All Things Moving

4 Ways to Successfully Plan Your Local Move

2012-01-17T05:43:00.000-08:00

Whether you are moving across town or across the country moving can be stressful. But for a majority of people, a local move (within a 40 mile radius) is the most common type of move. By following these four steps you can help reduce your stress and make the transition as easy as possible:

Settlement & Walk-throughs: In conjunction with your Realtor & mover be sure to coordinate the timing of your settlements and walk-throughs. This will determine when your moving crew arrives to pack up your belongings. The last thing you want to happen is to have the moving crew trying to work while the new homeowners are doing an inspection.

Donate & Sell: Americans are a consumer driven society. That is a simple fact. However many people pay (often time unnecessarily) to move items they neither want nor need. Contact organizations such as Impact Thrift and Purple Heart. Or have a good old fashion yard sale.

Floor Planning: Get your tape measure handy. Just because your dining room set fits well at your existing home does not mean it will fit well at your new home. Take measurements and plan out where you want your items to be placed. This will allow you to have the moving crew place the items in the proper location the first time.

Pack, Pack and Pack Some More: Properly packing your breakables, knick-knacks and other items into boxes is the number one way to ensure a smooth local move. If you are not comfortable packing certain items be sure to ask you mover to include this in your quote.

Mooney’s Moving & Storage is a family owned and operated business now in our 4^th generation of ownership. For a free estimate contact us at (215)884-3280 or visit us online www.Mooneysmoving.com

Self Storage versus Full Service Storage

2012-01-03T06:22:00.000-08:00

We have all seen the rise of self-storage facilities popping up in town. They are a convenient option for the “do it yourself” crowd. However they may not be right for you when planning your local or long distance move.

3 important things to consider when making your decision.

Liability coverage. If you hire a moving company to place your belongings in a self-storage unit the movers liability ends at that point. However when storing items in a movers facility, liability is maintained by one company throughout the duration of your move and storage period.

2. Safety: Every self-storage facility has rules & regulations regarding items that can & cannot be stored. Nevertheless, it is virtually impossible for management of those facilities to ensure chemicals, illegal products or even worse are being brought into their facility. Contrast that with storing at movers warehouse where all items are hand carried, labeled and accounted for by properly trained employees.

3. Furniture protection: When storing at a self-storage facility, customers are required to either provide or purchase their own furniture pads & stretch wrap. Such items are often overlooked and seldom factored in to the budgeting process. It is not advisable to stack furniture without protection nor store a sofa without plastic (stretch wrap). While storing your furniture at a movers warehouse, all items are pad wrapped and stretch wrapped FREE OF CHARGE.

We invite you to come tour our climate controlled storage facility anytime at 33 Bon Air Drive Warminster, PA 18974. http://www.mooneysmoving.com/residential.html

Seasonal storage needs

2011-11-30T09:06:00.000-08:00

With the holiday season already in full swing, many retail businesses grasp the need for “more storage space.” The staff here at Mooney’s has worked with several retailers over the years to help receive and store seasonal merchandise.

Due to the seasonal demands of our industry (busy May-September) space is available and pricing becomes more competitive just as the need for warehousing hits the retail industry. Our full service warehousing and distribution allows for retailers to focus on their main task at hand…holiday shoppers.

So feel free to contact us today for a cost assessment or schedule a tour of our facility.

Steve@mooneysmoving.com

www.MooneysMoving.com

3 Estimate Options When Planning Your Long Distance Move

2011-11-21T05:57:00.000-08:00

When planning a long distance move there are several types of estimates available to each shipper (customer). The following is a brief description of each:

Non-binding estimate: The final cost are determined after the shipment is weighed. When receiving a non-binding estimate there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate. This option is only advisable if you are unsure of the total amount of items you want to ship.

Binding estimate: The final costs are provided as a “flat fee.” Your price will not change no matter the actual weight of your shipment. This option is good for customer that know exactly what they are shipping and do not plan to increase or decrease the size of their shipment.

Binding not to exceed: The final costs are determined by the actual weight of the shipment but may not exceed the quoted amount. This is the most common type of estimate because it provides peace of mind knowing the max amount you will pay. If you plan on getting rid of items prior to move day and your shipment weighs less, the charges will be decreased.

It is important to discuss these options with your estimator when planning a long distance move. Movers are legally required to provide an in-home estimate in order to survey the items to be shipped. Never accept a “verbal” estimate. Finally, if it seems to good to be sure…it generally is.

