Art,

Good advice. Thanks.

I always pack for my own moves. It is not only cheaper, but I pack better
than they do because I care more.

I mostly hire the mover to load the truck, drive the truck, unload the
truck.

Unfortunately I to have heard many stores of pilferage by movers. For
boxes with hand tools and such in them I will just mark them "basement"
and a number. I will record the contents on my clipboard.

I have one more thing to consider. I have a huge gun safe (800 lbs). I
may find a rigging company and have them do the safe and stationary
machines. It will cost a little more, but I bet riggers who handle pianos
know how to be more carefull.

Also, thanks for the advice about not signing the delivery notice until
pilferage is resolved. I bet that does get them to "look again" to find
the things that got "lost".




Art and Diane wrote in
news:As%Td.1838$Ze3.934@attbi_s51:

I think you've had some good advice here, but I'll tell you my
experiences. I've moved the shop several times across country. The
best results have always been when I did most of the work myself -
that goes for the whole house including dishes, glasses, etc.
Obviously I couldn't handle the big stuff myself for long distance
moves and I strongly recommend you follow the advice given here that
says BE THERE when they move the shop. I usually break the tools down
(fence rails and wings off the TS for example) and try to get them
packed in boxes. You also haven't mentioned the small power and hand
tools. Even though they say they won't guarantee breakage for the
boxes they don't pack, I STRONGLY recommend you do it. I wrap them
all in layers of newspaper and fill in the voids with more crumpled
paper. They'll just throw them into a box and you can expect much
breakage, dents and nicks. There's an even bigger reason for
pre-packing. I don't want to lose my tools! Early moved seemed to
result in much pilferage. When unpacking one time, I had pulled out
a few tools to start cutting open boxes and putting things together.
As the movers cleaned up, I noticed several of my tools were missing
and they seemed to be the ones the locally hired helper had borrowed
(I agree with the comment by a previous poster that the drivers can be
trusted). After I complained, the driver told the helper several
times to go find the tools, but he just wandered around. It wasn't
until I refused to sign the release that he went out to the truck,
reached under the seat and returned with the tools. The moving company
will reimburse you for lost items, but what are the chances you can
remember every single tool you own. You'll realize something is
missing several months later when you need it. Good luck.

Art Learmonth

AndyB wrote: