CONSUMER ALERTS

Making a good move

Planning to move to a new home? You’re not alone. More than 40 million Americans move each year for personal reasons or career opportunities.

      Although it’s usually an exciting prospect, moving to a new location can also be stressful, especially when you’re up to your elbows in boxes and you can’t find the coffee pot. That’s why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and MetLife Consumer Education Center have put together the free Moving 101 package. It’s filled with helpful hints on how to find and choose the right mover.

      Start by organizing and paring down your possessions as soon as you can. Careful organization can help reduce both your costs and your stress level. Next, decide if you want to handle your own move or hire a moving company. This decision will most likely be based on cost, how much “stuff” you have, and how far you have to move it.

      If you decide to hire professionals, it’s a good idea to shop around and ask relatives, neighbors, and friends for recommendations. During your search, be sure to be aware of rogue movers. Use the “red flags” list in the Moving 101 package for tips on how to spot them. After you’ve found at least three possible reputable movers, get written estimates from each about eight weeks before your moving day. The estimate should clearly state all charges for services the mover will perform, including how much it will cost to pack and move your belongings.

      Once you choose a mover, check their registration at www.protectyourmove.gov, along with their complaint history at your local Better Business Bureau. Your mover should provide you with an order for service, bill of lading, and inventory list. But before you sign any documents, make sure you understand what is and isn’t insured by your mover. You can learn about the different liability options (also known as valuation coverage) with Moving 101, too. And don’t forget: your homeowners’ insurance policy may already cover your possessions, or you can always opt to purchase third-party insurance.

      There’s no need to let moving out stress you out. Send for your free package of publications today. There are three easy ways to get your Moving 101 information package:
           

• Send your name and address to Moving 101, Pueblo, Colorado 81009.

• Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov/rc/n73moving101.htm to place your order online or to read or print this and hundreds of other Federal publications for free.

• Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO. That’s 1 (888) 878-3256, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and ask for the Moving 101 package.

      Get even more information and take advantage of online government resources at www.USA.gov and www.GobiernoUSA.gov—your official English and Spanish web portals to the Federal government.