1: What To Do Before the Move
Before hiring a moving company, you must get an estimate in writing. If possible, ask friends and family members if they have any recommendations. Online reviews can also be helpful. Some things to consider: hidden fees, insurance for damage, and theft. Be sure to read over your final contract before signing anything; you should know exactly what is included in your quoted price and be given a clear explanation of what is not included. Also, take photos of everything before you move it—especially high-value items like artwork or computers. You should keep these in a safe place because many moving companies don’t cover these kinds of valuables unless they are explicitly listed in your written agreement. Make sure to include them on your inventory list.
Moving day will go much more smoothly when everyone involved is on the same page about how much work needs to be done. Don’t underestimate the workload by saying it’s just my stuff. Every item that goes into boxes and gets moved onto a truck will require some amount of physical labor on your part, as well as some degree of emotional attachment. And finally, pack light!
2: What To Do After the Move
When you’re moving across, there are a lot of unknowns. Where exactly will your stuff go? What should you do with it all once it arrives? How soon can you start living in your new place? That’s why smart people work with a moving company. They want to know that their possessions are going to be taken care of, and so they ask questions like: What should I do with my stuff while my apartment is being painted and remodeled? Will my valuables be covered if something goes wrong during transit? Is there anything I can put in storage until I figure out what’s next for me?
