txDOT to txDOT: THE GAME OF MOVERS

For the last couple of weeks I have been involved in a rather time consuming, nerve stretching and pocketbook emptying activity. Many websites, phone calls and bids have been involved in this little DOT to DOT game. Being the giving sort of person I am, I will share with you the "secret passages" in this game, so that you can proceed to the ultimate goal of a successful move.

First step would be to fill out an online quote request with your email address and phone number. Before you have time to even double toast an English muffin (aren't they the best?) your inbox will receive bids and your phone will begin to ring.

Secondly, go ahead and butter that English muffin, because you'll need the energy to proceed to the next level.

After munching on that tasty, crunchy treat start your comparison shopping of the bids you've received. You might want to have movers who are paid by the hour, or you might choose to list everything you want moved and go that route. That decision will be based on the distance of the move and if you just need help with the larger pieces or everything you own. Get bids for both ways, by the hourly rate and by the total weight of your stuff.

Be sure not to make any decisions concerning the contract, until you finish all the necessary background checks for the moving companies.

You will receive bids and on those bids you should find a TX DOT number for the moving company. Those numbers are essential as that is how the governing agency keeps track of legitimate moving companies and any complaints against them.

As I checked out some companies, I was astonished that their licenses had been revoked or expired. The complaints were listed by date and resolutions, if any.

If a company doesn't have a license, then it really is "Buyer Beware." You might save a few dollars, but at a risk of being ripped off by some fly-by-night company who might use day laborers, unreliable vehicles, no insurance to protect your possessions and then add extra charges before they release your furniture at the end of the move.


Oh, one last "HINT" about moving, try not to move during a hurricane. Hurricane Alex is coming to Texas the end of this week and we'll fight him with bubble wrap, tape, cartons and shaking fists to the stormy sky.

MOVING MADNESS: WE ARE TOO OLD FOR THIS

In the next couple of weeks we are undertaking a task that can send chills down the bravest, strongest people.

When you first look around at what is to moved, it doesn't feel like such a big deal, but then once you delve into the depths of the drawer, shelves and cabinets you realize that a couple of boxes won't be enough to even get started. So that realization sets you off on a box quest. No store is too obscure, no previously occupying merchandise is off limits and no store manager is too stern to keep me from seeking durable boxes for FREE. Sure, some less experienced movers might resort to buying moving boxes from a moving company, but where's the challenge?

So, three liquor stores were contacted today and these were the responses to my plea for free carboard boxes:
1. "We save our boxes for our customers." Since we don't drink, that sort of leaves us off their customers' mailing list. (Maybe liquor would make moving more interesting, but I'll pass.)

2. "The manager wants to keep all the boxes, because we will reuse them." Right, you will need them when the Vodak bottles are returned for refills. Come on.

3. "Sure, come on by and pull around to the back." So, my little car is now loaded with every kind of liquor store product you can imagine. Nice manager and I didn't even have to sign up for product testing or mixology classes.

The boxes will gain their new occupants soon and wait for the people to carry them to their new home.

Speaking of a new home, there are many items too big and heavy for this old couple to manage. Many phone calls and emails have garnered bids for professional movers to wrap, load and transport the larger items.

If we went the way of just "inviting" some young, healthy friends over, we would feel obligated to pay for gas, feed them and wind up with other costly repayments. So, all that considered, we will move the smaller items and leave the professionals tackle the heavy wooden furniture.

Since we are in South Texas and we have the heat and humidity to prove it, the move will test our mental and physical strengths.


Wish all the anger, pain and hurt can be left behind, but I fear that some will creep into the moving boxes, no mater how fast I tape closed the cartons.

A couple of days to pack, a day to move and then a new lifetime for a couple of precious family members who deserve a calm, positive and supportive environment.