The busiest times for moving companies 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 moving companies.

Take the following factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for you to move. 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. Keep in mind that yours is most likely not the only shipment on the truck, so if possible, be flexible with your destination timeframe as well.

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

Try to provide the moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the busy season. Six weeks from the actual move date is not too early for estimators to come to your home to complete an initial survey. Allow for even more time if you are obligated by your employer to submit estimates for approval. Call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates no later than four weeks from your actual load day during pea k periods (this timeframe can be shortened in the off peak season).

The relocation consultant will complete the visual survey of your household items. Once this is completed, they will calculate the weight, packing costs and any other charges 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. Don’t be alarmed if the relocation consultant goes through your cabinets and closets or looks under beds and on top of cabinets. Crawl spaces, attics and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so be sure to point these areas out when the relocation consultant arrives. Similarly, if there are items you will be eliminating, be sure to point them out as well.

TIP: 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. Not only will you save money by not paying to move otherwise unwanted items, but should you decide to move items not included in your estimate it is possible that there may not be sufficient room on the van for all of your belongings.

The driver will usually inventory your shipment as it is loaded (although this is not required by law). When completed, the inventory provides a detailed, descriptive listing of your household goods and the condition of each item when received by the mover.

Remember, this inventory is for you to keep track of what is loaded and the condition of each item. If damage occurs on a particular piece during the loading process, get the inventory tag number on that item and make a note in the far right hand column on the line that corresponds with that piece. This is the document that will be scrutinized when the claims process is initiated so it is important to have the damage clearly noted.

This inventory should also be used at destination when your shipment is delivered. Use the inventory to verify articles upon delivery and again note an exception to the condition of the items as they are brought into your home. Point out any damage to the driver.

If damage to an item existed at the point of origin, it should have been noted on the inventory at the time of loading. If you are not sure if it the damage is new or existing, ask your driver to explain the condition of the piece as he noted on the inventory during the loading process.

The inventory is fundamentally a safeguard for both you and your mover; this is why it is required that both parties attest to the condition of items in writing as recorded on the inventory.

Yes, but how much protection you have, and its cost depend on the valuation coverage you selected.

The most important thing to understand is that valuation is not insurance. The valuation you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the carrier. The liability of a carrier for loss or damage is based upon the carrier’s tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations that have certain limitations and exclusions. Most household insurance policies cover goods in transit, but it is advisable to confirm this with your insurance provider.

Released Value – This is the most economical as it is no cost to you. This option provides only minimal protection and is not sufficient coverage for almost all shipments. It will pay you $.60 per pound per article if lost or damaged. That means a piece of furniture weighing 75 lbs would receive a settlement of $45.00. You will be asked to initial the bill of lading if you select this coverage. Released value coverage is considered supplemental and is only recommended if your household insurance policy fully covers replacement costs of damaged items.

Full Extra Care Protection – This is your most comprehensive coverage. You may hear it referred to as “full replacement value” as well as “full value protection”. If you elect to purchase full value protection, articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with like items or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged item. Depreciation of the lost or damaged item is not a factor in determining replacement value when the shipment is moved under full value protection.

The cost of full value protection may be further subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost. Ask your mover for the details of their specific plan.

You mover may ask you to select from one to several consecutive days during which your goods will be loaded. This window (referred to as a load spread) depends upon the size of your shipment and the time of the year when your shipment is loaded. If you are able to remain flexible during the busy season by allowing for extra days on your load spread, you will have a better chance of securing a truck and driver to load your shipment.

The customer service representative and/or driver will contact you at least 24 hours prior to load day to inform you of the crew’s time of arrival. Be sure to communicate any changes that have taken place that may affect loading day (i.e., the street in front of your home is now under construction, preventing the large over-the-road truck to get near your home). If you anticipate being unable to complete your packing, contact your mover as soon as possible so that they can send out professional packers to complete the job for you.

Make sure your home is ready for the crew. Move anything off the porch and walkways that may obstruct movement of your goods out of the home. Take doors of the hinges if you know certain items will not fit through. Remove all small throw rugs from traffic areas that could cause the driver or crew to trip or slip.

Have water, Gatorade or soda on hand for the driver and crew, especially on a hot summer day. They will come prepared but will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Our drivers will prepare the home with runners, door jam protectors and railing protectors in applicable. This will help prevent the minor incidental damage that can occur during the loading process.

Your driver will contact you 24 hours prior to delivery. The moving company will assign a customer service representative as your primary contact and they will be able to provide you with an update as to the date your goods will arrive.

Be certain to provide the driver with all your contact information. If you can be reached by cell phone, at work, a hotel or temporary residence or by email please let the driver know. If you will be impossible to reach, make arrangements with a friend or family member to serve as the liaison between you and the driver and provide the driver with that contact information.