Movers

The Helpful Guide to Moving Long Distances

If you are reading this guide then you are more than likely ramping up for an upcoming move. You are probably experiencing a mixture of emotions, ranging from excitement and happiness to anxiety and fear—not to mention that you may be feeling overwhelmed with having to plan out all of the nuances of your move and actually pack up your belongings as well.

What we hope to accomplish in this moving help guide is to cover some common topics that are related to moving long distances, and locally as well, and in doing so we hope to quell some of your anxieties about what to expect from your upcoming move. We intend to show you tips and tricks in order to keep costs down for your move, and we also layout in great detail the benefits of using different moving services or completing a move on your own.

Beyond this we also give you practical advice for how to go about packing up your home and the best way to move in and out of your house. We have covered all of the bases for you and done the research so that you don’t have to. When it comes to dealing with a move you should only have to focus on what is important and not have to spend hours sifting through different websites to find out information. So we have collected all of that for you. With that we now present to you your one-stop shop for moving help.

After extensive research on the topic, as well as experiencing numerous moves ourselves we have discovered that the following topics are what most people need to know in order to have a successful move. This part of the guide offers an overview of each of the following topics and then we drill down further into each subject, giving you practical and applicable advice. We have come to believe that by educating yourself on the different aspects of a move you can eliminate a lot of the unknown variables and therefore make better decisions.

However, not only will you be able to make better decision once you have an understanding of all of the aspects of a move but you will also be able eliminate some of the anxieties that derive from feeling like you are in over your head or there is too much on your plate to handle

Movinghouse Check List

4-6 Weeks to Moving Day

Organise Contents and Household Insurance for your new home.

Notify Electoral Office of your new address. Also Drivers Licence and Car Registration.

Complete a floor plan of your new home for furniture placement and measure the spaces to ensure your furniture will fit, particularly the fridge. Will large items fit through doors?

Prepare an inventory of everything you own, noting any scratches or dents.

Make a note of any precious items that require special care to move.

Dispose of everything that you don’t need.

Check any moving instructions for your washing machine with the manufacturer.

In the kitchen, use up all opened packets and dispose of goods past their use-by date.

Start to use up all food in the freezer.

Remember to sort through the garage, garden shed etc., under the house.

Gas cylinders and air bottles should be empty with valves open, dispose of all flammable liquids. (Garden chemicals, paint, paint thinners, cleaning fluids, bleach, fuel, aerosols of any kind etc.)

Create a folder for all your moving documents.

Arrange to have your mail held or redirected to your new address.

Arrange School, Pre-School, Day-Care transfers.

Redirect or cancel newspaper and other subscriptions.

If travelling….organise passports, tickets, visas, currency, credit cards, accommodation.

Return borrowed or rented items.

Arrange a rubbish pick-up with the local Council.

Confirm with lawyers/Real Estate Agents key collection time and Settlement date as this will determine your moving day.

Plan to carry yourself important legal documents and jewellery.

Pre-plan and schedule any necessary repairs required.

Research storage facilities if needed.

Obtain family and pet medical records. Also dental and school records.

If leasing, arrange property inspection and book cleaners.

Transfer and set up utilities at your new address.

Review home and contents/car insurance

Book our highly skilled and professional, friendly team of packers and unpackers to assist you when moving

If Packing Yourself

Arrange carton and packing materials delivery (labels, bubble wrap, tape, markers, paper) with your Removalist or storage company.

Use clean white butcher’s paper, not newspaper as it soils items.

Label every carton clearly, on the tape, as to contents and its room destination.

Prepare an inventory list of each carton. Mark clearly FRAGILE. Note all dents and scratches.

Pack lighter items in large cartons, heavier items in small cartons, heavier items on bottom.

Dismantle furniture that comes apart – remember to tape screws in an obvious location or label and place in an ESSENTIALS carton with TV, Foxtel, sound system remote controls, bed legs, shelf supports, keys to furniture cabinets and manufacturers instructions for reassembly of items.

Prepare a SURVIVAL KIT (LOAD LAST) with kettle, tea and coffee, breakfast requirements, special childrens toys, school needs, pet requirements (especially leads), bathroom necessities, telephone handset, medications, snacks, corkscrew, spare light globes, scissors, tools, toilet paper.

