Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I think my home will close by the first of the month, and would
like to move as soon as possible thereafter. Can I move that
same day?
A: Unfortunately, a complicated process such as a home closure
or completion of construction is often delayed due to unforeseen
variables and extenuating circumstances. Save yourself the
stress--if at all possible, pad in few days. Consider booking
your move 5-7 days after the estimated time your new home should
be available.
Q: I want to do some packing and moving of small items before
the movers arrive. What areas would be most helpful?
A: Focus on packing, not moving. You'll be amazed how
quickly many helping hands-either professional movers or your
friends-can carry all of your boxes. Don't waste time trying to
move these items yourself. Rather, focus on packing boxes so
when the help arrives, you're ready. You should prioritize your
preparation into three areas:
- Sort and dispose of any unneeded items through garage sales, donations
to charitable organizations,
or gifts to friends and family.
- Pack areas you don't use often, such as basements, garages, and attics..
- Should time permit, consider moving some of the smaller items yourself ;
focus on pets, plants, pictures, collectibles and highly sentimental items.
Q: How can I prepare things to help save time and
money?
A: The two most time-consuming tasks for movers
are usually moving boxes and (dis)assembling furniture.
Try to have your beds, tables and desks disassembled
ahead of time. Use as many similar size boxes as
possible, pack them well and tape them closed. Rubbermaid
containers are an excellent alternative. Boxes and square
furniture are usually loaded on the truck first. Place
all your boxes in one area towards the front of the
house but not in the way (a garage is excellent for
this). Use the same strategy when unloading.
Q: What should I do with my household plants and
garden shrubs?
A: Such items can be moved if properly packed,
but professional movers will not insure live plants,
which can be traumatized by motion and temperature extremes.
And of course, plants cannot be stored.
Q: What should I do with hazardous items?
A: Even professional movers do not move items such as propane
tanks, firearms and aerosols. It may be better to dispose of such
dangerous items than to try and move them to your new home. Alternatively,
you may wish to simply secure them in a safe place on moving day.
Additionally, make certain to empty the gas out of any gas-operated
items (lawnmower, weed wacker, etc.) prior to moving.
Q: I'd like to get rid of things before I move, but I'm really too
busy to take the time. Is it okay to move everything and hold a
garage sale at my new home?
A: While it may be time-consuming, getting rid of items prior
to your move is time well spent. Keep in mind that movers are paid
by the hour, so it isn't economical to pay them to move items you're
only going to throw away later. Same goes if you're moving independently
with the help of your friends--they may become frustrated knowing that
they spent a portion of their weekend helping you carry boxes full of
old stuff, only to find that you ended up throwing them out at your
destination!
Q: I have some items I'd like to keep, but they won't fit in my new home.
Should I store them?
A: Discuss this with your sales person. If your items
don't fit in your new home but you're only living there for a finite
period and then have plans to move to a larger home, storage may be
appropriate. Or, if your items are high-value, you may wish to store
them. If your items are older or less valuable, consider the monthly
cost of storage versus the replacement cost of the items. Which option
is more cost-effective?
Q: I'm on a limited budget, and can only afford to hire professional
movers for a portion of my move. What should I ask them to do?
A: Have your moving crew move the dining room, living room, and bedroom furniture,
as well as appliances. And of course you'll want their help carrying heavier, larger items
such as bureaus, desks, tables and sofas. Consider moving boxes, lamps, plants, and the many
other odds and ends yourself.
Q: What can I do to ensure that my belongings end up in the correct room?
A: Pick a labeling system and use it consistently. You can either
color code your belongings based on the rooms at your destination -bedroom:
red; living room: blue, etc..(excellent idea); or label the boxes with some consistent
shorthand to denote their location (DR for dining room, MBR for master
bedroom, etc.) If possible, boxes should be labeled on 3 sides.
Q: What items should I pack, and what should I leave for the "professionals"?
A: Many people feel that they should move their breakables and heirlooms
themselves. However, if you've chosen to hire professionals, let them do what
they do best, including assuming the liabilities associated with heavy lifting,
negotiating stairs, and maneuvering fragile items. The moving crew has experience
day in and day out packing delicate items such as crystal and collectibles.
Also, insurance providers to the moving industry only cover boxes packed by the
moving company, not the customer. Worse-case scenario, the moving crew packs your
valuables, they break, but at least the items are covered if the company is insured!
Q: I've got filing cabinets full of paperwork. Do I need to empty them?
A: You should always empty filing cabinets completely, especially if they have counterweights.
Q: What do I need to do to prepare my appliances for the move?
A: The moving crew can prepare most of these items for the move. However,
you should make certain that your dishwasher, microwave, and washing
machine are empty. Additionally, movers are not electricians or plumbers-you
should arrange for the appropriate professional to disconnect your dishwasher,
chandeliers, refrigerator with water connection, etc. Most importantly,
movers are not licensed to disconnect gas.
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