Moving? Got Questions?

Get a Free Moving Cost Estimate

Free Moving Cost Estimate

Cost estimates, project proposals, and consultations are provided free and without obligation.

Affiliations & Memberships

Avatar licensing agencies,
affiliations, accreditations,
awards & memberships...

Home > Moving Tips Index > Household Moving Tips & Guides

Household Moving Tips & Guides

Tipping Movers & How To Tip Your Mover

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 6/22/12

By Christopher Noblit - Professional movers perform their work within your most personal and intimate boundary: your home. When you employ a professional mover you are entrusting everything you own and cherish into their care and custody. In addition, professional movers interact with consumers who are at their most vulnerable and fragile state because (after death in the family and divorce) moving is recognized as one of life’s three . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 941 times

How to pack odd items for your move

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 6/24/11

When you pack the contents of your home for a move some items defy packing imagination and you may ask "how the heck to I pack and prepare this type of item for moving?" Well, no worries! We’ve created this handy guide on how to pack these pesky items so that they get moved safely and securely. Fishing RodsMany moving company drivers have begun to insist that fishing rods must be packed because they don’t want to pay for a broken tip (or . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 2,504 times

The ABC's of Moving Insurance

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 4/28/11

Moving Insurance: every consumer who is moving needs moving insurance, yet few understand how it works, how much coverage is needed, or how to obtain it. Whether you decide to do a self-move, or have a professional moving company move your shipment, you should carefully consider how to best protect your belongings and which insurance option best meets your needs. After all, accidents happen and when they happen it pays to be prepared. To start, it should . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 2,696 times

Your move is not a hamburger - What is a van line agent?

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 2/21/11

By Christopher Noblit - American consumers have grown accustomed to the exceptional quality control which is exercised by companies such as McDonalds where the Big Mac purchased at Location A is identical to the Big Mac purchased at Location B. Unfortunately, such quality control is not as common in the moving industry. Please read on... So you’re moving from one state to another and you’ve obtained several cost estimates, . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 2,608 times

How to get an accurate moving cost estimate

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 5/05/09

By Bill Adams - Having done an average of 400-900 estimates per year over the past 21 years, I would like to share a few tips for the homeowners in their quest to get accurate in-home estimates from their movers of choice. Once you’ve narrowed your selection of movers to consider, call and schedule the appointments. 1. Try to do all of them on the same day, spaced 2 hours apart. An estimate normally takes about an hour. Moving is a big event, . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 9,074 times

How to move a baby grand piano

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 4/17/09

Pianos routinely make movers annual list of items that are most frequently damaged. Grand pianos are especially problematic. Practicing the following procedures for disassembling, padding and loading grand pianos will prevent damage, lower claims expense, and improve customer satisfaction. At least three people are needed to handle a baby grand piano. If the baby grand piano needs to go up or down stairs or if a full or concert grand piano needs to be transported, . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 39,403 times

How to find a mover you can trust

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 3/20/09

By Christopher Noblit - According to moving and relocation industry professionals there sure fire ways a consumer or business can determine if they will be satisfied with the company they select to handle their relocation to a new home or office. Here are a few of the ways you can spot a qualified mover that you can trust... 1) Avoid booking your move with a internet based moving broker, most of whom hand your move over to a different company (a company you . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 18,781 times

Moving tips by Michael Perkins

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 3/15/09

By Michael Perkins - This moving tips page is dedicated to providing helpful moving tips for people who are planning to make a move of their household goods and personal effects. Included are tips for moving and storage, Van Lines, moving locally, interstate within the U.S. and international forwarding. In todays market place, a person who needs moving services can feel intimidated. You have to trust all your worldly possessions to some company and hope they . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 17,213 times

The Ready To Move checklist brochure

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 3/12/09

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to make sure you have the information you need to "Protect Your Memories. Your Money. Your Move." from moving fraud. The best defense against moving fraud is to be informed and aware of your options when choosing a reputable moving company. While most household moves go smoothly, there are dishonest or “rogue” . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 6,364 times

