Tips to help keep a good move from going bad

(WMS) — Almost everyone will go through a move at some point in his or her life. According to the American Moving and Storage Association, damage to belongings occurs in one out of every five moves. When valued family furniture is damaged, the bottom line is you want your furniture back good as new. Now some moving companies are partnering with Furniture Medic, the world's largest furniture repair and restoration company, to make sure homeowners and renters alike end up happy even if their move hits a few bumps along the way.

The following are easy tips to help make your move a little easier from the pros at Furniture Medic:

• Point out to the mover pieces like mirrors and artwork which you feel are more vulnerable to breakage. It is often worth a small extra fee to have these items crated for extra protection.

• If you have heavy pieces, specify with your mover how many workers will be loading and unloading your furniture. Make sure they aren't leaving heavy jobs to one person.

• Movers often number items with small stickers. Do not place stickers or tape on wood furniture or finishes. Instead, place the sticker on the underside or some other inconspicuous place on your furniture.

• Fully inspect all items immediately after delivery. The sooner you report any damage, the more likely you are to get it fixed.

“When a mover has damaged a piece of furniture they call me right away,” says Norm Fowlkes, Furniture Medic franchisee. “When I receive a call, I send out a technician right away. Most of the time we repair the furniture for half the price of full replacement; the customer gets to keep their own furniture and it saves money on the insurance claims.”

For more information on mobile furniture repair and restoration, visit www.furnituremedic.com or call (800) 877-9933.