Preparing for relocation and managing all the different processes involved at the same time can prove to be taxing unless one has a reliable plan at hand. Hiring a relocation consultant is an ideal option to execute all these processes and technicalities efficiently. His/her duties involve:
- Assessment of all moving needs and requirements,
- An estimate of the total costs involved,
- Notifying one about the items which aren’t allowed transportation and
- Special requirements involved in transporting certain items.
Here is an overview of the general technicalities involved in an interstate moving process.
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Packing and Loading the Items Accordingly
The duties of a relocation consultant is to basically direct one towards the most effective and viable moving service options. These include the services of a driver and packer. A driver and a packer are responsible for more than simply loading boxes in their trucks and driving it to a certain location. Their responsibilities include:
- Ensuring that all items which are to be transported are packed with protective coverings.
- Provide a complete inventory of all the items to be transported.
- Assigning all moving boxes and furniture with coded stickers, and label them accordingly.
- Loading all the packed, coded and labeled boxes and property into the moving truck.
- Arranging a reliable shipping contract in the form of a Bill of Lading.
- Delivering all items to the required location in a safe manner.
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Documentation and Paperwork
The Driver’s responsibility is to prepare a complete inventory of the items that are to be transported. These details are filed extensively in an Inventory and Condition Report. All items and cardboard boxes are to be color-coded, labeled and have a small description for the indication of damage (if any). It is advisable to accompany the driver while he/she transports the inventory so that special requirements or concerns regarding certain items can be pointed out.
Another form is the Bill of Lading. This form is a contract that you, as the owner, are required to sign. This signature authorizes the moving van to transport your possessions to a specific location. It also includes an agreement to pay for all the costs involved in the moving service, pickup and delivery schedules, and the valuation and protection of the moving plan chosen.
However, the Bill of Lading and the Inventory and Condition Report have to be approved and signed by the owner. If in case the owner is absent, a reliable person has to act as an agent for the owner and sign the required documents.
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Delivery and Unpacking Process
It is essential to coordinate with your relocation consultant when you arrive at your new home. Generally, the driver contacts you before the expected delivery time for confirmation. It is advisable to have a room to room floor plan in mind before the driver arrives so that the professionals can help you unload effectively.
In addition, at the time for delivery, you can request unpacking services via your relocation consultant or move coordinator. Make sure you tally off all the possessions from your copy of the inventory file and report damages, if any.
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Payment
According to law, the driver is required to collect the complete payment before the entire shipment can be unloaded at the specified location, be it at a new home or in a storage warehouse. However, prior approved billing and credit arrangements can also be made. The receipt of the payment is received as a copy if the Bill of Lading has been signed by the driver.