Senior Moving Services

2011-11-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

We recently moved an elderly couple that had lived in their home for over 45 years. Needless to say a lot of “stuff” had accumulated. This couple was moving from a 4 bedroom house into a 3 room condo. Most people find it very difficult make this transition.

Fortunately the staff here at Mooney’s is more than capable of dealing with such a scenario. The first step is to start sorting items into “want” versus “need” lists. It is important to be realistic about what items will fit at the new home. Besides giving children and grandchildren items, donations can be made to such organization as Impact Thrift.

The next step is to work on a floor plan. Compare measurements of furniture with the dimensions of the new space. This will also serve as reinforcement for whether or not too many items are being brought along.

Finally, contact 2 or 3 local reputable moving companies. Inquire about packing services as well. What generally takes professional packers one to two day can generally take a homeowner one to two months.

We have worked at many area retirement communities, and are familiar with the moving policies of each. As a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers we have access to a vast network of training and resources to assist any of your moving related needs.

To download a brochure please click here.

How to prepare for a smooth move of your office

2011-10-21T06:02:00.000-07:00

Unlike moving your home, moving a business can present unique challenges. After having recently moved our own office we here at Mooney’s would recommend the following tips:

Address Change: Contact the United States Postal Service to change your address. This website is simple and easy to use. Discount coupons are also provided once registration is complete.

Phone Service: Call your phone service provider early! Phone service interruption is one of the biggest hassles when moving your office. Have a backup plan ready. We had all incoming calls routed to cells phones for a 48 hour period just to be safe.

Moving into our new place.

Utilities: Contact Peco to transfer electrical service. Don’t forget Aqua PA (or your local water company) to stop/start/cancel service.

Moving company: Obtain at least two on-site written estimates from your local moving company.

Notify your customers: We found Constant Contact to be a great way to send a large volume email blast to notify everyone of our address change.

There are obviously more challenges than are mentioned here. However the above topics will provide a good foundation for planning your move!

International Moving Services

2011-09-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

Through our affiliation with Stevens Worldwide Van Lines, Mooney’s Moving and Storage has the ability to move your household goods anywhere in the world. We have over 350 affiliates worldwide ready to help make you move as stress free as possible.

What makes us so special?

Stevens International relocation coordinators:

Are experienced in international forwarding and the relocation industry
Have multi-lingual capabilities
Are familiar with customs regulations and other important information and can assist with the handling and processing of documents
Provide single-service control
Provide pre-move and ongoing counseling
Can assist with destination country and customs information
Provide continuous communication and service monitoring
Follow clearly defined preparation and handling procedures
Utilize comprehensive, expedited and fair claims settlement practices

For a free quote contact us today at (800) 854-1030 or steve@mooneysmoving.com

Are your moving expenses tax deductible?

2011-08-30T12:28:00.001-07:00

If you moved due to a change in your job or business location, or because you started a new job or business, you may be able to deduct your reasonable moving expenses but not any expenses for meals. To qualify for the moving expense deduction, you must satisfy two tests.

Under the first test, the "distance test", your new workplace must be at least 50 miles farther from your old home than your old job location was from your old home. If you had no previous workplace, your new job location must be at least 50 miles from your old home.

The second test is the "time test". If you are an employee, you must work full-time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months immediately following your arrival in the general area of your new job location. If you are self-employed, you must work full time for at least 39 weeks during the first 12 months and for a total of at least 78 weeks during the first 24 months immediately following your arrival in the general area of your new work location. There are exceptions to the time test in case of death, disability and involuntary separation, among other things.

If you are a member of the armed forces and your move was due to a military order and permanent change of station, you do not have to satisfy the "distance or time tests".

Moving expenses are figured on Form 3903 (PDF) and deducted as an adjustment to income on Form 1040 (PDF). You cannot deduct any moving expenses covered by reimbursements from your employer that are excluded from income.

For more information on deductible and nondeductible moving expenses, please refer to Publication 521, Moving Expenses

Moving Terminology

2011-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

Moving is without a doubt one of the most stressful events that can take place in your lifetime. That is why it is important to familiarize yourself with terminology used by our industry. The following terms will appear on your move paperwork:

Bill of Lading - the receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility tounderstand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you do not agree with something on the bill of lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it is correct. The bill of lading is an important document. Don't lose or misplace your copy.

Binding/Non-Binding Estimate - a binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with the mover that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier's approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariff provisions in effect.