Consider taking very sentimental and personal items with you in your car.

2-3 Weeks to Moving Day

Return all library books, DVD’s etc.

Arrange for family and friends to mind children & pets on moving day.

Arrange transfer of bank accounts, internet, telephone, gas, electricity connections.

Arrange move of boat, trailer.

Fill prescriptions needed the week before and after the move.

Service your car, drain the lawnmower.

Arrange final readings of gas and electricity meters, remove batteries.

Discontinue any delivery services, newspapers, automated payment plans and local memberships. Collect dry cleaning.

Book a locksmith to change the keys on moving day at your new home.

Arrange time off work on moving day.

Ensure new home will be thoroughly cleaned, oven cleaned, carpet steam cleaned before your move and original home after your move.

Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak

This means that people looking to move home will be able to both continue with planned moves and view new properties to move into in future. Estate and lettings agents, removers, valuers and people in sales and lettings offices and show homes will be able to continue working.

This guidance provides important public health information to ensure that moving home and related activities, such as viewing property, can happen safely. It also applies to custom and self-builders looking to acquire a plot or a property to renovate or demolish.

One of the simplest steps you can take when moving home is to wash your hands frequently and keep as much distance as possible from other people who are not members of your household. Ensure you follow the latest guidance on practical steps to reduce transmission

and maintain a 2 metre distance apart where possible. It may also be a good idea to take extra precautions when in close contact with others, such as wearing a face covering. There are also certain situations in which you must wear a face covering, as described below.

The process of searching for and moving into a new home is different at the moment because property agents, conveyancers and other professionals have modified how they work to reduce the risk from COVID-19. These changes could include doing more online, such as offering virtual viewings; vacating your current property during viewings; and ensuring your property is thoroughly cleaned before someone else moves in.

Home moving guide

Your moving survey

who will answer any initial questions you have and book a survey with you to evaluate the contents of your move. You can choose either a home or video survey. During a home survey, a Consultant will visit your current property to assess and measure all your belongings and identify wrapping and packing requirements. The visit should last no more than an hour.

Video surveys are typically quicker than a traditional home survey. The Consultant will carry out your survey virtually using a downloadable app and the camera on your smartphone or tablet device. Your Move Consultant will ask you to identify fragile or high value items so we can give the best recommendations for packing materials and procedures. It is important to give as much information as you can so we can provide you with an accurate quotation.

Introducing your personal Move Manager

During the booking process, we will appoint a personal Move Manager as your main contact throughout your move. Advice is always available and your Move Manager will ensure that everything you requested is in your move plan and that every aspect of your move proceeds as you planned.

Your personal move plan

Your move plan is tailored to suit your individual needs and will be included with your quotation and acceptance form. The move plan contains all the details, dates and timings of your move.

It is important to check the following information as soon as you receive it:

Timescales of the move

Collection and delivery addresses

Our services (Including any items not to be moved)

Your responsibilities

Storage (if applicable)

A Guide to Choosing the Best Moving Company

tasked with handling all of the hassles that come with moving from one home to another. And as a result, a lot of consumers have been turning to these companies to handle their relations. For this reason, it is essential that you carefully research the companies you choose.

The type of services a moving company provides can determine if you are getting a good deal or not. If a moving company is very cheap but offers shoddy service, then they are being unfair. In order to get the best service for your moving needs, you need to do your homework and understand how these companies operate.

If you are moving to a new home and are looking at the city map, make sure you find the offices near your new location. A lot of moving companies have their headquarters in larger cities, so their locations will be a consideration when choosing one.

One of the things that a moving company will ask you for is your Social Security number. If you are not American, you are not going to be able to move within the United States. Having a social security number will help ensure that you will be able to move without having a problem moving through the country if you decide to go through with the move. If you are an American citizen, the social security number should not be required at the time of your initial move.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A LOCAL MOVING COMPANY

Planning a move can be an overwhelming task, especially because of the ever-present long list of activities that needs to be done. Packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking things can be quite a hassle, especially for people who find it hard to make time. To save the hassle, many people nowadays opt for hiring moving companies that can assist them in packing and moving their belongings.

