you don't really need. It is expensive to move that heavy refrigerator you're about to replace. Why move those bricks you've been saving for a bar-b-que you hope to build some day? Dispose of old, broken tools, toys and lawn furniture. Donate old clothing, as well as other items you really no longer need, to your favorite charity. If you are doing your own packing, use cartons, avoid use of heavy trunks and wooden boxes. Use wardrobes only for the clothing you need on arrival at you new home. Pack off-season clothing in cartons, tightly and snugly. Books can be shipped via parcel post, usually at considerable savings. Sourdough Express will gladly assist you with suggestions for other economies, based on his inspection of your household.
Should the Mover Pack?
This is for you to decide. A professional packing service is the best way to protect your fragile and delicate items. When Sourdough packs, your home remains intact until shortly before moving day, thus avoiding upset, unrest and turmoil...and leaving you more time to spend with friends before your departure. Professional packers usually complete their services in a day or less. Unpacking of mover -packed items may be performed at the time of delivery. Some customers prefer to perform their own unpacking, at their convenience. All unpacking should be completed as soon as possible, and any loss or damage reported to the mover promptly.
If You Pack
Before moving day, pack all breakable items or items which might be misplaced. Use clean, sturdy cartons with lids and pack the contents to prevent shifting, rubbing and possible breakage. When a carton has been packed, close the lid and secure with tape. Be sure to label each carton to indicate contents and the room into which it is to be moved.
When packing fragile items such as glassware, chinaware, crockery, vases, etc., be sure to use extra strong cartons. It is safer to avoid use of large cartons. Cartons with dividers are best. Wrap each item carefully, and use extra packing material inside the carton to prevent shifting. Mark each carton "FRAGILE."
We do not recommend packing any liquids, flammables. Most customers carry these irreplaceable items with them or ship them by mail: i.e. jewelry, coin collections cash, important documents, stamp collections, securities.
Clothing, draperies, linens towels, etc., may be packed into dressers and chests. Do not overload drawers, as damage to the furniture might occur. These items may also be packed into luggage.
Books should be packed back-to-back on edge in a small carton and spaced with paper to prevent rubbing.
Mirrors, marble or glass table tops, articles of unusual value, fragile antiques, and items of odd size and shape might have to be separately packed or crated to protect them from damage. Sourdough express will inform you when articles require such protection.
When The Movers Arrive
It is important that you or your representative be present to guide and direct the movers.
Accompany them through the house as they plan the loading sequence of your move. If there are any items, which you will need first upon arrival of your shipment, arrange with the driver for special handling.
To avoid accidents, keep children and pets away from the actual moving operations.
When the loading has been completed, go through the house once more with the movers to be certain nothing has been overlooked. It's your responsibility to see to it that all of the items you intended to move are actually removed from your home.
Some Papers to Sign
There are many papers to sign when moving. Two important ones are the Bill of Lading and the Descriptive Inventory.
Bill of Lading
A Bill of Lading is a contract between you and the moving company spelling out the terms of the move and the valuation you wish to place upon your shipment. Read it carefully before signing.
A reputable moving firm wants you to know and understand what you are signing. If anything is not clear, request an explanation.
Household Goods Descriptive Inventory
Moving companies prepare an inventory on interstate moves showing every item received for loading and it's condition at the time of moving. Abbreviated notations as to condition the time of moving. Abbreviated notations as to condition of individual items will be listed on the inventory. Your signature is required prior to departure.
What about Delivery
Unless the household goods of one shipper occupy an entire van, or unless the sipper aggress to pay for "exclusive use" of the entire van, each van load will contain the belongings of several shippers who are moving in the same general direction.
Usually each of these shippers prefers delivery within a certain period of time. Frequently the requirements of individual shippers aboard the same van conflict with each other. The moving company is required to specify on the Bill of lading the period of time within which delivery can be expected. Be sure the moving company has your new address or some contact number for you.
How to Pay and When
Unless advance credit arrangements have been made with the mover, you will be required to pay charges at origin prior to shipment leaving. Under some circumstances you will have to pay at destination, prior to delivery to your new home. Tariff rules require that payment be made only in cash, money order, cashier's check or traveler's checks. The driver is not authorized to accept your personal check.
If Damage Occurs
Most movers are claim free. When delivery has been completed, a "post delivery check" with the crew leader is recommended. If you discover damage or loss, the individual item, which has been damaged or lost, should be identified on the inventory, which you sign. Do not hesitate to contact Sourdough Express for assistance in case you have a claim.