High Value Article - items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure that they are protected accordingly.

Inventory - the detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item.

Order for Service - the document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.

Shuttle Service - use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover's normal linehaul equipment (large moving vans).

Storage-In-Transit (SIT) - temporary warehouse storage of your shipment pending further transportation; for example, if your new home isn't quite ready to occupy. Added charges for SIT service and final delivery charges from the warehouse will apply.

Valuation - the degree of "worth" of the shipment. The valuation charge that you are assessed compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges.

Senior Moving Services

2011-08-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

Mooney’s Moving & Storage has extensive experience helping senior citizens transition to a new home. We understand that a lifetime of possessions can accumulate in a house and we are uniquely qualified to help make the moving process as stress free as possible.

We can assist with any of the following services:

Moving
Organizing, sorting, and downsizing
Floor plans
Disposal of items through auction, donation, etc.
Packing & unpacking
Storage
Home staging

We have worked at many area retirement communities, and are familiar with the moving policies of each.

As a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers we have access to a vast network of training and resources to assist any of your moving related needs.

2011-08-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Mooney's Moving & Storage now offers a "do it yourself" option for customers. Through our affiliation with 1-800 Pack Rat we can deliver portable storage containers directly to your house. Take your time and load the container at your own pace. Or one of our properly trained crews can load the container for you.

1-800 Pack Rat containers are the best choice for a variety of common storage needs:

Home Staging:
Renovations
Archiving
Local & long distance moving

For further information please contact us at (800) 854-1030 or visit us online: http://www.1800packrat.com/partners/mooneysmoving#/Home

Must read if moving within Pennsylvania

2011-07-25T06:57:00.000-07:00

Moves within the state of Pennsylvania are regulated by the Pennsylvania Utility Commission. Household goods movers are required to be licensed by the Public Utility Commission and must maintain adequate levels of insurance coverage and charge fees approved by the PUC.

The following regulations are set forth by the PUC to ensure quality service:

Estimates: All movers are required to provide a written estimate prior to move day.

Rates: If the move is 40 miles or less, the charge will be based on an hourly rate. If the move is over 40 miles the charges will be based on weight and mileage.

Damage Coverage: Protection of $0.60 per pound per article is provided free of charge. Protection greater than $0.60 per pound can be provided by the mover at an additional charge.

Proof of Damage: Upon completion of delivery the driver will ask you to sign the delivery receipt. Before signing, be sure all damage is noted on the receipt.

In order to verify your movers license contact the Pennsylvania Utility Commission at (800) 782-1110.

Move for Hunger

2011-07-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

Fact: More than 900,000 individuals in the Delaware Valley are living on incomes that put them at
risk of hunger every day. 1 in 3 children are at risk of hunger every day. With times getting tighter
these numbers are dramatically increasing. Thousands in our community need your help.
As you are aware, many people throw out a good deal of “stuff” when they move.

Unfortunately a lot of this “stuff” is food that can be delivered to a family in need. That’s why Mooney’s
Moving & Storage has teamed up with Move For Hunger to support the Community
Cupboard.

Please set aside any unwanted, non-perishable food items before your move and Mooney’s
will deliver the food to the Community Cupboard.

Move For Hunger is a non-profit organization that works with moving companies across the
country to support the efforts of local food banks. Your donations will directly impact families
living right here in the Delaware Valley. Mooney’s Moving & Storage is grateful for your
business and truly thankful for your generosity.

More Than a Moving Company.

2011-07-12T05:33:00.000-07:00

Moving can be very stressful. It is our goal to provide each customer with value added services to help make the transition as easy as possible. As an authorized agent for Stevens Worldwide Van Lines we offer the following services:

Packing supplies: Free delivery when ordered through our website.

Tech Support: Troubleshooting with personal computers and printer. Support with home networks as well as cameras, iPods and mobile devises. All included with you move.

Concierge Service: Assistance to setup cable, TV, internet, utilites and home security. All included with you move.

PLUS Program: Direct cash back rebates based on the sale of your home when using our network of real estate professionals.

Identity Theft Protections: Daily monitoring of your credit report for suspicious online activity, change of address alerts and assistance with stopping junk mail.

For further information contact Steven DeSteffano or call (215)884-3280

Interstate Agent for:

Understanding Your Movers Liability

2011-07-05T06:54:00.000-07:00

All licensed household goods moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of your belongings. There are two different types of “valuation” coverage available that you should be aware of.