It is very important that you select movers that best suit your requirements. While you can find a lot of professional moving companies that operate nationally, there are a few reasons why using a local moving company is a much better option.

Affordability

Hiring local movers can be much more affordable than turning to a national moving company. Since local companies only operate within a designated area, they have lower operating costs because they only drive short distances. These companies charge you much lower prices compared to their nationally-operating counterparts. If you are planning a move within the same vicinity, hiring a local moving company is best for you.

Credibility and reliability

Most people think that national moving companies are more experienced and reliable. This is not a truthful perception since most of the local movers are well-trained, licensed, and insured. Since they operate locally, they have a better understanding of the surroundings and they are usually much more experienced. Local movers also usually pay more attention to detail and offer time-management and reliability to keep their clientele satisfied.

Expert Knowledge of the Area and the Roadways

When it comes to local moves, many times the rate is based on an hourly minimum, taking additional labor and driving time into account. A local moving company will know the area, allowing them to utilize the most efficient routes for your move while avoiding heavy traffic, saving you time and money. Local movers will also know the best places to park the moving truck, which may come in handy in Pittsburgh where parking can be limited.

Movers can Anticipate Your Needs

Because they understand what is required to move in the area and know what many of the homes and businesses are like, local movers can anticipate the type of packing as well as the materials you will need for your specific move. This knowledge allows them to be better prepared and have the necessary supplies on-hand.

No heavy lifting for you

This one is the most obvious one, but just think about it. You will not only save yourself from heavy lifting, but you will avoid any potential injuries and damages when it comes to your local move. Just imagine moving your huge china cabinet with your friends. It doesn’t seem tempting. Also, if you hire professional movers, you won’t have to bug your friends to help you out with your local move.

Your items will be safe

Another important thing is that once you hire someone who is professional, your belongings will be way safer when your movers handle them. You probably don’t have any experience when it comes to moving and you can have someone who is performing moves for paycheck. Sounds way better.

Time efficiency

Moving itself is a very long process, not only do you have to pre-pack your smaller belongings, but you will need to schedule the perfect date that works for both you and your friends and family that will help you out. Once you call professional movers, you will set the date and they will do it in just one day. 

Experienced staff

So you’ve decided on moving, and starting a new life somewhere away from your current home. Naturally, the first thing you’ll be doing is making a budget. Quickly, you’ll realize there’s one key thing you need to decide on right away – are you going to move on your own? Or is there a reason why you should hire professional movers?Going at this on your own can seem tempting. You rent a van, ring up a couple of old friends, promise them food and drinks and voilà! You’ve got yourself a little moving gang! But pretty soon, you’d realize that’s a big mistake. Simply put, you and your friends have little to no experience with moving. And yeah, that might not seem like a big deal now – but wait till you run into the first hurdle! There are a hundred things that could go wrong during a move. And that’s why you want experienced people with you on every step of the way to your new home. Think about it – would you want to fly an aircraft by yourself, or let a seasoned pilot do it for you? The same goes for moving – so hire a professional moving company, strap in, and enjoy the flight!Safety is primarily why you should hire professional moversLet’s talk about another thing you probably haven’t thought about when making a decision about moving – safety. Okay, now you’re thinking “don’t be ridiculous, what’s so unsafe about moving?!” Let us put it another way. Remember that time you tripped or stubbed your toe on a piece of furniture while trying to move it around? Relocating your home is basically doing this, for as long as it takes to move all of your things from your old house to your new one.

CONVENIENCE

Another benefit of using a local moving company is that it is much more convenient to access their services. Their small clientele base makes it easier for you to book their services on a short notice. These services are usually much more flexible in their timings and it is easier to schedule a move with these companies. Local moving companies also move faster than the national companies since their schedule is more flexible and they can work on short notices.

SECURITY

Another advantage of using local companies is that they often offer added security to their customers. It is easier to learn their history and track record since they only operate locally. Some companies also offer safe and secure storage facilities with higher flexibility in operating policies than their nationwide competitors.

These companies have the appropriate tools to help them handle your belongings safely. Some of the companies also offer refurbishment or compensation for any damages to your belongings.

