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Moving Tips

Moving Tips

With over a decade's worth of experience in the moving industry, we've picked up a few helpful tips along the way. Here are some of the most important moving tips to help you with your next move.

If you have any questions about our moving services or would like to schedule a free estimate, please don't hesitate to contact us! (832) 497-1027

Moving Packing Tips:

  • You'll need a lot of boxes.

    Search for a moving box calculator online to figure out how many boxes you will need. It is probably going to be more than you think!

  • Use sturdy boxes – not old grocery store boxes.

    There are lots of good places to find free boxes, but grocery stores are not one of them. The boxes from grocery stores are often dirty and weak. Instead, look for free boxes at online sites like Craigslist or from wine stores or furniture stores.

  • Moving labels are worth the cost.

    Moving labels only cost a few dollars to buy, and they will make your life a lot easier. Be sure to include the contents of the box, what room it belongs in, and whether it is FRAGILE (in big letter).

  • Spend a LOT of time organizing your home before packing.

    The more time you spend cleaning and organizing your home, the faster packing will go. More importantly, if your home is organized, then you will be able to pack items by the room they go in – which means that unpacking will be much, much easier.

  • Assign each room its own color.

    You should pack items by the room that they go in. Assign each room its own color and use stickers to label the boxes. Then you can have the professional movers unload each box into the room it belongs in so you don't have to lug them all around your new home. This system will save you a lot of time with unpacking.

  • Have the movers pack the kitchen.

    If you can't afford professional packing services for your entire home, at least consider having the pros do the kitchen. This is the hardest room to pack, and the room with the most breakable items.

  • Pack and essentials box.

    Pack one box with all of the items you will need to "survive" the last few days in your old home, and the first few days in your new home. This may include a pot and pan, utensils, toiletries, cleaning items, and toys for your children. Tell the movers to pack this box last so it can be brought off the moving truck first.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Move:

  • Schedule your move 2 months in advance.

    Don't wait until the last moment to start searching for a moving company. The closer you are to the date of your move, the fewer choices you will have (moving companies book up quickly) and rates can increase drastically.

  • Can you do a weekday move?

    Weekend moves are usually more expensive than weekday moves. If possible, also try to avoid the end of the month and summertime as these times are busy for moving and companies increase their rates.

  • Get rid of all that junk!

    The less stuff you have to move, the less your move will cost. Get rid of as much as you can. Gift it to friends. Donate it to charity (and get a tax deduction for it). Or sell items on sites like eBay and Craigslist, or have a garage sale.

Tips for Choosing a Moving Company:

  • Read "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move"

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) is the group which sets the licensing standards for moving companies. They publish a booklet called "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." Your moving company MUST give you this book! If they don't, then find a different moving company! Make sure you read this booklet and understand the ins-and-outs of moving insurance, filing damage claims, and rates before you sign any moving contract.

  • Start searching for moving companies long in advance.

    If you are moving during the summer or the end of the month, then you might find that all the reputable moving companies book up quickly and you have few choices left. Make sure you don't get stuck with expensive, inexperienced movers. Start your search 2-3 months in advance and book your date at least 6 weeks in advance.

  • Get an in-home moving estimate.

    Many moving companies will give you an estimate online or over the phone. But the truth is that they cannot estimate how much your move will cost unless they've seen what they've got to work with. For this reason, reputable moving companies will give you an estimate in your home. And they will often give the estimate for free.

  • Ask about insurance.

    Make sure to ask the movers about what insurance they have. Most will just have Basic Coverage, which means you are reimbursed based on the weight of the item. This obviously isn't going to be enough if they damage your expensive flat screen TV! Also find out what coverage your homeowners insurance policy offers.

  • Know what to ask.

    Copy a list of questions to ask your moving company from the web. You'll need to ask detailed questions about their staff (are they background checked?), their equipment, their fleet of trucks, their rates, additional fees, and services they offer.

General Moving Tips:

  • Take advantage of moving apps!

    There are numerous moving apps available, including many which give you checklists of things to do. Make sure you download some of these to help you stay organized.

  • Did you measure everything?

    One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they move is forgetting to measure furniture. Then, on moving day, they are in for a big surprise when the furniture won't fit in the doorway. Avoid this disaster by taking careful measurements!

  • Create a floor plan.

    You can download apps which let you create floor plans for your furniture and belongings. Print the floor plan and give it to the movers so they can put things in their proper place.

  • Did you get your tax deduction?

    If you are moving for work, then you may be eligible to get a tax deduction for your moving expenses. Be sure to save ALL of your receipts relating to the move, including for accommodation and storage.

  • Don't forget snacks and food for moving day!

    Have a plan for what you will eat and drink on moving day, as well as the days before and after the move. You will want to have lots of snacks, as well as takeout menus handy.

  • Dress appropriately.

    Even though our movers will be handling the heavy lifting, you should still be dressed appropriately for moving day. Wear steel-toed boots or sneakers, jeans or sweat pants, and a comfortable shirt. Make sure clothes aren't too loose or they could get caught on something and cause injury.