Moving is difficult for everyone; ask your go-to friend who owns a truck. You know, the one who always gets called to help move “this or that,” “here and there.”
Whether you are asking family or friends for favors or hiring movers, effort made on the front end could help save time, money, and possibly friendships.
Candy’s Dirt has put together a list of ‘Moving Day’ prep tips that include what to do and what not to do:
A football coach will tell you that the game is won through preparation. When it comes time to move, like in football, preparation is the key to a low stress experience. A big move, like a big game, is full of too many critical decisions and Curtis Specialized Moving & Storage is here to help you make all the right choices.
Here are some dos and don’ts to help you prepare for moving day.
DO … Start the move preparations as early as possible. Give yourself a proper head-start and a better chance to be ready when the move starts.
DON’T … Lose time by starting without a clear plan of action. Create and follow a realistic moving timeline.
DO … Follow a moving checklist to organize your time. Prioritize all tasks in your plan.
DON’T … Move by yourself when you have expensive, fragile, and antique items or move a long distance. You can be penny-wise and thousands foolish.
DO … Select a good mover by obtaining referrals from friends and relatives who have had a pleasant experience with the moving company. Also, check licensing information and ask for the mover’s certificate of insurance to see what coverage the mover has in place. Reputable movers are happy to provide this to a prospective client.
DON’T … Accept cost estimates over the phone or by email. The only way to get accurate quotes is with an on-site visit at your home.
DO … Book your mover as soon as you have a desired move date. Reputable, trustworthy, and experienced movers are busy, and their schedules fill up fast.
DON’T … Wait until the last minute to book your move, because you will not have the best options for reputable movers and competitive pricing.
DO … Prepare boxes containing toiletries, important documents, jewelry, cash, coins, firearms, and ammunition, etc., and transport these items yourself.
DON’T … Start packing without having a timeline to help you stay on track. Most of us hate to move and packing is not a fun task. If you tell the mover you will be packing certain items when they are preparing your estimate, and those items are not packed when the time comes, your move bill will be higher.
DO … Get the right packing materials in advance so that you do not have to stop to collect supplies later.
DON’T … Skimp on padding materials when packing extra-fragile items such as dishes, glasses, porcelain figurines, etc. Or better yet, hire a mover capable of packing these items for you. Movers will not be responsible for items they did not pack.
DO … Label all moving boxes you pack for easy identification. Record and mark their content, destination room, and special handling instructions.
DON’T … Pack items for the movers to carry that are not authorized for the moving company’s transport. Moving companies will not move hazardous items, flammables, explosives, or perishables.
DO … Transfer or change the utilities: power, water, gas, phone, cable TV, etc. Arrange to turn these services on at the new home or office.
DON’T … Move expensive, fragile, or irreplaceable items without purchasing increased valuation coverage from the mover. Without this coverage, movers in Texas are released from liability at $0.60/lb. per item, lost or damaged. Many people believe their homeowners’ policy covers their goods in transport, but it is rare that the homeowner’s policy provides complete coverage. Call your homeowners agent to ascertain what is covered and discuss options with the mover.
DO … Have a final check around the home or office that you are vacating, to make sure all windows and doors are secure and that nothing is left.