Re: Job Oportunity in Texas?
KKC,<br />We've moved cross country several times. If you have a family and quite a bit of stuff, the key is...I know this sounds stupid...planning. If you're going to move, start going through all your stuff now, and thin it out (garage sale, charity, etc). Will you be using a moving company? If so, some things to consider:<br />1. They won't move any "hazmat," including oils, cleaning products, aerosols, pressurized containers, etc. This stuff adds up and can be tough to get rid of if its partially full and laying around the house. <br />2. Take an accurate inventory of anything of value to you, and keep it yourself. Important papers, photos, heirlooms, that can't be replaced are best moved by yourself via a rented trailer or truck. U-haul is the cheapest, but watch out for their trucks as they are typically poorly maintained (their trailers have been okay to me, but uhaul trucks tend to break down on the interstate). In this trailer you can also take valuable items that movers won't take mentioned above, but be careful for flammables as it gets hot in the trailer!<br />3. When the movers are boxing your stuff, watch them like a hawk. They must write down all contents on an inventory sheet. Anything not going into a box is inventoried and stickered as well. You will receive a copy of inventory sheets to take yourself. Bottom line: If its not written down on the inventory sheet, you can't prove you ever had it or that they ever moved it. You may need to get the help of some dependable friends during this process, as it goes quick.<br />4. Don't let them mark items as damaged when they aren't, particularly furniture.<br />5. Biggest trick of movers is to pack stuff into boxes (particularly valuables) while nobody is watching and leave it off of the inventory sheet. That way, at the warehouse, they can open the box, steal the item(s), reseal the box, and there's no record of proof.<br />6. Same goes on arrival in your new location. Use YOUR copy of the inventory sheets to check off each item, not any sheets they give you.<br />Most movers I've dealt with are good people, but like any other business it has some sour apples, and you are in a very vulnerable position.<br />Again, planning. How are you going to get the boat, u-haul trailer, wife/kids, etc where you are going with the number of vehicles you have.<br />One of the biggest helpers in this process, whether you are moving yourself or having a moving company, is to thin out and organize your stuff now. Don't forget about the attic!
<br /><br />We had a camp fire the other night cooking and the flames were trying to get in the cooler to chill!