5 Tips for a Stress-Free Move
When it comes to moving, the weeks leading up to your move day can become very stressful due to the ambiguity of logistics and planning.
Today, we will share 5 tips that will help you to ensure everything goes smooth on your big day.
1. Seek help from multiple companies in advance
We recommend contacting 3+ moving companies as soon as 8-12 weeks prior to your move date, especially if you plan on moving on the first week or last week of any given month. The beginning and end of every month are extremely busy for moving companies. In addition to this, the summer season tends to be busiest due to high amounts of real estate activity.
*On top of reaching out in advance, we strongly recommend requesting quotes from 3+ moving companies in order to ensure you have multiple options.
2. Compare quotes, research & decide
Once you receive your quotes, you will have to select a mover. We recommend doing adequate research on the company’s reputation online to decide whether or not to use them. Google the company and check out their website & social media pages.
Check:
How many reviews do they have?
How old are their reviews?
What is their average rating?
Do their services look of professional quality in their photos?
Ask moving estimator(s):
How will you protect my furniture if you move it?
What is your insurance policy on damage to my furniture and home?
Are there any other potential fees or is my estimate finalized?
Once you settle on a mover, inform your desired company that you would like to proceed and coordinate with them to finalize a move date. If applicable, you will use this move date in the next tip.
*The easiest way to find local movers is by googling simple phrases such as, movers in Bethesda, movers in Rockville, and movers in Chevy Chase.
3. Reserve parking & elevators in advance
If you’re living in an apartment building or only have street parking where you live, you will need to make arrangements in advance. With apartment buildings, you are required to reserve a loading dock and an elevator in order to move. Many apartment buildings will prohibit you from allowing your movers to use anything other than their designated elevator to transport furniture.
In parts of urban areas such as Washington D.C, street parking typically needs to be reserved. This is also notable when moving in and out of urban areas such as Arlington, McLean, Rockville, Silver Spring, Bethesda, Kensington and Chevy Chase.
When needed, street parking can typically be reserved via your city or your residential community. It is typically easiest to ask a trusted real estate agent or neighbor to determine how to reserve street parking.
*We recommend sorting out both of these logistical issues up to 8-12 weeks out as well, promptly after you settle on a move date with your desired mover.
4. Pack, donate, recycle & trash
Begin packing all of your small items into boxes about 6-8 weeks prior to your move. This includes but is not limited to, anything in a drawer, art work, frames, dishes, silverware and any item that does not require two movers for transport, (i.e, small items).
As you do this, separate clothing items, furniture items and anything else you own that may be suitable for donation, trash, and/or recycling.
The more you’re able to get rid of, the more you’re able to save. When moving with our company, we offer a discount when you’re able to get rid of furniture items.
*Be communicative with your estimator when your inventory list changes, as this can commonly earn you a discount.
5. Maintain a consistent level of communication & contact
After finalizing all logistics and settling on a mover, be communicative with your important point(s) of contact. If anything changes in terms of when you are moving, where you are moving, and what you are moving, be sure to let all necessary parties know.
These parties may include but are not limited to:
Your selected moving company
Your landlord
Your residential community
Your municipality
Your transportation method, (i.e, airline, train, bus or ride)
Any person or entity who may be affected by your move or affect your move
Maintaining contact when logistical details change will ensure that everything goes smooth on the big day. If you’re unsure of something when packing, always contact your selected mover. It is always best to ask questions rather than assume, especially when you’re paying good money to be moved.