Your rights & responsibilities when you move

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 2/21/09

Summary: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) regulations protect consumers on interstate moves and define the rights and responsibilities of consumers and household goods carriers. The household goods carrier (mover) gave you this booklet to provide information about your rights and responsibilities as an individual shipper of household goods. Your primary responsibility is to select a reputable household . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 3,250 times

How to make an apples-to-apples comparison between mover cost estimates

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 2/09/09

By Christopher Noblit - A customer recently expressed confusion as to how she might be able to make an "apples-to-apples" comparison of the many moving cost estimates she had obtained. While on the face of it the different wording, terms, and conditions of multiple mover estimates may be confusing, getting an apples-to-apples comparison of each movers cost is not difficult...but first we need some background information . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 8,452 times

Moving with your children

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 2/09/09

By American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry - Moving to a new community may be one of the most stress-producing experiences a family faces. Frequent moves or even a single move can be especially hard on a youngster, and this stress occurs even when there are siblings. Moves interrupt friendships. To a new child at school, it may at first seem that everyone else has a best friend or is securely involved in a clique. The child must get used to a different . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 3,939 times

How to pack: packing tips - the complete guide to packing for your move

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 8/15/06

Table of Contents Introduction Materials You Will Need Some Things To Consider Packing In The Kitchen Packing Flatware Packing Cups And Glasses Goblets And Stemware Packing Small Kitchen Appliances Packing Pots And Pans More Kitchen Packing Tips Packing Tall Table Lamps Lamp Shades Packing Pictures Miscellaneous Packing TipsIntroduction This document was prepared to give you some valuable and helpful tips on . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 31,925 times

Moving insurance vs. movers valuation - It pays to know the difference

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 8/03/06

The Smiths were avid antique collectors, traveling from on estate auction to the next in search of rare finds. Over the years, the couple amassed an impressive collection of furniture and paintings. When faced with moving the antiques from New York to California, they began contacting moving companies.A salesperson from the local moving agency came to visit, and the Smiths discussed their concerns regarding the handling of their antiques. The salesperson . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 14,060 times

Whats wrong with Internet household moving move brokers?

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 4/14/05

An Opinion By Christopher Noblit - Abstract: "The author suggests that most Internet-based household moving brokers add an additional (and unnecessary) layer to the household relocation. This additional layer reduces overall household relocation quality, reduces the efficiency of consumer/service provider communication, and reduces service provider profitability. As a result, it is inadvisable for van lines, van line agents, or independent . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 18,254 times

The uninsured mover - A homeowners recipe for financial disaster

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 4/14/05

"Accidents Happen." But what most homeowners don’t realize is that if a worker is injured on their property, it is you -- the homeowner -- who can be held liable for all medical costs unless the employee is covered by workers compensation insurance. Hospital bills for serious accidents can be extraordinarily expensive and homeowner’s insurance policies normally exclude such injuries. Here is a true story (based on the 2002 California Court . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 18,414 times

How to pack mirrors, pictures & glass tops

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 8/23/12

Packing a mirror, painting, framed picture, or tabletop made of glass or marble is often done using a "mirror carton." We prefer the four-piece carton (shown here) over the two-piece "telescoping" mirror carton. We also use "mirror rails," which are cardboard inserts that strengthen the carton and secure the contents. Assembling both is shown here. However, before using a mirror carton, ask yourself: "Will . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 338 times

The movers table of measurements/cube sheet and your moving cost estimate

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 6/17/11

Each company companies guaranteed not to exceed estimate, binding estimate, or non-binding estimate includes an inventory which the estimator prepares when she or she visits your home to inspect the goods you want to move. This inventory is referred to as a "Table of Measurements" or a "Cube Sheet" in the moving industry parlance and it is as important to the consumer as is the piece of paper on which the move cost estimate is written. You . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 3,475 times

