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:

1. Sort and dispose of any unneeded items through garage sales, donations
   to charitable organizations, or gifts to friends and family.
2. Pack areas you don't use often, such as basements, garages, and attics..
3. 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.