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4 Things Professional Movers Wish You Understood Before Moving Day

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Whether you are moving to a new home in the same town or relocating to an entirely different state, the moving process can be stressful. Fortunately, utilizing professionals to transport your belongings is a worthwhile investment that can reduce stress and save you a great deal of time. Of course, hiring professionals to help with your move does not get you completely off the hook, since there will be many tasks you and your family will need to complete. If you are part of the 40-million people who move each year, learning what the professionals need from you is smart. Using this guide, you will learn what professional movers wish they could tell you before moving day.

Pack Before They Arrive

When the movers arrive to your residence, they will be ready to work. While some companies charge you one flat fee, others will charge you by the hour. If the professionals need to wait for you to finish packing your belongings, they will waste part of their workday. In addition, the extra time they spend waiting for you to finish packing will increase your final cost of the moving job.

Be sure to have all of your belongings packed properly. The movers will not have the time to ask you where they should place each box, so make sure to label boxes, as well.

Understand the Company's Rules

While surprising for many to learn, each moving company offers its own set of rules and regulations. When you schedule your move, make sure to get a list of their guidelines and recommendations.

Some movers will not transport certain items, so be sure to consult the company if you need to transport the following hazardous items:

  • Household Chemicals/Cleaners
  • Paints and Stains
  • Gas/Oil/Propane/Kerosene
  • Pesticides/Weed Killers/Fertilizers
  • Charcoal
  • Automotive Batteries
  • Fireworks
  • Gums/Ammo

Your moving company may also require you to transport personal and valuable items yourself. Consider moving checkbooks, bank statements, vehicle titles, real estate deeds, medical records, collectibles, and cash yourself.

Lastly, ask the company who is responsible for disassembling furniture and disconnecting appliances. Your movers may be able to disassemble beds and shelving units and reassemble them at your new residence. However, movers are not licensed plumbers or electricians, so they do not have the experience in disconnecting washers, dryers, and refrigerators. If your company does not offer disconnect services, make sure to have these appliances disconnected and ready to move.

Stay Out Of the Way

You are paying the company to complete a service, so allow them to do their job without interfering. You may want to lend a hand, arranging boxes or furniture inside their truck, but it is best to stay out of their way on moving day.

Make sure your home has a clear pathway, too. This will ensure the movers have enough space to transport heavy and bulky items through the home and into their moving truck.

It is also smart to contain pets and young children, who may also try to be overly involved on moving day.

The Fee Does Not Include a Tip

When you book a professional moving company, you are paying the company only. This fee does not include tips, so be sure to have some cash on hand to tip the actual workers on moving day.

The majority of customers will tip between 10 and 20 percent of the total moving cost, but there is no right or wrong amount to give your moving team. Walking up multiple flights of steps and moving heavier pieces of furniture will make the job more difficult than others, so consider tipping a little more if this is required for your move.   

Hiring professionals on moving day can make the task less stressful and more efficient, but there are certain things you should know beforehand. With these tips, you and your moving team will have an efficient, effective moving day. For more tips, contact local moving companies like All About Moving


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