Relocating to Houston | Relocation Resources for Moving to Houston

Be on hand when the movers arrive.
Discuss the delivery arrangements fully with your mover.
Have beds stripped and ready to be packed.
Save your energy. Let the moving crew disassemble goods.
Read the Bill of Lading before signing.
Tell your mover how to reach you at your destination.
Keep in contact with the mover’s agent at your destination while you are in transit.

DELIVERY
Generally, your belongings will be transported in a van along with those of other families in the same general direction. This helps to keep your costs down. Delivery is made on any of the several consecutive days agreed upon before the move began. Make sure the mover knows how to contact you to schedule actual delivery. If you cannot be reached at your destination, the mover may place your shipment in storage to avoid delaying other shipments. This can mean additional charges for storage and handling.

CLAIMS
Best practices from the AMSA suggest that if any of your household goods are damaged or lost, report the facts promptly and in detail on the van driver’s copy (original) of the inventory sheet before you sign it. If you notice damage after unpacking, a claim must be filed within nine months after delivery; however, it is to your advantage to report damage as soon as possible. The mover must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days and must deny or make an offer within 120 days of receipt of your claim.

When making a claim or considering a settlement offer, keep in mind the amount of liability that you declared on your shipment. For example, if the value declared on your shipment was $5,000, the mover’s maximum liability for loss or damage to the articles in your shipment is $5,000. Claims for more than this amount will be declined because they are in excess of the mover’s liability that you declared on your shipment.

MOVING EXPENSES
Tax deductions might apply to a move, but it is best to understand the law before moving so you keep the appropriate records and to comply with any necessary provisions.
Keep in mind that a move must be at least 50 miles from a current home and involve changing job locations for expenses to be deductible.

— Deductible Moving Expenses
You can deduct the reasonable expenses of moving your household goods and personal effects and of traveling from your old home to your new home. Reasonable expenses can include the cost of lodging (but not meals) while traveling to your new home.

— Who Can Deduct Moving Expenses?
According to the IRS, if you move to a new home because of a new principal workplace, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses whether you are self-employed or an employee. To be eligible, you must meet both the distance test and time tests.

Movers may call the Internal Revenue Service at (800) 829-1040 or visit www.irs.gov to request a free booklet explaining exactly what can and cannot be deducted.

TEMPORARY STORAGE
Temporary storage in Houston is relatively inexpensive compared to storage costs in many other areas of the country. Self- and warehouse-storage space is available in all sections of the city. Check on security arrangements at specific storage units, liability for loss or damage and availability of units.

— Selecting a Self-Storage Space
According to the Texas Self Storage Association, it’s important to carefully read the contract you are asked to sign. If there are provisions that you don’t understand, ask the manager to explain them. If you still don’t understand or don’t feel comfortable with the explanation, don’t sign the rental agreement, which is a legal contract. Make sure there are no blank spaces and that any verbal promises made by the manager or staff are in the written rental agreement. Following are things to do when choosing a self-storage space:

Visit the self-storage facility and ask to see a space of the size you think you may need. If climate-controlled space is available, compare the climate-controlled space to the nonclimate-controlled space.
Check for cleanliness, convenience and security.
Ask about the office’s operating hours.
Keep a copy of the written rental agreement.
Obtain and read a copy of the rules and regulations of the facility, if any.
Insurance is the responsibility of the customer, and storage facilities are generally not responsible for the contents of your unit. It is always a good idea to insure the goods you are intending to store, and it should be offered to you at the time you rent your unit. Sometimes the facility collects the premium from you directly. Before you buy insurance from the manager, check with your own agent because sometimes your homeowners or renters policy will cover you at no extra cost.

— Important Guidelines

Ask the self-storage company if they are a member of the Texas Self Storage Association; it ensures the company is operating professionally.
Use the best lock possible to protect your valuables.
Purchase insurance on your property, either through the facility or with your own agent. Remember that the storage operator does not insure your goods.
Prepare to give at least 10 days’ written notice before you plan to move out of your unit. This is required by the contract you sign.
Don’t store prohibited items, such as tires, food or flammable items. Check the storage facility’s rules or your contract for a complete list.
Your property could be sold at a public auction if you stop paying rent on your unit. Texas Property Code Chapters 59 and 70 dictate the state’s rules for self-storage operators.

