At Destination

Working With the Mover

• Contact the destination agent whose name appears on the Bill of Lading. Do this as soon as possible, and indicate where and how you can be reached. Give the agent the phone number and make final arrangements to accept delivery of your household goods. You may also want to notify the booking agent of your whereabouts.
• Make certain the house is ready for occupancy before the van arrives.
• Be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally, be sure you authorize an adult to be your representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Be sure this person knows exactly what to do. Your representative will be asked to note any change in condition in the property from that noted on the inventory at time of loading, and note any missing items at the time of delivery. If any articles of extraordinary value are included in the shipment, your representative will be required to acknowledge receipt of these items. Inform the agent of the name of the person you have authorized to act as your representative. The van operator will contact you or the destination agent 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time. This allows time to locate you and arrange for unloading. If for some reason you cannot be reached, it is then your responsibility to contact the destination agent.
• On the day of delivery, the van operator will attempt to contact you by phone and/or will make an appearance at the residence if he is unable to reach you. If you are unable to be contacted by phone, leave a note on your residence door indicating where you can be reached. If neither you nor your representative appears to receive the shipment within the free waiting time, your household goods may be placed in storage. You will be responsible for all additional charges related to the storage and re-delivery of your goods. One hour of free time is allowed at destination if the shipment is traveling less than 200 miles; two hours of free time are allowed if the shipment traveling is 200 miles or more. (No free waiting time is allowed at origin.)
• Pay charges. Unless other billing arrangements were made in advance, payment is required upon delivery in cash or by traveler’s check, money order, or cashier’s check. Personal checks are not accepted.

• Check your household goods as they are unloaded. If there is a change in the condition of the property from that noted on the inventory at the time of loading or if any items are missing, note any damage and or missing items on the van operator’s copy of the inventory sheet. By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging receipt of all items listed. Personally report any loss or damage to the United Van Lines agent at destination immediately.

• When unloading, each piece of furniture will be placed as you direct, including the laying of rugs and setting up of box springs, mattresses and bed frames. However, appliances and/or fixtures will NOT be installed. At your request and at an additional charge, our agent will arrange for this service and for the refilling of water in bed mattresses.

Note: To prevent possible damage, television sets, other electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.

• You may want to place a floor plan of your new home by the entrance which the movers will use. Show on it where each piece of furniture should go.
• If you have paid for unpacking, you are entitled to unpacking service and removal of cartons. If you decide to unpack at your convenience after having ordered unpacking service, remember to annotate the Bill of Lading accordingly.

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The Family

• Allow the children to help. Let them feel needed. Assign them light but important duties such as arranging their own toys and possessions.
• Make the beds early so you can get a good night’s rest before tackling things that must be done tomorrow.
• Take a few minutes to relax. Consider having the family evening meal at a restaurant on "moving-in" day.

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Important Details

• If you have not yet done so, get in touch with the utility companies and make necessary arrangements for service. Inquire if any of them provide appliance connection service without charge.
• Make arrangements for re-installation of appliances.

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Finishing Touches

Final Details

• If you receive a letter from United Van Lines or one of our agents after the move, don’t discard it without opening. It may contain information concerning your move.
• Keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place. You will need them for verification of moving expenses when you file your federal income tax return.
• If you need information about your move–the type of services performed, charges for these services or interpretation of United’s policies and procedures–please write the Customer Service Center at United Van Lines, 1 United Drive, Fenton, MO 63026, or telephone (800) 325-9980. We will thoroughly research your question and furnish a comprehensive answer as quickly as possible.

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Settling In

• Check with the post office for any mail being held, and ask for delivery to start.
• Check state (and local) requirements for auto registration and an operator’s license.
• Once you’ve selected a family physician and dentist, you’ll need to have records transferred. Usually, dental records can be sent to your new dentist by simply making a phone call. Transferring medical records from your previous physician normally requires a written request and your signature. If you want to obtain any previous hospital records on your health history, write the medical records department at the hospital where you were a patient. You’ll need to include your previous physician name and the name of the new doctor.
• You may want to select an attorney to discuss laws that pertain to your destination state, county, and/or city. Be sure to cover such matters as wills, transfers of property and investments, insurance regulations, inheritance laws, taxes, etc. Most laws affect a family as soon as residence in the new state and city is established.

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A New Family Life

• Get acquainted! Meeting new people can be a wonderful adventure. Get in touch with local organizations which specialize in helping new residents get to know the community. They will be glad to have you phone or visit them. Check the Yellow Pages under "Welcoming Services for Newcomers."
• As soon as possible, register to vote.
• Locate the selected schools. Take the children, introduce yourself and register them.
• Ask questions! Your neighbors will bring you up-to-date on the local improvement association, annual neighborhood outings and other local customs.
• Phone or visit the public library, historical society and the tourism/visitor’s bureau. They’ll have many suggestions of things to do and places to visit.

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