Book A Move!

The busiest times for moving companies are during the summer months, taking place roughly between May 15 – September 15. Near the ends of these months, the volume of shipments is extremely heavy—this tends to be the case for all professional relocation and moving companies.

It’s important to take all factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for you to move. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, providing the moving company with a five-day window for loading your shipment can be greatly beneficial. This will allow the individuals who schedule your drivers and moving crew greater flexibility when scheduling your move. If possible, try to be flexible with your arrival time frame as well—keep in mind that you most likely are not the only shipment the truck is currently moving. Offering a flexible time frame can make a world of difference, and make your entire process of moving much easier.

Try to provide the moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during a busy summer season, as noted above. Six weeks from the actual move date is a great time frame for estimators to come into your home and complete a visual survey of your household goods shipment. It is also a good idea to add even more time to make a decision, in the event that you are obligated by your employer to submit moving estimates for a corporate relocation. Try to decide which mover you will use at least four weeks from your actual load day. Additionally, call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This time frame can be shortened if you are moving outside of the peak moving season (September 15 through May 15 are considered “off peak” months, which generally feature less moving traffic).

Tariff provisions require that all moving charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at the destination. Payments can be made using cash, certified check, or money order. Other payment options, such as a credit card, can be arranged with your professional moving service provider.  Your charges may be charged up to two days prior to load in order to prevent your delivery from being delayed. Discuss these options with the relocation specialist and/or the customer service representative assigned to your shipment. In the event that your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice. Whatever works best for your situation is great—just be sure to have the details worked out prior to when packing and loading begins –if the method of payment is not established prior to load day, it can cause you problems on delivery day.

All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage while moving. It is recommended that you pack all items and leave the drawers empty.

Most moving companies will not take your plants. The stress and heat of being inside the moving trailer usually causes them to die. Many states do not allow the entry of plants while other states will admit plants under certain conditions. There are some states that have no regulations at all. Be sure to understand your state’s regulations prior to moving the plants in your own vehicle.

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 alternate arrangements for their transport.

In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to be articles of “extraordinary value.” To be assured that a claim involving these articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign your mover’s high-value inventory form. Also, be sure to sign the “Extraordinary Value Article Declaration” box, if applicable, on your Bill of Lading.

Each mover has a slightly different procedure to follow as it relates to high-value items. Ask your relocation specialist to provide you with an explanation of their company’s process. This is a confusing (but important) task, so be sure that you clearly understand the rules prior to load day.

We use a special material called stretch-wrap. It is a heavy, clear-plastic wrap that protects your furniture from being soiled.