- Call your United Van Lines agent. Specify the exact date you want to move and when it will be convenient for the agent to visually survey your household goods and prepare an estimate.
- Let the agent know if your company will be paying for the move.
- Before the agent arrives, tour your house from attic to basement. Include the garage, patio and storage shed. Decide what to move and what to discard. Remember that the cost of moving an item might be greater than the cost of replacing it.
- Decide whether you want to do any of the packing – or whether you will have it done by our experienced personnel. Our agent will be pleased to discuss packing services with you. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, ask for our free "Doing Your Own Packing" booklet. In addition you might want to purchase packing materials from our agent. If you do, the cost of the materials and any delivery charge will be added to the Bill of Lading.
- Show our agent everything that is to be moved. Specify articles that are to be packed so the estimate will include these charges and be as accurate as possible. Any items you fail to disclose or that are added later to the shipment will increase the cost, even if you have been given a binding estimate.
- Remember – unless the estimate is binding, it is not the final cost.
- The total charge will depend on the actual weight of your household goods after they are loaded on the van, plus the cost of extra services performed by the United Van Lines agent.
- Make certain you fully understand the extent of the carrier's liability (see section titled "Loss and Damage Liability") in case any of your goods are lost of damaged. The declared valuation statement on the Bill of Lading governs the extent of the carrier's liability.
- Sign the Estimate/Order for Service after you are sure you have a clear understanding of each section. If you have questions about any section, ask the agent to explain.
- Keep handy the telephone number and name of a contact person at the local agency.
Explain the reason for the move to your children. Tell them about the advantages of moving to a new city – new things to see and do, new places to visit, new friends to make. Ask for United's "Moving With Children" booklet for other helpful tips.
In Search of a New Residence
- If you haven't already done so, place your home on the market as soon as possible. If you have an apartment, notify your landlord of your moving date.
- Arrange for a house-hunting trip to a new city. Or, if this is not possible, get in touch with a real estate agent or two and ask for help in locating a house or apartment. You might want to subscribe to the local newspaper in advance of your move. The Sunday edition usually contains a large real-estate section. It can be very helpful in giving you some idea of the type of housing available in the new city, as well as providing information (from ads) about living costs.
- When looking for a new home, take along a tape measure and a list of the exact dimensions of each of your major appliances and other large pieces of furniture. Measure the areas provided for them to be sure your appliances and furniture will fit.
- Establish credit in the new city. Ask your current banker to recommend a correspondent bank. Arrange for the transfer of funds and contents of your safe deposit box. Have the local credit bureau send your rating to the one at your destination. Also, ask the bank to serve as a credit reference.
- Check your personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered. Transfer fire, theft and other personal property insurance to ensure coverage at your new home.
