According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 27 million Americans packed their belongings and moved in 2021, and many of those jobs were managed by professional movers. While many people chose to go it alone, others learned the hard way why hiring a reputable moving company matters.

Each year, the Better Business Bureau takes thousands of complaints from people whose belongings were damaged or outright stolen by rogue movers.

Whichever moving company you choose to work with, they’ll be trusted with all of your family’s personal possessions. This is a big responsibility, so it should only be trusted to a reputable, proven moving company.

Why Hiring Professional Movers Makes Sense

No matter how far you’re going, moving can be stressful. It’s even more so when doing it without a professional’s help.

An expert team can take charge of the process, ensuring everything is handled on time and with attention to detail. Specifically, these are some of the services professional movers offer:

• Packing and unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Transport
• Furniture assembly/reassembly
• Specialty services, like moving a piano or a safe

To an extent, clients can pick and choose which services they want. Further, clients can choose to what extent they need a service like packing. The family can pack up some of the load and let the movers handle the rest. In this way, families can balance cost, privacy and convenience when arranging moving services.

This flexibility is a major reason why many partner with professional moving companies. With a reputable crew, families can customize their move, maximizing convenience while controlling costs.

Three Reasons it is Important to Choose a Reputable Mover

Professional moving companies simplify moves, save time, and may be necessary if the physical toll of moving is just too much. Whatever the reason for hiring a professional, it’s important to hire a reputable team to manage the job. Here are three reasons why:

• The cost of a moving scam can be extreme – Thousands of families are affected by moving scams every year, by so-called “rogue movers” that prey on unsuspecting people. While any type of moving scam is worth avoiding, some are particularly devastating. During a “ransom” scam, for example, the rogue mover holds the client’s items until additional money is handed over. In some cases, the belongings are never recovered.There is zero risk of something like this happening with a reputable mover, and the peace of mind is worth it.
• Reliability and prompt communication – Moves can be extremely challenging from a logistical standpoint. Inexperienced and less reputable crews may be too overwhelmed (or careless) to stay on schedule with your move. If they’re disorganized, they may show up with a truck that’s too small for the move. They may not have storage facilities on standby to handle overflow.Poor communication is also common among less experienced movers. And if there’s one way to add stress to a move, it’s not being able to contact the people with all your personal belongings.Reputable moving companies prioritize reliability and communication, with a commitment to customer service that’s designed to minimize all moving-related stresses.
• The use of high-quality equipment and materials – Reputable moving companies are well-resourced, with equipment and manpower for any type of job. These crews also use quality packing boxes and materials, all in the pursuit of getting the client’s belongings to their destination intact.If special moving equipment is required – like a piano foot, powered lift or crane – an expert moving team will have them ready to go.
• Observance of best practices and FMCSA regulations – The Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the regulatory body over the moving industry, and it requires professional movers to observe certain practices for consumer protection purposes. For example, moving companies are required to provide clients with an in-person or virtual estimate, as well as certain pieces of paperwork for transparency.Reputable businesses take consumer protection seriously, so they’ll have no trouble adhering to the FMCSA’s rules.

How to Find Reputable Moving Companies

When looking for a reputable mover, it may be hard to tell whether a company is trustworthy or rogue at first glance. If you’ve checked reviews, verified with the BBB and still have questions, here are some of the red flags that suggest a moving business may be trouble:

• They don’t provide clear, thorough paperwork – Moving companies are required to provide a bill of lading – think of it like an inventory of everything being moved – and a transparent fee schedule that includes all potential fees. Many scammers try to hide their fees and will not provide a bill of lading, so consider these major red flags.
• They aren’t registered or licensed through the FMCSA – Professional motor carriers must remain in good standing with the FMCSA and its parent agency, the Department of Transportation. The first step to do this is to maintain a viable DoT license. This license number is typically printed on all paperwork and posted on all moving trucks. If it’s difficult to find, or if the moving crew won’t provide one, pick another mover.
• They don’t have a branded truck or uniforms – Reputable moving companies place value on professional presentation. That means a properly branded truck and uniforms. Rogue movers typically won’t bother with either.
• They won’t provide an in-person or virtual estimate – It’s extremely important for moving services to see the home prior to providing an estimate. It’s essentially impossible to provide an accurate quote without doing so. That’s why reputable companies will insist on seeing the home first. Rogue movers execute many of their scams by providing a too-good-to-be-true estimate over the phone or through e-mail. If they won’t give an in-person or virtual estimate, that’s not a good sign.
• They demand a large deposit before services are provided – It’s not uncommon for moving companies to ask for a deposit during peak moving season. However, this deposit tends to be modest, as it’s only intended to lock in services and reserve your spot. Scammers, though, may insist on a large deposit that’s out of line with expectations. If the moving company demands such a deposit, they may pocket it and disappear, never to be heard from again.

For the Most Efficient, Least Stressful Moving Experience, Pick a Reputable Team

Reputation matters in the moving industry. With thousands of moving businesses throughout the country, it can be tough to tell which ones are the experts, and which ones aren’t.

A moving company with a strong reputation – built on proven experience and client satisfaction – is a moving company that can be trusted with any, and every, part of the process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If a move is in the near future and you’ve done a bit of research, you may have come across the term “rogue movers,” otherwise known as scammers. These unscrupulous “companies” are an unfortunate fact about the moving industry. Every year, the Better Business Bureau receives thousands of complaints regarding companies in the moving industry. In 2022, more than 13,000 complaints were recorded. On top of that, more than 1,000 relocation companies on the BBB have a glaring “F” rating due to unresolved complaints and accusations of outright fraud.

Moving scams are a real threat to relocating families, but it’s not all bad news. Reputable moving companies do everything they can to earn trust with their clients, so it is somewhat obvious when a moving crew is about to go rogue and pull a scam.

Read on to learn about some of the most common long distance moving scams, and how relocating families can avoid them.

Four Common Moving Scams to Look Out For

Rogue movers have come up with a few ways to pull off moving scams, each one designed to put their client in an uncomfortable position before demanding additional money. Here are four common examples:

The Too-Good-To-Be-True Estimate

Before anything is signed and confirmed, the moving company will first provide an estimate for the job. This estimate, when performed properly, is meant to be as accurate as possible. Moving services charge by weight, and if the actual weight is higher than the estimate, the client may be responsible for paying the difference – depending on the type of estimate they’ve been provided.