— General Storage Information

Do not store hazardous or toxic materials, flammable liquids or gases or foods. If you are not sure you should store something, ask the staff.
Do not store any combustibles. Do not store items, such as propane tanks, old paint, cleaning fluids, gasoline or other things that might create or intensify a fire. Why risk your possessions just to keep a few cents’ worth of leftovers?
You alone are responsible for providing insurance on your property. You must buy insurance coverage yourself and you must pay the premium yourself; the operator does not insure your goods.
Only the tenant is legally entitled to enter the storage space unless other arrangements have been made with the self-storage facility; for example, if you want friends and members of your family to use your storage space, you must list them under access rights on the rental agreement.
Visit your self-storage space on occasion to check the condition of your possessions; occasionally move or shift your goods so that you see all sides of them. Report any problems immediately.
When moving out of storage, give at least 10 days written notice. Take everything, and don’t leave any trash. Leave the unit in broom-clean condition. Remove your lock.
If storing bedding, clothing or furniture covered in fabric or property that may be affected by changes in temperature, it may be wiser to rent climate-controlled space to provide a better storage environment for your personal possessions. Be certain that everything stored is dry because any moisture may cause mildew. If you move during rain, dry off your goods before placing them into storage. Do not store anything that is wet; moisture is bad for virtually all property or goods.

SELF-STORAGE PACKING TIPS

Fill boxes to capacity: Partially full or bulging boxes may collapse or tip over while stored.
Label your cartons and goods: This will make accessing items much easier.
Books and documents: Pack books flat to protect spines; use small boxes to avoid cartons that are too heavy to move easily. Put heavy items on the bottom.
Dishes and glassware: Glass items should be individually wrapped; use blank wrapping paper for best results; “nest” cups and bowls, stand plates and platters; fill air pockets with wrapping paper or foam peanuts; don’t put breakables under other boxes.
Mirrors, windows and screens: Wrap all glass well; store it on edge, not flat.
Lamps: Pack lampshades separately; use blank paper to wrap lampshades and other property that may be damaged by ink stains from regular newsprint.
Furniture: Stand sofas and mattresses on end; disassemble beds and tables; wrap legs in wrapping paper; keep upholstery off the floor; place loose, light plastic dust covers or sheets over furniture.
Appliances and electronics: Clean appliances thoroughly. Refrigerators and freezers must be defrosted and dry, and washing machines must be completely drained. Remove doors of appliances and store them separately; desiccants (drying agents) should be used and containers checked and emptied regularly. Take apart lawn mowers and snow blowers, making sure all fuel is completely drained.
Bicycles: Wipe a few drops of oil on bicycles and tools to prevent rusting, then store these items away from furniture to avoid oil staining.
Clothes: Wardrobe boxes allow you to store your clothing on hangers. Shoes can be stored in the bottom of the wardrobe boxes while folded clothing can be stored in boxes or dresser drawers.
Raise the floor: Put pallets or a grid of 2 x 3s on the unit floor to give better air circulation under goods; leave a walkway or aisle to the rear of the unit. Don’t overpack the unit!

— Determining the Right Storage Unit for Your Needs

Unit Size: 5’ x 5’
- Equivalent: 25 square feet; hall closet, small bedroom or office
- What Will Fit*: Boxes, clothing, small furniture, toys, business records or about 50 file boxes
Unit Size: 5’ x 10’
- Equivalent: 50 square feet; Walk-in closet
- What Will Fit*: Mattress set, sofa, chest of drawers, dining room set or about 100 file boxes
Unit Size: 7.5’ x 10’
- Room Equivalent: 75 square feet; Large walk-in closet
- What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a one-bedroom apartment: Desk, patio furniture, washer/dryer stacked, boxes and miscellaneous items or about 150 file boxes
Unit Size: 10’ x 10’
- Equivalent: 100 square feet; Average-size bedroom
- What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a one-bedroom apartment with refrigerator, washer/dryer and patio furniture or about 200 file boxes.
Unit Size: 10’ x 15’
- Equivalent: 150 square feet; Large bedroom
- What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a two-bedroom apartment or small house with refrigerator, washer/dryer, yard furniture, boxes, and miscellaneous items or about 300 file boxes
Unit Size: 10’ x 20’
- Equivalent: 200 square feet; One-car garage
- What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a three- or four-bedroom house with major appliances, garage extras, boxes and miscellaneous items or business files and inventory
Unit Size: 10’ x 30’
- Equivalent: 300 square feet; Extra-large garage
- What Will Fit*: The furnishings of a four- or five-bedroom house with major appliances, boxes and miscellaneous items or business files and inventory

YOU’VE ARRIVEd in HOUSTON
Now that you’ve settled into your new home and neighborhood, it’s time to take care of a few immediate tasks, including applying for a Texas driver’s license, registering your vehicle, licensing your pets and establishing utility service. These are the tasks that could not be done ahead of time because your new Texas address is required to complete them.