Option 1: Full replacement protection. Under this option articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be offered; all at the movers expense.

The cost for this coverage is determined by the value you place on your shipment (ie: $50,000.00 etc) and the deductible level you select.

Option 2: Basic coverage. Under this option the mover’s liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article. Damage claims are settled according to the weight of the piece x $0.60

For example, a 200lbs dresser that is damaged during the move would be offered a settlement of $120.00 (200lbs x $0.60)

This coverage is provided to each individual shipper at no charge.

Due to the wide disparity that may occur between the two options, it is best to fully understand your selection prior to move day. Do not hesitate to contact one of our Certified Moving Consultants for further information.

3 Steps to Ensure an Accurate Moving Quote

2011-06-27T10:27:00.000-07:00

Moving is one of the most stressful events that can happen in your lifetime. One way to help alleviate some of that stress is to hire professional movers. But what good does it do to hire professional movers when they do not have a clear understanding of the job description?

Follow these 3 steps to help ensure your estimator has the proper information needed in order to provide an accurate price quote.

1) Be honest with yourself: There is nothing wrong with being proactive and moving or packing items yourself. The problem lies in timing, there are only 24 hours in one day. Juggling kids, homework, and your job on top of planning a move can be difficult at best.

During your in-home walkthrough, have your estimator provide you with a quote to pack boxes. It may not be as cost prohibitive as you think. Professionally trained packers can accomplish in one or two days what may take you 2, 3 or even 4 weeks.

Likewise, it is tempting to think you are able to just “pile it into the SUV.” While this method can work for a nominal amount of items, realistically you can only move so much at a time. Have your estimator include items you “might move yourself.” It is always better to plan for a worst case scenario in regards to volume on move day.

2) The donation pile: Plan on contacting your favorite charity or thrift store 5-6 weeks prior to move day. However, do not assume you will be able to donate or sell all of your unwanted household items. Many organizations are flooded with request to donate and are therefore becoming more selective.

Plan on utilizing other avenues such as EBay, Craigslist, 1800-Got Junk, yard sales and such in order to supplement charitable organizations.

Provide your estimator with updates as to which items have been sold.

3) Take Notes: The final and most important step to ensure an accurate price quote is to take notes. During the walkthrough with your estimator have a notepad ready. Our staff will gladly answer any questions you have.

Most homeowners obtain 2 or 3 estimates from local moving companies. Each company can have different policies and procedures which lead to confusion as to who said what. Keep information organized so that there is no confusion on moving day.

Helpful Hints to Save You Money

2011-06-17T09:09:00.000-07:00

Moving can be a stressful, hectic time for you and your family. The follow steps will help you prepare for moving day, all while saving you money.

First and foremost, pack yourself.

Packing is the number one way to save. It saves both time and money on moving day for your moving company. This means, the truck will be loaded and you’ll be on your way to your new home in no time.

However, packing does seem like a daunting, endless task; ask about the proper materials to protect your belongings, and how to most efficiently pack. We’re pros—we can answer all of your packing questions!

Also, remember that even trivial items can add up. Loose items (i.e.: pictures, glass tops, glass shelves, plants, hanging clothing, lamps and shades) build up, and require additional time and materials to pack. If you plan to transport any items yourself, these smaller loose items can be easily packed in your car the night before.

Ignore the “I might need it someday” syndrome.

Do not move items that will not be used at your new home (i.e. books, record albums, exercise equipment, rugs, old tools). You do not need to furnish the attic.

Donate to your favorite charity.

Itemize your donations and keep receipts. It may help you qualify for a tax deduction.

Also, Mooney’s will deliver your unwanted canned goods to a local food bank for no fee. Mooney’s is a member of the Move for Hunger campaign, which solicits moving companies to collect its customers unwanted canned goods for donation, in hopes of ending hunger in the U.S.

Dismantling and reassembly.

Dismantling your large, assembled items is an excellent way to prepare for your move. You’ll save your movers time and energy on moving day, which means money saved. Taking apart cribs and disconnecting appliances, like dryers and refrigerators, is simple, but time consuming. Remember that the final cost of a local move is based on time spent moving—disassembly only adds additional time.

Organize your boxes.

As you pack, move your boxes to an easily accessible area, like a garage or front room. This way, the moving crew can easily organize the truck and expedite the loading process more quickly. Typically boxes will make up 15% to 20% of your total shipment. This is a significant portion of your move—centralizing this large percentage of your belongings will reduce loading time, thus reducing your final bill.

