Moving Transportation
Professional Movers
If you have decided to use professional movers, shop around first to get the best price quotes and the kind of coverage that suits your needs. Always ask what kind of insurance is included (in the case of damaged or lost items, whether it be boxes, furniture, or appliances), and ask what kind of service options they offer. For example, professional moving companies today offer options ranging from full-service to partial service, which may/may not include box provision, packing supplies, packing, transportation, and unpacking. Be sure to also find out what items they will not transport for you (often referred to as a "non-allowable list") so that you can arrange to transport these items another way.
Professional Mover Tips
To avoid delays that can occur when movers run late on a previous job, book the first appointment of the day, and try to book on a weekday when there is less traffic, cheaper rates, and more available dates than on weekends.
Check in advance that movers arrive with the right equipment for your load and that they have the correct addresses of both your old and new homes.
Before you and your movers part ways en route, but sure to exchange cell phone numbers so that you can stay in touch in case of delays, getting lost, or any unforeseen events.
Renting Your Own Moving Truck: Tips for Moving By Yourself
Since professional movers can be quite costly, you may want to rent your own truck or trailer, or to move smaller/lighter items yourself and use a moving company only for large/heavy furniture and appliances.
Here are some tips for loading your moving vehicle:
•- Load heavy items first, placing them on the floor and towards the front of the truck/trailer
•- To save significant space, place couches/sofas standing on their end as opposed to laying them down normally
•- Place lighter and fragile items on top of heavy items and carefully secure them
•- Pack your moving vehicle tightly to reduce possibility for items to shift/break/scratch during transit
•- Be sure to secure your items to the vehicle walls with cords, thick rope, or ratchet straps, and to pad them with blankets or moving padding
•- To fill gaps and spaces so that your load doesn't shift, use fillers such as pillows, cushions, stuffed animals, extra cardboard, et cetera
BONUS TIP
When lifting/loading heavy items, get help, and remember to squat and lift with your knees and not with your back.
Advice for Driving a Moving Truck/Trailer
Become familiar with your travel route ahead of time. Drive slower than usual and decelerate and brake sooner because of the weight of your load and so as to not damage fragile items. Be aware of your vehicle's height and any low underpasses. Be sure to periodically check tires, lights, doors, and engine oil level en route. If you need to park, carefully back into parking spaces and ask for guidance if needed.
You Pack/We Drive Option
When it comes to moving transportation, the latest innovation being offered by a growing number of professional companies is known as "You Pack, We Drive." This moving service offers you the option of packing the moving trailer/truck by yourself, and having professional drivers drive it to your new location. You then have another two days to unload your belongings, leaving you ready to settle into your new home!
