More moving insurance options:

Total Loss Only
This coverage is for a specified dollar amount and pays only in the case of catastrophic loss. Small damages are not covered by this type of insurance. Benefits of this coverage include low cost and protection against a major accident or disaster.

Add-on options for full replacement value moving insurance include pairs and sets coverage and mechanical and electrical derangement coverage. Pairs and sets will replace a full set of something if only one or part of the set is damaged. The mechanical coverage covers internal working of mechanical and electrical devices (without this add-on coverage, only physical damage to the unit itself is covered).

Movinginsurance.com also covers storage in our warehouse (self storage facilities are not covered). A policy purchased for a local or interstate move is good for up to 90 in our storage facility. Customers can also purchase extensions of this coverage on a monthly basis to cover periods longer than 90 days.

All of our basic and increased insurance options cover the goods that we transport and store. None of these options cover damage to the premises we work in. Be advised that Elephant Moving’s liability is limited to $100.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces.

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Elephant Moving and Storage is pleased to offer a variety of increased insurance options for customers moving locally, interstate, or coming into storage. The basic coverage of $.60 per pound per article is included automatically and free of charge with every move, and also with all storage. The two most popular additional coverages our customers most frequently purchase for their interstate relocation are ‘Total Loss Only’ and ‘Full Replacement Value.’

Full Replacement Value – Lump Sum
This coverage is for a specified dollar amount (customer states that shipment is worth $XX,XXX). Any items specifically valued at greater than $500 must be noted at the time of purchase. Damaged and destroyed items are covered at full replacement value up to the lump sum amount of the insurance. Customers should be careful not to undervalue their total shipment since compensation is limited to the total lump sum amount specified at the time of purchase.

Full Replacement Value – Valued Inventory
This coverage offers full replacement coverage for a list of select items. You will be prompted to create an inventory list that includes the name, value and condition of each item. Damage to listed items is covered, but items not included on the valued inventory are not covered by the additional moving insurance (the basic coverage of $.60 per pound will apply to these items).

Stay tuned for more information on other types of moving insurance that are available for your local or long-distance move with Elephant Moving & Storage…

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It is extremely important to remember that movers are not insurance companies! All licensed movers must carry cargo insurance, for the customers’ and the company’s protection. This translates into cargo valuation coverage in the amount of $.60 per pound per article. Obviously this is a basic and limited coverage for your belongings.

Some moving companies offer different options for increased coverage, but you should remember that no interstate moving company is an insurance company. If your long-distance mover has offered to sell you increased coverage directly, then this is increased valuation, NOT INSURANCE.
This increased valuation means that for your interstate move your relocation company has agreed to be liable for damages above the $.60 per pound limit (usually this maxes out at around $5.00 per pound). This is still not enough to cover the full replacement cost of many items, especially smaller, lighter, expensive items such as TVs and fine china.

The only sure-fire way to guarantee that your things will be covered at full replacement value is to purchase additional insurance (not increased valuation). Many interstate movers offer this option through reputable third party insurers who deal only with moving and storage.

Elephant Moving works with www.movinginsurance.com to provide increased insurance options to our local and long distance moving customers. Policies are available for valued inventory or lump sum coverage; there are also add-ons available for pairs and sets coverage and mechanical and electrical coverage. Be aware that Elephant Moving’s liability for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces is limited to $100.00. Movinginsurance.com does not offer increased coverage options for damage to your premises. Check with your homeowner’s insurance to see if they will cover any damage to the premises that may occur during a move.

Stay tuned for more information on the third party insurance options that may be available from your interstate relocation company…

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Get a quote for moving insurance now!

That’s right, summer is here, and that means moving! Did you know that 70% of all moves take place during the summer months? Elephant Moving would like to wish Austin a safe and successful summer moving season! Here are a few tips to help you get through your summer move:

-As always, be sure that your mover is a licensed moving company that carries the proper insurances. Check with the Texas Department of Transportation (for local moving) and/or the U.S. Dept of Transportation (for interstate moving) to make sure your potential movers are currently licensed.

-Be aware that all movers charge higher rates during the peak season. If you are trying to save money on your move try to move before May or after August to get the lowest rates.

-Summer moving may be your only option (time off work, kids out of school, etc). You will want to shop around and get a few quotes before making your final decision on a mover. If you are moving a house or large apartment get an on-site estimate to ensure you have the most accurate quote and avoid extra charges on moving day.

-As you compare estimates pay careful attention to the services that you will receive for the price. Make sure each moving company has the same information from you (complete item list, location info such as curvy staircase, long carry, steep driveway, elevator, etc). Look carefully at the details of each price quote. How many men will be on your crew? How many trucks will the crew bring? Is disassembly/reassembly of furniture and disconnection/reconnection of appliances included, or is that extra? Will the movers wrap your furniture before moving it to protect against damages, or do they take it as is? Look for the differences between the services included with each mover and choose what’s best for you.

-Remember that cheapest is not always best! Do some research and read reviews on independent local message boards such as Citysearch and Yahoo! Local to find out how your potential mover has been doing at keeping customers happy before, during and after their moves!

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

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After Your Move

Moving can be unsettling, but it can also offer the opportunity for a fresh start. Here are some things to remember along the way.

Take it easy
Don’t feel like you have to unpack right away. Focus on the essentials and take your time in addressing the less important stuff.

