Paperwork, paperwork, and more paperwork
by Erica Beiser

Sometimes when I’m getting a move set up I’m amazed at how much paperwork goes into every single shipment. I thought by now we’d have a paperless workplace, but no such luck. I think if it seems like a lot of paperwork to me – and I deal with it every day – then it must seem almost overwhelming to our customers. They’re working with our paperwork, real estate transactions, and work and school changes – the list goes on and on.

So, I try to make the paperwork process easier by explaining to each customer why we give them various forms and certain types of information, and how it helps in making their move go as smoothly as possible.

Not too long ago new consumer protection legislation was passed – at least partly because of problems that some consumers had with “rogue movers” who might look good on the Internet page, but turn out to be a nightmare for the people who choose them. A lot of our paperwork comes from that legislation, and it’s designed to help our customers understand the process, get clear information, and know their rights and their obligations.

So, when the estimator arrives you’ll get some paperwork. When your move dates are set, you’ll get more. On the day of packing, more paperwork. Day of loading? You guessed it. Paperwork to read, to sign, and decisions to be made.

My advice? Give yourself the time to review the paperwork the estimator sends – it should help you in making your decision about the best mover for you. Review all the paperwork you get with your confirmation letter to be sure that we have accurately represented what you want in your move. And, that paperwork should prepare you for what you’ll see on pack day, load day and at delivery.

Most importantly: Never hesitate to ask your move coordinator questions. We’re here to help you, and we see all this paperwork every day of our work lives so we’re familiar with it. I can’t get rid of the paperwork for you, but I can help you understand it.

Make it a great day!

by Erica Beiser

I had the pleasure the past week and a half of moving a wonderful elderly couple from Arizonia back to Wisconsin. I was referred by their daughter, who was handling the move – and who lives here in Wisconsin. She had spent a great deal of time trying to explain to them that they did not need to bring every single thing they owned back to Wisconsin.

Her downsizing efforts were great, but she was having trouble. I suggested that we have someone from our agent in Arizonia go out and look at everything. They did just that, and were able to give the customers some great advice on the value of their goods versus the cost to move them. Ultimately, their daughter did a great job helping them downsize their shipment to an affordable amount of goods — and the right amount for their new home.

I was able to place a Barrett Moving & Storage driver in Arizonia to pack and load the small shipment. I knew this was a very high stress move for them because they are in their late 80’s. Our driver was able to ease their minds, and their daughter’s back here in Wisconsin. All the while I was in constant email contact with her, advising the best way to handle specific situations.

The driver delivered here in Wisconsin on Tuesday afternoon, May 6, to their apartment. I spoke with their daughter yesterday. She thanked me repeatedly for the family-oriented service that she and her parents had received. She praised the driver over and over again for his level of patience and respect for her elderly parents. Everything made it back to Wisconsin safe and sound and her parents are very pleased with the service, even though this was a very diffcult time for them. Throughout this entire move I never spoke directly with the elderly couple, and in this case it worked out great!!

Their daughter has put us on her list of ” Great people and great service.” And as she put it, “Not that I am planning to move, but if I have to you will be the first person I call.”

The moral of this moving story: Patience, respect and the proper suggestions make moving easier.