Scammers take advantage of this by providing an upfront estimate that’s too low to be true. In many instances, this estimate is given over the phone or via e-mail, and it’s impossible for moving companies – even experienced ones – to provide an accurate estimate this way.

When a moving service only provides a remote estimate, and when those estimates are extremely low, that’s a bad sign. Chances are, once everything is loaded on the truck and weighed, the actual price will be exponentially higher in comparison. If that’s the case, the rogue mover will typically demand the difference immediately to continue the moving process.

The Ransom Scam

Once a rogue mover has control of the client’s belongings, they have a literal ton of leverage. Scammers use that leverage to hold the client’s items “hostage” until they fork over additional cash, using unexpected fees as justification.

Sometimes, this scam isn’t pulled until the moving crew arrives at their destination. Other times, the scam may be executed during transit and without any idea of where the moving truck actually is. When customers go through this experience, it’s common for them to pay the ransom only to never receive their belongings. If they’re lucky, the truck will eventually show up, but it may be extremely late and there will often be things missing.

The Hidden Fees Scam

Moving companies may tack on additional fees for things like moving items upstairs or having to deal with tight parking or moving conditions. Rogue movers may take this approach to an obscene level by adding numerous hidden fees to the final bill. This is frequently done in combination with a too-low estimate, so it’s a variation of the old bait and switch.

Don’t sign anything until you’ve read it completely – up, down, front and back.

The Deposit Scam

If a moving company asks for a deposit before beginning a job, that’s not necessarily a red flag. Even reputable services may ask for a modest deposit during the peak season as this essentially reserves a time slot during what may be an extremely busy time.

However, if the moving service demands an amount that seems unusually high, caution is recommended. If the company demands the deposit in cash only, that’s a definite red flag. Rogue movers avoid credit card transactions because most have some kind of fraud protection. If they won’t take a credit card, that raises troubling questions as to why they would want a form of payment that’s non-traceable and impossible to recoup if something goes wrong.

The Red Flags That Point to a Moving Scam

Rogue movers have developed several ways to scam people out of their money, but they’re easy to avoid if you know what signs to look for. Each of the following is a red flag that may indicate a potential scam:

• They provide a vague or incomplete contract – It’s absolutely critical to read all given paperwork before agreeing to anything. This includes going over the contract with a keen eye because this is where the mover must provide a list of all the fees. Moving contracts may be unexciting reads, but a reputable company will be as thorough as possible with their contracts and ensure all possible fees are explained here. If the mover provides a contract that doesn’t answer every possible question about cost or fees, they may be tacked on at some point without a clear explanation as to why.And do not, under any circumstances, sign a blank contract. You might as well sign over a blank check.
• They don’t provide a bill of lading or an estimate in writing – All estimates and quotes should be provided in writing. Clients must also receive a bill of lading that includes an inventory of all goods included in the move. This is a federal requirement, so if the company will not provide one, they may not want any kind of paper trail tied to the fact that they have your belongings loaded on their truck.
• They don’t provide consumer protection literature – Prior to all moves, the moving service must hand their client a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. This document provides people with information about consumer protection mechanisms in case something goes wrong during the process. For obvious reasons, a rogue mover is unlikely to offer this literature, and that’s a huge red flag.
• They don’t have a branded truck or uniforms – If the mover shows up with an unmarked truck or unmarked uniforms, they may be a subcontracted crew or they may be a fly-by-night scammer with a difficult-to-track rental truck.
• They surprise you with unannounced fees – Again, all moving fees should be clearly defined in the contract and estimate. If the mover demands additional money on moving day or after loading everything, there’s a good chance that you’re being scammed.
• They refuse to provide an in-home estimate – Registered movers are required to provide an in-home estimate or a virtual estimate of the home. If a moving company refuses to do so, they likely have no intention of doing the job the right way. Chances are, they’re attempting a bait-and-switch by using a too-low estimate delivered online or over the phone.
• They don’t have a settlement process in place for disputes – Reputable movers are prepared to enter into a settlement process if their clients lodge a complaint. This settlement process may be handled prior to arbitration, and reputable crews will do what they can to avoid a complaint going that far. If a moving service doesn’t regard this as important, it may be because they have no intention of settling complaints when they inevitably arise after a scam.
• They aren’t registered with the FMCSA and do not have a DoT number – All motor carriers (professional movers) are required to register with the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) and attain a Department of Transportation number prior to accepting jobs. A reputable mover will provide this information on request. Rogue movers will not.
• They have an ugly history of poor reviews or unresolved complaints – This may sound obvious, but if a moving service has a terrible rating on the BBB and a list of unresolved complaints, you just may be the next person to write a negative review if you hire them.

Fortunately, Long Distance Moving Scams Can Be Avoided

Above all else, it’s important to remain vigilant when looking for a moving company. Talk to several businesses before choosing one, get a feel for how reputable services communicate and handle the estimate process. You’ll likely find that there’s a stark difference in communication quality, thoroughness, and attention-to-detail between highly-rated moving companies and low-cost, low-reputation companies.

As your mover will be responsible for just about everything your family owns, at least for a while, stick with the mover that’s a proven professional, and not a potential scammer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When planning for a move it’s natural to think about what you need to pack, but many people overlook the 8 things that should not be loaded on the moving truck. As nice as it would be to wrap up all your belongings in well-labeled boxes, not everything lends itself to a box or a moving van, and for good reason.

It is critical for those moving to know which items are not acceptable for the moving truck. This keeps them from having to open a box to remove taboo items the day of the move, and it is also an investment in keeping their other items safe during transit. When it comes to moving, what not to do can be almost as important as what to do.

