Category: Movers

GUIDE TO LOADING YOUR MOVING TRUCK

Whether you are a homeowner making a move across town or a business owner using commercial movers to change locations, you need to know how to load a moving truck properly so that your move goes smoothly. If you don’t load your truck up the right way, you could end up breaking items during your move or making life very difficult on your commercial movers serving

Buy the supplies you will need for your move.

Before you put a single item into a moving box to prepare for your move, you need to make sure you have all of the right supplies. From sturdy packing boxes and bubble wrap to labels and tape, you will need quite a few things in order to begin a home or office relocation. The key to a successful move is using quality packing supplies that will protect all of your belongings.

Prepare your belongings to be moved.

Once you have all of the packing supplies you need, you can begin to prepare your items for your move. Start placing items that you are moving into boxes, but don’t overfill any of them. Your commercial movers will have a difficult time moving items safely if you provide them with very heavy boxes. As you fill boxes, label them clearly so that your movers will know where to put things once they arrive at your new home or business. It will make the move go much quicker once you have arrived at your destination.

Load your items into your moving truck systematically.

When you are loading your truck, you want to begin placing items near the front of the truck and stack them to the ceiling. If there is anything that is particularly fragile, you should tie it down or keep it lower to the ground, just in case it happens to move around during your move. Get everything into the truck as tight as possible and you will significantly reduce the risk of damage.

PACKING FRAGILE ITEMS WHEN YOU MOVE

Corporate moving companies will do everything in their power to keep your belongings safe when they move them, but there are also steps you can take to ensure that your fragile items won’t get broken. Watch this video to see how you should pack items that are going to be moved by a commercial moving company

Commercial Moving Guide: How to Prepare for Your Big Move

As we discussed in our first post in this Commercial Moving Guide series about planning, moving an office requires a great deal of organization. Failing to plan properly adds unnecessary stress to an already complex process, while strong attention to detail increases a move’s efficiency and creates an easier transition for everyone involved: employees, management and the vendors that will be assisting with the move. Now that you’ve laid out detailed plans for how you’ll communicate with your staff, track your spending, and manage the process, what’s next? In a word: prepping.

The tips listed below offer several suggestions to ensure that your commercial move goes off without a hitch.

Hire vendors – or consider the benefits of hiring just one: While there are a variety of vendors available for each component of your move (boxes, packing, clean up, moving, and delivery/installation) hiring one vendor that can manage everything in one, end-to-end service minimizes stress and maximizes efficiency. Whether you choose one vendor or several, suppliers should be chosen based on their reputation, availability and true capability, as not all have the same reach, expertise or commitment to quality.

recommend obtaining information from any vendor you choose regarding:

Flexibility: Will the vendor work outside of business hours, if needed?

Fee structure: Will you be charged by the job or per hour? Will time worked outside of office hours incur extra fees?

Range of Services: Are clean-up and packing services available?

References: Does the vendor’s reputation match their promises regarding performance?

Conduct several “assessment” rounds: Rather than taking a mental inventory, we recommend that your moving committee take several walks around your current building to assess whether any repairs will need to be made to the structure before you vacate the building, to note whether there are any large pieces of signage or furniture that will require greater labor to remove, and to assess just how many items (large and small) will need to be taken care of before and during the move. Involving several people in these rounds will ensure that nothing gets missed or forgotten.

Downsize: After taking a few walks around the office, you’ll now have a representative list of your company’s inventory – and likely find some items you can dispose of. This would be a great time to take a final lap around your building, tagging these items with stickers. Once that’s done, we recommend purging methodically – one area at a time. This step should never be left until the last minute, when your teams will be tired and efforts to pack will be ramped up considerably. Last minute purging often results in mistakenly discarding items that you should have kept. Taking your time ensures a smoother move.

Compare Removal Quotes

Furniture Removal

Although it seems like furniture removals can be completed by yourself, it is a deceptively difficult task. Moving larger furniture like a corner sofa or a set of dining chairs is time-consuming and tiring, so it is a good idea to hire the services of a professional furniture mover

The price of furniture removal

Before choosing a furniture removal company, it is important to get a general idea of the prices for their services. Factors such as distance, the type and amount of furniture, and additional delivery options affect the price of furniture movers. For example, on average, transporting furniture for a journey less than 50 miles costs $1.78 per mile while for longer hauls, the average cost drops to $0.40 per mile. The table below shows the prices of moving different kinds of furniture varies by distance.

