Feeling anxious about a pending move? For most of us, our homes serve as sanctuaries with prized possessions and warm memories. Moving uproots us from what we have become accustomed to. But closing one door is opening another one. To ensure a successful transplant, be informed and plan accordingly. To reduce some of the stress, learn helpful steps you can take to ensure the smoothest moves possible and what to expect from Full-Service Movers.

Everything associated with your move can be handled by full-service movers, including:

  • packing materials
  • supplies
  • packing services
  • other administrative items, such as permits
  • specialty handling of bulky, fragile, or temperature sensitive items
  • furniture disassembly and assembly
  • moving trucks and transport
  • truck loading and unloading
  • unpacking
  • placing items to directed spots in your new location
  • disposal of packing material
  • storage
  • additional insurance
  • labor

If you carefully select your mover and budget realistically to pay for it, then go for the white glove service and focus on other things. If instead you want to get as much support as possible while operating as economically as possible, take on those things that will be (relatively) easy for you and save time for your movers to lower costs and increase value.

 

What are factors driving moving cost?

Anticipate that movers charge $40 to $60 an hour per mover. Whatever you can do to reduce your mover’s time commitment should translate into better service or reduced costs to you.

At McAvey Moving Company, we have moved thousands of customers during our 35 years cross county and cross country. From our experience, we can share that a 1,500 square foot home with 3 bedrooms moving within Westchester County takes a half-day and costs can range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on a variety of factors. The “average house” can be hard to define. Many homeowners have one or two needs that make their situation “unique.” While this guideline is useful, to get an accurate, guaranteed quote, calls us for an appointment. Additionally, we can provide guidance on additional services, such as storage or automobile transport.

 

Pre-move moves

  • Schedule an estimate
  • Choose services and service providers wisely
  • Understand terms
  • Take inventory
  • Categorize
  • Diagram
  • Donate or discard
  • Self-pack certain items like valuables
  • Review Insurance
  • Set aside essentials
  • Align schedule

Whether it is a work relocation, school attendance or a change in personal situation, when you decide that you need to move, you will need to choose the new home you will move to as well as the date you expect to move. Movers cannot begin to give you an estimate without:

  • the move origin
  • the move destination
  • the move date or window

In addition to distance travel, movers will need to gauge specific characteristics of the move locations – such as parking restrictions, homeowner association rules, narrow passageway, or elevator access, among other things. To further improve their estimate accuracy, they will need to assess how much furniture and how many items you need to move. They will need to identify those items that are bulky, fragile, or highly valuable. You can have the movers tally inventory and categorize items. Or you can expedite the process, save time or money and assure your own confidence in that record keeping by producing that list yourself. Bonus points if you diagram how things are laid out in your home and your destination.

Get more than one quote to get a sense of the market. While the lowest quote might appear attractive, make sure you compare apples to apples. Consider quality, service levels, guarantees, timeliness, reviews, and experience among other intangibles. Sometimes, the costliest services result from hidden charges, broken items, mistakes, or non-delivered services. Be sure that you are clear about the timing and nature of payment and what constitutes breach of contract. If you are not clear on terms, ask questions or get advice.

If your prospective residence is like your current one, then you may be able to maintain the status quo. However, if your destination is smaller or you have older items that will need to be replaced, it is best to donate or otherwise discard items that you will no longer need. Doing so will reduce the weight of items to be shipped as well as the time to pack and unpack them – saving time and money. Besides, decluttering has its own value.

With valuable or fragile items, such as jewelry or art, you may want to pack them yourself or assure that your mover packs them carefully. Review whether your homeowner policy provides adequate insurance for these items. For an item that has appreciated since purchase, you might want more than just replacement value. Compare the mover’s quote for additional insurance against one from your current agent.

Professional movers have years of experience and are typically accurate with projected timeframes. Still, the unpredictable is…unpredictable. Who knows when an accident, inclement weather or simply traffic might bog things down? So, plan to pack a portable bag of essential items you might need either immediately upon arrival at your new home or that could tide you over for a day or two in case of delay.

Once these pre-moving items have been settled, be sure to set up your schedule – but be flexible to deal with contingencies. Also, establish a clear line of communication with your provider to minimize surprises to either you or them.

 

Moving Day Moves

  • Remove impediments where possible
  • Assure any permits, permissions, or time slots as needed
  • Beware of any disassembly or assembly needed
  • Prepare appliances and utilities accordingly
  • Factor how wall hangings or floor coverings will be dealt with
  • Dispose of packing material
  • Leave departed residence intact and possibly broom clean

On the day of your move, the smallest things could make a substantial difference. For example, if possible, make it easier for the moving truck to park in front of your house or in the driveway. If the freight elevator can be reserved or is only in use during limited hours, make sure your movers are aware. If there are homeowner rules, share that information. Full-service movers will plan for doors to be removed from hinges or furniture disassembled accordingly. Refrigerators may need to be defrosted or water appliances disconnected. If you need power throughout your move, make sure your electricity is not cut off before moving day. Many full-service movers may not reconnect appliances or complex home entertainment systems – but may refer to a local electrician who does.

Do not forget about any special needs your plants, pets, children, or elderly parents might require. If possible, set aside snacks or beverages for yourself, your family, or your movers to make the day a little more pleasant.

Post Move Considerations

  • Inspect your move or move-in
  • Review your movers

Once everything has been packed, loaded, moved, and unloaded, you can begin to review. Has furniture been placed and reassembled as agreed to? Have broken items been noted and acknowledged? Are appliances connected? Are utilities working? Some of these things may not be within the scope of the services provided by your mover. Alternatively, they may provide you with advice or referrals to related services. If the mover you are working with has an online presence – be sure to share your experiences on Google, Facebook or Yelp. Just as your decision may have been influenced by reviews you read, it’s your chance to add your experience to the conversation. Your feedback could encourage your movers or alert them to the need to improve their services.

 

Making a Smoother Move

While experience may be the best teacher, asking questions and planning can be the next best thing. Moving costs are influenced by the weight of items to be moved and the distance traveled. Spring through Summer is the busy season for moving and incur premium charges. Specialty items, such as pool tables, require extra handling – which adds time and cost.

Whereas everyone would like to save a dollar or two when possible – how realistic is it for you to do so during a move? If you are going to pack yourself, do you have the proper supplies to handle fragile items accordingly? Will you be able to perform the heavy lifting for larger items? Can you move furniture without damaging either the item or your residence? Are you comfortable driving a larger vehicle? Do you know the rules of the road or any restrictions for say, parkways? Do you have liability insurance in case your friend throws out his back helping you move? If your job takes up all your free time and your kids take up all your energy, go the stress-free way and work with a full-service mover who can plan and execute every portion of your move.

Consider also that a professional mover will be able to pack more efficiently – that is faster, more carefully, and with better spacing due to years of experience. Additionally, they will have specialized equipment to handle piano moving or specialty packaging to safeguard art or electronics.

Whether you are moving locally or long distance, the most important quality of a move is the safe and timely arrival of your belongings to your new home as you begin a new chapter. Therefore, go with a reputable moving company to have a positive experience. Read reviews, ask for referrals, and check with rating agencies such as the FMCSA for complaints.

Demand transparency about terms – including quote accuracy, service guarantee, payment terms and communication consistency. Moving is stressful enough – no need to add the drama of an unethical mover or things just going wrong.

Remember, to move the right way, call McAvey. Call us on (914) 747-1533. Alternatively, fill out our form and we will contact you to begin the quotation process.