Be available on moving day.

It is important for you to be available to your movers to help coordinate and answer questions.

Be aware that your movers will only be prepared to move what you’ve discussed with your estimator. If circumstances have changed, alert the moving crew.

Your presence is the best resource to offer your movers—and the least expensive resource!

Move for hunger

2011-06-13T05:29:00.000-07:00

Mooney’s Moving & Storage is pleased to be a part of The Move for Hunger campaign.

Move for Hunger is an organization committed to strengthening the efforts of America’s food banks, while actively engaging in the fight against hunger. Move for Hunger enlists the help of credible moving companies to collect unused canned goods from its customers. Check out their Facebook page to see their latest involvement (look for Mooney’s “Welcome” message!)

Mooney’s will now be providing boxes for canned goods to all of its customers. We will then deliver the boxed goods to Somerton Food Bank in Philadelphia, PA. But don’t think any donation is too small—Mooney’s will accept only partially filled boxes as well. Any little bit helps!

Somerton Food Bank is an interfaith food bank that provides food at no charge for both needy families and needy individuals. In addition, Somerton delivers food to those unable to come to the food bank. Your donations will help feed hundreds in the area, and Mooney’s is proud to facilitate this process!

And you can help fight hunger on your own, too. Check out Move for Hunger’s donations page—they’ve outlined how even a small donation of $25 can help train an additional volunteer.

If you have any questions about how you can help, call us. We’ll be happy to tell you more about our involvement with Move for Hunger and how you can contribute.

How to Avoid a Disaster on Moving Day

2011-06-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Bad moving experiences ARE avoidable. Here’s one way you can protect yourself against fraud:

American Moving and Storage Associations (AMSA) trains, tests and swears in moving professionals that meet a high set of standards surrounding experience and ethical business practices.

These professionals, known as CMCs (Certified Moving Consultants), are tested on their “moving knowledge”, which prepares them to answer any and all questions about moving. In addition to experience, “moving knowledge” is gained by an intense training program designed and implemented by AMSA.

CMCs can help you customize your move, based on their extensive training and experience. Here at Mooney’s Moving and Storage, both Mike Re and Steve DeSteffano are CMCs. This means they’ve taken an oath to maintain the experience, training and ethical standards established by the AMSA.

Because of their extensive training and knowledge, CMCs can help you customize your move to better suit your individual needs. Often times, we hear horror stories about past moves:

“My estimate was much less than my final bill.”
“My previous company didn’t send a large enough truck to accommodate my move.”

CMCs are trained, and obligated, to help you avoid unfortunate situations, scams, and incidents. For example, both Mike and Steve take the time to prepare honest estimates for every customer. Mooney’s has full-time moving employees who work with our CMCs to uphold the AMSA’s strict standards for shipping and handling.

Both Mike and Steve must regularly continue training to maintain their status as Certified Moving Consultants. This means, they’re well-versed in the latest moving standards and practices to help better serve you.

Know that using a Certified Moving Consultant assures that you are dealing with a knowledgeable sales consultant who is committed to providing excellent and fair service. Using a CMC increases your probability for a swift, safe move.

To learn more about the Certified Moving Consultant certification, visit: http://www.moving.org/search_cmc.asp

By: Liz Shovlin Marketing & Relocation Consultant

Mooney's Relocation Specialist

www.MooneysMoving.com

How to prepare your kids for a move.

2011-05-23T05:51:00.000-07:00

Moving is one of the most stressful situations that can occur in your lifetime. Uprooting your family whether for a local or long distance move presents numerous challenges. For children this is especially true because they most likely have never experience this process.

Here are some tips to help your kids make a smooth transition to your new home:

Work with your child on designing and decorating their new bedroom.
Plan a visit to the zoo, amusement park or playground in your new hometown. They will view this as a fun and exciting new opportunity.
Gather email & mailing addresses of their friends so that they can stay in touch.
Be positive and upbeat, your children will pickup on your attitude!

Contact Mooney's today for a free copy of "The Berenstain Bears' Moving Day." Free for any customer with children 8 and under.

Why you should use proper packing material.

2011-05-09T06:13:00.000-07:00

One of the best ways to ensure the safe arrival of your household belongings (besides hiring a professional mover) is to use proper packing material.

While "liquor store" boxes provide an economical way to transport belongings, they are not always the safest method. Professional movers stock corrugated boxes that have been proven to withstand multiple moves.