An Opinion - Google presents scam movers to consumers

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 4/22/11

An opinion by Christopher Noblit - Recently (after Googling the search term "movers") Google presented me with 10 paid (pay-per-click) advertisement results. I believe that7 of the companies I was presented with are companies which present scam/rogue movers to consumers. The more I considered this issue the greater the outrage I felt regarding the apparent hypocrisy between Google’s stated philosophy ("You can make money without doing . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 2,114 times

The pros & cons of moving with a PODS® type self-moving and storage system

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 3/02/11

An Opinion By Christopher Noblit - The popularity of PODS® and similar types of self-moving and self-storage systems is growing driven in large part by the perception that these system are less expensive then hiring a full-service mover. While this may be true in some instances, I am of the opinion consumers may find that such do-it-yourself moving services, and DIY storage systems, have an equal or higher cost to the consumer, especially when personal . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 3,018 times

Bonded moving company? What does bonded mean?

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 10/06/10

By Christopher Noblit - Whenever a consumerasks me ifmy moving company is"bonded" I hear a person who is worried and looking for a measure of assurance that the company they are dealing with is reputable and won’t take advantage of them. It is the rare consumer who understands what "bonded" actually means, and why the term bonded does not usually pertain to the moving and storage industry.From time to time a small business . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 7,753 times

Ready to move? Tips for a successful interstate move

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 10/04/10

This information was provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Ready to Move? The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) wants to make sure you have the information you need to “Protect Your Memories. Your Money. Your Move” from moving fraud. The best defense against moving fraud is to be informed . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 1,773 times

Understanding Inherent vice and moving company damage claims

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 10/01/10

"Inherent vice" is a term which every mover and every moving customer should understand when considering claims for loss or damage.The term "inherent vice" is a legal tenet referring to a hidden defect (or the very nature) of an article which of itself is the cause of (or contributes to) its deterioration or damage.Such characteristics or defects make such an item an unacceptable risk to a carrier or to an insurer. If the characteristic or defect . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 3,934 times

Why your highest moving weight estimate may well be your most accurate weight estimate

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 9/02/09

By Chris Noblit - Your highest weight estimate is your most accurate weight estimate! This statement fly’s in the face of the number one rule of purchasing: throw out the high estimate, throw out the low estimate, and go with the middle estimate. But if we dig a little deeper we will find out why this common rule of purchasing does not hold true for moving cost estimates, and here’s why... All movers use one single set of industry standard measurements . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 5,885 times

Professionalism & integrity are the key to selecting a quality mover

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 2/07/09

Guest author Michael Maffucci talks about ethics and professionalism in the moving industry and explains ways in which private consumers can select a reputable mover. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant, Michael is President and owner of Austin Verity & Son, an 80 year old professional Long Island moving and storage firm. Michael is also Vice President of The New York Movers and Warehousemens Association and The Long . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 3,208 times

The 7 half-truths which some moving & storage sales persons tell

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 2/07/09

Time to vent, and I must preface this writing by apologizing to all the many professional COD/Private Transfer interstate household goods sales representatives out there: you have all heard these tales and battle this nonsense every day. Perhaps the problem is regional; it seems that in our market area (metropolitan New York - specifically Long Island, NY) the sales competition is at times underhanded, and at worst downright dishonest. Low estimates, . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 4,365 times

Moving antiques: Be certain of their value before you move

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 1/17/07

By The International Society of Appraisers Table of ContentsMake an Educated ChoiceISA Training Makes an Important Difference to You!Seven Questions to ask When Hiring an AppraiserA Competent Appraisal Report Has:Do not Accept an Appraisal if:Test your "Appraisal IQ"Make an Educated Choice, There’s Too Much at StakeWhenever there’s a question about the value of your personal property, there’s also a risk involved.It may be the . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 12,152 times

Moving? How to operate a successful garage sale!

