Moving can be quite an undertaking! If you’re unfamiliar with the process of moving or have never utilized a professional moving service before, here’s a basic overview of what to expect and what to look for in a reliable mover for all your belongings. This list is not comprehensive – the specifics may vary based on your situation, so consider these factors as you go.
In-Home Estimate
A salesperson or move coordinator arrives at your home. They’ll quickly get a sense of your moving plans (including the date, destination, and details of your new home, if known, and the reasons for your move). They’ll also inquire about the services you need, such as full packing, self-packing, storage, items not moving, multiple pickup/drop-off locations, etc. They’ll visit each room with you, examining all your belongings. This includes your drawers, closets, crawl spaces, and garage/shed. It’s crucial to show your mover everything! Attempting to hide items after the estimate can lead to penalties – the quote is based on what the surveyor observes. The contract price is often non-negotiable and may not allow for discounts if additional items are not disclosed. Afterward, the surveyor will confirm your moving plans and discuss options for protecting your shipment, which is covered in more detail in the estimate section.
The Estimate
The Estimate will be determined based on observations and discussions with your moving consultant. Typically, moving companies will provide a comprehensive quote that includes all the necessary details. Should you need additional services, they will also outline these. These extra services may encompass: – Shuttle service from your starting point to your destination. This option is chosen if a 53′ tractor trailer is unable to access your property. The team will continuously transfer your items from a smaller vehicle to the larger one for secure loading. (It’s crucial to include valuation protection for this service since the items are handled twice and there’s a higher risk of damage.) –
Fees for crossing bridges, ferries, or toll roads.
Charges for packing services – these can be full packing (mover packs every box) or partial packing (mover packs specific items like fragile items).
Fees for temporary or permanent storage.
Additional fees for extra pick-up or delivery services.
Replacement Valuation Protection (RVP) – consult with your insurance provider to determine if your household items are covered by them. Often, they are not, but you can add RVP protection to your quote. RVP ensures that if an item is damaged beyond repair during the move, it will be replaced at today’s market value. The amount of RVP protection you choose is limited only by the valuation you set, so it’s vital to accurately estimate the value of all your belongings. The minimum protection required is $10.00 per pound multiplied by the weight of your household goods.
Receive at least three written estimates and compare the weight estimates, services, and total costs. Review the Estimates – some may offer a fixed price, and often, the lowest estimates are based on the final weight and services provided. You might be quoted a low price to secure your business, but then additional fees will be added once your items are loaded onto the truck.
Moving companies typically do not expect the full payment in cash or checks upfront. Some may request a small deposit to reserve the space, but they will never ask for the entire amount before loading your items. Charges will be confirmed once your belongings are loaded onto the trailer, and you will be informed of the total cost. You will then be expected to pay the full amount before the delivery.
Moving Planning
Obtain a moving schedule from your relocation company.
Sort through your house and remove items you’re not taking – seek advice from your relocation company on where to donate these items.
If you’re handling some or all of the packing yourself, begin early. Organize your boxes by the room they belong to. Label your boxes with your last name, a brief description (like “books,” “kids’ clothes,” or “decor items”), and the room they’re for. Some individuals prefer to number their boxes and maintain a list of each box’s number and its contents for easy retrieval. It’s helpful to label boxes A, B, C, with C being the last boxes to be opened. This ensures you have an A box ready on moving day to fill with your final items. Secure all valuable possessions for the move – cash, vital documents, photos, and jewelry.
The moving company won’t be liable for any loss or damage to these items. Fold up all loose rugs and clear the entryway and stairwells to prevent any tripping hazards for the movers. Disconnect and empty your refrigerator and freezer. If you haven’t loaded it into your vehicle yet, designate and clearly indicate items you’re taking with you (suitcases, small boxes, etc.). Some individuals use neon post-it notes or even place items in the bathtub to signal to the movers not to move them.
Moving Day
Your driver needs to gather the team and all the necessary documents before heading to the truck to have it weighed at the scales. This process could take a while, especially if there’s traffic. Typically, they prefer to start early, but don’t worry if they’re not there by 8:30.
