How to Inventory

Moishe’s – the better way

If you’ve selected Moishe’s as your mover, you are on your way to a great move. At Moishe’s, we believe that an informed customer is a real asset to a mover. We make it our business to give you “the whole picture”. We don’t like – or expect surprises on moving day. And neither should you.

We help you plan every step of your move – from obtaining the right packing materials to changing your mailing address, from reserving an elevator on your new building to checking your homeowner’s insurance coverage, from giving away your plants to defrosting the refrigerator, to packing your grandmother’s china. It’s really all a matter of organization – and advance planning.


We offer you realistic guidelines to answer questions like:
>	How long ahead should I start?
>	What types of items should I move myself?
>	What items should I have Moishe’s move?
>	How do I decide whether I pack things myself?
>	What if I need to store some things for a while?
>	Does my homeowner’s policy cover my belongings during a move?
>	Are there other things I should be doing to prepare?

We help you plan your move.
Plan well in advance and start taking steps now to make your move more manageable. Start by creating a “move file” to keep all moving-related information and receipts – together. Then, we suggest making an inventory of your belongings, even before you’ve made final decisions on what you want to move.

Inventory for yourself
Sorting through your home gives you the opportunity to make a complete inventory of your belongings. Prepare an inventory of everything you own.


>	Divide this inventory into three categories: items to be handled by the mover, Items you will handle yourself, and Items to by left behind or given away.
>	Make a list of everything that will be included in the move, and assign replacement values for insurance purposes. (For some rare pieces and valuable antiques, it may be wise to obtain a professional estimate, in writing.)
>	Make a note of items that are especially difficult to replace. These items should be carried with you or else shipped to your new home by insured or certified mail.
>	Know what you will need upon arrival to your new home. Make a checklist of things you will need to pack in suitcases and an “essential” box.

Inventory for the mover
The mover you have chosen will give you an inventory sheet – for the move. This sheet should include all of the items you plan to have moved by the mover. As a part of this inventory, the mover will note the condition of each of your items. All pre-existing conditions of your furniture, however minor, are indicated for the mover’s protection. The mover will write up your inventory sheet on the day of your move. So, it is advisable to accompany him, as he makes his notations of your furniture.

>	Movers are not liable for the boxes that you packed yourself. They cannot verify the contents of the boxes. However, each box is numbered as part of your shipment and the external origin condition of each box is noted.
>	Don’t sign anything until you are in full agreement with what is written. This sheet may help support any damage claims that you may file.
>	You will be provided with a copy of the inventory sheet. Use it at your new place to verify all items have been delivered.
>	At the time your shipment is delivered, it is your responsibility to check the items delivered against the items listed on your inventory. If new damage is discovered, make a record of it on the inventory form. The driver is required to record the damage on his copy of the inventory sheet.
>	After the complete shipment is unloaded, the driver will request that you sign the driver’s copy of the inventory to show that you received the items listed. Do not sign until you have assured yourself that it is accurate and that proper notations have been entered regarding any missing or damaged items. When you sign the inventory, you are giving the driver a receipt for your goods.

We help you organize the packing process.
You will save a lot of money if you do the bulk of the packing on your own. If you choose to pack your own things, we can help you with questions like these:

>	How many boxes will I need?
>	How long should my packing take?
>	What kinds of boxes will I need?
>	What’s the best way to pack fragile items?
>	What do I need besides boxes?
>	Where do I get the materials I need?

We offer a full range of packing materials – from boxes, to padding to tape.


What – and what not - to pack
>	Limit yourself to non-fragile items such as books, linens, clothing and shoes; and replaceable items such as plates, dishes, (not fine china) and small kitchen appliances. Leave the furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances to be packed by the mover.
>	The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. Keep weight under 50 pounds per box.
>	Never let movers pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, or other priceless items.
>	Get the proper boxes for your items - the right sizes and strengths. Use wardrobe boxes for dresses and suits, mattress cartons to protect your mattresses from filth, padded dish boxes with dividers for fine china, and free boxes from supermarkets for non-fragile items.
>	Take time to pack carefully. Pack fragile items with old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each fragile item separately.
>	To protect themselves, movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, you should unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer.
>	Movers will not transport living things such as your plants or pets.
>	Make the loading process easier and more organize by designating a room in your home, preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your boxes. Keep related boxes together since they’ll end up in the same room. This will help cut on the carrying time and make the move much more efficient.
>	Reserve an “Open Me First” box, consisting of the essential items your family will undoubtedly need for the first night. Contents of this box might include: snacks, instant coffee, medicine, towels, toiletry items, flashlights, can openers, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, screwdrivers, scissors and pliers.

We help you remember the details.
When you’re looking at a move – any move, you’ve got a lot on your mind. We can offer you advice to help you remember the “little things” – that are not so little if they don’t get done!

Don’t forget to:
>	Change your mailing address.
>	Cancel the paper.
>	Collect your medical records.
>	Refill prescriptions.
>	Return library books and videotapes.
>	Disconnect cable.
>	Defrost the refrigerator.
>	Pack your suitcases.
>	And so much more…

Remember to contact:
>	Insurance agent to transfer property, fire, auto and medical insurance.
>	Children’s schools seven weeks ahead of the move.
>	Clubs or organizations you are associated with for information on transferring, selling or ending seven weeks ahead of the move.
>	Contact building management to inquire about scheduling your move date and time four weeks ahead of moving.
>	Contact moving company to schedule your move date four weeks ahead of moving.
>	Post office to obtain and fill out a US Postal change of address form four weeks ahead of moving.
>	Utilities for disconnection or transfer and any possible refunds four weeks ahead of the move.
>	You bank(s) to transfer bank accounts two weeks ahead of the move
>	Airline or hotel you plan to use to confirm your family’s travel arrangements one week ahead of time

What to expect on moving day

If you have chosen Moishe’s, you’ve chosen the best. Your move will be carefully orchestrated and handled with efficiency and care.


We will provide you with:
>	A uniformed moving crew that is trained, motivated, experienced, courteous and one that arrives on time!
>	Clean, well-maintained trucks, specifically designed to move household goods.
>	Proper equipment, including: padding, dollies, clean moving blankets, tools for dismantling furniture and reassembling it and a fire extinguisher for security.

We follow up
We don’t forget about you the day after you move. We will call you to make sure that your move was completed to your satisfaction – in every way. We always strive to accomplish a perfect move. But even with the best, things happen. If any damage occurs, we will respond in a professional – and swift – manner.

The storage option
Of course, the ideal move involves relocating all of your belongings from your old place to your new home – in one day. But in reality, our clients often need to store some or all of their possessions for a few days or even months. Moishe’s has literally millions of square feet of secure, professionally operated storage facilities located throughout the Tri-state area. We can help you decide what to store. And you can relax – and be sure that your things are safe until you’re ready for them.