Movers are professional companies that offer a variety of moving services. These include local and long-distance moving, packing and storage. They also provide specialty services, such as furniture disassembly and assembly.
When choosing a mover, read reviews and compare prices. Pay special attention to consistency and look for additional information such as credentials (DOT number for interstate moves, state licenses for local moves). Also, make sure that the quote includes all possible charges.
The packing process is one of the most time-consuming aspects of moving. If you have a lot of items to pack, it can be even more time-consuming. Fortunately, there are options available for families who want to hire movers to do some or all of the packing. Most professional moving companies offer full and partial packing services, as well as custom crating for oversized or fragile items. Some companies also provide storage containers. These can be a convenient option if you need to store some of your belongings for a few weeks or months during the move.
If you decide to hire a mover to pack for you, make sure that they are licensed and insured. It’s also a good idea to review the company’s website to learn about their policies and rates. You should also ask for a written estimate that includes the price of labor, packing materials and any additional services that you may need.
It’s also a good idea to start packing things ahead of time. If you know that you’re going to be moving, start by packing off-season clothing and items that you don’t use often. You can also start with books, seasonal sports gear and other non-essentials. By starting early, you can get a jump on the process and avoid rushing on moving day.
While your movers are packing, don’t try to micro-manage them. They are professionals, and they know how to pack everything safely and efficiently. Trying to second-guess their work can slow them down and cost you money. In addition, it can be stressful for you and your movers.
During the packing process, it’s important to keep your movers fed and watered. Make sure that there’s a bowl of ice-cold water on the counter and some snacks for them to snack on. This will ensure that they’re happy and productive during the process. In addition, it will show them that you appreciate their hard work.
To help your movers save time, make sure that you label each box clearly. It’s a good idea to write your name, the room that it’s packed from and what is inside on the top and sides of the box. It will also help you find your boxes more easily when they’re stacked up in your new home. You can also add a piece of colored tape to each box, which will make it easier to distinguish between boxes. This way, you won’t accidentally open a box that contains your fragile items and break them. Also, consider using t-shirts or blankets to wrap smaller items. These are cheaper and more environmentally friendly than plastic wrap. Additionally, they can be reusable.
Loading
The way in which movers load a moving truck is important for both the optimization of space and the safety of your belongings. The heaviest and largest items are loaded first, followed by the smallest and lightest boxes. This prevents the heavy items from crushing and damaging smaller boxes during transportation. Long items, like long mirrors and headboards, should be positioned against the longest walls of the trailer to keep them upright. This also helps prevent them from being smashed or damaged by the back of the truck when driving over potholes or turning corners quickly.
The heaviest and largest items include mattresses, sofas, beds and appliances. They are placed on the bottom of the truck, followed by the smallest and lightest items. This method of loading prevents the heaviest and largest items from crushing or damaging the smaller, lighter boxes on top. It also allows the movers to easily reach the highest boxes without straining or climbing on top of the heaviest items.
After the heaviest and largest items are loaded, the movers will begin loading the square furniture pieces. They will wrap the pieces with pads and plastic wrap for protection during transport. After the furniture is loaded, they will stack the boxes on top of them. They will also affix the boxes with straps to secure them during transit. This process ensures that your belongings are safely transported to your new home or business.
In addition to loading your belongings, movers will also assist with disassembling and reassembling your large pieces of furniture. This can save you time and money when moving to a new house or office. This service is especially useful for large items like grandfather clocks, china cabinets and gun safes. This process requires advanced equipment and expertise to ensure that your items are loaded and secured for safe transport.
Moving companies that provide high-rise services have special experience with loading and unloading items from high locations such as condos or warehouses. These professionals know how to navigate tight spaces and lift large items with precision and safety. They also have the expertise to crate and rig large and delicate items for safe transportation.
Loading a moving truck can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. You can enlist the help of friends or family members to help you load the truck, or you can hire a professional moving company that offers a “load-only” service. Many movers are experienced in loading a variety of different types of trucks and containers, including Uhaul, Penske, PODS, and Enterprise.
When hiring a moving company to help you load your belongings into a truck or container, be sure to ask for their rates and availability. If you have a specific timeframe, be sure to give them as much notice as possible so they can accommodate your needs.
Transportation
The transportation process for movers involves driving the shipment from the origin to the destination. This usually happens in a van line or through a freight carrier. The transportation process also includes providing delivery and pickup services to the customers for an additional charge. uShip offers a variety of transporters with competitive rates and service options including delivery and pickup services for an added fee.
Full-service movers move all of your household goods from the origin to the destination, and they will provide packing and unpacking services for an additional cost. They will wrap all of your items for protection, and they will place them in rooms in your new home according to your instructions. They will also dispose of all of the packaging materials for you, and they can even handle the reassembling of large furniture.
Shuttle Service
If your residence is not accessible to the vehicles that your professional movers will use to move your household goods, shuttle service may be necessary. Shuttle service uses a smaller vehicle to “shuttle” your household goods between the house and the truck, and you will be charged for this service.
Non-allowable List Items that your moving company refuses to move because they will contaminate or damage other shipments or the moving company’s property. These items may include paint, varnish, and cleaning solvents.
Inventory – A detailed description of your household goods that is used to estimate the weight of your shipment and the charges that will apply.
Pricing – The final price of your move, which is based on the estimated shipment weight and the requested accessorial services. This is a binding estimate, which means that the mover will not change the price unless you agree to a revised price in writing.
Fuel Surcharge – A surcharge for higher fuel prices that the moving company must pass on to its customers.
Minimum Carrier Liability – An option for moving consumers who want the mover to be liable for no more than 60 cents per pound of lost or damaged goods. This option is available only with certain service levels and is subject to a minimum shipment weight requirement.
Before hiring a moving company, double-check its credentials, including the company’s Department of Transportation number for interstate moves and state-specific licenses for local moves. Also, make sure that the company is insured for damage to your goods while in transit. It is also a good idea to compare quotes and look at the breakdown of services provided. Keep in mind that cheaper is not necessarily better, and it’s important to take into account extra fees, such as those for gas and labor. Also, be sure to check a moving company’s complaint history with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).