The driver, who is in charge, and the team will arrive, unload the truck, and then come inside to meet you and take a look around the house. This is when they get to know what you’re moving, where it’s going, how ready you are to move, what needs to be taken apart, and so on. This is also the time to mention any items you’re moving by yourself.
The driver will begin to “tag and list” (inventory) your belongings. Each item will be assigned a number and noted down on its condition (scratched, broken, chipped, new, etc.).
The team will start to disassemble beds, dining room tables, and other items that can be flattened. Each piece will be assigned a number. Screws are often taped to a piece or placed in a “parts box,” which also holds items like TV remotes and bookcase pins.
All the items are loaded onto the truck. It’s like solving a giant Tetris puzzle, with great attention paid to ensuring everything fits snugly in each layer of the load to minimize shifting once the truck is on the road.
The team might take a couple of breaks. Moving is strenuous work, and the team needs time to rest. The time it takes to load your belongings can seem endless, especially if the weather is extreme (heat, rain, snow). The team will always make sure they’re working in a safe environment.
Before you sign the paperwork, take a moment to walk through each room. Check behind doors, in closets, and crawl spaces to make sure the driver has everything that’s being moved. The driver will ask you to sign the paperwork and should discuss the level of replacement value protection you want. You can opt out of the valuation, but keep in mind that if there’s damage, you’ll only be compensated (if applicable) for 60 cents per pound. So, a 40 lb $3,000 TV will only be compensated for $24.00. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your mover for more information.
Make sure to confirm the driver’s contact phone number and email while you’re on the move. The driver will be calling to double-check the directions, delivery date, and time. If the driver gives you their cell phone number, take it! Unexpected situations can arise while you’re traveling.
Double-check with the driver your contact information while you’re on the move. The driver will be calling to confirm the delivery date and time. If the driver provides you with their cell phone number, accept it! Unexpected situations can arise while you’re traveling.
Moving Day
Unless specifically arranged, the moving company needs to receive the full payment before they can begin unloading your belongings. It’s important to have someone available at your home or to be present yourself. Having an extra pair of hands is always helpful, so having two people is ideal. You’ll be responsible for managing a “bingo sheet,” which is a list of numbers you’ll mark off as items are brought into your home. This will help you keep track of any missing items.
As items are brought into your home, inspect them for any damage right away. Inform the driver and take a photo of the damaged item. Avoid arguing over the damage; instead, document it and let the moving crew continue with the unloading process.
You’ll also need to guide the placement of items, so it’s crucial to stay attentive. It’s important to understand that it’s not the moving company’s fault if items end up in the wrong room. Collaborating with the moving crew is essential for a smooth unloading. Keep in mind that the crew you’re working with may not be the same as the one that loaded your belongings.
The moving crew will put together any items that were disassembled and unpack any boxes provided by the moving company. It’s important to note that the moving company does not store items; they unpack them onto tables, counters, and other flat surfaces. If you opted for a full packing service, this will usually be completed the following day.
Once everything is inside, review the bingo sheet to see which numbers haven’t been marked off. Sometimes, the numbers may fall off or you might have missed marking them. If an item cannot be found after checking the house and the truck, the driver will note it down in the moving documentation.
The driver will also document any damage that occurs. It’s crucial that you do not sign off on the moving documentation until you are confident that all of your items that were not boxed are accounted for. If a box is found to be damaged, it cannot be included in a claim.
After the Move
Should there be any damage, you can initiate a claim. Contact your moving company and inform them of the damaged or missing items, providing as detailed a description as possible. You’ll likely be required to fill out a claims form. The claims process can be lengthy, so it’s important to be patient. A claim must be filed within nine months of the moving date, and you can only file one claim. You must also have tangible proof of the damage.
Ensure you have copies of all your moving documents. You might be able to claim a portion of your move on your annual federal taxes.
Take a moment to write a review for the moving company on their Facebook or website page, or on their company page on the BBB website.
Thanks to CAM for the tips!