8 Things That Should Not Be Loaded on the Moving Truck

While some objects could be a fire hazard, others, like perishable food, could damage items if they are punctured. As tempting as it might be to try to put everything in a neat little box, you will be better protecting the movers and your belongings if you can steer clear of these 8 things that should not be loaded on the moving truck:

1. Perishable food. Anything that needs refrigeration should be put in an ice chest and taken in your personal vehicle. This does not include non-perishable food such as canned beans or vegetables, or dried goods and pasta. Items that are already in use or are stored in your freezer or refrigerator such as cheese, meats, salad dressings, dips, and produce should not be packed for the moving van. Many people choose to use up their perishable items in the weeks leading up to the move to avoid having to take them along.
2. Medicine. Whether it is prescription medication or over the counter supplements, many come with a warning to avoid extreme temperatures. For this reason, it is better to keep these with you in a personal vehicle rather than in a box on the moving truck. In addition, if the truck gets delayed and medication is needed, it is better to have it with you than be without.
3. Alcohol. Some forms of alcohol may not be as hard to leave behind, such as the twelve pack of off-brand beer that was purchased at the grocery store last week. However, if you have a special bottle of wine that you have been saving for just the right occasion, it is understandable that you would want to bring it to your new home. Some moving companies will allow liquor on the truck if it’s completely sealed and hasn’t been opened, while others won’t allow it on the truck at all, so be sure to check with your moving company for their policy on transporting alcohol.
4. Pet food. In some ways, for the purposes of moving, pet food can be considered perishable food. Many types of pet food have instructions to keep it in a temperature-controlled environment so it is not subjected to harmful temperatures. In order to keep pets healthy, it is best to ensure that pet food be purchased upon arrival and that any pet food that is transported by the owners is kept at the manufacturer suggested temperature.
5. Plants. The fact that most movers will not take plants often surprises people. One of the reasons for this is that states have different regulations about what types of plants can cross their state lines. Even if a plant is legal to transport, the individuals moving will need to do so themselves. This is because plants can be messy and spill dirt or water that the dirt has not yet soaked up, which could damage other belongings. They will also not do well with the heat inside the moving van, which would likely result in severe wilting and/or death of the plant.
6. Substances that are considered flammable or hazardous. Many people look at this statement and think they do not own anything that fits this description, but most households do. Some of the most common offenders in this category can be nail polish, nail polish remover, aerosol cans, household cleaners, bleach, pesticides, weedkiller, fire extinguishers, and pool chemicals. Other more obvious substances that are also a problem are gasoline, matches, propane tanks, paint thinner, and even fireworks. If flammable and/or hazardous materials were to spill and catch fire, it could not only damage the boxes and belongings on the moving truck, but also harm the truck and the people driving it.
7. Weapons. If you are the owner of a firearm, knives, or other types of weaponry, keep in mind that each moving company will have a policy in place regarding these items. For instance, some movers will transport these items with certain safety protocols, such as making sure the firearm is unloaded and locked open. Additional protocols may require logging the serial number, make, and model of any firearms being moved. To avoid any surprises on moving day, be sure to verify the moving company’s policy on weaponry in advance.
8. Sentimental or valuable items. It goes without saying that any sentimental or high value items such as family photos, jewelry, or identification and financial documents should be kept with you rather than boxed up for the movers to take. This can give you added peace of mind and will allow you to know where these items are at all times.

In addition to the above, many professional moving companies will opt not to move particularly big and cumbersome items that come with substantial liability problems. Some examples of these types of items can include cars and recreational vehicles, mobile homes, and hot tubs. If these items must be moved, it may require specialized help to do so.

Now that you know the 8 things that should not be loaded on the moving truck, you can start packing and preparing for moving day with confidence. Handling these items yourself will avoid delays on moving day and keep the moving crew and your items safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most common needs for people who are preparing for a move is a complete guide for a successful move. Moving is a long process riddled with important details and actions that must be tended to in a timely manner, and all of it put together can be overwhelming for many people. Fortunately, enlisting the help of a trusted and reputable Houston moving company that also provides a complete guide for a successful move can simplify the process.

A Complete Guide for a Successful Move

Following the steps lined out below can make moving a more pleasant and less worrisome process. The hours of planning and preparation are worth it in the long run. Here are some of the most important steps for a successful move:

1. Set the Parameters for Your Move.

The one decision about moving that everything else will hinge on is where you are moving and when you need to do it.

Unless you plan on living with friends and family or in a hotel until a suitable home can be found, it will require you to secure a new home. Depending on each person or family’s unique circumstances, this may mean searching through online databases of homes that are for sale, working with a reputable realtor, or making house hunting trips to the new city on your own.

Once a new home has been secured and a closing date is set, you should have a move-in date. With this on the calendar, it is time to set a moving day. While some people may want to move in as soon as the closing contract allows, those that are more price conscious may wait. Weekends and holidays are the busiest times of the year for most moving companies, which also means it can be the most expensive, so for individuals hoping to save where they can on a move, moving in the middle of a non-holiday week can make more financial sense.

2. Book the Movers

It is highly recommended to book the moving company early to ensure you get the day and time you desire. If you are planning to move on a weekend or holiday, it’s best to book as soon as possible as these times are the busiest for most moving companies.

A nonnegotiable item for securing a reputable mover is making sure that they have a valid U.S. Department of Transportation number. They should also be insured and be able to move you where you need to go, whether it is across state lines or across the ocean. Also confirm that the moving company’s average damage rate during moves is at or close to one percent.

When choosing a mover, it is essential to make sure they can accommodate your needs. Verify that they offer all the services (packing, loading, unpacking, etc.) that you may prefer. It is also strongly suggested to have the moving company provide an in-home moving quote. This cuts down on confusion over the estimation of how many boxes will be handled on moving day. It also ensures that the company has access to any special equipment needed for multi-story moves or special items that require customized packing or crating.

3. Take Care of Utilities and Address Changes.

Many homeowners can forget the importance of taking care of utilities and address changes as part of the moving process, but they are integral to a successful move. Once you have closed on the new home, it’s time to start acting on these important steps.

It may be advantageous to start with address changes as it can be a while before they take effect. Take note of the mail you get each day and then let those entities know when and where you will be moving. This is particularly important for entities that send you mail on a monthly basis such as banks, mortgage companies, mail subscriptions and such. As the time grows closer for the move, it is necessary to let the local post office know what date they should start forwarding mail and to what new address.

Next, it is time to tackle the utilities. You will need to shut off the utilities at the home you are moving out of but schedule them to be turned off a day or two after you are supposed to move out. This gives you a little cushion timewise and also keeps the house cold or warm (depending on the season) while doing a final clean before handing over the keys. It is an equally good idea to turn on the utilities at your new home the day before you move in. This allows the home to either fully cool down or heat up before your arrival.

