When it comes to moving day, moving out of a house OR moving into a house, one word comes to mind. STRESSFUL. It may seem fun or like a new adventure, but if it involves massively moving the contents of your life around and is change. I guarantee it will be stressful and at the end of that day you just may be exhausted. It is more than just about boxes. Here are some out of the box ideas to cope with this significant change a little better:
Don't just find a mover like you did your REALTOR or lender on the Internet. A personal referral or several to price shop makes much more sense. Look at least at three.
Check to see that they are licensed and insured and if they have any problems or complaints about them with the Better Business Bureau.
Look for the details in the quotes, specifying exactly what they will do and it is imperative to get all the costs in writing. Price alone should not be the determining factor but the professionalism and reputation of the company. Don't allow movers on moving day to deviate from their written quote. Upfront deposits indicate scam companies. Steer clear of them.
You may pack some items yourself or have them all done by the movers. This would be where you divide some easy items like books and clothing for them but high end electronics, and valuables such as artwork by you.
Look at what the insurance details are by the mover for giving you the full replacement value on an item if they damage it or lose it. Understand this liability clearly and how the claims process works.
Above all, be clear on the dates and times for the pickup and delivery of your home contents and if any storage is involved.
Working with a company with a good reputation that you are comfortable with ensures the minimum amount of stress in your move. You will get to your next destination not near as worn out as you think you would. Then the fun begins with unpacking. Please label each box as best you can or it will be a treasure hunt for weeks looking for the silverware : )
Gary,
We moved over 5 years go...we still haven't unpacked all the boxes...do you think we really need that stuff??? :) Thanks, Fran
Gary - Some nice tips for those folks who are in or soon will be, in the process of moving. I should post about it soon, I've on several occassions physically helped clients I got a mortgage for move. I look at it as good customer service and a complimentary workout:-)
Gary: Nice tips for folks in the throws of a move. And I agree... A VERY STRESSFUL process!
Gary...good tips. i have seen and heard of some horror stories!
Gary,
How about that Sardi guy..what service...next time he needs a 'complimentary workout', tell him to give me a call...he can clean up my basement and garage!!! LOL, Thanks, Fran
Fran: Ihave that same problem with a few boxes at my house. If you haven't opened them, other than stored photos, do you really need that stuff?
Jason: Wow financing and helping others move. What great service!
Steve: I know the last time I moved I was exhausted at the end of the day.
Bill: Especially horror stories with the less than reputable firms.
We moved just two short years ago and I SWEAR it feels like yesterday. We used (for the first time ever) a referral from a client of mine--a couple of guys who worked with a professional moving co during the day and side jobs on the weekends. THE BEST and I MEAN THE BEST 900.00 I have ever spent (and had no material item to show for it LOL) We still had to move, pack a great deal; but they moved ALL the furniture, heavy equipment, appliances and BOY did we have a 32 foot truck PACKED. These guys moved,packed the truck and unloaded ALL of it in just under 4 hours; AND on July 8th last year it was like 150 degrees and 200% humidity here in Rockford. Not ONE broken item or scratch. BUT Gary; I will say that we are the exception AND as I mentioned WE did most of our own packing; BIG DIFFERENCE--GREAT POST
Patti: You are a testament to getting those referrals ESPECIALLY with movers. A lot of people like to pack their own stuff and I can understand that, especially for antiques, electronics, your sentimental stuff. Your crew sounded GREAT especially with the heat and humidity.
Hi Gary. Great advice! Every time that I move I swear it will be the LAST time. Circumstances have made me stop lying to myself about it... now after I complete a move, in order to save time, I immediately start dreading the next one.
Hi Gary,
When it comes to personal possessions, you have precisely pinpointed the priority!
Pick Personal packers you can TRUST with your Personal possessions!
Steve: I think the whole process of moving, you are right, is not fun. At least if you work with a good company it is bearable. Starting over somewhere new is refreshing though.
Dan: You are the master of alliteration for sure! You create them so easily too : )
Great post Gary. Moving and root canals are two things that people fear and loath-even when they have never experience either. I'll never forget when my family moved to Maryland when we were kids and one of the packers actually wrapped up a butter dish with the butter still in it. We moved in the summer. Yes, there was melted butter throughout the box. Fortunately it was full of easily washed dishes. We still laugh about it.
Pam: You probably wanted to go up to that mover and say can you spell I-D-I-O-T? A funny story now, but what were they thinking?
And then there are those folks who take on the task of moving without the assistance of a moving comapany. Now that's stressful.
Rosario: Doing it all yourself unless you have a small load has got to be the hardest when it comes to moving.
Great advice. I agree with you one hundred percent. Thanks for sharing.
Becky: With movers it is all about aligning yourself with a good company. Kind of like people finding a good REALTOR like you : )
Gary - Great topic. Movers need scrutiny, read everything and get everything in writing!