View printer friendly version Q. How should I begin to plan for a move? A. It is a good idea to arrange for a pre-move survey well in advance of your anticipated moving date. There are many details to be attended to relating to a move so the earlier you start, the easier it will be. Q. Who can help me? A. Your DMS Relocation Consultant will assist you with planning the details of your move including a comprehensive pre-move orientation about each step of the moving process, identifying your individual requirement and answering all of you questions. Be sure to show the relocation consultant everything that is to be moved including items in storage sheds, attics, etc. If you have items stored at another location, it is best to arrange to the have consultant view these items. If this is not possible, then make a detailed list. Q. What is involved in a pre-move survey? A. A pre-move survey is an in-home interview between the moving consultant and the customer who is moving. Your Atlas representative will schedule a visit to your home at your convenience to determine the requirements of your move. It is important that you be there to personally discuss the move process. You should allow at least one hour (or more) to complete the in-home survey. The interview and survey has several purposes: Estimate the weight of your shipment Estimate your packing requirements Identify special service needs, such as appliance service, crating, shuttle service etc. Determine logistics, i.e. access to residence, elevators, stairs, etc. Review your responsibilities, explain the moving process, step by step, discuss your individual needs and concerns Offer suggestions and options that will meet those needs and still remain within your budget Q. How are moving charges calculated? A. Local Services: Charges within a metropolitan area are calculated on an hourly rate. The rate is based on a combination of the truck, as well as the manpower needed for your move. Long Distance: Your charges for a long distance move are predicated on the weight of your household goods and the distance you are moving. Based on this data, your moving consultant can determine the per hundredweight charge for your shipment from their published tariff schedule of rates. The per hundredweight charge is multiplied against the weight of your shipment to calculate your linehaul transportation charges. Q. How can I keep my moving costs in line? A. The best way to reduce moving costs is to start thinking about disposing of items you do not need or do not want to take to your new location. By doing so, you can reduce the weight of your shipment, thus reducing the cost. Have a garage sale or give items away. In most cases, you can receive a tax receipt for items donated to a charity, such as the Salvation Army. If you are on a very tight budget, you should consider packing your own non-breakables, such as books, linens etc. It is always a good idea to have the moving company pack your china, crystal and other breakables in order to ensure they arrive in perfect condition. Q. Are there any items that cannot be moved? A. There are several items that cannot be moved in our vans for safety reasons. Your moving consultant can provide you with a more comprehensive list but in general they fall into the following categories: Aerosols, Flammables, Cleaning Agents, Combustibles, Perishables, Plants, Ammunition and Paints. Q. How will my furniture be protected against soiling during transit? A. DMS Moving Systems has a firm policy regarding the proper wrapping of furniture items for transit. Each item will be carefully wrapped in a clean moving pad. Light colored upholstered furniture will be shrink-wrapped in plastic for extra protection. Mattresses and box springs will be placed either in plastic bags or specially designed cartons. Q. How is a delivery schedule established? A. Generally, with long distance moving, there is more than one shipment on a trailer since each trailer can hold between 25,000 & 30,000 lbs (depending on trailer size), therefore your moving consultant will establish a delivery spread for you. The spread is based on the weight of your shipment and the mileage from origin to destination. Spread dates are needed for scheduling and efficiency purposes. The mover is responsible for communicating the time frame or spread for delivery. It is your responsibility to be available during the entire delivery spread period. Your driver will contact you 24 hours before your household shipment arrives at destination - therefore it is important for you to provide a number where you can be contacted (i.e. work, hotel, friend or family member). Q. Can my possessions be stored temporarily? A. If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored in a local Atlas agent's warehouse. Atlas agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities for holding your goods until you're ready for them. However, you are responsible for the storage charges and final delivery charges from the warehouse to your new home. Q. Do my appliances need special attention? A. Most refrigerators, washers, dryers and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Any moving parts such as motors on major appliances, washer drums and icemakers should be securely fastened for shipment. Gas appliances need to be serviced and disconnected prior to your move. It is the owner's responsibility to see that appliances are serviced for shipment before they are loaded on the van. Upon request and for an additional charge, a moving company will perform this service, using either its own qualified personnel or an authorized service company. Q. Can I pack my china, glass and crystal? A. Most people prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile items, professionally packed by a moving company. However, if you decide to pack these items yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and make sure of a firm pack. Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with a soft material to provide a safe, protective, "padded nest." Pack the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter ones next, filling in empty spaces with crushed paper. Place plates on edge and glassware on rims for maximum protection. Mark the carton "Fragile" and list the contents on the outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape. Q. Where can I get more in-depth information about moving? A. Your DMS Relocation Consultant will be happy to answer all of your questions and to provide you with a copy of a number of helpful booklets on moving-related topics including: Holding a Garage Sale How to Get Children Involved in a Move Moving Your Pets Transit Protection Packing Guide Moving to the United States Moving to Canada Atlas Puts Families First (a general guide to moving) Do you have a relocation related question? If so, we would be happy to help. Just Contact DMS or call 1-800-521-5225. Copyright © 2006 DMS Moving Systems, All Rights Reserved website by ::