4. Declutter Your Home.

If time allows, it can make more sense to declutter your home before booking the movers. This is because an expert who provides an in-home moving quote will be doing so based on the number of items currently in your home. Should a person plan to downsize or declutter significantly, the number of things that need to be moved could decrease dramatically, which will affect how many boxes are needed and what size moving van is required.

If a moving quote has already been obtained and then you declutter, it may not end up saving you money on the quote. It will, however, save you precious time and energy when moving out of your old home and moving into the new.

Whether living in a home for three months or three decades, most people find that the number of their belongings increase dramatically during that time. The thought of moving all of these items is often enough to make an individual reconsider if they really need or want them.

The thought of decluttering your home can seem overwhelming to some, so the best option is to break it down into smaller chunks by going room by room. Many people find that starting with a small room such as a kitchen pantry, closet, or laundry room can make the task feel less arduous and may even spur them on to keep going to other rooms.

If you are planning to pack as you go, it can be useful to have boxes for donating, throwing away, or keeping items. If you are not yet packing and are focusing solely on decluttering, consider having boxes for donating, throwing away, or putting in a garage sale. Using this simple time-tested method allows everything to have a designated and organized resting place instead of getting jumbled up into a giant mess on the floor. By the time you are done decluttering a room, you can take the donation box to an organization that accepts them, empty the trash box in the garbage bin, and stack the garage sale boxes in a safe place until it is time for the sale.

Should you have a large amount of junk after decluttering, it can be helpful to consider hiring a junk removal company. These providers will come to your home and remove the junk for a price. This can be an added convenience for those who do not have the vehicle space or time to haul it off.

5. Decide How Packing Will Work.

When it comes to packing, people who are moving have two primary options:

• To pack boxes themselves
• Hire the moving company to pack up the house

There are advantages to both, so let’s take a closer look at each option.

The primary benefit to packing boxes yourself is that it may save you a little money over hiring the professionals. While this is a benefit, it will still come at a price. As the person moving, you will be responsible for gathering all packing materials (boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, etc.), storing them, and then packing all of your belongings into boxes. Before beginning, make sure you have a clear understanding of what types of substances (cleaning solutions, etc.) are not allowed to be packed in boxes, as well as how to pack a box that is well balanced in terms of the distribution of weight.

Although hiring professional movers to pack up your belongings is an extra expense, many homeowners find it to be money well spent. For example, in this scenario the movers will gather the packing supplies, bring them to your home, and ensure that each box is packed in a balanced manner to better protect the items inside and keep the box from tipping over during the transit. A bonus perk to having the movers pack you up is that it can be done in a handful of days rather than having to go room by room weeks before a scheduled move.

6. Know What Not to Pack.

Even though most of your belongings should be backed up for the movers to take, there are some items that might make more sense to keep with you. Important papers regarding insurance, passports, birth certificates, and so on usually stay with the person moving for easy access to these documents when needed, either during the move or after arriving at their new home.

In addition, if there is a fragile or particularly sentimental item that is of great value to you, take the necessary precautions in packaging it and then consider keeping it with you in the car. Be forewarned that the success of this endeavor depends heavily on how the item is prepped and packed for transport.

7. Get Rid of Perishable Items from Your Freezer and Refrigerator.

A few days before the move, do not forget to donate or share perishable items from your refrigerator and freezer that are still within their expiration date. Items that have expired should be thrown away. Unless you are planning to take an ice chest or two with you in your own car for the move, frozen and refrigerated items generally do not travel well.

If you are taking your freezer and refrigerator with you for the move, it will be necessary to begin defrosting these units a week or so before the day of move-out. A unit that has not been defrosted is not safe to move as it can cause water damage to packed boxes and furniture on the moving truck.

8. Be Prepared for Moving Day.

With all the time and effort that goes into long term preparation for a move, it can be all too easy to forget the little things, like actually being prepared for moving day. Some of the most commonly forgotten things for moving day include:

• Packing an overnight bag. You will need to keep a bag with you that has clothes, toiletries, important paperwork, medications, and other necessities. Make sure it is packed and ready to go the night before moving day.
• Making sure the car is in good condition. Especially if you are traveling a long distance, it is a good idea to have your car gassed/charged up, checked out, and tuned up to make sure it is ready for the trip ahead. Without completing this step, you could risk the car breaking down.
• Arranging for a friend or neighbor to watch the kids and pets. On moving day there will be a lot of people in your home. The more people there are moving around and taking care of business, the harder it can be to avoid collisions and accidents. To limit the risk, make plans to send the children and/or pets to a trusted friend or neighbor so that they are not creating extra traffic for the movers.
• Providing snacks and cold drinks for the moving crew. Although you are paying the movers to transport your things to your new home and this isn’t required, many people choose to have a cooler with cold drinks and some portable snacks handy for the moving crew. In warm temperatures, ice water may be more appropriate while on a cold day both water and hot coffee might be appreciated.

9. Settle In Sooner by Unpacking Fast.

Most people going through a move put an emphasis on packing up and do not give much thought to unpacking. This is usually because the frenetic pace of a move often ends with the arrival of the homeowners and their things.

While it can feel amazing to have the move behind you, a complete guide for a successful move will include unpacking reasonably quickly. Although decorating may take some time to find just the right spot for a painting or light fixture, there are things that can be put away upon arrival such as underwear and socks into a dresser drawer, or clothes being hung in the closet.

The more basic unpacking a person can do upon moving into their new home, the faster they will feel comfortable in their new surroundings. With clothes put away, it eliminates a frantic search for a swimsuit should you decide to take a break from unpacking to enjoy a swim at the pool. It makes finding a clean pair of jeans and a shirt for going out to eat at a local restaurant a cinch.

For those people who are ready to hit the ground running in their new home and neighborhood, it can be wise to enlist the moving company to help you unpack your belongings more quickly. With everything unpacked, it becomes easier to decorate and find a new place for all of your belongings.

10. Tour the Neighborhood.

Ideally, it can make the move a smoother transition if you are able to identify some familiar landmarks such as a favorite restaurant or grocery store before arriving. Having little details like these in place can put everyone at ease. Visit a favorite restaurant chain in your new town and then take a quick tour of the neighborhood to find out where the schools, parks, and ice cream shops are. Consider making a list of some of the local restaurants you want to try.

Getting to know the layout of the community is an exercise in becoming familiar with your surroundings and making it feel just a little bit more like home as soon as possible.

