• Chose the mover and sign the acceptance note;
• Sort through loft and garage;
• Resolve what to do with prohibited items;
• Make proper provision for pets;
• Decide whether or not you are taking your car (long distance moves);
• Dispose of the stuff not taking;
• Begin preparations of mailing list of people who need your change of address;
• Inform banks, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, hire purchase and rental companies;
• Start to round up passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation;
• Apply for any necessary visas (international);
• Check that electrical equipment will work in your new home (international);
• Separate favorite toys;
• Make sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date;
• Arrange for mail to be forwarded;
• Decide whether or not to buy any new household goods;
• Choose which clothes travel with you;
• Start to dismantle climbing frames/garden furniture;
• Choose a valuation of the shipment and other terms with your mover;
• Make arrangements of connection of services at your new home;
• Return library books;
• Canceled newspapers, subscriptions, et.;
• Find new homes for your plants;
• Defrost the refrigerator/freezer;
• Plann simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances and fast food;
• Separat luggage items you need for personal travel;
• Clean garden tools, bicycles and any other gardening equipment;
• Empty tanks of powered tools such as mowers;
• Make sure there is enough medication for at least two weeks, and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination;
• Collect travelers checks or local currency (international moves);
• Arrange for someone to look after the children on moving day;
• Together with the mover take close report of invetory foms and the conditions of items being loaded in the truck;
• Take copies of all forms and bill of lading and the receipt of first payment;
• Together with driver do the final walk through the residence - make sure nothing is left behind;
• Get driver's cell number.

Mover uses $25,000 as a minimum value. However if the shipment weighs over 5,000 lbs. the minmum value of shipment will be determined by using a formula shown below.

1. Calculated weight of shipment. 

2. Using a $5.00 per pound multiple.

EXAMPLE:

Weight - 12,000 lbs. (approx. 4 bedroom house);

Minimum value - 12,000 X $5 = $60,000 (customer can request a higher amount, but this will stay as minimum).

By US DOT Surface Transportation Board's Released Rates Order: movers must provide 2 different options of valuation protection:

1) Free option (Release Value) - 60 cents per pound per article. This is the most economical option available; however this option provides minimal protection. Under this options, the claim is settled by the weight of the shipment.

Example: A stereo that weighs 20 lbs is damaged, the mover is liabile for no more than 60 cents per pound. Mover's liability: 20 X $0.60 = $12.00.

Customers should think carefully before agreeing to this arrangement. 

2) Full-Value Protection (FVP) - This is the most comprehensive option. If any article is lost, destroyed, or damaged, while in mover's custody. Mover will at its option:

1. Repair the article or pay customer the cost of such repairs;
2. Replace the articles with an article of like kind;
3. Pay customer for replacement article at the current replacement value.

The mover will charge customers for such protection. 

The Cost for FVP is based on the value of your shipment (different companies have somewhat defferent ratio)  will be around $1.40/100 lbs. Therefore, for $60,000 value will cost -$840.00 payment to mover on bill of lading (contract). This payment purchases protection and is not refundalbe. However, the cost may vary depending on different levels of deductible levels that may reduce the cost.

Movers conducting business in California are governed by CA PUC.

Under PUC laws movers provide 3 levels of protection of customer's shipment.

A. Basic Coverage - at 60 cents per pound per article. Recovery calculated at 60 cents times the weight.

Example: 20 lbs. X 60 cents = $12.00 regardless of actual value of the item. This protection is included in movers rate. Free option.

B. Actual Cash Value - this protection ensures recovery at the actual cash value (i.e. fair market value) of the lost damaged item. The rate for this protection will be stated on movers contract (bill of lading). The maximum rate is provided by PUC, however your mover can have the rate different but not higher than Max 4 tariff provided by PUC. Example: $30,000 value times rate of $.95/100 lbs. = $285.00 payment to mover for protection, prior to job commencement. Not refundable. 

C. Full Value protection ensures recovery at the full value (i.e. replacement value) of the lost, damaged items, up to the total value declared. 

The mover may offer deductibles for this option.Customer is responsible for the deductible unless the items was lost by mover. The mover will charge for this option. Example: $30,000 protection (no deductible), rate of $1.35/100 lbs. = Cost of protection $405.00. The rates will be stated on mover's contract. Customer must choose the desired option prior to commencement of the move.

The customers are not allowed to ship any hazardous materials!

No one knows the weight of their shipment, or the time it will take to relocate your belongings (unless they have recently moved). To know exact weight of the shipment the truck will be weighed twice before and after loading for long distance; and the time will be kept during your move on your move day.

However, Oxnard Movers Inc has a team of experienced estimators, whose job is to go to client's homes and take a very detailed inventory of items to be relocated. Customer should be very specific as of which items may or may not go and the conditions at both locations: long walks, shuttle, stairs cases, elevators, etc. The more movers know ahead of time the more accurate their estimate will be.

Estimators use state issued estimate form which has a "Table of Measurements". Each items is assigned a specific size. Even though no items is always the same size, it tends to average out with in 5% to 10%. Therefore, estimator will slightly overestimate the size to protect the company, and not to turn off the customer's interest.

