Make your reservations for movers two to four weeks before your move day. Remember to ask if there is a cancellation policy.
Ask if they are insured and bonded and if your items will be insured during the move.
Ask if they 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.)
Ask if they offer free estimates.
Ask how they charge. Do they charge by the piece or by the hour? Is there an extra charge for large items such as pianos or pool tables?
Ask if they charge for travel time from their office to your location, if there is a minimum charge or any miscellaneous fees.
Ask what type of payment options they offer and if a deposit is required.
Ask if they move nights and weekends and if they charge extra for that service.
Ask if they will disassemble your beds, entertainment centers, etc., and reassemble them at your new home.
Ask what their customer referral rate is.
Ask if they offer packing and unpacking services.
Things to Do Prior to Your Move Date
If you live in a building with elevators be sure to notify the management or HOA in advance that you will need the elevators.
Two weeks before the move notify your child/children’s school. They will assist you in updating / transferring their records. Don’t forget to arrange for a new bus stop if needed.
Cancel services like pest control, cleaning help, lawn services about a week before the move and have the services transferred to the new home.
About a week before your move arrange to have your utilities, cable, newspaper, phone, etc., transferred to your new home.
Have the post office forward your mail to your new address and update all your accounts by phone or online.
Make arrangements for a final clean after the move out or keep cleaning supplies behind for cleanup.
Back up all your computers and cell phones prior to the move.
Packing Tips
Clean out the garage, closets and the attic as soon as you decide it’s time to move. Start packing items you will not need ahead of time.
Pack important and sentimental documents separately to be easily accessible: children’s health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums.
Pack a box of essential items that you will need immediately after the move and have it loaded into your car. Make sure to include all of your medications in this box.
Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.
Clearly label all boxes on the top and side. Don’t interlock the tops.
Always tape boxes to ensure they are sealed tightly.
Don’t use boxes without tops. No tops make it difficult to stack properly in the truck.
Use wardrobe boxes to make closets easier to pack. Clothes in drawers can be left in drawers for the move.
Use only small boxes for books. Remember: the heavier the item, the smaller the box.
For large appliances be sure to check your owner’s manuals to see if there are special instructions for moving.
Always stack dishes upwards when packing.
As you take apart furniture and other items make sure to tape all parts to the main base. Most movers will disassemble your beds, entertainment centers, etc.
Try to pack all electronic equipment, like stereos in their original boxes. Otherwise use plenty of packing material.
By law, a moving company can’t transport hazardous materials such as gasoline, bottled gases and other flammables, ammunition and explosives.