 

Regardless of where you are moving or how much time you have to prepare, it is essential to give yourself more time than you really need. There will be action items that take you longer than you think to check off your list. There may also be hiccups along the way, but by giving yourself extra time, you are giving yourself a little bit of breathing space when things do not go exactly according to plan.

A complete guide for a successful move starts and ends with these steps. Now that you have this information, you can look forward to moving day with confidence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When considering just how much stuff can be accumulated over the years, many would benefit from the top 8 tips for downsizing before a move. While it may be tempting to tell yourself that it is better to just pack it all up now and declutter when unpacking at your new home, most people end up hanging on to unneeded items longer than necessary with this approach.

Not only will moving all those items cost more money than if you had decluttered before the move, but now you will be faced with locating a donation center and/or finding out if your new community is allowed to hold garage sales. These are not things most people want to deal with when they begin unpacking and are getting familiar with their new neighborhood.

By following through on a list of the top 8 tips for downsizing before moving day, you have the potential to save yourself time and money.

The Top 8 Tips for Downsizing Before You Move

Although you can find tips for downsizing just about anywhere, who is more familiar with this than professional moving companies? These experts move thousands of individuals every year and see a lot when packing up their customers for a move. For this reason, they bring some helpful advice to the table.

To make your moving experience a more positive one, here are 8 helpful tips for downsizing before you move:

1. Start early. Decluttering is a term that can sound deceptively easy when it is in fact quite time consuming. Professional movers advise that you start the decluttering process as early as possible for maximum benefit. Doing so allows you to chip away at it little by little and still have time to host a garage sale before moving if you choose to do so.
2. Take a general inventory of what is in your home. Homes are ground zero for most people’s lives. We eat, sleep, and relax in our homes, and over the years most of us tend to accumulate a lot of belongings. The problem is that much of the time we end up with more knick-knacks and stuff than we actually need or use. It can be a good idea to come up with some rules before taking inventory, such as, if you have not used an item in the last year or two and it is not a family heirloom, it may be time to part with it. Having a rule like this in place can help keep the process on track.
3. Consider the space you will have in your new home. Before you begin decluttering, it is helpful to know what will need to be moved, and what can go in the donation pile. In other words, if you are an empty nester couple moving to a smaller home now that your kids are out of the house, you will likely need to purge some furniture because it will likely not all fit. If you are moving to a larger home, do not be deceived. You may have room in the new home to store everything you currently have, but it is still wise to consider whether or not you really need to move it all.
4. Work through your home room by room when decluttering. With your general inventory of what is already in your home in mind, it is now time to actively and systematically begin downsizing. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, most experts recommend going room by room. Don’t forget closets, cabinets, attics, basements, garages, etc. Remember, the goal is to avoid moving things you have duplicates of or do not use. To help keep the process organized, people are highly encouraged to have several boxes or bags marked Keep, Donate, and Trash. If you are not packing as you go, you may just need two containers for Donate and Trash. The next step is to go through your home room by room and ask yourself if each item is something you should keep, donate, or trash. At the end of this sorting, trash can go to the trash bin. What to do with donated items may require a little more thought, which leads to the next item on the list.
5. Decide what to do with donated items. When you have a substantial pile of items to donate, the next step is to decide how you want to proceed. There are several options such as giving special items to friends and family, donating the items to a church or Goodwill, or gathering them up to have a garage sale before you move. Gifting the items to an organization that helps those in need can be the least time-consuming option, and if you keep a record of what is donated it may be beneficial to have that on hand when submitting your income taxes. Giving items to family and friends requires that they do indeed want the item, as well as coordinating a time and place to get it to them. And while a garage sale can be by far the most time consuming, it is also a great way to make some money to help pay for your move.
6. Start small. If you aren’t sure where to start and how to declutter, it is best to start small. Consider working in your pantry first and throw out any food that is past its expiration date. Then move to a medicine cabinet and properly dispose of any medications that have expired. Working through these small spaces with a definitive method should better equip you to continue decluttering throughout the rest of your home. Closets are a great place to downsize as well. Consider throwing away clothes that are damaged or have holes, and donate those that no longer fit your size or lifestyle.
7. Switch to more compact storage methods. Particularly when you have lived in the same place for many years, storage methods change for some items such as movies, pictures, and documents. For example, VCR movies were replaced by DVDs, and now many have moved on to streaming services. Many documents and pictures can now be stored digitally. And some hard copies of documents may no longer need to be stored and instead should be shredded for security purposes. Think about what items you may currently own that need to either be discarded or updated in how they are stored. This could save you a significant amount of room in packing boxes.
8. Buy new items after the move. If a new home requires some additional pieces of furniture, consider waiting until you arrive at your destination to purchase these items. This will keep you from having to pay the movers to transport new furniture, and it may also be more advantageous to wait and see how things fit in the new home so you have a better idea of what size furniture is best. Should you have an old recliner you have been wanting to exchange for a new one, wait until arriving at your new home to do so.
   Downsizing is an involved process, but it can also be good for the mind and body. Experts say that a cluttered home can cause mental distress in some homeowners. Think of the freedom that a streamlined move will have and how much less packed and crowded your new home could be.

Benefits of Decluttering Before You Move

The top 8 tips for downsizing before you move may not spur you onto action unless you can clearly see the benefits of this practice. Many people see the amount of work and organization required in decluttering and deem it simply not worth their time. Yet, moving items that should have been donated or thrown away takes time too…and it costs money. Either way, not streamlining your belongings can cost you, so why not choose the option that saves you money?

Some of the benefits of downsizing before you move include:

A cleaner move. It is not uncommon for someone cleaning out a basement, garage, or backyard shed to find items that have unwanted substances or inhabitants. If you live in a humid environment like Houston, some things in the garage could be taking on mold, which is something you definitely do not want to take with you to a new home. Other things that have been buried in a corner of the shed for years may have been subject to pest infestations, which can lead to harmful droppings and bacteria. By disposing of these items before a move, you can have a higher degree of confidence that what you are moving is clean.

More peace. Studies have shown that a messy and cluttered home can result in mental stress for the occupants. By evaluating the worth of the items in your current home and removing those that have none before you move, you are potentially contributing to a healthier and more relaxed state of mind in your new home.

