All industries have their specific terms. Here’s one that you might hear from your local moving company.

Valuation

A moving company offers valuation for your goods, which is not technically insurance. Valuation refers to how much a moving company will pay for your belongings if they are damaged or lost by the moving company. Valuation is regulated by the State or the Federal Government. (The State when you’re making a local move. The Federal Government when you’re making a move that crosses State lines.) All licensed moving companies include the basic valuation in the cost of your move. In California, basic valuation is $.60 per pound per item.

Valuation is based on how much something weighs. So a one pound bag of sugar and a one pound bag of diamonds is valued exactly the same. Its valuation in California is: $.60. If it’s worth more than $.60 per pound per item to you, you may want to purchase additional insurance from a third party that sells insurance NOT from your moving company.

When it comes to packing your makeup, you might be tempted to just throw everything into a bag and go – don’t. Pressed powders can crumble, glass bottles can break, and other disasters can happen. Whether you’re traveling or moving, it’s important to protect your makeup to keep it intact.

• Take small amounts with you
  If samples aren’t available, create your own by putting small amounts in a clean, screw-top contact lens case. It’s our favorite travel item! Squirt a dab of foundation, moisturizer, or other liquid into the wells of the case, and take just the amount you need.
• Protect pressed powders
  Not much is worse than a broken eye shadow. To help keep it, blushes, and other pressed powders from breaking, place a cotton pad between the powder and the lid. It provides a little extra cushion to keep everything in place.
• Wrap nail polishes
  If you’re packing for travel, it’s important to protect the bottle and your bag – a broken nail polish bottle could cause a lot of damage. To do this, wrap polishes in newspaper and place them in a zip-top bag.
  • Remember, nail polishes are liquids and flammable, so if you’re moving, you won’t be able to pack them into a moving trailer. We suggest wrapping them like you would for travel, and keeping them with you.
• Separate liquids
  To avoid spills, place plastic wrap over bottle openings and replace the lids. This creates a tighter seal on the lid to prevent any leaks. For even more added protection if you’re moving, put liquids into a zip top bag and wrap them in packing paper or bubble wrap.
• Cover loose powders
  The last thing you want is loose powder all over everything. To keep powders contained, place them in a zip-top bag, wrap them in cling wrap, or tape around the lid.
• Pack your extra makeup for moving
  Any makeup you won’t need access to during your move should be packed into a moving box. Wrap it in packing paper or bubble wrap and make sure to fill empty space in the box with extra packing paper.
• Prepare for carrying on
  If you plan on taking your makeup onto the plane in your carry-on luggage, make sure all liquids, creams, and pastes are 3.4 ounces or less per container and that all containers fit into a quart size zip-top bag.

When packing shoes for a move, you may be tempted to throw them in a box and go. But taking the time to pack them properly can help prevent scuffing, misshaping and other damage. You’ll need only a few supplies: small or medium boxes (or the original box if available), packing paper, Bubble Wrap^®, packing tape and a marker.

1.    Stuff packing paper inside each shoe to help them keep their shape (avoid using newspaper because the ink can leave stains).
2.    Wrap one shoe completely in packing paper, then add the second shoe to the same sheet and finish wrapping. (Pro tip: Consider wrapping heels with Bubble Wrap instead to protect the heel from breaking during travel).
3.    Tape the bundle.
4.    Layer the wrapped bundles in a moving box, placing heavier bundles and shoes in their original boxes on the bottom (we recommend not exceeding 40 pounds per box).
5.    Fill gaps with packing paper to prevent shifting.
6.    Tape and label the box.

Do not sign blank documents

Don’t sign blank or incomplete estimates, and do not use any moving company that asks you to do so. If the mover asks you to sign incomplete documents the day of the move, tell it you need to reschedule and then use a different moving company. A mover can scam you by having you sign an incomplete estimate and then adding charges you never agreed to.

Choose companies that charge based on weight

Most legitimate movers charge based on the shipment’s weight. A few moving companies charge based on the volume of your cargo, measured in cubic feet, but it’s much easier for a moving company to overcharge you this way. Your best bet is to ask how the company figures its rates and to only get complete quotes from ones that charge per pound.

Get an accurate inventory list

When it gives you the written estimate, the moving company should also provide a full inventory list of everything it will move. The inventory is sometimes called a cube sheet or table of measurements. Get a copy and check it carefully for accuracy. Make sure each piece of furniture is on the list, including smaller items like end tables. It should also include an approximate number of boxes.

Consider your moving date

The time of year significantly affects moving costs, with higher charges during the summer. When you get your quote, ask whether the price would change if you adjusted the date by a few days or weeks. Also ask how long the quote is good for. If you wait too long to book the move, you may need to get a new quote.

How to avoid an inaccurate quote

Read all your moving paperwork carefully, including your estimate. You need to read all the fine print to avoid a moving scam or unexpected expense. If anything on your estimate seems unclear, ask the moving company to provide specific details in writing. If charges seem unreasonable to you, get a quote from another company. Only sign an estimate and officially hire the mover if you feel confident in its trustworthiness.