The salesperson, or moving consultant, will most likely come to the customer's home to do a visual survey of your items. This is taking a list, room by room, of all the items indicated by the customer to be moved and/or packed. Once the list is completed, Petoskey Moving Company can calculate the weight as well as any other related costs, and an accurate estimate can be completed. A phone survey is done on occasion for local moves, going through the same steps as a visual survey except it is done via telephone.

When the Petoskey Moving Company consultant comes to your home, it is best to have things organized. The consultant should see the attic, basement, crawl space, garages and closets. If certain items will not be a part of the move, those should be pointed out so they are not included in the estimate.

The busiest time for moving companies is during the summer months, May 15 to September 15. The last week of each of these months, the volume is extremely heavy. It is important to remember that higher prices may be charged during this time.

The earlier, the better! If possible, give yourself and the moving company 4-6 weeks' notice. This allows you time to obtain estimates, choose your mover and make decisions about tasks that need to be completed, such as garage sales, packing, making arrangements for pets, etc.

Petoskey Moving Company has convenient payment terms. We accept cash, check, money order and credit cards. Most moves are payable before the shipment is unloaded at the destination.

All movers are required to prepare an Order for Service prior to transporting your interstate shipment. This Order provides you with written confirmation of the services and dates that you have requested. This also lists the valuation that you wish to place on your shipment, along with contact names and telephone number at which the mover can contact you during the move.

The Order for Service also shows the charges for the move. Under a Non-Binding Estimate the Order will show the estimate charges, method of payment and, in case the actual charges exceed the non-binding estimate, the maximum amount that you will be required to pay at the time of delivery. You have 30 days following delivery to pay the balance of the charges due.

Under a Binding Estimate, the Order will show the charges required at delivery based on the estimate and terms of payment. Both you and the mover must sign this document.

Every mover is required to prepare a Bill of Lading for every shipment transported. This is the receipt for your goods and the contract with your mover for transportation.

An inventory is a detailed, descriptive listing of your household goods and the condition of each item when it is received by the mover. Most drivers inventory shipments as they load them, but it is not required by law.

If you have an inventory completed, it is your responsibility that the list be correct. Abbreviations you may see on an inventory are PBO which means "packed by owner" and CP for "carrier packed". The inventory sheet also has codes listed for conditions, such as SC=scratched, C=chipped, 3=right side 8=top and so on.

Not only will the inventory help you keep track of what is loaded and the condition of each item, but it will verify that all items are delivered. Should any damage occur, or if any items are missing, you must point this out to the driver.

Petoskey Moving Company offers these easy tips to help you minimize damage during your move.

How do I pack dishes, china & crystal?

It is recommended that you pack all items and leave drawer empty. If you prefer, however, lightweight clothing may be left in drawers. Do not put heavy items in drawers such as books or blankets as they can damage the furniture during transit.

It is strongly recommended that you take irreplaceable or very expensive articles with you. These items can be included in your move provided your mover is notified of these items before packing / moving day.

Items worth more than $100 per pound are considered articles of "extraordinary" value. To be assured of insurance should a claim arise on these items, you must complete and sign a "high value inventory" form and sign the "extraordinary (unusual) value article declaration" on the Bill of Lading.

Petoskey Moving Company, through Allied Van Lines, offers you total peace of mind with Extra Care Protection, the most comprehensive protection plan in the industry. ECP covers the cost to repair or replace, whichever is less, any household item that is damaged, lost or destroyed.

Petoskey Moving Company also offers Basic Liability Protection, which provides repair or replacement up to a maximum of $0.60 per pound per article should your goods get damaged or lost. Keep in mind, though, when it comes to protecting your belongings, one size does not fit all. The level of protection you need may be greater than minimum levels based on your total shipment weight. Be sure to consider high-value items such as artwork, electronic equipment, crystal and porcelain collectibles. Basic Liability Protection is free of charge with your move, but you must request it in writing.

Check with your insurance agent, as you may be covered in your homeowner's policy.

Washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Many movers have local service providers that handle this type of service for them.

Most moving companies will not move house plants. The heat, along with the lack of light and water, cause most plants to die. Also, some states do not allow the import of plants across state lines, while others do under certain conditions. Be sure to check your state regulations.

Moving companies will not move animals for the same reasons as house plants!

Petoskey Moving, as an Allied Van Lines agent, uses a special procedure called "stretch-wrap" which is a clear plastic wrap, much like Saran Wrap, that protects upholstered furniture from being soiled.