Money savings. If you are still on the fence about the benefit of going to all this trouble, try decluttering one room. Give it your complete attention and be thorough. Look at the boxes containing items you have designated to be trashed, donated, or put in a garage sale. Now, multiply that amount by every room in your house. Calculate how many boxes that could add up to for the whole home if the number remained consistent per room. The result can indicate how many boxes you won’t be moving now that you’ve decluttered. When you think about how much it can cost to move each box, your potential savings should be clear!

By adopting these 8 tips for downsizing before you move, it can make the process easier and yield a more pleasant environment in your new home. Give yourself the gift of a fresh start when you are moving in and unpacking. All it takes is a little time up front before the move to ensure a clean slate on move in day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Moving requires attention to dozens of details, but one that is often overlooked is how far in advance should you reserve a moving company? With a definite move in date for your destination, the next priority should be ensuring you can find a reputable and professional Houston moving company to accommodate your timeline. If you do not secure your preferred moving company early enough, you may end up entrusting your personal belongings to a less credible business with a higher damage rate.

If you have moved before, you can vouch for just how many details are involved in the process, from securing the professionals to packing to unpacking, and everything in between. So, the answer to how far in advance should you reserve a moving company can be something that all other details will flow from. Once the movers are confirmed, it allows you to focus on other details that are typically less time sensitive.

How Far in Advance Should You Reserve a Houston Moving Company?

The best answer to how far in advance you should reserve a moving company is as soon as possible. Acting early can give you the luxury of enlisting the help of a company you trust and like, which can make the overall process much smoother.

Some of the things to take into consideration when deciding how far in advance to reserve a moving company include:

• Distance of the move. There are multiple levels of preparation required for moving, and typically the more miles away a move is, the more important it is to secure the moving date in advance. This allows for the intense and detailed preparation that long distance and abroad relocations require. For long distance moves, it can be smart to lock in a date up to two months or more in advance. Those that are local generally require three weeks or more advance booking.
• Preferred moving month. The summer months can be the most popular time of the year for people to move. This means that you may need to make a reservation with the professional moving company of choice even earlier than planned in order to get the company and accommodations that you want. The fall and mid to late spring months are typically the next most popular because the weather across much of the nation is still conducive to moving, but they tend to be less busy than the summer months. The winter months are usually not as popular due to the challenge of weather. The season in which you move can dictate additional requirements of how far in advance you should reserve a moving company.
• Preferred moving date. Once you have an idea of which month you will need to move, give careful thought to the exact date that you book. Try to avoid moving on holidays, weekends, or at the beginning or end of the month when many leases turnover.
• Number of items. It is also a good idea to inventory the items you will be taking with you to the new destination. The number of belongings in a one-bedroom apartment versus a two-story house can be significant. The more items there are, the longer a move can take, which makes it important to get on the books with your company of choice as soon as possible.

5 Benefits of Reserving a Houston Moving Company Early

Aside from securing your Houston moving company of choice, the benefits of making a reservation with professionals early on can potentially include:

1. More options. A move that gets pushed down to the wire generally allows for less options in terms of availability. Because so many people choose to book early, those who wait until the last minute may find that their first, second, and third choices of moving professionals may already be booked. This is not where you want to find yourself with an important life transition ahead.
2. Better deals. While appointments marked in advance may not necessarily be discounted, they can often be cheaper than those moves that are scheduled at the last minute and that charge basically for inconvenience. Particularly in busy seasons such as summer, booking the movers early could even earn you a special promotion.
3. The right equipment. People who have specialty items such as a grandfather clock or grand piano may require special moving equipment. By making your reservation early, it can also help ensure you are at the top of the list for the necessary equipment of which there are usually limited quantities.
4. Freedom to focus on the details. With the experts secured, they can then come out and give you an in-home moving quote. This is generally considered the most accurate way to receive a moving quote as it allows trained professionals to go through the home room by room to properly estimate how many boxes and pieces of furniture will need to be transported to the destination. Once this step is completed, packing can begin.
5. Less stress. Most people find that with every item they check off on their moving to-do list, they feel a little less stress and more of a sense of accomplishment. When embarking on a move, less stress is one of the best gifts you can allow yourself.

When wondering how far in advance you should reserve a Houston moving company, the best answer is as soon as possible. Doing so can remove many of the unknowns and make planning for the remainder of the process much more straightforward.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With June, July, and August just around the corner and more than half of annual moves made during these months, 15 tips for residential moves in the summer should make the process easier. Moving tips can be helpful anytime of year but are even more so during the summer when professional moving companies are experiencing their busiest time of year. Planning ahead can make the moving process smoother from start to finish.

15 Tips for Residential Moves in the Summer

While this list is not exhaustive, it will be useful for those planning a move in the summertime:

