Mary Bridges, CTS Relocation Coordinator

Moving is always an adventure, and with a little planning on your part it can be a positive one. If you have renters or homeowners insurance (which you should carry), your belongings should be covered in transit. If you are unsure, contact your insurance agent. Here are some tips for you.

If you are using a professional moving company, check them out thoroughly! Call the Better Business Bureau and see if there have been any complaints. Get online and check out this site: www.moving direct.net. They have links you can go to and find out if the company you may be choosing has been "blacklisted" in any states. It is always better to use a registered, licensed company and pay a little more, then to go with a "fly by night" company with less credibility.

If you are moving yourself, check out the truck rental company. Check the rates, type of insurance, availability of trucks, dolly, etc. Some companies in Fort Wayne give discounts to seminarians. Check their rates against others. Again, check with Better Business Bureau.

If they want you to pay in cash, show them the door! Use a credit card if possible to pay for the move. Reliable companies will accept credit cards. Experts in the field recommend MasterCard or Visa as the credit card to use. Remember that any credit card transaction can be disputed, which is another good reason to use a credit card. The bank that issues the credit card makes the final determination in a dispute. This is a plus for you the consumer. For more information on this go to: www.smarterliving.com/advice/ed/advice.php?=6703 or http://caag.state.ca.us/consumers/ general/creditc.htm.

NEVER pack valuables, like jewelry, antiques (if small enough to transport yourself), sports card collections, coin collections, works of art, etc. to be moved by the professional company, no matter how trustworthy they may appear. Take these items in your car, or have a relative or friend you trust move them for you if possible.

When packing items you don't want the movers to "clue into," put general names on the box like "Living Room," or mark it in a way that is obvious to you but not the mover. Refrain from labeling boxes with titles like DVD's, Grandma's dishes, European glassware, etc. that will clue movers into items that are valuable.

Read their contract carefully. Make sure they have an explanation in it on how to handle disputes with their insurance company. If they are not insured, do not use them. Ask them questions about drivers and length of trip to deliver. Will they guarantee delivery by a certain date in writing? Who are they affiliated with, do they have a "mother company"? You are the customer. You have every right to ask them questions. If they seem hesitant to answer, or "don't know," I suggest going with a different company.

Blessings to you, as you prepare to move. God is faithful and always with you. Remember that as you serve Him.

For more informatin call Mary Bridges, Relocation Coordinator at 800-481-2155, or e-mail her at bridgesml@mail.ctsfw.edu.

From Volume 8, Issue 1, Winter 2005