Moving is not something you can stand back and watch. Nor can it be done alone. The responsibilities of relocating need to be shared...among you, your spouse, children, friends, and last but not least, your moving company.


Planning and Organization

Plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize...There. We probably haven't said it enough. But if you can master those two concepts, you are well on your way to an efficient and painless move.

Make a list of what you need to do, and when you need to do it. One approach is to make a calendar of events for your moving timetable. Remember, the better prepared you are when the moving van arrives, the faster the job will be completed resulting in a more efficient and less expensive move.

If you anticipate requiring storage, identify items you may need before your shipment is delivered out of storage. Those belongings should be clearly marked so that they can be kept separate from the remainder of your items, and readily available to you.


Time to be Practical - Do you Really Need It?

The cost of a local move is primarily based on time. The more you move, the longer it takes to load and unload the truck. Now is the time to consider what you really do or do not need. Like the sofa your mother-in-law gave you that's been in the basement for two years. Chances are, if you haven't used it in the last year, you probably never will!

Consider your appliances. If you have been wanting a new refrigerator with an icemaker, you may not want to incur the expense of moving the old one. And if your washer and dryer are getting old and battered, consider selling them.


Before You Move

The single most important thing you can do to minimize the cost is being prepared when the movers arrive. A few things to keep in mind:

  • Make sure the access into your home or apartment is clear. Ensure that walkways, driveways, halls, doorways, etc. are free from unnecessary obstructions (toys, bikes, trash barrels, etc.).
  • If you have decided to pack your own boxes, make sure all boxes are full, closed, and taped shut. Use common sense, make sure the boxes can be easily handled by one person. For detailed packing tips Click Here (link to local packing tips).
  • Separate goods you wish to move yourself from those you want the mover to handle. Put these items in an out-of-the-way spot and inform the moving crew that they are not part of the move.
  • Have all appliances to be moved disconnected prior to your move date. Movers are not electricians, plumbers, or appliance service technicians. Any disconnections other than simple hoses or plugs cannot be performed by the moving crew. Under no circumstances will the moving crew disconnect any gas or propane appliances. Upon request, and for an additional charge, we will perform this service using either our own qualified personnel or an authorized service company. Defrost and dry your freezer and refrigerator the night before if they are to be moved.
  • Plan where you want your furniture placed at your new location beforehand. The movers will patiently wait for you to decide, but the charges will continue to accrue.


On Moving Day

DO NOT HAVE YOUR PHONE DISCONNECTED UNTIL AFTER MOVING DAY. If you must have your phone service disconnected prior to moving day, be sure to let us know how to contact you - cell phone, work phone, etc. It is important for us to be able to have contact with you during the entire move process.

Plan your day so that you will not leave your old residence until the moving company leaves, unless you have a reliable person to act on your behalf and sign all necessary documents. Whenever possible, avoid scheduling non-cancelable travel plans or other appointments on the scheduled move date.

When all goods have been loaded, make a thorough check of all rooms, attics, basements, closets, cupboards and behind doors. It is your responsibility to make sure that nothing has been overlooked and to make sure nothing has been loaded into the van in error.


Upon Delivery

  • As your items are brought into your new residence be prepared to direct where you want them placed. When the moving crew has finished unloading, we recommend that you go out to the truck and verify that all your items have been off-loaded.
  • Make appropriate notations of any missing items or damages on the bill of lading or delivery receipt at time of delivery. The best proof is always a written notation at the time of delivery.
  • Be sure the delivery papers are signed by both you and the driver and includes notations of any damages or losses. Failure to sign the delivery documents may void any claim for losses or damage.
  • Contact us as soon as possible to report any damaged or missing items. DO NOT dispose of any damaged articles without prior approval from our claims office.