Contact: Sue Tucker, 240-777-6530
For Immediate Release: July 16, 2002

CONSUMER AFFAIRS OFFERS
TIPS ON MOVING

The busiest moving season is here and the Montgomery County Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA), part of the County's Department of Housing and Community Affairs, advises consumers who are moving to take the following precautions:

1. Plan for the move as far in advance as possible.

2. Ask friends for recommendations on moving companies and check business complaint records with DCA (240-777-3636 or online at http://hca.emontgomery.org/consumer) and the Better Business Bureau (202-393-8000 or online at www.dc.bbb.org).

3. Do not select a mover simply because it has a large advertisement in the Yellow Pages or other publication.

4. Get several written estimates, based upon on-site inspections. Telephone estimates are seldom reliable. Don't choose on the basis of price alone because the mover with the lowest price may also provide the lowest quality of service.

5. Read and be sure you understand the terms of the Bill of Lading (moving contract) and in what form (check, cash, cashier's check) the mover expects payment.

6. Get everything in writing, including the mover's liability to you for breakage or loss. Give careful consideration to buying additional full replacement insurance to cover loss or damage. Check your homeowner's insurance policy to see what, if any, moving coverage you may already have.

7. Compile an inventory of all items shipped and their condition. Check items as they arrive. Write "Subject to further inspection for concealed loss or damage" on the moving contract to allow for damage you may discover as you unpack.

8. Pack and move rare, fragile or sentimental items yourself.

9. File a written claim with the mover immediately if any loss or damage occurs. Keep a copy of your claim.

10. If you're going to be moving out of the area, make sure your mover gives you a copy of the booklet entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," which is required by law for all long distance moves. Read it carefully before your moving day.

DCA also offers consumers a publication entitled "It's Your Move," for further helpful advice. To obtain a copy, call Consumer Affairs at 240-777-3636 or go online at http://hca.emontgomery.org/consumer. DCA enforces the Consumer Protection Act in Montgomery County and investigates thousands of complaints each year involving automotive sales and repairs, new home purchases, home improvements, credit issues, retail sales, internet services and most other consumer transactions. DCA provides pre-purchase information to consumers as well as speakers to the community on consumer issues.