Professional movers have the ins and outs of moving down to a science. They show up with a plan and the tools (such as dollies, blankets and carpet protectors) to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Research the companies you’re considering and check their credentials. Look for membership in organizations that judge their quality.
Packing
Full packing services include packing of everything that is capable of being boxed up, including kitchen goods, clothing, linens, decor and more. They also include disassembling large furniture pieces and using protective materials for these items to ensure safe transport.
On packing day, movers will arrive at your home for a walk-through of the space to assess their scope of work. During this time, you can discuss your specific needs and provide any additional instructions. They will then begin packing room by room, starting with less-used rooms and working their way up to the kitchen.
Keep in mind that movers will pack as they go, so it's best to remove clutter and organize your home prior to their arrival. If you're comfortable, you can also help them by opening closets and cabinets for them to see what all needs to be packed. It's a good idea to clean as they go, too, especially if you have a pet that sheds or has an allergy.
The packers will use a variety of packaging materials, including boxes of different sizes, bubble wrap, packing paper and foam sheets. They'll label each box and identify the contents within to make it easier for you to find items upon unpacking. However, unless you specifically instruct them to do so, they will not include a high-value inventory of your belongings in each box.
Loading
Loading is a critical aspect of moving. It ensures that all items fit safely and securely in the truck, minimizing damage during transportation. It also optimizes space utilization and ensures that the load stays balanced throughout transit. Professionals have extensive experience in loading trucks, ensuring that your belongings are secure and protected.
The first step in the loading process is preparing the space. Remove any unnecessary items from the area and set up a loading ramp if necessary. This will ease the process of moving heavy furniture and boxes. Additionally, it will prevent back strain and other physical discomforts that can arise during the move.
Once the area is prepared, movers begin loading the largest and heaviest items first. These include large furniture pieces, appliances, and bulky equipment. They then stack smaller items and boxes on top of these large pieces. They may also place light and fragile items in the gaps between these larger items for extra padding and support.
Next, movers start loading miscellaneous items such as treadmills, ladders, lawnmowers, and tools. They then load boxes, placing heavier boxes on the bottom and lighter ones on top. They may also use blankets and pillows for additional padding. Finally, they load unique and specialty items such as grandfather clocks, china cabinets, gun safes, and pianos.
Transportation
Depending on your preferred moving services, movers will either transport your items directly to the new destination or to a warehouse where they can be stored temporarily until the final delivery to your home. In the latter case, you may be charged extra storage charges and/or warehouse handling fees.
When your movers arrive, they’ll create an inventory of your shipment, applying colored and numbered labels to each box and larger item (such as couches). You will be required to sign this list both at the origin and the destination. This helps ensure your movers are aware of everything they move and enables you to file a claim for any missing or damaged items.
If your residence isn’t accessible to the moving vehicle your movers use, you can request shuttle service. With this option, your movers will transport a smaller vehicle between your house and the larger one that will later transfer your items to your new residence.
Transportation is the process of moving people or goods from one place to another. It includes the infrastructure, vehicles, and operations involved. The main modes of transport are air, land (rail and road), water, cable, pipelines and space. The process enables human trade, which is vital for the development of civilizations.