Q: What is the best way to prepare children for a move?

A: While there are probably as many answers to this question as there are children, here are some general tips provided by experts:

• Talk to your children freely and often about the move and what it will mean to them.
• Keep to your normal routine as much as possible.
• Keep familiar items (toys, books, blankets, teddy bears, etc.) available. And don't pack the pacifier!
• If possible, take your children to your new community before the move to acquaint them with their new surroundings.
• Above all, listen to what your children have to say, and keep communication open and honest.

For more information, ask your North American Home-To-Home representative for a copy of A Moving Experience: A Professional Counselor's Guide to the Personal Side of Moving.

Q: Why do movers sometimes put more than one household on a trailer?

A: To keep down the cost for you. The average trailer holds from 18,000 to 24,000 pounds - the equivalent of three to four households. This allows us to create efficiencies to reduce the cost of operation.

Q: Am I allowed to pack my own belongings for the move?

A: While you can pack your own items and benefit from some cost savings, we don't recommend it. One of the major advantages of hiring a professional moving company to handle your move is the assurance that your belongings will safely arrive at your new home. Our trained packing crews stand behind every box, crate and item we pack, load and ship, and we're responsible.

When you pack your belongings, we are unable to take liability if items are improperly packed. If the items you pack are damaged and no exterior carton damage is evident, the responsibility for the damage is yours. However, your Agent Service Counselor can offer assistance if you choose to pack yourself. Ask for a copy of our Guide to Better Packing as well as packing supplies the experts use.

Q: What about perishable food items?

A: Perishable food items cannot be safely shipped in moving vans - please dispose of them or give them away.

Q: What are inventory exceptions?

A: When your household goods are delivered to your new home, your van operator will ask you to check off items as they are removed from the van and sign the inventory of household goods. If any items or cartons are missing or damaged, you must note this on the inventory sheet at the time of delivery. This is known as an "inventory exception" and is for your protection. Signing the inventory is a declaration that all items and cartons were received and arrived in their original condition. We don't expect you to unpack every carton before signing. If for any reason you were unable or refused to sign the inventory exception document, please indicated this in writing on the sheet and notify North American immediately at: 1.800.348.2111

Q: What are accessorial services and what do they cost?

A: Accessorial services are any services provided to you in addition to the linehaul transportation. Ask your Agent Service Counselor to fully explain the total range of services available - including: crating, packing, unpacking, appliance services, elevator, stair and long carriers, or shuttle service when access to your residence is limited and a second smaller truck may be necessary.

Q: What should I do with gas in the lawn mower, leftover paint, turpentine, etc?

A: It's against the law for movers to transport flammable, combustible or corrosive materials.  Safely drain or dispose of these materials including: household paints, bleaches, propane tanks, gas cans and fuel in power equipment.

Q: What is the best way to prepare a PC for safe transport?

A: As with any delicate piece of electronic equipment, a few precautionary measures will ensure its safe arrival.
A few suggestions:

• Make backup copies of all your data files.
• Remove any diskettes from the disk drives and replace them with blank or disposable diskettes for transport.
• Move PC's in their original cartons when possible.

Of course, your local computer dealer can help... that's part of their expertise!