Maison Magazine

can i get that in writing? Furniture isn't the only thing that can be damaged during a move. Walls and door- ways in both your old and new houses can be nicked during the moving process, and carpets can likewise be damaged by muddy boots trekking in and out. Most moving operations will have rug runners and door pads to protect your carpets and doorframes, but whether they are included in the cost or show up as an extra charge varies from company to company. To make sure that the moving company doesn't spring any last-minute charges on you for the use of these pads, make sure they're included in the contract you sign with the mover, also known as the bill of lading. Indeed, charges for all services—from in- surance coverage to shrink-wrapping your couch to protect it from dust damage – should be itemized in the bill of landing to prevent any unforeseen charges. The mate- rial usage should be in the quote, not a line item you get hit with later. Get it in writing. If you're like most savvy shoppers, you're careful to read product reviews before making a big purchase. The same holds true for moving, especially given the money and personal property involved. You can research prospective moving companies on the Better Business Bureau's website, as well as on peer review sites like Angie's List. But don't put too much stock in online reviews as many moving companies write their own reviews to inflate their ratings. Tap your own network, as online reviews may not be reflective of what's happening in the last few months.… Go more with your gut and who your friends like than what's on the Internet. a pictures worth a thousand words Speaking of insurance, remember that you'll have a lot more luck claiming damage to your property if you can actually show that it wasn't damaged before the move took place. Look at the condition of your belongings before you move them, if you have pictures of your items before and after, it's easier to show and claim damage. A legiti- mate mover should inventory your property before the move to make sure nothing is lost, but taking photographs of all valuable property provides an extra layer of protection should things go south and you find yourself needing to file an insurance claim.

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