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 8/15/06

First, set a date and time when you can devote your full time to this sale, for gathering up various articles as well as being able to attend the sale full time.Second, plan just what you’re going to put in this sale, if you are going to have the sale alone, or with two to five more families.Third, have plenty of change on hand - both silver and paper money.Now, get down to business. A sale is work - a lot of hard work, but the returns more than justify . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 12,494 times

How to document a mover claim for loss or damage when you move

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 8/03/06

Overview - The Household Goods Descriptive Inventory If any of your household goods are lost or damaged while in permanent storage, storage-in-transit, or during transportation, it is the customer’s responsibility to correctly document that such loss or damage occurred while the shipment was in the mover’s care and custody. This is accomplished with the "Household Goods Descriptive Inventory,” a document that is prepared by . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 14,897 times

The web guide to household van line moving

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 11/03/05

	Household Moving Guide - Table of Contents Introduction Who Is The "Booking Agent" Who Is The "Origin Agent" Who Is The "Hauling Agent" What Is The Van Operator (The Driver) Responsible For? Who Is The "Destination Agent” Establishing Liability For Loss or Damage How To File A Claim For Loss or Damage The "Statement . . .
Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 15,110 times

How to manage relocation moving stress

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 6/22/05

Death, divorce and moving are said to be the three most stressful experiences in life. The stresses of buying and selling are enough to make many people feel overwhelmed. Taking care of yourself in the process, making sure you understand what’s going on, and increasing your sense of control can reduce your stress and help keep the process sane. To understand relocation stress let’s first examine the two kinds of needs that people have when moving:First . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 14,783 times

What is moving company shuttle service?

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 4/01/11

By Christopher Noblit -Moving company shuttle service is often misunderstood by consumers. This article was created in order to help consumerswho are mover better understand what shuttle service is and how it works. What exactlyis mover shuttle truck service?Each mover who provides you with a moving cost estimate assumes that they can park their tractor-trailer moving truck within a "reasonable distance" of your new residence at destination. Our . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 3,225 times

All about moving boxes for your move

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 3/30/11

By Christopher Noblit - Moving boxes! Everyone who’s moving needs them! So where do you find free moving boxes, or moving boxes which are -- at the very least -- inexpensive? Need to purchase boxes, moving supplies, or packing material for your move, project, or relocation? No worries! Avatar has a complete selection of moving boxes and moving supplies available for purchase. Much of the secret of packing is having the right materials with which to work, . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 2,743 times

Atlas household goods interstate loss or damage liability valuation options

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 3/31/09

Although every effort is made to handle all your belongings with care, occasionally an item may be lost or damaged while in transit of storage. Atlas offers you several levels of liability protection should anything happen while your shipment is in Atlas’ care and custody. The cost to you varies with each level of protection. This is not insurance coverage. Rather, it is an agreement between you and your Carrier as to your carrier’s liability for . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 4,477 times

IRS Form 3903: Moving expenses you can deduct

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 3/16/09

According to the IRS, you may be able to deduct the reasonable expenses of moving your household goods and personal effects and of traveling from your old home to your new home. Reasonable expenses can include the cost of lodging (but not meals) while traveling to your new home. You cannot deduct the cost of sightseeing trips. If you move to a new home because of a new principal workplace, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses whether you are self-employed . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 12,507 times

There is 1 comment on this article

Climatic change & its effect on wooden furniture

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 2/09/09

By Ken Gallacher, Specialized Repair Company - American Moving & Storage Association - While seated on the witness stand in court, a judge once asked me, "How can you tell if damage to furniture is transit related or not?" Even though the judge was satisfied with my lengthy reply, have never found a simple, pre-packaged answer to that question when challenged by a shipper who disagreed with my findings; especially when it involves damage caused . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 5,996 times

Moving and how to travel with your pet

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 1/10/07

Dogs, cats, and most other warm-blooded animals transported in commerce are protected by the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) enforces this law. APHIS’ shipping regulations help ensure that people who transport and handle animals covered under the AWA treat them humanely. Airlines and other shippers are affected by regulations established to protect the well–being . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 15,202 times