Be aware of movers that "low ball" the cost, with out actually seeing your place.

Here is a form used by estimators to determine the size of the shipment. Each items is assigned a size. After careful inventor estimator will determine the size of shipment with in 5-10% or actual size. On the day of the move the shipment will be weighed to protect customer from being overcharged.

We strongly recommend not to transport currency, bonds, stock certificates, precious metals, jewelry, etc.

Those items that have to be shipped must be logged into a special form "items of extraordinary value".

Professionals should pack the fragile, expansive, bulky items. Customers that want to control the cost may pack some non-breakables. Such as books, files, etc.

Packing techniques

- Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of its contents and its destination (e.g., kitchen, bathroom). Be as specific as you can;

it will make unpacking that much easier.

- Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry.

- Don't apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface.

- Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning. Use special boxes for fragile items, such as Dish Packs. Don't over load boxes.

Generally movers are liable for most of the shipment they are transporting locally or long distance. However, there are some circumstances in which movers have no liability.

Make sure to supervise movers at the time of loading and unloading. The movers will be tagging and logging items into inventory form. The numbered item will go into appropriate line and its condition will be described next to it, at pick up and on the day of delivery items will be off loaded and checked off as well as their condition. If there are any scratches, damages or missing items, make sure to log it in the inventory. It is not official claim, but if you need to file a claim an inventory report will help.

Here is a copy of a real inventory report, names are blocked out for customer's privacy.

- Item # 1: Medium Box - PBO, CU (packed by owner, condition unknown)

- Item # 5; Bed Rails - SC, CH, W, F (scratched, chipped, warn, faded)

- Item # 7: Small Wood Table - SC, W (scratched, warn)

- Item # 12: Chair - SC, W, CH (scratched, warn, chipped)

For long distance relocation or relocation going into warehouse, movers tag and inventory every item and its condition onto inventory form. Both customer and a mover sign it after load and after unload. Any scratches, or dent, regular ware and tare is marked on the form prior to load, and then any moving related damages or loss will also be marked on the forms.

This is a page out of a PUC booklet with exact explanations of how to properly file a claim.

Local move is paid upon its delivery.Oxnard Movers Inc. takes a booking reservation deposit by credit card of $100.00 it will be deducted at the end of the move off the total cost.

Long distance moves customers pay a reservation deposit of $250.00. On the day of pick up customer pays a 50% of estimated amount, and upon delivery customer pays the balance of the estimate and any extra services may have had to perform, which were explained to customer and signed in the order for service form.

In California long distance moves are charged by the weight of the shipment only.

The truck must be weighed twice befor and after the loading. This is considered the more honest way. As regardless of the company client uses the weight will always be the same. Unlike the size - cubic feet of shipment, may vary due to the professionalism of movers of how tight it is loaded in the trailer.

Federal government - US DOT allows both ways of charging customer, as long as the tariff is properly posted and readily available to customers.

Oxnard Movers Inc uses a tariff based on the weight of shipment.

There are many different circumstances due to which the customer may not accept their shipment. Escrow, not found a place, loan falls through, remodeling takes longer than anticipated.

For those customers we offer short term storage (90 days or less).

Appliances do require special attention prior to a move.

Mover's job is to take appliance cover it from facial damages, and transfer to new residence.

The customer has to service appliances by themselves, or hire a professional appliance technician, or let mover know and the mover will send our partner reputable appliance tech. The fees for service will be added to the contract.

This process can include bracing a washer tub, disconnecting an ice maker, capping off a gas line, and special handling of satellite dish components.

Refrigerator

Cleaning

• Use mild detergent to wipe off the exterior finish.

• Before cleaning the interior, dispose of perishables and unplug the power cord.

• Wash removable parts such as shelves and drawers with a mild detergent or in a solution of warm water and baking soda. Ice trays and ice storage bins should be washed in lukewarm water only.

• Wash the interior walls and any non-removable parts with a mild detergent or baking soda solution.

• Leave the door open for at least 24 hours. Allowing all moisture to evaporate. If your refrigerator is not a frost-free model, allow extra time to complete defrosting and drying.

• Secure all loose plastic parts.

• Glass shelves should be removed, cleaned and movers will carefully pack them in carton for protection during transit.

• Be sure the appliance is totally empty and clean. If not cleaned before transit it can develop an unpleasant, permanent odor, making the appliance unusable at destination.

• After cleaning, place an odor and mildew preventative in your refrigerator.

• At the bottom of the refrigerator, remove the base covering and vacuum the condenser or compressor.

• Empty and clean the evaporator pan; allow time for it to dry.

Servicing

• Turn off the water and disconnect the water line if you have a cold water dispenser or automatic ice maker. You should also empty the water reservoir.

• If your refrigerator is an older model, you may need to have the motor or compressor bolted down. The majority of refrigerators now are sealed units that do not require this service.

• At destination, do not operate the refrigerator for at least 24 hours after delivery. This allows the oil time to settle, preventing possible damage to the compressor.

