Moving Appliances
Moving appliances — especially large ones — requires expertise and physical strength. If you are using a professional mover, trained personnel will be provided to ensure that your appliances are safely loaded, transported, and unloaded. The moving company may also arrange for any servicing that cannot be done by the moving-company personnel. The moving company will not repair appliances; remove or install air conditioners; remove or install TV or radio antennas; or provide wiring, plumbing, electrical, or carpentry services.
- Be sure to check the servicing needs of your appliances and equipment before your move.
- Note the manufacturer's name and model number of each:
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Microwave
- Range (gas or electric)
- Washer
- Dryer
- Portable dishwasher
- Window air conditioner(s)
- Clean and dry your appliances thoroughly, especially if you anticipate storing them. Your refrigerator and freezer must be empty when moved, since there is no way to ensure that your freezer's temperature will remain at a safe level during the move.
Moving Your Autos
- Your automobiles can be shipped on the van along with your household goods or via a third-party car carrier
- Before shipping, be sure that the gas tanks are no more than one-quarter full
- Don't use your autos as containers for personal belongings, since those items won't be covered by insurance nor will the mover be responsible for them
- Vehicles can be insured up to "blue-book" value
- If you notice physical damage to your autos caused by shipping, you must note the damage on the inventory sheet upon delivery in order to be eligible for insurance coverage
- Repairs of all shipping damage should not be made until you receive approval
- Be sure the driver completes a condition report before the move that shows the pre-existing condition of the car
Items NOT to Ship
There are several items that cannot and others that should not be included in your household shipment.
- Explosives, handguns, and ammunition
- Aerosol cans, gasoline, oil, oil-based items, chemicals, and insecticides
- Fine jewelry and irreplaceable items, such as heirlooms and antiques
- Currency, stamp, coin, and card collections
- Stock certificates and credit cards
- Perishable foods and live plants
- Compact discs and tapes
- Bonds, wills, and deeds
- Photos that are irreplaceable
Moving Pets
If you have dogs, cats or other pets, you will have to decide among several choices: You can transport them yourself in an automobile, put them in carriers and ship them on an airplane, or arrange for their delivery through a pet carrier service.
There are several things to consider when deciding how to best get your pet(s) safely to your new home.
- The length of the trip
- Your pet's age
- Your pet's temperament (road trips thrill some pets and terrify others)
Some states have laws concerning the entry of dogs, cats and other animals from outside its borders. To avoid potential fines and other complications, we suggest you contact the State Veterinarian, Animal Health Division, or other appropriate officials in the capital city of your new location before you move.
Moving Special Items
- If possible, your personal computers should be packed in their original boxes by the movers; if original cartons are unavailable, use a large, sturdy box and cushion all components with plastic bubble pack or Styrofoam peanuts
- Don't ship diskettes on the moving van, since they are sensitive to extreme temperatures that can build up quickly inside the van — send them via insured mail or some other safe means
- Pianos and organs should be prepared for the move by a piano/organ technician — organ motors should be secured; pianos have parts that should be secured or removed entirely and packed
- There are both national and individual state laws governing the transport of houseplants — not all moving companies will accept them as part of a household shipment