The use of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, and un-printed paper also will help protect your precious belongings. Our office staff is always a call or email away to offer guidance on packing.

www.MooneysMoving.com

Senior Moving Services

2011-05-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

Mooney’s Relocation has extensive experience helping senior citizens transition to a new home.

We can assist with any of the following services:

Moving
Organizing, sorting, and downsizing
Floor plans
Disposal of items through auction, donation, etc.
Packing & unpacking
Storage
Home staging
Antiques & high value items

We understand that a lifetime of possessions can accumulate in a house and we are uniquely qualified to help make the moving process as stress free as possible.

We have worked at many area retirement communities, and are familiar with the moving policies of each.

As a member of the National Association of Senior Move Managers we have access to a vast network of training and resources to assist any of your moving related needs.

Home Staging by Mooney's Moving

2011-04-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

Homeowners often need assistance with staging to help sell their house. Mooney’s is pleased to offer our Home Staging Assistance Program. We will provide trained professional to remove items, a temperature controlled warehouse to store belongings until you are ready for delivery and packing supplies to help organize.

Home staging helps to:

• Allow the buyers to envision living in the home.

• Show the full living space of the home by reducing clutter.

• Make the home look presentable for website listings & marketing material.

• Make a positive first impression to the potential buyers.

http://www.mooneysmoving.com/homestaging.html

Planning a stress free move

2011-04-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

Moving can be very stressful. In order to reduce the amount of stress it is best to start planning several months ahead of time. Here are some topics to consider:

1) Start sorting items that you may not need or want. Donate to your favorite charity or have a yard sale

2) Start packing & labeling your boxes.

3) Plan your change of address: http://tinyurl.com/3t2yc5u

4) Schedule 3 in-home estimates from local reputable movers: http://tinyurl.com/43x8qoh

5) Schedule your actual move date at least 4 weeks in advance.

For any additional questions or advice please contact: steve@mooneysmoving.com or www.MooneysMoving.com

7 Common Sense Tips for Preventing Identity Theft When You Move

2011-04-12T11:37:00.001-07:00

Congratulations! You’ve just earned yourself a big promotion with a hefty hike in pay. And here’s the icing on the cake: Your promotion includes relocation – from Fargo, North Dakota to the more temperate clime and scenically appealing locale of Seattle, Washington. Now for the not so good news: Your relocation puts you at increased risk of identity theft, and that’s the case even if you’re just moving across town.

The Federal Trade Commission estimates that as many as 11 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Given these numbers, it’s important that you make a constant effort to safeguard yourself against this crime. But moving is an event that literally puts your life and possessions in a state of flux. During this transition it’s especially important that you take steps to minimize the risks of identity theft.

As with many things in life, when it comes to protecting yourself against identity theft, common sense will serve you well. So in today’s post we offer 7 Common Sense Tips For Preventing Identity Theft When You Move.

Take a “mailbox inventory” – Take note of the all the bills, statements, notifications, magazines, etc. that you get in the mail. Make a written list of these mailings, which will include banks, brokerages, insurance companies, mortgages companies and so on. Check them off one by one. You might even want to skim over several months of your bank ledger to make sure you didn’t overlook anything. Once you’re certain your inventory is complete notify each of these entities of your relocation. Instruct them to redirect all future correspondence to your new address.

On a related note, consider switching to online statements. The 2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report from Javelin Strategy & Research determined that consumers with electronic statements were able to detect identity fraud sooner. Plus, these people enjoyed lower annual costs ($116 vs. $274) than those dealing with paper statements. Also, you’ll save a few trees.
Fill out a change-of-address form and submit it to the U.S. Post Office –Admittedly, this one is a no-brainer. Here’s the key, though. Once you’ve filed the form be on the lookout for the USPS confirmation to (a) make sure your request has been processed and (b) verify that your new address is listed correctly. If everything is in order, your mail should start showing up at your new address within seven to ten business days of your change-of-address submission. At that time review the mailbox checklist you made earlier to verify, in fact, that everyone you notified is now sending your mail to your new address.
If you’re not taking it with you and you wouldn’t trust it with a stranger: Shred it! – One of the reasons the threat of identity theft increases when you move is that useful (to a criminal) documents are often just thrown away. According to the Federal Trade Commission brochure, Deter, Detect, Defend: Avoid ID Theft, dumpster diving is one of the top five ways identity theft happens.