Finding the right company for you

The cost of moving furniture can vary greatly depending on distance, extra delivery requests, and the furniture itself. With many options, you have the opportunity to save on your furniture removal by comparing prices of local companies. To avoid incurring unexpected costs, it is in your best interest to request a quote.

How furniture removal companies handle your needs

Furniture movers specialize in packing, loading and unloading, and assembly of furniture articles. The company handles the packing of furniture, which involves disassembly, protective wrapping, and boxing up of articles. The movers oversee the loading and transporting of your furniture, using blankets, furniture pads, straps, and other moving equipment to ensure your furniture survive the journey in perfect condition. Additionally, removal companies offer storage services, which is useful If you are unable to move into your new home immediately.

Furniture removal options

Furniture removal companies offer different kinds of service that vary according to the level of assistance provided.

Room to room removals – This is transport that comes with full-service assistance. The movers pack up your belongings, carry them through your hallways to load into the van, and place the furniture in their designated room. This option takes all the hassle away from your move.

Courier or door-to-door – In this service, the movers load your furniture onto the van once the items have been made available at your front door then move it to your new property.

Rental services – This involves renting a truck and hiring movers to help with loading and transport, which incurs additional costs since you must purchase packing supplies and complete the packing yourself. To be successful, read our removal van page to learn about the different type of vehicles and their respective advantages.

Part Load – Movers will combine multiple customers’ loads on one shipment. This allows alleviates time and cost savings; savings that are passed onto you, so it is perfect for when you want to move a few furniture pieces and are not pressed for time.

Moving Guide

PREPARATION

The first member you will meet from your professional moving team is your Personal Relocation Consultant. This person is responsible for:

Advising you and your family on every aspect of your move.

Explaining the many services and service options available.

Performing a survey of everything in your home that will be moved.

Pointing out items that can’t be moved or will require special attention.

Providing an estimate of costs.

Determining the best moving date for your schedule.

Coordinating your professional packing team (if requested).

Answering any questions or concerns you may have.

PACKING AND LOADING

Pack-and-Load Technicians are key members of your moving team, responsible for:

Taking special precautions to protect your home and its contents on moving day

Preparing a detailed inventory of items to be moved

Tagging each carton/item with numbered and color-coded labels

Loading your goods onto the truck

Providing a Bill of Lading (a shipping contract) authorizing transport of your possessions

Delivering your belongings to your new home safe and sound

If your move is to another state, a local Destination Agent will handle the following:

Completion of all final paperwork

Arrangements for unpacking and removal of the empty cartons and packing materials (if ordered)

INVENTORY/PAPERWORK

Your driver will prepare a detailed Inventory & Condition Report of the items to be moved. In addition to tagging every individual carton or piece of furniture with numbered and color-coded labels, they will record each item- and a description of any existing damage-on the inventory form. You should accompany the driver as they prepare the inventory, pointing out any special concerns or handling considerations along the way.

Read answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

has helped families and individuals through relocations. It can be daunting and stressful, but over the years we’ve noticed a few of the same questions seem to keep coming up. To make things a little easier, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive to provide our customers with a resource they can refer to any time they need. You can also refer to our glossary to clear up confusing terminology

What is an interstate agent?

are individually owned and operated businesses located throughout the country. When a customer moves from one state to another, agents are authorized to act on behalf of the van line

When is the best time to move?

The best time to move is when it’s right for you. However, there are some times of the year that are busier for the moving industry than others. The summer months (May – September) and the end of each month are periods of heavier demand.

When should I begin to contact companies about estimates for my upcoming move?

It is a good idea to contact the moving companies you are considering for your move with as much notice as possible. It is ideal to have companies provide an estimate five to six weeks prior to your desired move date. Try to select the moving company four weeks before your moving date. Be sure to sign the Estimate/Order for Service and confirm your packing, pick-up, and delivery dates.

What types of estimates are available?

There are three types of estimates: non-binding, firm binding, and option binding.

A non-binding estimate is the carrier’s approximation of the cost, based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. The final cost will be based upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and the tariff provisions in effect.