1. If you are a renter and already know the exact date your lease is up, take advantage of this knowledge and book the movers as early as possible. Although summer is already busy, many leases expire at the first or last of the month, making those times even more sought after for those hiring a moving company.
2. Homeowners would be wise to contact a moving company the day their home closes escrow, however this arrangement is more beneficial if they work with the realtor to negotiate a date for that day that is more advantageous for them. Because weekends are often the busiest days of the week for moving, try to schedule yours on a weekday, if possible, for increased availability.
3. Avoid moves on holidays and holiday weekends. Although it may be tempting to move on a three-day weekend due to a summer holiday, do not schedule your move then. A moving company’s availability is typically slimmer during these dates and the cost may be even higher than it would be on a non-holiday weekend.
4. Choose the earliest available moving slot for the day. Once you know the day of your move, it can be more beneficial to choose the earliest slot of the day in an effort to get things done before the heat really cranks up. Although it may require getting up a little earlier than you might like, it is well worth it when the moving van is already packed and the intense afternoon heat sets in.
5. Get an in-home quote. Be sure to have the moving companies you are considering hiring come out to the house to provide an in-home quote. These professionals are trained in doing inventory for a space and making an educated guess on the proper number of boxes that will be needed. By also factoring in the pieces of furniture that must also be transported, they will know what size moving van will be required. This has the potential to cut down on common mishaps such as having considerably more boxes than originally expected on moving day, or needing special equipment for particularly large or heavy items such as a safe or a piano.
6. Start packing early. Summer has a reputation for being a time when we feel more comfortable throwing caution to the wind and putting off our responsibilities for a quick afternoon dip in the pool or a trip to the ice cream shop. Be ready for these temptations and still be able to partake in them by starting to pack as early as possible and doing a little bit of packing every day. If your timeline for packing is particularly tight and you have doubts on whether or not it can be done on time, think about enlisting the professional moving company’s packing services.
7. Pack with the heat in mind. In the haste to efficiently pack up room by room and label the boxes accordingly, many individuals include heat sensitive objects such as candles or even shrink-wrapped items. While this can make sense for organizational purposes, it is wiser to keep heat sensitive items like these with you in an air-conditioned vehicle so that they are not subjected to long periods of intense heat that could melt or damage the objects.
8. Remember to keep perishable food in ice chests rather than in a box. Some people may choose to simply use up their perishable items prior to a move to have less to worry about. However, if you do choose to bring some of these items with you, keep them with you and be sure to put them in a cooler with enough ice so that they do not spoil in transit.
9. Give special thought to how electronics will fare in the heat. The intense humidity and heat of summer can be damaging for some electrical items. When it comes to laptops, smart phones, tablets, and possibly even televisions, it can be a good idea to evaluate how long these items would be in the moving van and if they might be better protected if they stayed with you in an air-conditioned vehicle.
10. Verify the details of your move again a week or two out. You would be surprised how many people run into scheduling issues because they did not do something they really thought they did. Avoid this problem by checking in with your movers a couple of weeks before the move to ensure everything is all set and ready to go for the big day. This is also a good time to communicate any changes to the company such as an additional stop, extra boxes, etc. Doing so should help moving day run much smoother.
11. Dress accordingly for moving day. Even with the professionals doing the heavy lifting, it can still get quite warm in the house with the flurry of movement and open doors. Make sure you are dressed in light colored clothes made of breathable fabric so your body does not have to work so hard to stay cool amidst the heat. It is also highly recommended for individuals to wear closed-toed, non-slip shoes for added protection. It may also be wise to keep some sunscreen on hand and apply as needed.
12. Arrange for the kids and pets to be out of the house when the movers come. Your home will likely be overrun by boxes and people on move-out day, making it a minefield of sorts for children, dogs, and even the workers, and this could inadvertently increase the odds for someone to accidentally get hurt. Think about getting a friend to watch the kids and pets while the movers are at the house to better ensure everyone’s safety.
13. Do not schedule your utilities to be turned off in your current home until the day after move-out. This is critical to keeping yourselves and your movers cool as they are packing up the moving van. Having the utilities go off early would make the house quite warm and could put the workers at risk of experiencing heat-related illnesses, which would in turn delay the move. This also enables you to come back and run the vacuum or anything else that needs to be finished up.
14. Respect the seriousness of summer heat and how it affects you and the movers. With the doors propped open to allow traffic in and out of the house, plus the physical rigor of picking up heavy boxes and transporting them to the moving van, the heat can quickly become a dangerous problem. Plan ahead and have plenty of cold water and drinks in an ice chest along with some damp cloths so that you and the movers can stay hydrated and cool. Have a couple fans going will also help by circulating the air.
15. Arrange to have the utilities turned on in your new home the day before you are scheduled to arrive. This is instrumental in cooling down the home so that it is a comfortable temperature when you and the movers arrive and begin the hard work of unloading and unpacking dozens of boxes.

By following these 15 tips for residential moves in the summer, you can be prepared to make moving day successful and comfortable for you and the moving company.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before every move is a flurry of packing, and for many families this is the most difficult part of the process. It’s certainly the most time and energy-consuming, but there are ways to streamline packing and gain back some of that precious time.

If you’re about to move and are already dreading packing, we’ve got six packing tips to help you box up your belongings like a pro.

1) Take Special Precautions for Those Tricky Items

Benefit: Avoid damaging expensive, fragile belongings.

While most of your stuff can go in general moving boxes, some things need a bit more consideration. Here are a few examples:

• Dishware and glassware – Dishware breaks easily if it isn’t packed properly. Wrap each dish or glass in paper or padding. When placing dishes in a box, pack them on their sides, as they tolerate weight and pressure better in this position. Fill up the box with packing material to provide extra padding. And consider using a dish barrel box, as this provides each glass with its own compartment, which means they won’t bang together.
• Refrigerator – Your refrigerator will need some prepping in advance of moving day. The goal is to thoroughly defrost it before loading it on the truck. If the ice melts during transit, it’s going to make a mess.

First, remove all food and store that separately. Then, unplug the fridge or set it to defrost (if it’s manual). At this point, you can be hands off – resist the urge to scrap ice off of anything, as this can damage the fridge.

Although most refrigerators will be defrosted within 12 hours, it can take up to 24 hours in some cases. Plan ahead and make sure there are towels around the appliance to soak up water.

• Fine art – The trick with moving paintings and other fine art is to handle them as little as possible. Even a little skin oil is enough to leave a lasting smudge, and if the canvas presses against any edge or point, it can leave a dent or a tear.

Wrap the frame in bubble wrap or foam and place the artwork in a cardboard box that’s marked fragile. Load the artwork so that it’s standing up and secure it in a place where nothing can move.

All artwork should be unloaded and kept in a climate controlled space as soon as possible to avoid damage from excess heat or humidity.

• A television – The best way to move a television is to use the box and padding that it came in. If that’s not available, place the TV in a box slightly larger than the television itself and fill the rest of the space with packing material. Ideally, this box would be placed inside another, slightly larger box for extra protection.

Televisions may sustain damage if they are laid down flat, so make sure yours is upright during transit.

2) Utilize Things at Home to Pack

Benefit: Save money on packing supplies while keeping fragile items safe.

You’ll likely need to invest in some quality packing materials to ensure a smooth move, but some of what you’ll need can be found around the house. For example, blankets and linens are excellent box padding options. Towels can work in the same way. Hand towels and washcloths can be used to wrap up knives (the sharp end) and then those can be banded together with a couple hair bands or rubber bands.

3) Coordinate Your Packing by Room

Benefit: Simplify the unpacking process and minimize confusion.

Chances are, you’ll have even less energy for unpacking. To minimize unpacking-related frustration and make the process as painless as possible, pack everything according to what room it will go into. When it’s time to unload, you can start by sorting everything by room, which will make the job a lot less intimidating.

