Question 1

When is the best time to move?

Accepted Answer

The busiest times for moving companies are during the summer months, May 15 – September 15. At the end of these months, the volume of shipments is extremely heavy. This is the case for all professional moving companies.

Question 2

When should I begin contacting moving companies for estimates?

Accepted Answer

Try to provide your packers and movers with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the busy season as noted above. Six weeks from the actual move date is not too early for estimators to come into your home to complete what they refer to as a “visual survey of your household goods shipment.” Add even more time to make a decision if you are obligated by your employer to submit estimates for approval. Try to decide which moving companies you will use four weeks from your actual load day. Call the moving companies to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This time frame can be shortened in the off-peak season which is September 15 through May 15.

Question 3

What happens when a relocation consultant comes to my home?

Accepted Answer

The relocation consultant along with your packers and movers will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey of your items. Once this is completed, the relocation consultant will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charge related to your move. Remember that the relocation consultant must clearly see what you are moving in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics, and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so organize your house before the relocation consultant arrives. Don’t be alarmed if the relocation consultant goes through all your cabinets and closets or looks under beds and on top of cabinets. He or she must be able to see what is moving and possibly needs packing. If you know of items that are out of view, be certain to point them out to the relocation consultant. If there are items you will be eliminated, be sure to point them out.

Question 4

Can I pack anything in the drawers of my dresser or desk?

Accepted Answer

If you are not having the professional packers and movers bundle up your belongings make sure all loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage. It is recommended that you pack all items and leave the drawers empty.

Question 5

Will the driver load all the boxes that I packed?

Accepted Answer

Yes, as long as the driver deems them safe for transport.

Question 6

What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?

Accepted Answer

Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided that you notify your local moving representative of these items before packing and moving day. It is strongly recommended that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you or make other arrangements for their transport.

Question 7

How do I prepare my home and myself for move day?

Accepted Answer

Your packers and movers may ask you to select from one to several consecutive days during which your goods will be loaded. The number of days in what is referred to as a load spread depends upon the size of your shipment and the time of the year when your shipment is loaded. Remember to try to remain flexible during the busy season by allowing for extra days on your load spread to have a better chance of securing a truck and driver to load your shipment. The customer service representative and/or driver will contact you at least 24 hours prior to load day to let you know the time of arrival. Be sure to share any changes that have taken place that may affect loading day. A good example of changes that may take place is that the street in front of your home is now under construction, preventing the large over-the-road truck to get near your home. You may not have completed the packing as something unanticipated took you away from packing. Contact your packers and movers as soon as possible so that they can send out professional packers and movers to complete the job for you. Make sure your home is ready for the crew. Move anything off the porch and walkways that may obstruct movement of your goods out of the home. Take doors off the hinges if you know certain items will not fit through. Remove all small throw rugs from traffic areas that could cause the driver or crew to trip or slip. Have water, Gatorade or soda on hand for the driver and crew, especially on a hot summer day. They will come prepared but will be grateful for your thoughtfulness. Our drivers will prepare the home with runners, door jamb protectors and railing protectors inapplicable. This will help save on the little knicks that occur during the loading process.

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