I'll cover more on interstate move, as this is definitely more complicated than within state move, still many factors remain same. Rotarix, rozerem, zileuton

 If you are moving for a transfer of job following points that you must consider before moving

  Terminology and how to deal with Movers

Rate : Usually basic charge is on weight, say for 1000 lbs. and each additional 100 lbs. at some rate. Weight range depends on size of company and size of truck. Big companies may not like to take 1000 lbs. so they start with 2500 lbs. While few may carry even 500 lbs. If you do not have lot of furniture items then you may want to check UPS as ground services for cheaper and reliable medium of transport. Only condition is that in that you can send only those that you can pack in boxes. If you can disassemble dining table and pack in boxes, fine. But then there is always restriction on irregular package size.

Storage : If you are not sure of your new address, you might want to store all your stuff in their warehouse. This is usually at city of origin. If it is a nationwide company then they may have storage facility at destination. There will be charge on month basis. Be careful to ask for Storage Handling fee. As some unscrupulous movers advertise FREE One month Storage but will charge $65 for storage handling fee!

Flight : You pay how high you live! Literally, they charge on stair case basis. May be up to $75 per flight.

Packing : Furniture needs to be packed in blankets. All wooden articles should have tight joints else disassemble and pack separately. All drawers and such parts should be taped before blanket wrapping. For all furniture items Movers can pack/disassemble and then unpack/assemble for you. This is charged or included in basic rate. Glass items must be packed first with bubble wrap and then stuff with lots of papers/foam globules in cardboard boxes. Crockery is best in its own corrugated box. Take extra care of appliances. They tend to outgrow in size than original boxes. Provide additional cushion on all delicate sides. Disassemble as much as you can. Remember, you'll have to assemble appliance on your own. I'm keeping vacuum cleaner in mind.

Insurance : It is mandatory for Movers to offer state required minimum coverage in most states which is included in rate. Usually this is with $250 deductible. Check rates for better coverage. This is trickier than auto insurance. Get maximum details on condition of coverage, claim procedure, deductible and list of nature of damage (scratch, chip, breakage etc.) Many movers classify your 1-year-old furniture as in worn condition, even though it looks new to you. When it comes to paying you for damages, value of your prized possession will be of Flea Market! So, be aware that most moving ends with some or other claims. And filing for claims takes more of your precious time then asking before hand.

Paperwork : Note down what you have in each box that you packed or Movers packed. The inventory list is the single most document that you can rely on. It should have item number (identification of each piece), what it looks like (box or bed frame or mattress or loose piece of furniture), condition (usually you have little authority to note that). When you get your stuff, this is what you will be referring to see you got all you loaded. Also condition at the time of unloading will be noted. The deliveryman from company will sign after you put remark on condition at delivery. This will be used to file for claim, if any. Equally important is your contract. That contains rate, list of all other charges, details of insurance coverage, promised date of delivery, money you paid and owed etc. Get everything that has date, serial number and company's name and PUC number printed. This is very important as all Moving (Transport) companies should be registered with state level PUC (Public Utility Commission) and DOT (Federal Dept. of Transportation). Such registration means you have somebody to cry before, if you have problems! Though, I wish you need not go to this typical government offices for complaints. It is waste of energy and time. So, better educate yourself and confront the tough guys.

Quote : you can ask for free quote that give rate of service. Say $1000 for first 1500 lbs., and each additional lb. 5 cents. A genuine quote should contain, "Not Over ___" figure. This is the maximum that will be charged for complete move. This can give you clear idea of what you'll be paying at the most. The professional movers will do this, after visiting your place, listing all items that you want to move. They can do approximation even on the basis of your lifestyle! Get a signed copy of estimate. This should have all extra charges or rate of additional services like packing, loading, storage etc. Book a mover with acceptance of estimation. This should have exact date and time of loading, services to be included/required. It is experienced that they say we do not have box for your king size mattress and so can not pack it. So, be specific and elaborate as what all you need to do by they come to load the truck and what they will have to do.

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