In the rush to get all of your possessions packed up and ready for the move, there are some details that people often forget to do. Here are some reminders and hints to help you have a smoother transition when using moving companies or moving on your own.
One way to lessen the stress of moving is to supervise the move yourself. Schedule the move for a time when you can be there to oversee the loading process. The movers may have questions about boxes or other issues, and when you are there in person, you will be able to make sure that your things are all accounted for, which should give you a sense of relief.
Don’t forget to put aside some money for tipping the local or interstate movers at the end of the trip, after the truck or van is unloaded. Tips are usually between three to five dollars per hour, for each employee. Those numbers are just suggestions, and some people tip the driver extra. Many people also buy drinks and food for the movers. It is strenuous work to lift and carry boxes for hours, especially if you have stairs, and you will want the movers to have snacks and meal breaks.
Remember to get all keys, tools or anything else you have lent, back from the neighbors. Give them back their keys, if you have any. Check to be sure that you have their addresses and telephone numbers, and that they have your new contact information.
Schedule the utility turn off date for a day or two later than moving day, in case any last-minute problems arise. You might need more time to clean or have good lighting for some tasks, and if the power or water are shut off too soon, then you will have to call the utility company and get service reestablished. That will take time and money when you may very well be on a tight schedule and budget.
Before you lock the door and leave your former home for the last time, make sure that no one has hidden any money or other valuables in any attic spaces or behind walls. Things are sometimes forgotten about over the years, and a last-minute check of any hiding places will put your mind at ease.
Air & Cargo is a complete one-stop-shop global transport logistics service that provides everything you need from freight forwarding, Customs clearance and third party logistics through to brokerage, supply chain management and Letter of Credit services.
Industry and government are concerned about the capacity of ports and terminals, and the highways, rail lines, and waterways that serve them, to handle steadily increasing volumes of intermodal traffic, especially containerized freight. The volume of intermodal containers moving through ports worldwide doubled during the past decade. Similarly, the volume of intermodal freight by air, rail, and truck grew just as dramatically. Over the next two decades, volumes are expected to nearly double again.
It appears that the deaths of seven puppies in the cargo hold of an American Airlines jet earlier this month has incited a request from 3 senators, Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), to clarify the word “animal” in congressional statutes when it comes to reporting pet incidents by airlines. In a letter to Ray LaHood, Secretary of the US Department of Transportation, the Senators state that it was the original intent of the statute to include commercially bred and show dogs as being included as an animal that was to be reported should a death or injury occur in transport, not just an animal that was kept as a pet. Not reporting incidents involving breeder puppies and show dogs would unrealistically skew airline safety records, making it harder for people to make informed decisions about airline cargo travel.
Readers may recall my past blogs about air cargo screening and an upcoming mandate that will have significant ramifications for supply chain efficiency.