Simply thinking about THE day can be a two-aspirin event! But there is no getting around it, so you might as well be prepared. Here are a few tips to help you survive your moving day intact.
- Be Prepared
- Load Up!
- Stay in the Loop
- Make Room for Relaxation
- Get Ready to Receive
- Unload and Settle In!
Be Prepared
By this time you should have everything packed and ready to go. Make a point to get lots of sleep the night before your move and start your day with an energizing breakfast.
You should also, by this time, have coordinated the delivery of your trailer with your local ABF terminal. If at all possible, plan on receiving your trailer personally. You will be asked to sign for the trailer and to clarify where you want it parked. It's critical to have planned ahead for this.
Keep in mind ABF's trailers are 28 x 8 x 9 feet. The trailers require a 14 foot overhead clearance and a firm, level footing for parking. Make sure you are legally parking the trailer and have obtained permission from all interested parties. You'll want to be sure the local authorities or property managers understand that you'll need your reserved space for up to three business days.
It's a good idea to keep all utilities connected through your move date. This allows you to stay in touch with your local ABF dispatcher and make last minute phone calls. It also ensures you have power and water to do final cleaning.
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Load Up!
The condition of your goods at destination is a direct result of how well you pack and load your belongings. See our Moving Related Services page for companies that offer supplies and labor.Remember to place cardboard or plastic sheeting on the floor of the trailer prior to loading to help protect your shipment. It is also recommended that you cover your shipment with plastic sheets or a tarp to protect your items from becoming dusty. This site includes helpful tips to ensure you can handle these tasks like a pro. Remember to keep your "essentials box" handy and make a point to keep "last load" items for the rear of your shipment. (Don't load the vacuum cleaner under tons of other stuff!)
Even if you are hiring outside labor or have volunteers to load your goods, it's important to personally supervise the loading process. Keep track of your inventory list and make sure you are satisfied your shipment is properly loaded and secured behind the bulkhead.
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Stay in the Loop
Your personal involvement is important throughout the moving process. Ultimately you are responsible for how your goods are packed and loaded - as well as for understanding the terms of your Bill of Lading or BOL.
The BOL is an excellent candidate for your "moving file." ABF will mail, e-mail or fax a copy of your BOL prior to your move date, so that you'll have the opportunity to review it and be familiar with its terms. You should also receive a copy when you sign for your trailer. Make sure you understand all terms and contact your moving coordinator with questions or concerns. When your local ABF driver picks up your shipment you'll be asked to sign a copy of your BOL, so it's a good idea to study the document and know what you're signing.
Before signing verify the destination address and fill in your final footage results. Remember your final rate will be based on actual footage used within the trailer. You'll also want to make note of the "pro" or tracking number assigned to your shipment. This number can be used to track your shipment 24 hours a day, either online or by calling 1-800-FOR-ABFS.
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Make Room for Relaxation
You are likely to arrive at your new home before your goods do. This gives you the opportunity to look things over and choose a "relaxation space."
Start by designating a room or area for relaxation. Plan on keeping this space cleared of clutter or boxes. You can even plan to bring out lamps and a few pieces of furniture for this area before unloading anything else.While tackling the monumental task of settling in, you'll appreciate having a place to "get away" from your work.
This is also a good time to look things over. Check appliances, utilities and heating/cooling systems to prevent unpleasant surprises. Make sure your mail is making it to your new address and that your phone service is connected. You might also take this time to meet your neighbors and drive around your new area.
Once you are ready to coordinate delivery of your goods, pull out your "moving file" and find your Bill of Lading.
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Get Ready to Receive Your Trailer
Your BOL will include a contact number for your delivering ABF terminal. Call this number to find out how your shipment is progressing and when you should receive your trailer.
This is a good time to verify your charges. Unless you have arranged to pay by credit card, be prepared to pay upon delivery. Your driver will accept a money order or cashier's check. As at origin, you should plan on personally receiving your trailer and signing a delivery receipt. Be sure to keep this receipt, so that it will be on hand when you prepare your income tax return.
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Unload and Settle In!
At this point you'll probably feel the urge to tackle everything at once. Take a deep breath and realize you don't have to unpack everything in one day - or even in one week.
Start by unloading your trailer and placing boxes and furniture in their designated rooms. You'll have up to three business days to unload. Once the trailer is empty of all goods and debris, call your delivering ABF terminal and let them know it is ready to be picked up.
Wonder where to start unpacking? Plan on taking things one room at a time, starting with the kitchen. Set up the microwave and coffeemaker and stock the fridge with easy-to-prepare meals. Remember to keep your trusty "essentials" box accessible. Once your basic kitchen items are in order, you can focus on other areas of the house knowing that you have somewhere to go for a cup of coffee or a quick snack.
Next focus on the bathrooms. Make toiletries and paper accessible and pull out a few towels. Once your new kitchen and baths are functioning, you can focus on the rest of the house at a more relaxed pace. Where you go from here is a matter of personal preference - take your time and make an adventure of it!
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