Have fun
Take the time to enjoy your new surroundings with your family and make exploring a fun event. Take walks and visit a local park, or check out local shopping, entertainment and restaurants.

Include everyone
As you settle into your new home, make a point to include all family members. Allow each member input in planning and decorating, and be tactful in making compromises. When all is done, each member should feel like they contributed to his or her “space.”

Get involved
Be on the look-out for neighbors and introduce yourself to them. Ask them what organizations they recommend and see if you can find one that fits your needs. Involvement in a church group, athletic club or volunteer organization is likely to help you feel more like a part of your community.

Keep your receipts
If you misplaced your Elephant Moving & Storage receipt from your recent move contact our office to obtain a copy.

Order Moving Supplies!

As you move through the steps of your interstate moving process, you will find it helpful to have boxes and other moving supplies on hand. Start packing some of your non-essentials as you begin cleaning closets and paring down; you will be glad later. Packing is far less overwhelming when you spread it out over weeks versus trying to cram it all into a couple of days. Also, before you begin any packing you will want to review our packing tips. Because who wants to pack anything twice?

You can order boxes from Elephant Moving & Storage and they will be delivered directly to your door! The most popular items are included in our box kits to make it even easier for you to order the right amount and sizes. Review our box kit information to determine just how many you will need.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

Be an Informed Mover!

Start by creating a “move file.” You will need a place to keep important information and receipts for your long distance moving related expenses. Contact the IRS or visit their web site to determine what expenses can be deducted on your next tax return. Make sure to file contact information for Elephant Moving & Storage and any other special services (such as vehicle movers) you might need.

Research your new community. Start by visiting your new city and state’s web sites or contact their chambers of commerce for relocation packets. Check out local entertainment, shopping and restaurants. This can be lots of fun and will give you much to look forward to. You’ll also want to order a phone book and city map for your new location. This will allow you to start researching new schools and service providers and is a must for your “essentials” box. Finally, consider ordering a local newspaper. Most news providers will send a complimentary issue to prospective customers.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

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Take Inventory!

Sorting through your home prior to your long distance move gives you the opportunity to take inventory of your belongings. Make a list of everything you decide to keep and assign replacement values for insurance purposes. Make note of items that are difficult to replace. Either carry these items with you or ship them by insured or certified mail.

Such items might include:
-Photos and home videos
-Birth certificates, wills and other legal documentation
-Jewelry, rare coins and special collections
-Stock certificates, insurance policies and financial records
-Computer diskettes with backups of important files

Know what you will need upon arrival to your new home. Plan ahead and make a checklist of things you will need to pack in suitcases and an “essentials” box. Allow for extra clothing and be sure to make room for treasures, toys and snacks for the kids. Your essentials box should include things you’ll be scrambling for upon arrival.
-Scissors, masking tape, utility knife, can opener
-Coffee cups, paper plates, paper towels
-Plastic forks, spoons, knives
-Dish soap, trash bags, towels
-Instant coffee, tea, beverages
-Toilet paper, toiletries
-Prescriptions, aspirin or other pain relievers
-Flashlight, light bulbs, hammer
-Phone books, pencils and paper, your “move file”
-Telephone, radio, batteries

Plan on keeping your essentials box and luggage handy, preferably in your automobile. Keeping these items easily accessible can take a lot of the stress out of your interstate move.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

Start Paring Down!

Cross country moving is tough, but it can also be an opportunity. This is the perfect time to get rid of the extra stuff you have accumulated. Take it one room at a time and prepare to make tough decisions.

Survey each room and ask yourself:
-Does this have sentimental or monetary value?
-Does anyone really use it?
-Is it worth lugging around?
-Is there room for it in our new home?

If the item in question doesn’t make the cut, ditch it! Plan a yard sale, post an online auction or simply donate anything that does not meet your criteria. This is a great way to earn a little extra cash or another tax deduction.

Remember, you are charged for your long distance move based on the space you take up in the truck. Think about how much individual items will add to the cost of your interstate move – is the item in question worth the money you need to spend to relocate it? If not, toss it!

Start using up items that cannot be moved to your new home. Properly dispose of flammable or potentially hazardous chemicals. This would include anything in an aerosol can, cleaning and lighting fluids, paint, matches and ammunition. Eat foods that are frozen or stored in glass jars and don’t plan on replacing these items until you are in your new home. Finally, be aware that live plants cannot be shipped with your other household goods. Plan on taking these in your car or find new homes for them.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!

When moving cross country one of the most important decisions you will make is which long distance moving company to use to relocate your home or office. It is imperative that the mover be a licensed and insured interstate moving company. This means that your mover carries all required insurances and is licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the United States Department of Transportation as a household goods mover. You can check the registration status of your long distance mover at the FMCSA website.

In order for you to receive a binding price quote your interstate mover will need to do an on-site estimate. If you are being charged by weight you will pay for either the estimated weight of your shipment or for the exact weight plus the cost of taking the truck to a scale to determine the exact weight. If you are being charged by volume you will pay for the space your shipment takes up in the truck; volume is charged by the cubic foot.

Elephant Moving generally charges long distance moves by volume. This method makes it easy to see how much your interstate move will cost without adding to the price by charging for a trip to the scales. Marks or bars in the trucks mark off 100 or 200 cubic foot intervals. As the customer observes the loading he can clearly see how much space his shipment takes up in the truck.

Get your local or long distance residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Place an order for moving boxes and packing materials now!