• Ice makers and water dispensers must be connected to a water line. Installation service or parts can be obtained from an authorized dealer. Copper tubing, a shut-off valve and fittings may be required. Once the ice maker is in service, dispose of the first few batches of ice because of possible impurities from opening a water line.

Washer

Cleaning

• Use appliance cleaner to wipe off the exterior.

• On the inside, clean lint filter and tub.

• Leave the lid open so that any moisture will evaporate.

Servicing

• Turn off water faucets, disconnect and drain hoses.

• Wrap the metal connector ends of hoses in a towel and place inside the washer.

• To ensure the safe transport of the washer, it should be serviced to prevent swaying of the tub.

• All water should be drained from the tub because shipments can travel through a variety of climates and terrain.

• Ask our specialist about third-party appliance servicing. There are more than 20 different washer moving kits available from various appliance manufacturers. The cost for third-party servicing is nominal, especially for the protection it provides to your washer.

• After your move, be sure to have the washer connected by a qualified installer.

Dryer

Cleaning

• Unplug the dryer or turn off the electrical power to the appliance.

• Remove any debris from the lint screen with your fingers or a dry paper towel. Do not use water on the screen.

• Wipe off the exterior with an appliance cleaner and soft damp cloth.

• You can remove dust from the interior with a damp sponge.

• If the dryer drum is discolored, try a mild liquid household cleaner or a paste of laundry detergent and warm water. Rub the area until the discoloration is removed. Wipe thoroughly. Then reconnect to electricity and operate the dryer with a load of old rags to remove any soap residue and to thoroughly dry the drum. Remove the rags when finished.

Servicing

• Disconnect the electrical supply to the appliance.

• For a gas dryer, the appliance should be disconnected and the gas line capped off before moving day by a qualified service technician.

• At destination, use a qualified installer who is familiar with requirements for gas and or electricity, as well as the exhaust system.

LIST OF BOXES AND MOVING MATERIALS AVAILABLE

FILE (BANKER) MOVING BOXES - 1.5 cubic feet,

   20 Boxes Per Bundle  - size range of (15" x 12" x 10").

    Great for packing files

SMALL MOVING BOXES - 1.5 cubic feet,

   Size range of (15"x 12"x 9").

   For packing books, collectibles and small/light manufactured items.

MEDIUM MOVING BOXES - 3.0 cubic feet,

   Size range of (18"x 15"x 12").

   For packing larger books, files, collectibles, almost all non-breakable kitchenware.  (Do not over pack).

LARGE MOVING BOXES - 4.5 cubic feet,

   Size range (24"x 16"x 17").

    For shipping, storing linens, pillows, collectibles, larger plastic dishes, metal serving platters, plants, and lamps.

EXTRA LARGE MOVING BOXES - 5.2 cubic feet,

   Size range (24"x 24"x 16").

   For shipping, storing larger household items such as comforters, blankets, clothes, lamps, pillows and any large but lighter items - Be careful to keep the weight manageable. Do not over pack…

DISH PACK BOX - 6.2 cubic feet,

    Size range (24" x 18" x 24").

   For shipping fragile articles: china, glasses, dishes, bottles, etc.

    Double Strength Carton. Specifically made for transportation of fragile, expansive articles.

PICTURE BOX - Large picture box,

    4 Boxes per pack - (40" x 60" x 4") (uboxes.com has no afflictions with our company, we used it just as an example of one

    online  provider).
    Excellent box for protection of wall art, mirrors and pictures.

LAMP BOXES - Tall and short

    3 Sets of Boxes a small and a larger one - (12" x 12" x 60")

    Lamp needs to be disassembled and top and bottom packed separately.

WARDROBE BOX - 11.00 cubic feet,

    5 Boxes Per Bundle - (20" x 20" x 48").

    Double Strength Carton. Can be used over and over again - Great for storing winter & summer clothes too! Our Heavy Duty    Boxes ensure your clothes won't sag before you do on your next move. Each Wardrobe Box comes with a sturdy metal hanger bar.

WOODEN CRATES - made for specific articles, our estimators will take measurements and crate will be assembles in a short amount of time.

PACKING TAPE - clear tape,

6 roll bundle - Provides 650 yards of tape. Seals about 100 medium boxes. Very strong and durable product.

BUBBLE WRAP,

    Roll - (12" wide x 100')

    Excellent for moving and protecting glass and other fragile articles: electronics, expansive china, glass furniture, antiques, etc.

SHRINK/STRETCH WRAP,

    Roll - (18"x 1000' long).

    Protects against scratches, dirt, dust, and holds items tight, keeps the integrity of the construction if properly wrapped. Excellent for sofas, tables, dressers, file cabinets and a lot more.

PACKING PAPER,

    Bundle - (30 lbs of 24"x 36") ink-less paper roll.

    Great for protection of fragile items and filling in empty space when your packing boxes.

MATTRESS COVERS,

    Great protection from dirt, scratches, dust, and stains.

    Available for any size mattress or box spring and possibly other large items. It comes sealed on three sides - seal the top with tape.

King Mattress Cover - (78" x 8" x 90"),

Queen Mattress Cover - (60" x 8" x 90"),

Full-Size Mattress Cover - (54" x 8" x 90").