Moving is stressful, and that’s why many individuals and families rely on professional moving companies. Movers are highly-trained with a full understanding of how to lift heavy objects safely and get furniture up and down stairs.
Must-Know Moving Tips
If you plan to use this service in your next move follow these tips from the professionals themselves.
1. You should be at the house.
Movers go through training and often have years of experience moving personal belongings. Families hire them regularly trusting they will relocate everything safely and quickly. That can only happen if you are on hand when they arrive. They are professionals, but you need to give them some general information about what needs to be transported and answer any questions should they have any at the time. Calling you slows down the process. Also, trust your research. Your movers are experts. Micro-managing any part of the process only slows them down. Not something you want to worry about when you are paying them per hour.
2. Finish the packing before they arrive.
Some moving companies will give you the optional service of packing your things, but that’s usually an added cost. Most families pack on their own. If you choose that route, don’t leave it till the last minute. Let us remind you that you are paying an hourly service. Any time spent waiting on you to finish is more money lost on your part. Get it done before they arrive and watch how quickly they finish the job!
3. Carry all valuable items with you.
Valuable and important items should remain with you rather than on the moving truck. We’re talking cash, jewelry, passports, etc needs transporting in your vehicle. Under no circumstances do your movers want to be responsible for misplacing something so precious to you. Items of high value need to be your responsibility rather than theirs.
4. Label boxes with their final destination.
Want to get the most out of the experience? Label your boxes with the associated room. You wouldn’t believe how much it will help the unpacking process if you can walk into a room and put all the items in their appropriate places. The alternative is standing there letting them know where everything goes which takes longer. Or, you could let them make a massive pile in the living room for you to sort through later.
5. Don’t forget to empty drawers.
It’s not appropriate to use your furniture as storage. Anything you add to a desk, armoire, or dresser makes it more cumbersome. Your movers will struggle under the weight. Two things can happen: unintentional damage to your furniture or the items stored in the drawer could break. Papers are the last thing you want to keep in a drawer. They could become loose, fall out, tear, or shred. Some companies will allow you to pack in drawers, but they will need to secure it with cellophane or tape.
6. Let them know if something is fragile.
Any object that needs special care let your movers know as soon as possible. Sometimes companies provide packing materials for mirrors or glass table tops. You can ask about this when you call for a quote. If they can provide you with the appropriate packing supplies for large, fragile items let them know as soon as they get there to help you wrap those things first.
7. Remove any obstacles.
The first step of the process is loading the truck with everything in your house. The second step — unloading it in your new home or apartment. Your new location could have some limitations you want to iron out before arriving. Reserve service elevators, obtain parking permits or designate the best loading area. Logistics like this are your responsibility. Any questions in the planning period can be directed to the movers. They’ve seen every situation and might have some suggestions.
8. Don’t pack your heavy items in large boxes.
We’ve talked about packing etiquette before. It’s never a good idea to overfill a box. Our tip in the past was purchasing small to medium sized boxes to reduce the chances of adding too much. Getting one large box for all of your books, pots, pans, or other heavy things might burst the box asking you to spend time finding an alternative solution.
9. Tipping your movers
American custom includes tipping for services rendered. That includes moving. Tip an extra $25-$50 per move or about 15% of the total cost. Base the amount on how many staircases they had to climb or awkward spaces they worked through. Giving them snacks and drinks is very thoughtful and much appreciated. Your tip should reflect how pleased you were with their service.
How to Make Your Move Easier
Renting self-storage units during a move streamlines the process. And, Stuff It Inn Storage is here to help. Whether it’s been years since your last move or this is your first, we’ve got a lot of tips for you on how to get organized, plan, and rent a self-storage unit for the move in our eBook “The Essential Guide to Packing Your Home.”