People often ask us: What's the most accurate predictor of how smoothly moving day will go?
Quite simply, the answer is determined by how well you get along with your moving company.
From the moment you talk to them on the phone about their moving services to the time they leave after unloading at your new house, you'll spend a lot of time with your movers. So it's important that you take the right steps to create a positive relationship with the moving companies that you speak with before you choose one, and then with the moving company you ultimately select. As a working relationship, you will want to create an open environment so that you can easily address any concerns or questions you may have along the way without feeling as if you are bothering anyone. Since these professionals will be handling your most prized possessions, having a smooth moving day will certainly give you a peace of mind while your items are in transit. Here's what you can do on your part:
- When the movers come to your home to give you moving quotes, be very clear about what you want moved. Often times when people move, they may get rid of old furniture or unnecessary possessions. Be sure that you address that to your moving company, so that these items are not included in your estimate. On moving day, if you want something to stay at your house but the moving company doesn't know that, they might ship it to your new home -- and you'll face the hassle, and expense, of getting it back.
- Ask your mover questions. Anything from insurance to storage to packing solutions may be of concern to you. Being a part of the moving industry, the mover may have direct connections with these vendors or their company may provide these services for an additional fee.
- Be clear about the dates for your move. If there are variables that could change your date, tell that to your mover. And if you do find something that comes up, tell your moving company immediately.
- Your movers need to know exactly what challenges they will face at the pick-up and drop-off location -- stairs, a long carry to the house, or restrictions on long trucks in a particular neighborhood. These will dictate what the moving company brings to the house to be moved.
- Make sure the mover knows about any special items that will need extra attention in the move, including disconnecting and connecting appliances, large pieces of glass, and assembly and disassembly of things like outdoor gym equipment.
- Make sure the moving company knows exactly where things go in your new home -- mapping it out for them, color-coding your moving boxes, and drawing up schematics in each room are usually the easiest ways to do this. This will save a lot of headache for both of you.
- If a mover is also transporting your belongings to storage facility, make sure they know exactly what boxes are being placed in your unit. It will be a hassle (and waste of time) if they place boxes that you want in your home in storage, as well as if they place items in your home that should be in storage.
- Stay in touch with your movers during the move. Make sure you have each other's contact information, as well as emergency numbers to stay connected throughout the moving process.
- Finally, moving is hard work, so try to maintain a sense of calm and be quick with a kind word or encouragement -- it will go a long way.