Movers will handle all the heavy lifting for you. A full-service moving company will do everything from packing to getting your furniture off the truck and into your new home.

Many movers offer additional cleaning, storage, and vehicle transport services. Be sure to ask about these options.

The packing process can be stressful whether it’s just a few boxes or an entire home. You’ll need to organize and prioritize your items, then make a schedule for packing. The best way to minimize the stress is to start early. Begin by identifying what you don’t need, such as books or seasonal items. Then, pack those items first. Once you’ve packed non-essentials, move on to more important items such as electronics and kitchen items. Finally, pack clothing and toiletries. This will help to make the move as smooth as possible.

Before the movers arrive, prepare your house by clearing a path. Movers need easy access to your furniture and boxes. Any obstacles in the way will take up valuable time and space. If you have pets, kennels and pet houses should be cleaned and disassembled. Any rugs or mats should be rolled up for transport. Also, be sure to remove anything that can’t be moved, such as a pet bed or litterbox. This will save you from paying extra fees.

If you hire movers to pack, be available and responsive to questions. It’s best to do a walk-through with your crew leader before they start working so that everyone is on the same page. You should also point out any areas that need special care. For example, if you have an aquarium, it’s a good idea to have someone else watch it while the movers are in your home.

Professional movers can pack almost anything, but there are some things you should not let them touch. For example, movers will not transport chemicals like gasoline, fireworks, pesticides, paint thinner and cleaning products. You should also dispose of any food that is not refrigerated. You may want to ask a neighbor or family member to store these items for you until the day of your move.

The best way to ensure that your belongings are protected is to use the right materials. Make sure you have enough moving tape, boxes or storage containers, a marker for labeling and packing peanuts or other insulation for fragile items. Also, consider donating items you no longer need to a local charity or selling them at a yard sale. This will reduce the number of boxes you need to pack, and it’s an environmentally friendly way to get rid of unwanted items. You should also pack a bag of essentials, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, for your first night in your new home. This will make unpacking easier and less stressful. Finally, keep kids and pets away from the movers for their safety and your peace of mind. If they won’t stay out of the way, hire a babysitter or drop them off at a friend’s house. If you can’t do this, it’s best to put them in a room that is closed off during the move.

Loading

One of the most important aspects of a successful move is properly loading your belongings. Loading a moving truck takes time, especially when movers are handling bulky furniture and large boxes. This process can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours, depending on the size of your home and the number of items being loaded. Fortunately, there are ways to speed up the process. For instance, you can categorize your items into different categories, label boxes, and organize your items in advance. This will help reduce the amount of time it takes to load your belongings into the truck.

Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, proper loading is crucial to ensuring your possessions arrive at their destination in good condition. Different types of moves require different methods for loading, and it’s critical to understand how each method works in order to prepare your items appropriately.

If you’re unable to afford movers, you may be tempted to enlist friends and family members to help you with the packing and loading process. However, be careful when using this method, as they may not be trained in moving or packing techniques. Moreover, their lack of experience can lead to injuries and damages to your belongings.

When it comes to loading a moving truck, the best way to minimize your risk of damage is to pack in layers. In addition to being safer, this method will also allow you to maximize space in your moving truck. When packing in layers, start with lighter boxes and move up to heavier ones. This will prevent them from crashing into each other during the transport process.

The order in which a moving truck is loaded will affect the amount of time it will take to load it. Generally, square furniture goes on first, followed by mattresses and box springs. Flat fragile items should be placed in between the boxes and furniture to protect them during transit.

Lastly, large boxes and appliances are loaded last. These should be positioned in the front of the truck, where they’ll be easier to access. If you’re moving to a high-rise apartment, make sure your movers have access to an elevator before beginning the loading process.

If you have a lot of heavy or bulky items, hiring a team of professional movers to handle the loading process can save you time and money. A crew will be able to load your items safely and quickly, allowing you to relax and focus on other tasks during your move. A reputable moving company will be able to provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost of this service. They will also offer a la carte services for those who prefer to pack their own items but need help getting them onto and off of the moving vehicle.

Transportation

An important part of the moving process is transporting your belongings to your new home. Your movers can provide a number of transportation options, including shuttle service, storage-in-transit (SIT) and truck and trailer service. Whether your move is local or long-distance, proper packing and transporting are essential to prevent damage to your belongings. Some movers may offer additional services such as furniture assembly and disassembly, cleaning, disposal of packaging material and pet handling.

Survey A visit by a representative to your home to gather a detailed inventory of your household goods and provide you with an estimated shipment weight. The survey is the basis for your estimate and charges for the move.

Binding estimate A firm, fixed price for the entire move based on an onsite inventory. The movers must prepare an inventory of your shipment and present you with a copy at the time of loading. This is your contract and acts as your receipt. Non-binding estimates are based on the mover’s previous experience and may be subject to change.

Auxiliary service

When the operating conditions of your move make it physically impossible for the carrier to perform pickup or delivery with its normally assigned over-the-road equipment, such as a narrow road, bridge unable to support the weight of the van or inability to park the vehicle within a reasonable distance of the pickup/delivery residence. The mover may charge for the use of a second, smaller vehicle and/or for the extra labor required to perform impracticable operations.

Destination agent An agent located at or near your destination who provides necessary services and information at the end of your move. This person can also act as your contact at the destination.

Expedited service An agreement to transport your shipment by a specific date in exchange for charges based on a higher minimum shipment weight. This is often offered for moves between a densely populated area or to / from a major city.

Flight charge: An extra charge for carrying your shipment up or down flights of stairs at the point of origin or destination. This is usually an automatic charge for a third-floor walkup but can also be assessed for other situations. A serviceable elevator eliminates the need for this charge.