How to choose long distance movers

Moving across the country, as opposed to moving locally within the same city or within the same state, will always remain the more challenging type of residential moving due to one major reason: the move distance between the two homes

Cross-country moves are (much) more expensive because of that distance, but it’s more than just that: the risks for possible damage are higher when your possessions will need to be moved hundreds or thousands of miles across multiple states. And, oftentimes, finding and choosing reliable long distance movers you can trust is harder and trickier to do as well

How to find long distance movers

You know there must be some great long distance moving companies around you, but you may be wondering just how to get in contact with them. You’re moving across the country soon and you realize that organizing and executing a self-move just won’t work when the destination home is so far away.

Step 1. Fill in the free moving quote to get in touch with reliable long distance moving companies. You’ll get connected only with properly licensed and adequately insured professional moving companies that service the selected relocation route – from Point A (your current home) to Point B (your new home).

Step 2. Request in-home visual surveys of your home from each of the long distance mover, right after the initial contact. Those in-person inspections are crucial because they are the only way you can get accurate moving cost estimates. So, if a cross-country moving company doesn’t offer such an on-site inspection and instead wants to calculate your moving cost over the phone or via e-mail, then simply say NO! to that mover.

Choosing the Best Long Distance Moving Company

You wouldn’t hire just anyone off the street to move your household across the country, you’re clear on that much — but how exactly does one find the best long distance moving companies amidst all the options listed online? They all claim they’re the best, so it’s best to have a solid checklist of criteria that can help you weed out the riff-raff and find a team of long distance movers who will make your move an enjoyable process. Here is what you should be looking for

Are your movers an established, experienced company?

The best long distance movers didn’t get that way overnight – they have spent years fine-tuning their process, training their staff, and getting those early “learning mistakes” out of the way. When it comes to interstate moves, there are quite a few more details that a company needs to consider that aren’t involved in a local move. Crossing state borders, for one, requires additional licenses and paperwork. Your belongings also have further to travel, so the company must be certain that everything is well secured and stable for the haul. Don’t leave your move up to newbies!

Are your movers licensed and insured?

This should be a no-brainer, but the best national moving companies should be able to quickly and easily provide proof of their licensure and insurance with zero runarounds. You can check a mover’s license on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website, but you shouldn’t need to do that research yourself. Ideally, the company has its FMCSA license number displayed in plain sight and offers you a full explanation of their insurance and options for additional insurance when you request your quote.

Does your mover offer a detailed quote, estimate, or guaranteed price?

A verbal estimate holds no weight in the world of moving services, so when comparing the costs associated with each long distance moving company, make sure you know that you’re comparing apples to apples. The best-rated cross country moving companies are clear and transparent about the cost of moving long distance and provide a line by line breakdown of what they are quoting. Movers want to just give you a number without telling you what it includes? Time to look elsewhere.

Is your mover well-reviewed?

Good service inspires good reviews, so look for an interstate moving company that has a good track record according to their customers. The FMCSA website will offer safety reviews, and the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and these days even Google will provide customer experience information. Keep in mind that no company can escape a bad review or two, but they shouldn’t be the majority!

HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN LONG DISTANCE MOVERS

Choosing between long distance movers can be a stressful endeavor under the best of circumstances. But the right long distance mover can assist in transporting your belongings and can help relieve much of the stress of moving

Because your moving company will be responsible for ensuring that everything from your brand new living room set to your grandmother’s china that has been passed down to you makes it to your new home safely, you will want to take your time and do your homework before choosing among the various long distance movers. Ultimately, only you can make the decision; however, there are some things you may wish to consider when comparing the pros and cons of various long distance movers.

Are Your Long Distance Movers Licensed/Insured

For a company to offer long distance moving services, it must be properly licensed and insured. A moving company that cannot provide proof of both should definitively be avoided. A moving company that is operating without the proper federal license is violating federal regulations. Insufficient insurance coverage means that your belongings are not properly insured against theft or damage. You can check a mover’s license on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website. Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of the company’s proof of insurance as well.

