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Moving Tips

Pre Move Tips

Plan in Advance

Start looking for a mover and getting estimates about 6 to 9 weeks before your move. This will assure that the date you choose is available and is very helpful having the expertise of the mover help guide you along. Even if your closing date is not yet confirmed don't hesitate to contact us. Depending on closing dates and times we offer both overnight and storage services if needed.

Busiest Moving Times

The end and the beginning of each month as well as Saturdays are very busy. If you must move during these days, you really need to schedule your moving time early. Also if you need a mover in peak season (between Memorial and Labor Day) the sooner you contact us the better.

Moving Estimates

In most cases all movers charge time and travel for local moves and weight and zip codes for long distance moves. I find most people collect three estimates to help them with their decision. Our quotes always include an itemized inventory and written estimate. What sets us apart from other companies is our service, reputation and that we are willing to stand behind our quotes so there will be no surprises at the end of the day. Unfortunately there are movers in our industry that don't hold the same values and many unlicensed. Do your research, check reviews and be cautious of any phone estimates.

You may find someone that costs a little less but remember the adage that you get what you pay for. You are probably moving your life long possessions; do you really want the cheapest mover? There's a certain element of society that we all try to avoid; do you really want to open the doors of your home to them?

Packing Tips

Drawers

The number one question we get is do I need to empty my dresser drawers? In most cases clothing and linens can be left inside dresser drawers. If your furniture is antique, delicate or if the integrity has already been compromised we would require them to be completely empty. In all instances you would need to empty any drawers that contain loose items, liquids (perfume etc), valuables, important papers, desk drawers, etc.

Small Items

All small items should all be packed in a box and completed prior to the movers arrival.  It makes it much easier for the movers to load the truck when there is a minimal amount of loose items.  Also the top of all boxes should be closed and sealed with tape.  Occasionally we have a customer that wants us to move open top boxes with stuff hanging out and its a real nuisance.  

Microwaves

Its best to pack your microwave in a box but if needed the movers can wrap it in a moving blanket for you.  To prevent the glass door from breaking, make sure you remove the glass dish and pack that separately.

Lawn Mowers & Snow Blowers

We can move lawn mowers and snow blowers but the gas tanks must be emptied.

Vacuums

You may want to set your vacuum aside and instruct the movers not to move so you can do a final vacuuming before leaving your home. Also you may not want to pack your cleaning supplies so you can do a final cleaning after all the items are removed from the premise.

Tabletops & Antiques

Items such as marble, glass tabletops, pool table slate, special antiques, chandeliers or other large, fragile items should be packed by a professional mover or crated prior to moving. Please ask about our crating services.

Labeling

Labeling your boxes is a very simple yet an important step in the moving process. Properly labeling your boxes can prevent some inconveniences, like having your goods delivered to the wrong rooms of your new home. Proper labeling can also reduce the chance of your goods getting damaged.

By labeling your boxes properly, your move will be much more organized and easier for you and your movers. Labeling can save a lot of time when your boxes are being unloaded into your new home. The movers will know exactly what room to put each box in, and you will know what is in them. This will prevent you from having to open boxes to find out what is inside each one. Also, by properly labeling your boxes containing fragile items, your movers will know to be especially carefully when handling these boxes and to not put heavier boxes on top of them.

Here are some ideas on how to properly label your boxes:

  • Label what room each box should go in.
  • List the contents of each box, so you know what is in it before you unpack
  • Write "Fragile" or "Handle with Care" on any box containing delicate or easily broken objects.
  • Label any box that you plan on taking yourself as "Do Not Move."
  • Label some boxes as "Unpack First" or write a big "X" on them.  This will let you know which boxes contain the most important day to day necessary items.

TIP: You may also want to assign each box a number, and then make a separate list where you record all of the contents of each box. When you begin unpacking, look up each numbered box on your list to find out what is in each one.

Some Other Pointers:

Make sure you use a large and dark permanent marker for your labeling. It is a good idea to have at least two markers handy, in case one gets lost or runs out of ink.  Most moving boxes have labels already printed on them, so you can just write the destination of the box and what its contents are on them. Always label the top and at least one side of each box to ensure that your labels will be seen.

Fragile Items

Most small fragile items are best packed with unprinted newsprint.  There are a few exceptions when bubble is required but the unprinted newsprint is so much more efficient and saves time and money.  Before you put any fragile items in a box its a good idea to make baseballs with the newsprint and fill the bottom of the box which will provide an air cushion.  Wrap each piece with plenty of paper and its best to stand up your dishes or glasses in the box.  We strongly recommend that you use new boxes when packing any fragile items.  The integrity of most used boxes have already been compromised not to mention any sanitary issues.  Also mark the box as fragile on the top and at least two sides.

Flammables & Combustibles

Don't pack paints, firearms, propane tanks or aerosol cans with your household items as these items are flammable and combustible.  On a local move these items are transported by the homeowner.  On a long distance move arrangements should be made to give these items away or have them disposed of properly.

Mops, Brooms, & Rakes

Mops, brooms and rakes can be taped together for easy handling.

Items to Move Yourself

Some items you should move yourself. These include cash, securities, jewelry, furs, firearms, personal papers, collectibles, and family heirlooms.

Flat Panel TVs

Flat panel televisions are delicate and need to be boxed for transport. If you saved the original carton and packing material that's great, otherwise contact our office to provide the proper material on moving day.

Live Plants

We can move live plants on local moves only and the pot/planter needs to be properly packed in a box before they can be loaded on the truck. We will not guarantee the safe transport of live plants, which can be traumatized by motion or temperature extremes inside the moving truck.

Prior to Movers Arrival

Appliances

They need to be disconnected prior to moving day. This includes but is not limited to your washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, and range. If your refrigerator is connected to a waterline that should be disconnected at least a couple of days before the move. Once the water line has been disconnected the small needle shutoff valve has been known to leak and should be monitored once disconnected. Moving companies are not insured to perform this service so arrangements need to be made well in advance.

Swing Sets

We require them to be dismantled prior to moving day. If you need to hire someone to do this for you we can recommend a third party service that specializes in this type of work.

Cribs

It is the responsibility of the homeowner to disassemble and or reassemble their cribs.

Exercise Equipment

Under no circumstances do we disassemble any exercise equipment. It's the customer's responsibility to have any large or multipart equipment that requires disassembly completed prior to moving day. If you need to hire someone to do this for you we can recommend a third party service that specializes in this type of work.

Elevator Buildings

Contact building management at least 10 days prior to moving day and find out they require the mover to provide a certificate of insurance.

Truck Parking

If necessary please plan ahead to secure the best possible parking spot for the moving truck.

Restricted items

We will not move hazardous or combustible items such as propane tanks, firearms, paint, and aerosols.