Label each box for easy visual reference. The classic approach is to write out the room that the box goes to. You can also use color-coordinated packing tape as an alternative – so you don’t have to scramble for markers – or you can use colored stickers.

4) Establish an Area Just for Packing Purposes

Benefit: Save time and energy by organizing your packing efforts.

Designate a room, or at least part of a room, for packing purposes only. As things need to be packed, they can be brought to the room and sorted for orderly boxing. If you’ve got an entire family on the job, one or two people can do the boxing and taping while everyone else collects things for packing.

5) Know How to Fill a Moving Box Properly

Benefit: Ensure everything on the truck stays put.

During transit, the goal is to minimize movement inside the truck. This starts with proper packing technique, which means placing the heaviest items at the bottom of the box. Lighter items go on top, and be sure to leave a little space at the top so everything remains balanced.

When the box is full, create a tight seal by first taping down the seams, then taping the edges. The best way to do this is by lightly pinching the tape (from the non-adhesive side) and forming a triangle as the tape is placed over the edges. This is the way the professionals tape shut moving boxes, as it prevents anything from getting into the box.

6) Get the Right Equipment and Supplies Beforehand

Benefit: Avoid delays while boxing and loading everything.

Appliance dollies, specialty moving boxes and packing materials will all make the job go faster and easier. Make sure those are included with your moving resources.

While there are opportunities to grab free boxes all over the place, scrap boxes aren’t as durable as proper moving containers. They tend to be smaller, Houston moving companies offer an array of quality moving and packing supplies worth considering, and if you stock up and pack early, you’ll have time to make a second trip to pick up more supplies if needed.

7) Bring In The Professionals If The Job Seems Too Much

Benefit: Guarantee the job is done efficiently, safely, and professionally.

Packing takes a lot of time, so it’s common for families to rush through the job. Rush the packing process, though, and you’ll likely have some broken items once you arrive at your new place.

If you know time and energy will be short, consider hiring an experienced mover to handle the packing. Experienced movers are trained in proper packing and loading techniques, so they know how to avoid damaging goods while packing them efficiently. With a professional crew helping, it takes hours to do what would normally take days or even weeks.

 

Americans consider moving to be one of the most challenging experiences that everyone faces at some point. Packing is a big reason for that, and it can be tedious. However, it’s a lot less tedious with the right packing processes and materials in place.

If you have any hesitation about packing up the home on time for moving day, a reputable Houston moving crew can tackle the job for you and ensure your move stays on time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For many homeowners, the most difficult part of the moving process isn’t the move itself – it’s the packing that needs to be completed before moving day. For packing purposes, the recommendation is to reserve a day for every room – that’s more than a week for most single-family homes.

For families that don’t have a week to spare or any interest in handling the packing themselves, many professional Houston moving companies offer packing services as a time and stress-saving alternative.

Reputable Moving Companies Provide a Full Range of Services, Including Professional Packing Services

Some movers only move, but experienced, reputable Houston companies can oversee every part of the moving process, including the following:

• Packing and unpacking – Professional movers are also professional packers. They can provide all needed packing materials, including materials designed to keep your items safe while in transit. Also, professional packers are trained in the art of safe and efficient boxing and storage. That means minimal risk to the client’s belongings and maximum convenience when unpacking.

Speaking of which, professional Houston movers can also unpack everything on the other end of the move, so there’s no need for the client to touch a single box.

• Lifting and loading – Once everything is boxed up, the moving team will get it loaded on the truck. Professional movers are also trained to load for efficiency and safety, so your furniture and belongings make it to the new destination intact. And, of course, the moving team will also unload all boxes and furniture at the new home.
• Transport – Reputable movers have an extensive fleet of moving trucks they can rely on. As such, they can provide the perfect-sized truck for the job and handle the driving. If some of your things need to go to storage instead, a reputable mover will transport them to the storage facility as well.
• Furniture disassembly and assembly – Professional movers also have experience in breaking down furniture for moving or storage. For some movers, this includes office furniture and equipment. These movers can also provide the packing and moving muscle for commercial moving jobs.
• Storage – Some reputable moving professionals also have storage facilities on hand, and these can be used as a backup option, in case there’s not enough room for everything in the new home. This also a valuable option if the new house won’t be ready in time.

A reputable Houston mover can provide all of the above, essentially handling the job from start to finish.

Four Reasons to Consider Packing Services Through a Moving Company

Why should families consider packing, specifically? There are several reasons why someone may require professional packing services. For example:

• There’s not enough time to do the job without help – Again, packing a single-family house can take more than a week. For larger homes, the time cost can be significantly higher. And let’s be honest, most people don’t start packing until a week or two before the move (if that).

For families that are under a time crunch, professional movers can greatly expedite the process. Professionals have a deep reservoir of manpower and supplies to draw from, so no matter how big the job or how short the deadline, a reputable packing service can ensure everything is ready for moving day.

• The family needs to relocate in advance of a move – Life moves fast these days and it’s becoming more common for families to relocate on short notice. Sometimes, notice is so short that the family doesn’t have time to organize a proper move for their belongings. Whether it’s for a new job or to be closer to other family members, families may have to relocate well ahead of their personal belongings.

When this is the case, a professional moving and packing service can handle the packing, moving and transport without the clients needing to be present. Trust and communication are essential to make this work, which is why it’s best left to proven moving companies.

• Health problems or disability make packing difficult – If medical issues or chronic pain interfere with physical activity, professional packers can provide the muscle. Professionals can also disassemble, reassemble, and move furniture, which can be particularly difficult for people with chronic pain.
• There are fragile or valuable items that need special care – Most general household items can be packed and moved without professional assistance. However, some items need special care. Artwork, wine collections, safes, and pianos are some examples, and there are specialized moving services that focus on items just like these. With a professional packer helping out, any challenging belongings can be packed and transported without fear of damage.

It’s worth pointing out that professional Houston movers can be flexible with their packing services. For example, families can box the easy stuff (linens, clothing, etc.) and leave everything else for the professionals. This is one way to save money while still getting the benefits of professional packing assistance.

Professional Packing Services Can Take the Stress Out of Your Move

Packing is one of the most time and labor-intensive parts of any move, and rushing it isn’t recommended. When items are damaged or misplaced, it’s often due to poor packing practices. By working with a reputable Houston moving company that offers packing services, families know that their belongings are taken care of—before, during, and following the move.