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There are many ways to reduce the time and cost required to
complete your move. No single item will greatly lower your costs, but
any combination of the following can produce significant savings.
- Start the move as early as possible. Late starts,
particularly on large moves, can have a psychological as well as physical
effect on both the crew and you. Overtime can become a factor as well.
- Be ready when the movers arrive. Make certain that
all small items, including lamps, pictures, small mirrors, lampshades,
dishes, books, etc., are packed prior to the arrival of the movers.
Use cartons that can be sealed. Follow our 'Packing Tips' carefully.
We can supply you with all the materials necessary to ensure a proper
packing job. Keep in mind that the costs of these materials may be
outweighed by the extra cost of the move, should it take longer due
to improper packing. Mark the cartons clearly to ensure proper placement
in your new residence.
- Discard unwanted items prior to the move. Have a
garage sale for items that you no longer consider useful. Don't pay
to move what you don't need.
- Have the cars out of the driveway. Otherwise the
moving van may block them in. If the truck has to load off the street,
try to ensure that there is a parking spot specifically reserved for
the movers.
- If you are moving from an apartment, have the elevator
on service and meet the crew when they arrive in the moving room.
- In the winter, make sure the driveways and walkways
are clear and salted to prevent slipping.
- Remove all items that you are moving yourself prior
to the arrival of the movers, so they won't be in the way during the
move.
- Move small plants yourself. The movers will move
large plants at the customer's risk, if desired.
- Disconnect all appliances and remove hoses completely
from the washer and the dryer to prevent scratching and soiling of
walls and floors. Place the hoses inside the washer to ensure that
you will find them later.
- Bring garden tools, lawn mower, patio furniture,
etc. from the backyard to the front.
- Bring small items and cartons up from the basement
and put them in the garage for quicker access.
- Disassemble swing sets and other large items. If
you're moving in winter, plan ahead to prevent them from freezing
in the ground.
- Disassemble all beds. Movers assume that waterbeds
will be drained completely and disassembled prior to their arrival.
- Take mirrors off the dressers. Wrap the screws and
tape them into the top right-hand drawer of the dresser.
- Take the legs off large tables and handle carefully
to avoid damage.
- Remove screen door plungers and any doors that had
to be removed when you moved in.
- Walk through the house when the crew first arrives
and point out the things that are not to go, as well as items you
are especially concerned about.
- Make yourself available at all times in case of questions.
- Try to keep children from getting in the way of the
movers. Remember this is a big day for them, and try to be as patient
as possible.
- Assist in carrying small items, boxes, etc. Do not
attempt to carry heavy items requiring two people. The movers are
experienced at working together.
- Check the house thoroughly prior to the departure
of the crew. The driver is instructed not to leave until you are satisfied
that they have loaded everything that is to go.
- Be organized at the new house. Have someone at the
door to direct the movers. This will eliminate confusion about where
to place items.
- Pack and unpack the clothing wardrobe cartons you
rented, or which the movers supplied on the day of the move, while
the movers load and unload the truck. Make sure they're one of the
last things to go onto the truck. This way, you can unpack the wardrobe
cartons quickly and the movers can take them when they leave, thus
avoiding additional rental costs.
- Reassemble items on your own where possible to save
time and the cost of having the movers do it.
- Pick a closing date that is unique and not end of
the month.
- Think about where your moving from. (i.e. elevator
to large building may be busy)
The items listed above are just some of the money-saving
tips you can try. The most important suggestion we can make is to be
organized. Your move should be an enjoyable event, and a little planning
will ensure you and your family have a great move.
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