Preparation is the key to success, and moving is no exception to that rule. If you leave all the details to be figured out on moving day, chances are this important day won't go as smoothly as you had hoped.
Preparing for moving goes beyond getting everything packed up and thoroughly cleaning the house in the weeks and months leading up to your move. One of the most important parts of the preparation process will be your communication with the mover before the truck ever pulls up to your house. Here are a few issues you should cover with the mover before your move.
* Inventory. Perhaps the most important part of planning for your move is sharing an accurate inventory of the items to be moved with your mover. Moving companies rely on a thorough inventory when determining moving quotes and the number of trucks and movers to send. Estimating by weight, rather than volume, often provides the most accurate estimate for movers, so it's important to note if any of your furniture is lighter or heavier than average - an antique hardwood armoire will likely be quite a bit heavier than a modern assemble-at-home version.
* Packing strategies. Ask your mover how to pack to make the move go most efficiently, which can save you both time and money. A general rule to follow is if it came in a box, it should be moved in a box. Fragile items should always be packed for protection, and marked as fragile.
* Special items. Certain items such as boats and pianos likely won't be able to be moved in a regular moving truck. Talk to your moving company to see if they offer additional options for these types of items and how much it would cost.
* Special arrangements. The moving company should be notified of anything that might make the move any less routine than usual. If you live on the fourth floor of an apartment building with no elevator, let the moving company know. Same goes if you live on a narrow street that might present problems for a large moving truck. If you have large items that won't fit through your doorway or in a stairwell, the moving company might be able to make special arrangements to lift it through a window, but this is something that should be discussed ahead of time so the mover can plan on bringing the proper equipment. All of this is important in determining your quote and time to allot for the move.
* Reservations. It's up to you to reserve elevators and parking spaces for the moving truck ahead of time. Talk with the mover about how much space they will need for the truck and how long the move will take so you can reserve for the right time. It never hurts to provide a little buffer in case of unexpected delays.
By covering all your bases ahead of time, you'll make sure your move will go as quickly and efficiently as possible, making for a pleasant experience for both you and the movers.
