Moving Tips

Moving California	California Local Moving	CA Long Distance Moving	International Moving
California Moving	Moving Tips	Moving Insurance	Auto Transport
Packing Boxes	Packing Tips	Moving Boxes	Moving Supplies
Storage	Self Storage	CA Moving Services	USA Moving Services

These moving tips are designed to help you experience a calmer, less stressful move. Your moving day is sure to be very busy. Use these tips to prepare for the busy day ahead of time.

As you prepare for your move, you'll want to make two lists - one for the things you need to do ahead of time and one for the actual day of the move. If you're doing some or all of your own packing, try to get your share of the packing done before the day your movers are coming to do their part of the packing chore. If there were items you decided to let the movers pack, you'll already know about them and can tell your movers when they arrive. In addition to our moving tips, packing tips and our tips for packing moving boxes will help get the job done right.

Selecting a Moving Company Tips

Before you choose a moving company you'll want to confirm that the movers are licensed.
If you're moving locally, ask nearby relatives, friends or neighbors if they've had experience with any of the moving companies you're considering.
Ask each of the moving companies you're considering for references and check them to see what they say.
Compare your moving company estimates. Compare the terms and the services included in each quote, what type of mover's valuation or insurance is offered and what the charges are for any access problems or added options you may want to choose.
Find out what will trigger additional charges if your estimate is not a guaranteed amount. What terms are in the written moving estimate with respect to situations like when your shipment exceeds its estimated weight?
Compare how each moving company's representatives have communicated with you. Did you have to deal with anyone other than the estimator/sales rep at the moving company? Did one moving company seem easier to deal with than the others? Is any moving company putting undue pressure on you to make a decision?

Compare payment terms. Will you have to have cash on arrival to pay the balance due to the moving company?
You can check a moving company's background with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the California Department of Consumer Affairs. The California Office of the Attorney General has additional information on moving tips and moving companies.

Moving Day Tips

On your list of things to do before moving day should be the errands that need to be accomplished, so be sure to get them done as early as possible. For one thing, the moving company's van may block your access to your home or your car and if you're out running errands you will not be available to answer your moving company's questions. Don't forget to have some cash on hand if you plan to tip your movers and/or packing crew.
Plan ahead for what you'll need to do with your pets - if you have them. On moving day you'll want to keep them out of the way. Besides, all the commotion is bound to be stressful for them so you may consider moving them ahead of your belongings, leaving them with a friend or relative until you're ready to pick them up or make other arrangements for them. Try to give your pets some special "quality" time before, during and after the moves. Doing so usually helps keep them calm.
Be sure to check closets and any storage rooms or utility areas so you don't leave anything behind. Remove any obstacles that might be in your movers' way before they arrive and make sure clear paths are available along hallways and stairways. If you think a stair railing should be removed and you can handle the task, go ahead and get that chore out of the way.
Move your cars out of the path you expect the mover's crew to take - like the driveway or garage. If you need to get out unexpectedly you won't need to disturb the movers to do so. If you have an automatic sprinkler system consider shutting it off so the sprinklers don't come on unexpectedly while furniture or boxes are being carried out of the house.

More Moving Tips

Getting Organized for a Move