Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/12/84; site aero.ARPA
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!cbosgd!ihnp4!qantel!hplabs!sdcrdcf!trwrb!trwrba!aero!warack
From: warack@aero.ARPA (Chris Warack )
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Moving companies
Message-ID: <309@aero.ARPA>
Date: Thu, 1-Aug-85 12:41:40 EDT
Article-I.D.: aero.309
Posted: Thu Aug  1 12:41:40 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 4-Aug-85 09:48:06 EDT
References: <464@h-sc1.UUCP> <596@mtuxn.UUCP>
Reply-To: warack@aero.UUCP (Chris Warack (5734))
Organization: The Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, CA
Lines: 46

[ouch]
I'm not recommending any specific companies; I don't remember names...
However, I have some good caveats and advice about moving from making many
moves.

The most important thing is to insure you don't do anything to lessen the
company's liability.  The manifest is the most important paper associated
with the move.  Make sure you don't lose it.  That paper should describe
exactly what the movers have packed and have in their possession.  Make sure
that everything on it is true [they use lots of abbreviations that are
usually listed on the back.]  If something is not clear, have them clarify
it on the manifest.  It's not a bad idea to watch over there shoulder, but 
don't get them upset either [if they are in a bad mood, good luck!]

Take pictures of especially important pieces -- nice furniture, etc.  This
makes it easier to settle a claim if they are damaged or lost in the move.
Even the best moving company can damage something by accident, but they'll
pay you for it, if you handle it right.  Along those lines, try to identify
any damaged or missing items WHEN the movers unpack it.  These items will be
included in the report that they take back with them -- which helps settling
claims.

Have the carrier pack and unpack EVERYTHING.  Many times, the carrier does
not assume responsibility for damage to items PBO [packed by owner].  If
things are boxed, take them out before hand.  Upon arrival, let the carrier
unpack the boxes and look for damages for the reason mentioned earlier.
Besides, they'll do it, why do the work yourself.

Finally, be hospitable...  As I mentioned, you don't want them in a bad
mood.  Movers are especially prone to get thirsty and iced tea or soda makes
them happy.  If nothing else, they may just want a glass of water [paper
cup, if the glasses are packed].  If you have questions, you probably want
to talk to someone at the main office -- the movers might not know policy.
Ask questions before the movers are at your door.

Good luck,

-- 
 _______
|/-----\|    Chris Warack			(213) 648-6617
||hello||
||     ||    warack@aerospace.ARPA
|-------|    warack@aero.UUCP
|@  ___ |       seismo!harvard!talcott!panda!genrad!decvax!ittatc!dcdwest!
|_______|         sdcsvax!sdcrdcf!trwrb!trwrba!aero!warack
  || ||  \   Aerospace Corporation, M1-117, El Segundo, CA  90245
 ^^^ ^^^  `---------(|=