1. For some people, deciding what NOT to take is the hardest part of a move. Do your new home a favor and do not clutter it with old stuff that you have not used in years. If you think that some things might be moved but are not 100% sure, include those items in a list for now, they can always be removed later.  

Your Moving Company is Your Friend

2. Obviously, the items that you are moving are valuable to you or you would not be taking them. To get an accurate quote, have a representative of the moving company come to your home to see the stuff to be moved. These are your personal items and this is your time to be thorough and ask questions. Trying to fill out a form over the phone or on the internet will not give an accurate inventory. These are professionals, but make no assumptions about the care given to an item for which you have a concern.

3. For the smart consumer, it is good to shop around. If you are getting several moving quotes from several different companies, the same person should work with each moving companies’ representative. Also, heed suggestions from the moving company representative. Again, these are trained professionals and their job is to make this move as easy on you as possible. 

The Day of the Move

4. In order to make the day of the move a little less stressful on everyone, notify your current and new neighbors of unloading dates. Managing parking situations as well as neighborhood children and animals will also help the process. A 53 foot trailer is not exactly a regular site in most neighborhoods.  

5. Remember, you are working with the moving company not against them. Let them do the moving but do not be shy to work with the moving crew. This will ensure the items to be moved are the same items identified in the walk-through.

6. Respect the movers. Being a mover is not an easy job and does require special skills, and being a driver on the road presents its own challenges.  Being away from family and friends for long periods of time is not easy.  Compliment your moving crew about the good job they are doing.  Everyone works better in a positive environment. 

7.  Walk through your home with the driver as he is preparing the inventory.  This is the best time to ask questions and express concerns.  The driver will do a condition report of your furnishings.  This is not just for the moving company. It can also make the claims process easier for you should there be damage to any of your furnishings during the move.

8. Upon arriving to your new home, make sure that the moving crew knows exactly where to place you items. This will ensure a smooth unloading and will also help you cut back on rearranging. Why move-in twice? Also, be sure to check items off the inventory as they are brought into your home. This will insure that nothing gets lost in the move. Should it be necessary, checking off the items at delivery will make the claims process easier.

A Little Extra

9.  Sometimes preparing refreshments at the origin and destination of your move is a good idea. Take it from a professional in the moving business. It will be money well spent. The crew will be most productive if they do not have to leave the job site, and they will appreciate your consideration.  Minor things can have a major effect on the move. Auto Transport

10.  Gratuities are not required, but they are appreciated by the driver and his crew.  For another, all of us like to get a few extra dollars in our pocket. On a large, long-distance move, several people may be involved in completing your move (packers, driver, and moving helpers), so keep that in mind when figuring the amount.