1. C O A L I T I O N Corner Can Moves Really Be Trouble-Free? Tips for a smoother household goods moving process Coalition Corner: Business training tools for HR staff, real estate licensees and other service professionals in the relocation and real estate industries © 2005, Employee Relocation Council/Worldwide ERC ® Coalition The Coalition thanks Kevin E. Rich, SCRP, Clark & Reid Company, Billerica, MA for this edition of Coalition Corner

2. C O A L I T I O N Corner Program objectives This program supplements a monthly editorial feature in Worldwide ERC ® ’s Mobility magazine This segment will: –Offer a number of tips from an industry representative to help improve the household goods moving process, from arranging the details to packing and moving

3. C O A L I T I O N Corner Introduction Following some basic guidelines can go a long way toward making the household goods moving process easier A few to consider…

4. C O A L I T I O N Corner 1. Early Warning –Once the decision to move is made, notify the moving company immediately –Advance notice is especially important during the busiest season, typically May 15 – September 15 –At any time of year, the more notice the better

5. C O A L I T I O N Corner 2. Move in the Middle! –Demand is typically highest at the end of the month –Wherever possible, opt for a mid- month move

6. C O A L I T I O N Corner 3. Up Close and Personal –Accurate estimates of costs and resources require detailed walkthroughs with experienced moving industry professionals –Seek representatives with recognized credentials, such as Worldwide ERC ® ’s CRP TM and/or the American Moving and Storage Association’s CMC designations –The walkthrough is the time to confirm shipping details (check access) and identify precious or sentimental items or any unique needs the family may have

7. C O A L I T I O N Corner 4. Make a Date –The sooner moving dates can be locked in, the better –Timing uncertainty can lead to missed scheduling opportunities and last- minute choices, with greater potential for service problems

8. C O A L I T I O N Corner 5. Communicate! –Reputable movers will likely have communications protocols to help stay abreast of all relevant developments and minimize surprises –Clients and consumers should also be proactive: giving and receiving all relevant contact information, including mobile phone numbers, pagers, transition locations, etc. –Efficient communication on all sides ensures all parties understand the scope of the work and the commitments made

9. C O A L I T I O N Corner 6. Purge the stuff! –Moving is a great time to eliminate excess – everything costs money to move! –Yard sales, giveaways or simply “throwing it out” are all strategies to help keep costs down

10. C O A L I T I O N Corner 7. Talk, talk! –Open family dialogue about the move, well in advance, is vital to making all feel valuable and involved in the process, particularly young children

11. C O A L I T I O N Corner 8. Consider different children’s needs –Some children take to the moving process and disruption with glee, while others may find it unsettling –Consider planned activities and a more structured environment to help ease the transition, particularly for those having difficulty with the move

12. C O A L I T I O N Corner 9. Pamper the pets –Pets present during a move can inhibit progress –Provide a safe environment for pets, considering an alternative location during the actual move –If using a professional pet handling or transport service, advise the moving company early on in the process

13. C O A L I T I O N Corner 10. Valuables and Papers –If possible, keep small valuables and important documents out of the packing process to take personally –Alternatively, designate an “Open First” carton and ask movers to load onto the truck last for immediate access

14. C O A L I T I O N Corner Additional Tips –Before moving day, be sure to: Discard perishables/frozen foods Ensure clear access to the home, including driveways and walks Provide original packing cartons, if available, for high value electronics Identify and make provisions for handling hazardous and/or restricted materials Make arrangements to be present or have a designated representative on hand –On moving day, be sure to: Perform a thorough walk-through to ensure all items have been removed Keep a smile on! Proper attitude goes a long way to making the experience more pleasant

15. C O A L I T I O N Corner Conclusion While there’s probably no such thing as a “perfect move,” good planning, cooperation, on-going communication, mutual respect and a flexible attitude can all contribute to one that is pretty close!