How To Move Electronics

Atlas gives you some tips on how to move your precious items.

Atlas cares about the safety of your belongings and wants to ensure they reach your destination in perfect condition — especially those requiring special care like electronics. This page explains how to prepare them for a safe relocation.

Let Atlas Help

When the Atlas Agency Sales Representative comes to your home for the first time, point out items that may require special attention. Decide which items you will pack and which you would like Atlas to pack.

Your Atlas Representative is knowledgeable about how each piece should be prepared and can instruct you on what needs to be done for the relocation. If you decide to pack some things yourself, we recommend you use the same materials that our packing crews use to ensure maximum protection. These materials include double- and triple-walled cartons, stretch/cushioning wraps, packing tape, fine tissue and kraft paper. These materials can be purchased from your Atlas Agent at affordable prices.

Atlas also provides carton labels such as, "Do Not Load," "Load Last/Unload First," "Do Not Pack," "Parts Box" and "Fragile."

If you prefer Atlas to pack your valuables, your Atlas crew will arrive with the necessary packing materials. Your relocation services will be scheduled to allow adequate time to pack these special items properly.

Electronics

Atlas can move all your electronic equipment including personal computers and components, flat screen TV's, surround sound systems, DVD players, VCR's and stereo equipment. Atlas recommends use of a qualified service provider to remove and re-install any audio/video electronic equipment mounted to walls. Your Atlas Representative can recommend a reputable service provider in your area.

Moving electronics in their original cartons with the original packing materials is preferred. If you don't have the original cartons, pack items in sturdy cartons that best fit them. Secure items with bubble wrap, paper padding or Styrofoam peanuts.

Due to the delicate nature of some electronic items, such as plasma and other flat screen TV's, Atlas recommends consulting your owner's manual for specific instructions regarding transporting these items. In addition, your Atlas Representative can explain extra precautionary measures to ensure the best protection of your plasma or flat screen TV.

Before moving your electronics:

• Back up all software used on computers. Older computers may require you to "park" the hard drive as well.
• Disconnect all wiring and cables before your Atlas crew arrives.
• Draw a simple diagram or color-code wires before disconnecting to make reconnecting much easier.
• Keep all components together and their boxes clearly labeled.
• Pack all wires and cables with their corresponding electronic unit.
• Pack small or loose accessories, like remote controls, with each component or place them in the designated "Parts Box." Indicate this on the inventory list so small parts are not misplaced.
• Complete a list of all electronic components and computer equipment (with serial numbers) prior to moving them, and submit it to your homeowner's insurance company.
• Atlas is not permitted to take down TV antennas or satellite dishes, but we can arrange to have it done if you wish.
  
  

Protecting Your Valuables

To ensure your possessions arrive safely and in perfect condition at your new home, your cooperation is important. You will be asked to...

• Complete the Statement of Customer Responsibilities and High Value Inventory form provided by Atlas, before relocating. It serves as an inventory of your valuables, indicates to Atlas which items may require special attention and informs you of your responsibilities.
• List all belongings you consider to be of high-value that are to be moved by Atlas, including: jewelry, coins, stamps and other collections; CD's, DVD's, electronics and antiques; precious stones and metals; and valuable paintings. This will help determine the total value of the shipment and assist Atlas in determining which pieces need special care.
• When transporting jewelry, coins, stamps, etc., it's important to remember that Atlas may not be liable for these items in the event they are lost or damaged. The Rights and Responsibilities form states that these items are non-Atlas liability items as we encourage that the customer transport these with them and not include them in the shipment.
• Make sure all special instruction labels are clearly visible and can be understood by the packers and movers. The van operator must see each item of high-value before moving it onto the truck, including cartons you have packed yourself. If a carton which you have packed yourself is considered insufficient by the van operator, he/she may ask you or Atlas personnel to repack the items. If Atlas repacks the carton, you may be charged for the service. If any cartons which you have packed are damaged during transit, liability may be affected.
• Use your Customer Responsibilities form and the supplied Customer Check-Off Sheet at time of delivery as inventory lists. Check off each piece/box as it is unloaded and record anything that is missing or damaged. If something is missing, your relocation crew can start the search immediately.
  
  

Your Coverage

Before you relocate, contact your homeowner's insurance company to determine what coverage you may have for a relocation. This is important because cancellation and changes in the policy may occur due to the sale of a home. Find out:

• If your current homeowner's policy applies while the shipment is being loaded?
• Does it apply during transit?
• Does it apply while your belongings are being unloaded at your new location?
• If your policy does continue, does it protect from fire and theft? Does it protect from dents, scratches and missing pieces?
  
  

Atlas makes every effort to handle your belongings with care. However, occasionally something may be lost or damaged.

For additional protection and peace of mind, Atlas offers two levels of liability protection. Basic liability protection provides coverage at 60¢ per pound per article at no cost to you. For optimal coverage, consider Full Value Protection (FVP) which repairs or replaces items at their current market value. The cost for FVP varies with the level of protection you select. For more information on coverage options, ask your Atlas Representative for a copy of "Valuation Options: What's Right For You?"