Relocation Resources

8 Ways to Ensure a Smooth Move

By Relocation.com Staff

The process of moving can be an overwhelming experience. One of the most important points to remember is not to get complacent and leave your planning until the last second – here's a list of things that can help you make a smooth move.

1. Before you even get moving quotes, decide what you're going to keep, and what you're going to trash. If you're moving a long distance, you're most likely paying for your move by weight – so you'll pay for everything, even those Batman lamps you thought were so neat as a kid. Is it worth it?

2. Get professional moving companies to come to your home and give you moving quotes -- and the further in advance you can arrange your move, the better, even if you don't have a firm moving date.

Just beware that you can't get an accurate quote over the phone or using an internet inventory list – you'll forget stuff, the movers won't have a good idea of the things you're moving, and they won't be able to see if there are any special challenges in performing the move at your home. When the moving company does come, be thorough in detailing the things you're actually going to move. If you say you don't want to move that big metal shelving unit in the garage, and then change your mind, you'll pay for it.

3. Have the same person do the walk-through for each moving company that gives you estimates, and pay close attention to how the moving company rep does his job. How the survey is conducted should be a factor in your selecting the moving company -- a representative who's attentive in compiling an inventory likely won't miss anything, and you'll end up with the most accurate estimate.

4. As moving day approaches, watch the weather forecast. If you live in a colder climate with a chance of snow or ice in the winter months, make sure driveways and sidewalks are cleaned off so movers won't slip.

5. Notify the neighbors of loading and unloading dates. Most trailers are very long, and with a tractor attached they take up a lot of room. Managing the parking situation -- as well as neighborhood children and animals getting in the way -- will smooth the process.

6. Having snacks and drinks for the moving crew is money well spent: They'll appreciate your gesture, and they'll be more productive if they do not have to leave the job site. You may want to let only the driver know where you have those things; normally the crew is on the driver’s clock and he determines break time.

7. Walk through your home with the driver as he puts together the moving inventory. This is the best time to ask questions and express concerns. The driver will also do a condition report of your furnishings as part of the inventory – make sure you agree with it, in case you need to file a damage claim later.

8. Have schematics of where you want furniture placed in your new home to help the crew as they move in the furniture. As items are brought into your home, check them off the inventory. The driver’s intent is to make sure you get everything delivered that he loaded, but stuff can go missing. You'll know what that is if your moving inventory is sound.