Residential Movers FAQ’s

When is the best time for residential movers? 

The busiest times for residential movers are during the summer months, May 15 – September 15. At the end of these months, the volume of shipments is extremely heavy. This is the case for all professional local and commercial moving companies.

Take all the factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for residential moves. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, provide the moving company with a five day window for loading your shipment. This will allow the individuals who schedule the drivers and crew members greater flexibility when scheduling your move. If possible, be flexible with your destination timeframe as well. Keep in mind that you most likely are not the only shipment on the truck. If you stay flexible, it should make a difference.

How do I select which residential movers that will provide me with a moving estimate? 

 Ask your neighbors, friends, coworkers and family members if they can make recommendation about residential movers. Investigate each of the movers you select with the Better Business Bureau. Good service is the best measure of a good mover!

When should I begin contacting moving companies for estimates for residential moves? 

Try to provide the moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the busy season as noted above. Six weeks from the actual move date is not too early for estimators to come into your home to complete what they refer to as a “visual survey of your household goods shipment.”

Add even more time to make a decision if you are obligated by your employer to submit estimates for approval. Try to decide which mover you will use four weeks from your actual load day. Call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This timeframe can be shortened in the off peak season which is September 15 through May 15.

What happens when a relocation consultant comes to my home? 

The relocation consultant will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey of your items. Once this is completed, the relocation consultant will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charge related to your move. Remember that the relocation consultant must clearly see what you are moving in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so organize your house before the relocation consultant arrives.

Don’t be alarmed if the relocation consultant goes through all your cabinets and closets or looks under beds and on top of cabinets. He or she must be able to see what is moving and possibly needs packing. If you know of items that are out of view, be certain to point them out to the relocation consultant. If there are items you will be eliminating, be sure to point them out.

One word of caution that can save you a great deal of trouble on loading day- get rid of all items you do not plan to move. Otherwise, there may not be enough space for your shipment. This will not occur on one or two small items, but if you anticipated eliminating an entire bedroom suite and do not do so, it is quite possible that this could violate the integrity of your binding estimate and/or cause the driver to run out of space.