8 Moving Tips From the Professionals

Don't Start Moving Without Knowing What to Do First!

Are you planning your move? Make sure you have a plan in place well ahead of time so you aren't left scrambling at the last minute. Here's our recommendation of what to plan out ahead of your move:

1. Make your reservations for movers two to four weeks before your move day.
2. Pack an overnight bag containing all essentials when the rest of your belongings are all packed away.
3. Make sure everything is completely packed before your movers show up to help you.
4. If you are packing yourself, in addition to labeling what's in your boxes, add what room they'll be going into as well.
5. Clean out closets, the attic, and the basement as soon as you decide it's time to move.
6. Sell, donate, or in some way eliminate items that you do not need or do not wish to be moved. This will save you time and money.
7. If your refrigerator is being moved, remember to defrost it at least a day before moving and wipe up any liquid.
8. For same-city moves, consider hiring a sitter for the children and pets.

Tips to Find the Right Moving Company

Finding the right moving company can be tricky if you don't know what to ask. As professional movers, we've heard hundreds of questions, and we've put together a list of what we think are some of the best things to ask:

1. Are you insured, licensed, and how much do you charge?
2. Do you train your movers and drivers before servicing customers?
3. Do you use full-time employees or temps and day labor? Be cautious of those who use temps and day labor because they may not have proper insurance.
4. Do you offer free estimates?
5. Do you provide a contact person on site or provide a contact number for the day of the move?
6. What type of payment options do you offer?
7. Do you offer additional insurance during the move?
8. Do you have a minimum charge?
9. Do you charge extra for large items such as pianos and big screen TVs?
10. Do you have a cancellation policy?
11. Do you move on weekends, and is it more expensive to do so?
12. What is your customer referral rate?
13. Do you charge for travel time from their office to your location?
14. Do you have suggestions on how to make your move easier?
15. Do you offer packing and unpacking services?

Packing Tips

One of the most important part of any move is packing all your belongings away. We also offer packing and unpacking services, but if you choose to do this yourself, we've put together a list of tips to help you get everything sorted properly to make your move easier:

1. Start packing items you will not need ahead of time.
2. Pack the items you will need first in a clear plastic bin.
3. Plates and records should be packed vertically – packing them flat/horizontally makes these items far more likely to break.
4. Take a photo of how your electronics are connected so you can remember how and where all the wires go.
5. Enlist a color-coding system using colored stickers to indicate rooms or items not being moved.
6. It doesn't hurt to number your boxes.
7. Use wardrobe boxes to make closets easier to pack. Clothes in drawers can be placed in suitcases unless your mover tells you they can stay in the drawers in the case of local moves.
8. Use only small boxes for books. They get very heavy, very fast. Remember: the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
9. Never use printed newsprint to wrap fine china.
10. Don't pack with food or supermarket boxes. You never know what little critter is hiding, or if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions.
11. Clearly label all boxes on top and side.
12. Pack important and sentimental documents separately to be easily accessible including: children's health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums.
13. Try to pack all electronic equipment, like stereos in their original boxes. Otherwise use bubble wrap when packing these items.
14. If you take apart furniture and other items make sure to tape all parts to the main base or place parts in zip lock bags and tape to base.
15. Always tape boxes. Don't interlock the tops.
16. Don't use boxes without tops. No tops make it impossible to stack properly in the truck.