So, if you haven’t done so already, get a shredder. It’s well worth the $60 - $75 you’ll spend. Then, any document you have that you wouldn’t feel comfortable handing over to a stranger – shred it.
Do thorough due diligence on your moving company – One mover held a truckload of a family’s furniture for ransom. Another used $600 of packing tape before they finished loading the truck. Another mover never even bothered to show up. Sadly, these are all true stories. Moving industry experts estimate that every year thousands of Americans become victims of unscrupulous movers who don’t live up to the promises they make to customers. But, with proper due diligence you can be sure you hire a thoroughly professional and highly capable mover. One that will make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.

You can start by getting recommendations from people you know who have used the mover. (Here’s a spot where your social media connections may be helpful.) When you have the recommendations in hand you’ll want to, among other things –

Check the company’s license and insurance
Get written estimates from at least three companies
Determine if the estimate is binding or non-binding
Go over the fine print

In addition, Stevens Worldwide Van Lines offers these suggestions for avoiding disreputable movers and moving scams: (www.stevensworldwide.com)

Get in-home written estimates. While there are several online “moving cost estimators,” almost always the only legitimate estimates are those offered by a professional mover who visits the customer’s home.
Use a company that is certified by the American Moving & Storage Association as a PROMOVER or is an agent of a certified PROMOVER.
Beware of movers who require a large deposit or require payment upfront for a move or demand cash payments. These are not typical practices of legitimate moving companies.
Beware of companies with names similar to those of large van lines or well-established moving businesses. A similar name does not mean that the online company is affiliated with a reputable company.

What does this point have to do with identity theft? In general, everything. Because it speaks to the key issue of integrity.

Secure your computers – If you’ve done your due diligence and hired a reputable mover this probably isn’t an issue. Then again, all it takes is “one bad apple.” So don’t leave yourself vulnerable. Make sure the family desktop computers all have strong password protection. As for laptops, smart phones and other portable device where sensitive information may be stored, pack and transport these devices yourself. Do the same with sensitive documents such as wills, insurance policies, stock certificates and bonds.
Scrutinize post-move bank and credit card statements – This is something we should all do every month anyway. But post-move is a very busy and hectic time, even more so if it involves a new job or new position in a new city. So make sure you sit down and carefully review these documents for anything that doesn’t look exactly right.

That said, credit-related fraud accounts for only about a third of identity theft cases. Most problems don’t even involve credit cards. Instead, thieves will use your personal information to get new cell phone service, open a bank account, get utilities turned on, get a fake driver’s license – and the list goes on. So, be vigilant. Jump on all of those statements as soon as possible after they hit your mailbox or inbox.
Get a copy of your credit report – Three months have gone by. Your new job is going great. You’re comfortably settled into your new place and it feels like home. As best as you can possibly tell your identity is still exclusively yours and yours alone. Just to be on the safe side, and for added peace-of-mind, now would be a good time to get a copy of your credit report. As you probably know, you’re allowed one free credit report per year from each of the three credit bureaus.

These reports will list any inquiries made to your credit. Any recent credit report request using your old address is a red flag and you should immediately report it to the creditor and credit bureaus. This activity could be a sign that an identity thief is trying to open an account in your name.

Here are the three credit bureaus and their contact information:

Equifax: www.equifax.com; 1-800-685-1111
Experian: www.experian.com; 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: www.transunion.com; 1-800-680-7289

A final note along these lines: Consider subscribing to a one-year identity-theft protection plan offered through Experian and available at a reduced cost through Stevens Worldwide Van Lines. This service provides you with timely notification of any suspicious credit-related activity and includes copies of your credit reports.

We live in the most mobile society in the world and I for one believe that’s a good thing. It’s a clear sign of the freedom and opportunity available to us as Americans. And even though moving can bring added headaches and stress, you needn’t become a victim of identity theft in the process. Acting on these 7 Common Sense Tips For Preventing Identity Theft When You Move will help you keep your headaches and stress to a minimum. And your identity exclusively your own.

Helpful hints to save you money on your move.

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First and foremost, pack yourself.

Packing is the number one way to save. Use the proper materials and do not hesitate to ask for advice.

Most people do pack themselves, however in most cases there are a few loose ends for the movers to take care of (i.e.: pictures, glass tops, glass shelves, plants, hanging clothing, lamps and shades). These items add to your cost with both time and material charges. If you plan to transport any items yourself, consider handling these items.