A firm binding estimate is an agreement between the agent and the customer that the cost of the move will be a specific dollar amount based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the specific services requested. If the actual weight of the shipment is different than the agent anticipated, the price of the move would not change.

An option binding estimate (also known as a not-to-exceed estimate) is an agreement between the agent and the customer that the cost of the move will be no more than a specific dollar amount based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the specific services requested. If the anticipated weight of the shipment is less than estimated, then the customer’s bill is reduced by the amount of the cost associated with the weight difference between the estimated and actual weight.

How To Choose a Long Distance Moving Company.

After going through different companies, you may be wondering which one to choose. You may want to go for the most affordable option, but sometimes the cheapest option isn’t the best. You may get caught in a moving scam, which is why you need to be careful before hiring.

It is recommended to hire a local company; therefore, you won’t have to deal with movers solely on the internet. Scan your area for long-distance movers and make sure to get written in-home estimates from at least three of them. Also, every long-distance mover should have a license, if the one you’re thinking of hiring does, you should check it.

Know When to Book the Movers Before You Move

The two main factors that determine how difficult it might be to book a mover are where and when. While how much stuff you have to move should also be considered, it won’t prevent you from finding a good mover.

Local Move Within the Same City During Summer

If you’re moving during the summer, book as soon as you can. Ideally, two months before your move date. Worse case, at least four weeks, but know that if you only have a month or less before your move, you’ll have a limited choice of movers. Most good movers are booked two to three months out.

Local Move Within the Same City Off-Season

If you’re not moving in the summer, then you can book anywhere from two to four weeks before your move date. Keep in mind, even during the fall, winter, or spring, good movers will book up so always try to give as much notice as possible.

Move to Another City Within the Same State During Summer

​Intrastate moves—moves that are within the same state—are less complicated than out of state moves, so booking movers 10 to 12 weeks before you move is sufficient. Because there are fewer movers who will move to another city in the same state, you should allow at least two to three months, especially if moving in the summer.

Move to Another City Within the Same State Off-Season

For an intrastate move that isn’t happening during summer, you can get away with booking four to eight weeks before the move date with two months being the ideal amount of time needed.

Is It Weird to Help Your Movers? 5 Things Movers Absolutely Love

To help move your move along, I can say from experience that these 5 areas are the best, most useful things you can do ahead of your Hybrid move. Of course, most movers will be happy to do the things on this list for you, but do everyone a favor – yourself included – and consider being mover ready if you’re looking to save the absolute most amount of money. I’ll tell them it was your idea.

1. Disconnect and unplug as many electronics, lamps, and appliances as possible

See all those cords and wires back there on the floor behind the TV stand? That dusty tangle of connections for your DVD player, Xbox and iPod portal? Nice, huh? Your movers, of course, would be happy to get down on their hands and knees and spend half an hour disconnecting that mess…but is that really what you want to be paying them for?

Tip: Make things easy on yourself at the other end of your move by labeling or otherwise organizing all those cords. Put them in Ziploc bags, or simply wrap them in newspaper and label them with a big, fat marker.

2. Get everything off of every single wall

Yes, you are already off-the-wall crazy with everything you have to do (har har). But this can be done little-by-little in five or ten second increments weeks ahead of your move.

It’s this simple: when you walk past any picture, take it down. Place it right there against the wall on the floor. Better yet, find some out-of-the-way wall space where you can lean ALL your pictures, paintings, clocks and mirrors. Do the same with all your smaller picture frames from the side tables and shelves. You’ll have saved your movers a lot of precious time.

Tip: Keep a small bag for all those nails and hanger things – you’ll want them when it’s time to start decorating your new home.

3. Strip your mattress and fold your bedding

Instantly make your bed move-ready by stripping the mattress and folding up all your bedding ahead of your move. If the movers are packing you up, they’ll only have to stick those blankets, pillows and sheets inside a box. If you are doing your own packing, then have a box ready by your bed so that you can get one box packed before you’re even out of your pajamas.

4. Take the front wheels off your bicycles

Got a bicycle? Or a few? Consider removing the front wheels. Bicycles don’t fit into a loaded truck so readily with the handlebars sticking out on both sides. Bikes are also usually among the last items to be loaded onto the truck, when there’s often not a lot of space.

