8 Important Tips for a Successful Move

Valuable Moving Information for a Local Move or Long-Distance Move

All Star Movers – 8 Important Tips for a Successful Move

The American Trucking Association has a list of helpful tips for you to read before you make your big move.
All Star Movers encourages you to read the tips, and we hope you will find we can make your move go as smoothly as possible.

    1. Get three estimates.  Show the mover everything that will be moved, including items in attics, basements, garages, storage areas, sheds, etc. Typically, two of the estimates will be very close together in price, weight, and service. Select one of those two estimates. The other bid will be very high or low. Avoid that carrier.
    2. Obtain and read the three “pre-move” required documents from your carrier. These documents include: Your Rights and Responsibilities, Ready to Move brochures, and information on the arbitration program that the carrier participates in. These documents are all required for every interstate shipment.
    3. Avoid large down payments. Be wary of carriers seeking large down payments to hold dates or to reserve service. Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask. The moving business is complex and has its own language. If you aren’t satisfied with the answers to your questions or if the carrier hesitates when you ask for clarification, talk to another carrier.
    4. Plan an off-peak season move (when possible). June to September is the high season. If you can avoid moving during those months, you will likely receive better service. If you must move during the high season, move mid-month, mid-week, and avoid the end of the month.
    5. Be reachable by phone. Make sure the carrier is able to reach you by phone during your move. This can save time and storage costs if the driver is ready to deliver and you are ready to receive the shipment. Be sure to have the driver’s full name, ID, and truck number to allow for fast and easy communication.
    6. Take valuables with you. Valuables, such as cash, coins, jewelry, photographs, and important papers should be taken with you or sent ahead. Be sure to use a traceable service, such as FedEx and United Parcel Service.
    7. Segregate personal travel items. The items traveling with you, such as clothes and papers, should be put in one place or in the vehicle you are taking with you. Avoid having those items loaded on the truck and having to find them later.
    8. Try to relax. No matter how prepared you are, things occasionally go wrong. Moving is one of the most stressful times in your life. Take a deep breath, be patient, and get a good night’s sleep before moving day.

All Star Movers – Important Moving Preparation Tips

  1. If necessary, please reserve elevators, loading docks, or truck parking areas.
  2. Do not water plants for three days prior to your move. Small plants should be placed in cartons, while large plants should be tied and prepared for moving.
  3. Drain oil and fuel from lawnmowers and other machinery or equipment. Please be safe and dispose of oil and gas correctly. Contact your local authorities if you have questions.
  4. Bleed propane tanks from gas grills or remove and transport by car. Clean all grills the day before your move.
  5. Separate and label items that will not be moved.
  6. Place non-furniture items that are not to be moved in the bathroom or closet and label the door: “DO NOT MOVE.”
  7. Bring items out of the crawlspace and attic and organize garage and tool shed for moving. Tape or tie yard tool handles in bundles of 3 or 4.

 

 

All Star Movers – Moving Packing and Preparation Tips

  • A typical home takes a four-man crew about a full day to pack (35 man-hours).
  • All Star Packing Crews are available for complete or partial packing services.
  • All packing should be completed prior to the arrival of your moving crew.
  • Unpacked items will not be moved.
  • If you are packing yourself, have a magic marker, knife, and packing tape readily available.
  • Label each carton: 1. Room to be delivered to a new home. 2. Contents. Brief description. 3. Special instructions: “Fragile,” “This End Up,” etc. 4. Unpacking priority: unpack first/last.
  • It is often easier to pack one room at a time. Start with the least used areas of the home: attic, garage, storage, and basement. Then, move onto the living areas.
  • Clear a good-sized workspace for wrapping fragile items: a dining room table or kitchen island is ideal.
  • All cartons should be taped both on the top and bottom. Books and other heavy items need to be double taped on the bottom of the carton.
  • Pack heavy items on the bottom, lighter items on the top. Do not pack breakable items with heavy non-breakable items.
  • Make sure that all breakable items have an inch of paper cushioning between layers.
  • Use towels or linens as extra padding for fragile cartons.
  • Slightly over-pack each carton before closing. This adds strength to the carton.
  • We recommend that you move your valuable fragile cartons. Same for items of excessive value (jewelry, coins, bonds, cash)
  • Use up most of your food supply to eliminate extra packing and unpacking.
  • Fill suitcases with sweaters, linens, or clothing. A good idea is to pack suitcases with clothing that you will need the first few days after the move.
  • Pack electronics in original cartons if available.
  • Clothing may be left in dressers. All breakables, valuables, and non-clothing items should be removed.
  • Antique dressers should be moved empty.
  • Liquids in containers that are not factory sealed should not be packed to prevent leakage and possible furniture damage.
  • All Star Moving Crews do not pack without prior arrangements.

 

Appliances

  • All gas appliances must be serviced by a gas company service representative.
  • Freezers and refrigerators must be moved empty. Defrost and towel dry before moving day.
  • Refrigerators with automatic ice makers require servicing prior to moving.
  • Occasionally, appliance doors must be removed to fit through doorways. Reassembly is the customer’s responsibility.
  • Microwave ovens require no servicing other than removing and packing the glass tray.
  • Monitor appliances when first using in your new home. Make sure that washing machine hoses are not leaking.

 

Disassembly

  • Standard beds will be disassembled and reassembled by All Star Movers.
  • Mirrors, hutches, bookcases, or china cabinets attached to furniture bases will be dismantled by All Star Movers.
  • Electric fixtures and other permanently attached items are to be disconnected by the customer.
  • Wall units, cribs, bunk beds, platform beds, water beds, shop equipment, swing sets, and similar items are to be dismantled and reassembled by the customer unless otherwise noted on the invoice.
  • Disconnect all wiring on electronic equipment prior to the arrival of the moving crew.
  • Tape permanent wiring together and tape to a component.

 

All Star Movers – Tips for Your Moving Day

  • Be on hand when the crew arrives to answer questions and give special instructions.
  • Accompany the driver as he prepares your inventory. Ask questions if you are unsure of the condition that the driver is noting.
  • All furniture that is loaded onto the moving vans will be covered with protective quilts. Rugs will be rolled and taped by the moving crew, loaded last, and delivered first so that they can be laid in empty rooms.
  • Before the crew leaves for your new home, make a room-by-room check, including closets and storage areas to ensure all items to be moved have been loaded.
  • Provide the driver with your cell number in case he needs to reach you during the course of the move.
  • Make sure you have copies of the Bill of Lading and Inventories before the driver leaves.
  • Acquire the driver’s truck number, agency, and contact information. This will make it easier to reach the driver if you have questions or if your plans change.
  • Make sure the driver has the correct address of your new home or storage facility.
  • An adult must be available to direct unloading and placement of large furniture items.
  • You may want to fasten a general floor plan to the door of each room.
  • When unloading, each large piece of furniture will be placed as you direct. Please have a floor plan in mind to ensure that the move will flow efficiently.
  • All Star Moving crews do not enter attics or crawl spaces, unless indicated on the invoice.
  • By law, the following items cannot be loaded onto the moving van: aerosol cans, flammables, ammunition, corrosives, or explosives. Please take care of these items prior to moving day.