Do Your Long Distance Movers Have Good Reviews

While no company can escape the occasional complaint, a moving company with a history of complaints or one with a series of particularly serious complaints should be avoided. You can compare safety ratings on prospective long distance movers on the FMCSA’s website as well. The Better Business Bureau is another source available for obtaining an overall rating on any moving company

Are Your Long Distance Movers Experienced

When it comes to interstate moving, the bottom line is that experience counts. Red Ball has been in the moving business since 1919, making them a pioneer among long distance movers. Interstate moving involves a number of concerns that a local move does not. Along with numerous state and federal laws and regulations that must be followed, a long distance move is also riskier for the cargo because it has farther to travel. For these reasons, you want to be sure that you trust your belongings to an experienced interstate moving company.

Tips to Help You Find the Best Movers Every Time

Shopping for moving companies is a huge undertaking, we know! From national long-distance movers to the local guys moving with a rental truck, there are a lot of companies to consider. So, how can you know that the company you are looking at is really the best for you? Follow these seven simple tips that will help you see through the marketing and tell if the company you are talking to has the credentials to complete your move quickly, safely and within your budget. And check out this video blog about helping you choose the best movers!

Check How Long the Company Has Been in Business

If the moving company you’re talking with was just born yesterday, it’s hard to tell whether they have the credentials for your move. For complex national or international moves, a good rule of thumb is to hire a moving company with at least a decade of experience planning and executing these moves.

Licensed & Insured Moving Companies

If the company is not properly licensed or insured, this could mean a big risk for your belongings. If you aren’t sure how to check this out, then look at their company website. Either on the homepage or in an About Us section, companies will normally list their Department of Transportation (DOT) licensing and insurance information. If you are still suspicious, ask the company for proof of their insurance or whether they are a member of the Better Business Bureau.

Moving Services Offered

It is important to know the span of work that the moving company can perform. Most moving companies should be able to perform house-to-house moves within their territory. If there are any specialty items, however, your moving company may not have the manpower or equipment to perform the job

Check Their Reviews Online

Reading reviews from former customers of a moving company is a great way to research your options. Depending on the company, you can usually go to the BBB.org, Google, Facebook or Yelp to find reviews from customers. The star rating is normally out of 5, with 1 being the worst and 5 being the best. Companies with 4 stars and above are usually great to work with. You also can check to see if they’re a certified professional mover by the American Moving & Storage Association.

How to Choose the Best Long-Distance Movers

As if moving long distances wasn’t enough of a hassle (to say nothing of the stress factor) – finding a trustworthy company to ship your valuable goods over many miles, can seem like a gargantuan task. There are plenty of horror stories circulating about cross-country moves gone bad. They typically involve dishonest outfits who either aren’t moving companies at all, but merely an Internet front to steal your money and/or goods, or moving companies who hold your possessions hostage until you pay more than agreed. Either way, that’s not a path you want to go down. To help you stay as far away as possible from any shady transport companies, here are some suggestions for choosing the best long-distance movers

Confirm They’re Licensed and Insured

You wouldn’t dream of taking your car out on a long distance trip without having the proper insurance, would you? Imagine the horror if you got into an accident (even just a fender-bender), 1,000 miles from home. Now imagine that same scenario, except it’s a large moving truck with all of your belongings inside. They might be damaged at best – and at worst, destroyed. You would want to be compensated if this type of scenario occurred.

The FMCSA Website

You should be able to easily obtain the USDOT number and use it on the FMCSA website, to look up pertinent information about the moving company in question. This will include if they have any complaints filed against them or if they’ve incurred any safety violations while operating. The best place to check is the FMCSA’s Search Movers and Complaint History page. This site enables you to search interstate movers not only by USDOT but also by company name (even partial name) or MC number. This MC number is attributed to them when they register with the FMCSA and receive “authority to operate” as licensed movers

Released Value Coverage

The other kind of valuation coverage, which is typically applied only if you specifically request it, is called Released Value. You might choose this option because it knocks a significant amount of money off your moving bill – but you should be aware of how it works. In fact, it provides quite minimal coverage. If something is damaged, the moving company only owes you 60 cents per pound for any broken item.

Company Insurance

In addition to this valuation coverage, a trustworthy moving company will have its own insurance. If you request proof of their coverage, they should be able to accommodate you without any problem. If they cannot, you should seek out another company. Further, you’ll want to verify that the moving company’s insurance is valid, in all of the regions through which your goods will be traveling