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There is nothing simple about uprooting your life and moving a household – regardless of distance. Ultimately your best course of action is to choose a trusted mover, experienced with planning and quoting complicated moves. At Express Moving Consultants, we work with you to minimize potential risks and surprises. Be prepared to discuss the following items with one of our consultants to simplify the planning process.
- Packing Services
Some might say that packing is the most stressful part of moving. It can be a slow, emotional and sometimes overwhelming process. It is no wonder that many people with moving experience choose to hire professional packers. Be honest with yourself upfront and budget for some help before you endeavor the process on your own. - Packing Supplies
Whether packing for yourself or hiring a professional, you need to keep track of your supplies. As a rule of thumb, it is better to budget for an excess upfront rather than run short at the last minute. Proper packing makes a difference; don’t compromise your efforts with a lack of supplies. - Unexpected Inventory
Every now and then Murphy’s Law like to challenge us with the unexpected. When moving, it is easy to forget to check the shed, the attic or an off-site storage unit. These unfortunate oversights often lead to additional charges, especially if you leave out something big like a lawnmower or grandma’s favorite couch. We avoid this by going through your inventory multiple times, cross-referencing pictures and video calls, and knowing the correct questions to ask you. - Electronics and Appliance Service
There are a number of items around your home that require the attention of a service technician before and after a move. Most moving companies will not move connected audio/visual equipment or washers and dryers. These appliances should be properly serviced and secured by a professional. - Special Handling
Many oversize, delicate or high-value items require special equipment, packing and handling during a move. Notify your mover of any specialty items so they can properly quote for any necessary additional service, materials and protection. - Stairs, Elevators and Distances
Some moving companies charge extra if their crew has to negotiate obstacles when loading and unloading. Notify your mover of any stairs, elevators or excessive distances they may encounter during the move. - Shuttle Fees
Depending on the location of your home, the street access or local ordinances may prevent a large moving truck from providing direct service to your door. If this is the case, your mover may have to shuttle goods between your home and a convenient off-site location before loading and unloading can occur. - Storage
If your home is not ready on move-in day, you may need to temporarily store some of your household goods. Depending on your circumstance and the size of your move, we can typically offer 30 days of free storage with free re-delivery. We can have your items stored as long as you need then have them delivered to your new location when you're ready. - Parking Permits
Some cities and municipalities require special permits for loading and unloading moving trucks. Check with local governments at your origin and destination to familiarize yourself with zoning ordinances and inquire with your moving company to see if permits are covered by your estimate. This also applies to apartment or town-home communities – there may be space restrictions or specific days/hours that they will allow new tenants to move in or out. - Scheduling
Some moving companies use demand-based pricing schedules that increase prices during busy periods. We always stress to our customers that booking ahead of time can save you money and headaches – as well as on our end with the scheduling process. We can also honor any date changes as long as you give us 7 business days ahead of the day your move was originally scheduled for. - Gratuity
While it is not a requirement in any industry, many service providers appreciate a customary tip. If you are pleased with your service, search the internet for “tipping movers” to see what qualifies as proper etiquette in your area. - Binding Estimates
The best way to avoid surprise moving charges is to insist on a binding moving estimate, which we provide at Express Moving Consultants. With a binding estimate your mover is bound to the quoted rate of your move as well as the dates you are scheduled to have your items picked up. Whether your move comes in more or less cubic ft. than we originally quoted your, the total cost will always be adjusted according to your original estimate and rate at which your move was scheduled at. While exceptions apply, a binding estimate allows you to move with the confidence that your moving charges will not unexpectedly change prior to delivery.