When Moving....

 In addition to the information about myself in my hub bio, I'm a military wife, but haven't been one for long, Actually this year was our first PCS move and hence, my first experience with a transatlantic move. What brings me to this topic today is this... when unpacking I found myself missing several items that i know that I had; and that I am sure that they were packed.

We have to keep in mind that during a move, their exist a shared responsibility between the owner and the company for the goods transported. It is the owners responsibility to supervise that the move is being done correctly; such as packing well those fragile items and informing the company the valuables that they have that will be sent in the move. This is why I recommend, when moving, the following things:

1. That you make a detailed inventory list of what you have and even send it to your carrier. DO NOT WAIT FOR THEM TO MAKE THEIR INVENTORY LIST, ALWAYS HAVE YOUR OWN. This is because when checking the list you might miss something that you wouldn't have missed if you had done it by yourself and calmly. This should be done a couple of days before the movers come to pack or while you are packing. 
2. Take photos of your goods, before they are packed. this is to have evidence that you actually had that, in case it goes missing, or the state it was in if it's damaged.
3. If you have valuable items, such as antiques, have an estimate of their value and take that with you, DO NOT PACK IT WITH THE MOVING COMPANY. If it is a vintage item, it is very useful to have a certificate that states the antiquity of such item. Many moving companies have a policy that in order for an item to be considered antique or vintage must be at least 100 years old.
4. If your company is also packing your goods, consider taking a video of their work. This is usually the time when the employees decide to cash in on their hard work and labor (if you know what I mean).
5. Have movers insurance. Even though many moving companies have their own insurance and are liable if an item is lost or broken during your move, their insurance policy as with most, will make everything in its power to pay you as little as possible in the longest time possible.
6. Once you receive your goods, verify as much as you can, as detailed as possible before signing the receipt of merchandise. This is very important, because this is the time when you acknowledge (or not) that you received your goods in the same condition as they were given and that all of them were received.
7. Lastly, when unpacking, go over your inventory list and verify that everything is in its place. If not,proceed promptly to make a claim with the carrier and, this is very important, KEEP COPY OF EVERY DOCUMENT, SEND EVERYTHING VIA CERTIFIED MAIL, EMAIL OR FAX (any means which you can have evidence that you sent it), PAY VERY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE TIMELINES THAT YOU HAVE TO COMPLY AND ABIDE BY THEM,  AND ALWAYS, ALWAYS FOLLOW UP YOUR CLAIM.

Well I hope that this tips will make your next move more easygoing and stress free.