Moving House > 2 Bedroom Apartment

Response: By the way, it'll probably take more space than your one minivan, since it includes a couch, a queen-size bed, etc. If you'd like to still bid on it, please do, and if another set of dates are better, then please suggest them and we'll talk. I can give you an abstract of what we have and a cube sheet to calculate volume so as to better calculate our needs. (6/14/2007)

Response: Your dates are fine with me. I know it would not fit in my van although you would be surprised at how much it does hold. I was considering renting a U-haul type truck from Seattle with a trailer for your car and give you a bid on both. Let me know if you would like that. I will get license and insurance to cover everything. Now, my next concern is crossing from Canada in case your stuff has to be searched by border security and the packaging undone. I need to learn about that. I recently renew my U.S. passport and traveled to Spain with my dog Cuca so she is also ready to go with her tags, Avid chips and vaccinations. I don’t have a criminal record or done drugs so I will not be a problem. My daughter graduated from Bryn Mawr and then went into getting her PHD at Penn and now she works in D.C., so in the last 12 years I got there several times driving or flying from Washington state and am looking at going again. (6/14/2007)

Response: Sounds like a good plan, yes, I'd like you to give a bid on this ASAP as we're planning on making a decision this weekend. We're both Canadians, but are moving to Philadelphia as my wife is a newly appointed professor at Swarthmore (I'm completing my MBA at Notre Dame, and won't be moving down for another nine months). Best regards, Marco (6/15/2007)

Response: Marco, Teaching at Swarthmore is a coveted post and I found Philly a vibrant scholastic community with lots to do and with people from all over the world and great food. You will be happy there I have researched as much as I could the rental cost, miles and time to load your goods, drive near 3K miles, and unload in PA. I added your listed items to Penske’s “Truck Wizard” and it comes up with a 16’ truck but their office recommends a 22’ truck for a 2 bd apartment. I can bring help to load up and drive them back before taking I-90 East from Seattle. My big concern is the time spent at the border both ways especially loaded in the tourist season. I could find the best hours or week dates to avoid jams. Could it be possible for one of you to accompany us to the crossing and turn back? I could reduce my bid by $500 if you do that. Will a bid of $5,000 for the household move including the car on a 4-wheel trailer be fair to you? I am ready to make the bid; I just need to know if I (6/16/2007)

Response: Unfortunately, we wouldn't be able to (easily) cross the border with you - I'm going to be in Amsterdam on a project and she is still working. However, with respect to the crossing, there's a truck crossing at Sumas, BC which is likely your best bet. One more thing - if we decide to go with you, are you able to provide a few references? Thanks. Marco (6/16/2007)

Response: Marco, As a paid mover I have only done one last week and it was thru Craigslist. I drove a mother, her 11-year-old daughter, three cats, one corn snake, a hamster and many suitcases. I ended up staying with them and I am invited to their wedding in Reno. I am sure they will give you good references. I drove a friend U-Haul with her car in a dolly from Seattle to California about 10 years ago and I moved from Spain to Utah in 77, from Utah to WA and within WA. I am aware of how to load items and position them for a long ride. I have helped my daughter move twice back East. I also own two houses in Tukwila, WA, and I am a recent alumna of the University of Washington so I have roots in the area and you will learn more about me if you accept my bid. Insurance; So far I am inclined to use Penske because of their ties with Canada and they offer insurance and I will be getting it as part of my bid. Let me know if you want me to bid. It is in my best interest to avoid claims since I (6/16/2007)

Response: Hi - Thanks for your response (it got cut off partway) and we would like you to give us an inclusive bid for the full shipment, our apartment and our car. It's very important that you get cargo liability insurance or a surety bond against the rough value of the cargo (about $30,000). Please include the cost of insurance or bond in the final bid. (Most vehicle insurance policies don't let 3rd parties, that being us, file claims for cargo damage or loss, where a surety bond will.) I'd relax this if we were riding with you, but we're going by air rather than by road as I'm arriving later. You may also want to hire a laborer or two in Vancouver and in Philadelphia to move the stuff in and out of the truck. I'll be in Amsterdam during the move period, and my fiancee won't be able to lift large objects like couches and chairs and mattresses. (6/17/2007)

Response: Marco, Penske insures cargo for only $15K w/no 3rd party, I will buy. Recommend you check own homeowners/rental insurance. URGE tell best dates pick-up/delivery. I reserved a 22ft truck & 4 wheel trailer. Go http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/publications/travel/ click on Moving Household Goods to the U.S., Publication #0000-0518. Prepare Customs Form 3299 “Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles,” Read “Importing an Automobile or Other Vehicle cars into U.S.” Do you have other car in Seattle? I would prefer to tow from here to avoid Customs. I bring help from WA, return them as I head on I-90. My daughter has contacts to help unloading. From WA to Vancouver BC to PA are 3265 miles, at 10 miles gallon and at $3.25 average for diesel. I need $500 cushion if gas $ surge or bad mileage because of trailer. Will provide receipts, return not used. Because I am committing to great expense, I need $1000 at bid, $1000 at loading, rest on delivery. Will this work? Thanks. Jackie (6/17/2007)

Response: Hello, Jackie, We do need a bond or insurance that covers your trip. Homeowner's policies (including ours) do not cover a move in progress. A policy or bond that we have some kind of claim against (in case you disappear, in case you get into an accident, etc) is really non-negotiable for us since we're not travelling with you. There's no duty to be paid on our car as we've used it for more than 1 year. We've already reviewed the forms and would be glad to furnish you with all required documentation. The terms of payment are acceptable, if you'd like to move forward. Marco (6/17/2007)

Response: I have talked to a broker regarding a contractor license bond and it was not very expensive because I have good credit. I also asked about bonds for specific activities and they changed depending on the danger. I will call him tomorrow. If the bond is specific to you and for an specific amount it should be easy and I will l have to add it to the bid. Because the items are in Canada and I am not doing the packaging, there maybe be an issue but will not know until I ask him. He may require a list of what I will carry and value of replacement for each. I am planning on renting only blankets Please tell me the dates. Thanks!! Jackie (6/17/2007)