If you are inexperienced you may risk damaging your bike, so be gentle with your two-wheeled buddy. Flip that lever, open the brake caliper and slip that front wheel off. YouTube is your friend.

Tip: Keep that wheel with the rest of the bike – you’ll need it later. Sounds facetious but we’ve seen that front wheel get set aside for last and then end up forgotten – almost…

Tip #2: Your rear derailleur is both fragile and expensive. Protect it by shifting the chain onto the largest sprocket. This keeps it closer to the wheel for an extra ounce of protection against getting bent or broken.

5. Make a space for anything you don’t want them to touch

In preparing for your move you’ll find a whole host of items you’ll want to keep on hand: phone, charger, maps, stuff to mail, bathroom junk, cigarette lighter…you get the idea. You might want to designate a place for all the stuff you don’t want packed or moved. A kitchen counter is usually a good choice – push all that stuff into a marked box, or in a pile against the wall where there will also likely be an outlet to keep your gadgets charged.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MOVERS

When you’re about to move to a new home, and you want professional help to make it happen. You want more than just a truck rental that comes with some strong laborers. You want strategic, experienced movers who can execute the process efficiently.

The relationship you form with your movers may not be long-lasting, but it is important. You’re going to share part of a life-changing experience with these guys and you need to count on them to have your back.

However, unless you’re an employer, chances are you have little experience with the hiring process, much less the interview process. It’s possible that the only question you’re prepared to ask your mover is, “Hi, how are you?” It may be a start of a good relationship, but it doesn’t really do much to inform you about how qualified these guys are. It’s vital to know what questions you should be asking in order to determine whether or not these movers are a good fit for your job.

Luckily, we have a few questions that might come in handy when you want to find the right team for your move, and we’re not opposed to sharing. Here are a few that you may want to ask your mover.

1. Do the movers have references for their services?

References are the equivalent of customer reviews for the moving company. They come from non-biased sources who are looking for pretty much the same things from a company that you are looking for yourself, and you’re likely to get more of a relatable and down- to- earth story from reading them. Ask your company if they can provide online testimonials from past customers or look for reviews yourself if you feel they are more trustworthy.

2. Do the movers charge any additional fees?

Ah, those little “read between the lines” fees that you don’t know about until you end up paying for them. Sometimes companies charge extra for hard-to-handle items or if the building you’re moving from or to isn’t easy to access.  Ask about fuel or distance surcharges as well. You don’t want to be slapped with a bigger bill than the one you were expecting.

3. What’s your rate and how is it determined?

Most companies charge a rate based on weight and distance and take it as a red flag if they charge you by cubic feet. If you’re moving long distance, rates must depend on poundage. For shorter distances, an hourly rate may apply. Make certain to get an estimate in writing including all costs you and your movers will be responsible for, and be sure that it is signed by both parties.

4. What does the movers’ insurance policy cover?

When people move delicate and heavy objects by themselves across long distances, stuff happens. Moving is an injury prone line of work, and when an employee drops your wedding china tripping over a box, you want to know who’s picking up the tab. Find out about the company’s insurance policies for property damage, injury, and commercial auto to make sure you won’t be left high and dry if the unexpected happens.

5. What packing services are available?

They don’t call them precious belongings for no reason. If you’ve got some, you may want to ask a few questions on how they’re going to be protected and labeled. Some companies include these services in the cost, others charge extra. Get a line on how your company works and also how your items will be labeled. You may be expected to take care of appliance service charges if the mover needs to disconnect and reconnect the appliances. 

Types of moving estimates

• Binding moving estimate: If the mover gives you a binding estimate, they’re required to honor the price they provide you as long as nothing changes. If you only move the items listed on the inventory sheet, the final price should match what appears on the binding estimate.

• Non-binding moving estimate: A non-binding estimate is merely a document with the mover’s best guess of your moving cost. The final price is determined by the weight of your shipment and the services provided. Although the actual bill may go much higher than the non-binding estimate, your mover can only require you to pay 110 percent of the written estimate at the time of delivery. You’ll be billed for any remaining charges later.

• Binding-not-to-exceed moving estimate: A binding-not-to-exceed estimate is the same as a binding estimate except that you’ll pay less than the quoted price if your items weigh less than what’s estimated.