Everything you need to know about moving within New York State

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 8/15/06

	As someone about to move, the information in this booklet is important to you. You should read it thoroughly so you will know what you may expect from the mover and what he expects of you. It is designed to furnish you with the necessary information which will keep you from making mistakes which could well result in loss of your time and money... Summary of Information For . . .
Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 10,870 times

Understanding van line and agent movers split liability when storing your household goods

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 4/27/06

"SPLIT LIABILITY" - THE BAD NEWSWhen a local moving company/agent visits your home to provide you with a moving estimate, and you advise the agent’s representative that you are want to place you goods into storage, you need to understand (because it is most likely that you will not be told) that you are really dealing with two (2) separate moving companies. The local moving company/agent (acting as a representative of their van line) will accept your shipment . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 13,898 times

Avatar liability options for moving within New York State

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 5/08/09

Professionalmoving and storage companies rarely cause significant damage to goods that are placed into their care and custody. However, it is in your best interest to know the protection options are available to you so that you can make an informed decision about the liability you want your moving company to accept. Here are the options that are available to you... Automatic Transportation ProtectionFor hourly basis moves, protection . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 4,124 times

The myth of the movers binding estimate or not to exceed moving cost estimate

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 5/05/09

By Christopher Noblit - Taken at face value, a binding estimate might appear to be very attractive to moving & storage consumers. However, a flat-rate (or not to exceed) Binding Estimate can easily be employed as a scam-tactic to lure consumers with a price guarantee, only to become a bait and switch tactic on moving day. I refer to this as "the myth of the binding estimate." Allow me to expand on this thought if I may. All too often moving . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 9,651 times

TSA fact sheet: Transporting firearms and ammunition aboard commercial air carriers

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 3/16/09

After two years of aggressive public education on prohibited items, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues to struggle with communicating the issue of how to properly transport guns and ammunition aboard commercial air carriers. In recent months, reports have included at least three or four gun incidents each day across the country. Checkpoint screeners have done an excellent job in detecting the weapons and keeping . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 9,901 times

Moving & mildew - A primer & frequently asked questions FAQ

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 2/07/09

By Ronald V. Claussen - Storage Specialist, MTMC - Mr. Ronald V. Claussen, a storage specialist at MTMC (Military Traffic Management Command), wrote an article about MILDEW, that was first published in Translog Magazine. Translog is a monthly publication by the Military Traffic Management Command. The article is being presented here for your use. Statistics are not readily available on the extent of mildew damage to personal property. While all . . .

Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 6,749 times

The complete moving & storage relocation glossary

Household Moving Tips & Guides - Article Published on 8/03/06

	Term Definition Accessorial Services: Services, other than linehaul transportation, performed by an agent or the van operator (such as; packing, unpacking, an extra pickup, a long carry, an elevator carry, etc.). Accessorial services are charged in addition to linehaul transportation charge. Additional Transportation Charge (ATC): . . .
Read this entire article

This article has been viewed 11,284 times

Free moving help & free moving tips...

Get a Free Cost Proposal

Free Moving Cost Estimate

Cost estimates, project proposals, and consultations are provided free and without obligation.

Random Moving Tips & Guides

An Opinion - Google presents scam movers to consumers

An opinion by Christopher Noblit - Recently (after Googling the search term "movers") Google presented me with 10 paid (pay-per-click) advertisement...

Avatar Company News

Avatar Relocation wins Atlas Van Lines Quality Focus awards

Avatar Relocation of NY is honored to announce that, over the past decade, it has earned many Atlas quality and sales awards, including the coveted ...

Avatar Project Showcase

Avatar keeps on trucking...and moving store displays!

So there you are, one fine spring day in 1952, toolin' down the highway in "Crankshaft" Kelley's Chevy 3100 5-window pickup. A dream perhaps? Not in...