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June 6, 2022

6 Things Movers Want You to Know

Planning a move involves countless details and essential tasks that you shouldn’t overlook. The more organized your relocation is during the planning stages equates to less stress, chaos, and difficulty. It also goes a long way towards eliminating safety hazards. So, before the big moving day arrives, here are six things you should know.

1. Certain Items Aren’t Allowed in Moving Trucks

Movers have restrictions on certain items because they are either a) dangerous or b) not permitted by law. These items will have to be discarded safely or transported by the customer. Here are some to watch out for.

Perishable foods
Plants
Gasoline (including gas left in equipment and tools)
Hazardous materials
Pets

As you’re packing in the weeks leading up to moving day, it’s good to ask your mover for a list of non-allowable items. This way, you have time to prepare.

2. Plan to Bring Valuables Yourself

Money, bank cards, essential documents, ID cards, heirlooms, jewelry, and other cherished family keepsakes should ideally go with you in your car, especially for local moves. While movers are professionally trained to move allowable items meticulously, they prefer customers take care of these other things themselves. Most customers also like having the peace of mind that they know exactly where these items are at all times.

3. Finish Packing Before Moving Day

If not paying for packing services, movers prefer you get the packing finished before they arrive. Moving companies have specific timeframes allotted per customer. Extending those timeframes can result in extra charges. Set a packing schedule and stick to it to avoid being unprepared for having your boxes loaded and ready to go on moving day. It’s easier for both you and your mover.

4. Label Boxes in Detail

Many customers opt to pack their belongings themselves, which means they’ll label the boxes. So, label each moving carton in detail.

Label all contents
Add special handling instructions
Indicate the rooms where the movers should place the box

Detailing boxes helps the movers to place them in the designated rooms. In addition, the simple step of labeling saves everyone time at both ends of the move.

5. Keep Small Children and Pets Safe

If you have small kids and pets, it’s best to make alternate plans for them during the hectic hours of moving. It isn’t easy to manage tasks while making sure the kids and pets stay safe from getting underfoot. Movers are highly trained, but it’s difficult to spot a little body underfoot when carrying heavy and bulky boxes. If possible, bring children and pets to a different location or plan to stay in a safe room where a designated person can watch them.

6. Inform Movers of Changes ASAP

Sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry or change. For example, employers alter timelines, relocation on the other end is delayed, or the number/type of items to be moved needs to be adjusted. If these or any other events occur that change the scope of the move, let your mover know right away. Changes can affect equipment and the number of crew members—updating changes can help everything goes as planned.