Moving may sound like a straightforward process but a few know-hows can be very helpful when you start your move. Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions we’ve been receiving about the moving process and other things related to it like packing and storage. If you have a question that’s not listed here, please let us know and we’ll help you with it.
If you are planning a move to the DC area, it is a good idea to contact local moving companies as soon as possible. You should begin getting estimates at least a couple of months in advance, so you can choose one and set up a time for them to come and provide an estimate. Choose one four weeks prior to the date you will be moving, especially if it will be during the time of year when movers are busier. This is generally during the summer months. If this is when you plan to move, six weeks before is better.
After choosing a local mover, and they visit your home and give you an estimate for moving your household belongings, call them again to confirm. This call should be made a couple of weeks before your planned move to reaffirm the schedule. You will need to make sure they will be there to pack, load, and deliver your belongings on the date previously agreed upon.
There are several reasons to hire a professional moving company especially if you’re moving in the DC area. Moving can be a very stressful time. Not only do you have to worry about getting your household belongings packed, ready, and loaded to move, but there are utilities and other services that need to be disconnected and reconnected at your new residence. Professional movers know how to protect your belongings as well as being efficient when it comes to moving large items.
They will have your household packed and moved in far less time than it would take you to do so. Movers will inventory the items in your home and ensure they arrive safely. They are trained when it comes to packing items properly to protect them, reducing the risk of damage during the move.
Most movers recommend moving some time other than the summer months since this is one of their busiest times. However, this is not always possible. If you must move during this time, it is important to try and provide your movers with some flexibility when it comes to loading and moving your belongings.
Moving can be made much easier if the moving company has a few days leeway when it comes to loading and delivering your items. There will be other people depending on the movers during this time, and everything will go much smoother if you are more flexible with your schedule. The end of the month and after major holidays are also busy times for moving companies.
The amount of time it takes to move your belongings will depend on several things. Some of the things that will affect your move are how far you are moving, the number of items to be moved, the weather and traffic conditions, and the time of year. If the movers that you choose are moving other shipments at the same time, it can take longer.
Many companies take two or three loads according to where they are going and when they were scheduled. This allows them to fill their truck rather than making several trips. They are usually scheduled according to where they are coming from and going and exactly how much is being shipped.
A full-service mover provides everything needed to pack your household items. This includes the boxes, the tape, padding for furniture, wrapping paper, and the equipment needed to help load your belongings. They will come in and pack everything efficiently and have it on the way in a minimum of time. Once they deliver the items to your new home, they will unpack it and set it up according to your preferences.
When you choose a professional mover, you do not have to worry about any of the aspects of the move. This allows you to concentrate on all the other things you have to do to get your household up and running. If you are looking for cheap movers in Washington DC, get in touch with us!
Getting your home ready for the move will include moving anything that may be in the way of the movers. The entrance to all rooms and the front door should be clear, and if doors need to be removed to ensure large items will fit, you can go ahead and do this. Is the front free of toys or other things that could cause an accident when the movers are carrying items to load on the truck?
It is also a good idea to have a few days, rather than one or two, that your household items can be packed and loaded just in case there is any type of delay. The moving company generally calls a day ahead of the planned move to confirm the time. If there are any changes that need to be made, this is the time to let them know.
Have you chosen a full-service local moving company, or do you plan to pack your own things? Even if you choose a full-service moving company, there will be certain things you will likely want to pack yourself. Of course, you will want access to many items right away rather than having to wait for them to be unloaded. This could include cell phone chargers, changes of clothing, hygienic items, and valuable jewelry or other items.
If you pack any boxes before they can be loaded onto the truck, the movers will make sure they are safe. If not, they will need to be repacked. Wrapping anything fragile is one way of protecting your items. Plants are generally not transported by movers. You will need to take them to your personal vehicle. Clear all drawers of items, and appliances must be prepared for transport.
You can include valuable items in the truck with your other belongings as long as you let the movers know. However, it is a good idea to transport them separately in your personal vehicle or another method. This could include jewelry, valuable collections, antiques, and cash. Certain items are considered “extraordinary value” items and must be included in a special inventory form.
There are some items that movers will not accept. Check with your local movers to see what is acceptable and what is not. Each moving company has their own rules and regulations when it comes to what they will transport.
A relocation specialist is a person who comes to your home to look at all the items you have to move. You will want to make certain they see everything that is to be included. He or she will give you an estimate on the cost of moving after they calculate the cost of packing, the weight of the items to be packed, and anything else that will add to the moving costs.
The relocation specialist will thoroughly go through everything from closets to attics to make sure they can give you an accurate estimate of the cost. If there are any items that will not be included in the move, make sure to tell them so it will not be included. It is a good idea to get everything organized before the relocation specialist visits, so it will be easier for them to see exactly what will be transported.
Although tipping movers is not required, it is a good way to say thank you. It is certainly an acceptable way of showing that you appreciate all the work they have done. One of the main reasons for hiring a moving company is so that you do not have to deal with all the stress and heavy lifting.
If the movers were on time, had to move extra heavy items or maneuver tight spaces or stairs, packed your belongings, and everything arrived safely, tipping is considered a way of saying they did a good job. If you decide to tip, the most common amount is from 5% to 10% of the total cost of the move.