THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 29, 1995 TAG: 9507290388
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JASON HIDALGO, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 103 lines
Americans can't seem to stay put.
The average American makes 11 moves in a lifetime, ranking the country first worldwide in citizen moves.
In all, about 17 percent of all Americans move each year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. And right now, movers across the nation are going through their annual boom period.
That's because about half of the 42 million Americans who move every year do so from May to September.
Hampton Roads is among the nation's most transient pockets. It ranks 63rd among 335 metropolitan areas nationally with about a 26.7 percent household moving rate.
``This is our busiest time of the year, mostly because parents usually move when the kids are out of school,'' said Garry Hunsucker, vice president of moving company New-Bell Storage Corp. in Norfolk.
For people with a lot of possessions or those who have to move long distances, hiring the right moving company could be the difference between a smooth transition and a harrowing experience.
The key is to find out as much as possible about a company before using it, said Rosemarie Nye, operations director for the Better Business Bureau in Norfolk.
``One of the first things you can do is find a source and ask for their opinion,'' Nye said. ``It could be a friend, relative, neighbor or co-worker - somebody who has had experience with a moving company.''
When dealing with a moving company, Nye said, it would be helpful to ask about the following:
Extra services. This includes packing assistance or materials they can provide if you decide to pack everything yourself.
Damage claim procedure. If something gets broken or stolen, what is their policy? Also ask if they offer arbitration for claim disputes.
Moving time and date. Also ask how long the move will take.
References. Do they provide a list of people who have used their company that you can reach?
Cost. Get the total cost for a move - in writing. Also make sure you read and understand the paperwork before signing.
On-site estimate. Have the mover come to the house and see what is going to be moved, rather than just providing an estimate over the phone.
Most companies charge by the hour for local moves within a 30-mile radius. Rates largely hinge on how many workers are hired for the move.
For moves more than 30 miles within a state or across state borders, companies charge by weight and distance.
Local movers can be checked through the Better Business Bureau. Interstate movers can be checked through the Interstate Commerce Commission in Washington. ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC
GETTING ORGANIZED FOR A MOVE
BEFORE THE MOVE
Plan how you will pack. Decide which possessions to take, dispose
of or give away. This will save you time, space and money. Pack
items you don't use often first, and label boxes. To avoid damage,
pack boxes tightly and use professional packing tape. Never fill a
container so that it's too heavy.
Make sure you have all your important records, such as medical
records and children's school records.
Notify the proper agencies such as credit-card and insurance
companies about your change of address.
Inform utilities when you want services in your former home
discontinued and when to start services in your new place.
Make arrangements for plants and pets. Most movers do not
transport them.
Clean your old place. You might be charged a cleaning fee for
items you leave behind.
DURING THE MOVE
Have a friend serve as a message center for the day. Periodic
check-ins will keep you informed on the progress of utility hookups,
moving-arrivals or of friends willing to lend a hand.
Have somebody guard the moving truck or empty apartment.
Have money on hand for incidentals such as food or tips for
movers and doormen.
Leave behind cleaning supplies for last-minute cleaning.
Turn in all keys.
AFTER THE MOVE
Make sure possible entrances such as windows and sliding glass
doors are secure. You also might change locks for added security.
Cover windows so you do not leave your belongings in plain
sight.
Have family or friends over so you are not alone when service
people come in.
Source: Mayflower Transit Inc.
[Color Photos]
ON THE MOVE
Percentage of Americans who moved in 1993, by age group
STAFF GRAPHIC
SOURCE: U.S. Census Bureau
[For a copy of the graphic, see microfilm for this date.]
by CNB