Waiting until the last minute to pack and find a moving company is a recipe for disaster. That’s why it’s important that you and your family are realistic about what you can accomplish in a given amount of time.
Packing at the eleventh hour is only going to heighten stress, reduce preparedness, and increase the likelihood of damaged goods. Therefore, if you know that a relocation is in your cards, it’s critical that you layout a realistic timeline before your move.
Begin Planning Six Weeks Ahead
In general, summer is the best time to move. The kids are out of school, the weather is better, and the hours of daylight are on your side. However, it’s also the busiest time to move.
In fact, the U.S. Census Bureau found that a staggering 48.4% of all moves take place between June and September. This also means moving companies are going to be up to their gills in moving reservations.
To play it safe, you should reach out to a moving company six to eight weeks prior to your desired moving date in order to obtain an estimate. This is especially true during peak season.
Even if you’re moving during the offseason or moving somewhere local, it’s still important to contact a moving company about an estimate at least two to three weeks before your move.
All things being equal, a good rule of thumb is to begin planning about six weeks ahead of your moving date.
Give Yourself Time to Examine the Estimate
The cheapest estimate isn’t always best solution. In fact, that’s rarely the case. Take the time to ensure your moving company has a good Better Business Bureau rating. We’re proud to say at B.F. Fields, we have an A+ rating!
Also, check for your moving company’s policy on damaged items. Under federal law, all interstate movers must offer at least two different liability options:
- Maximum Value Protection
- Basic Liability protection
Choose a moving company who is willing to give you guidance on the best coverage for you and your belongings. In addition, ask if the company’s drivers are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
At B.F. Fields, all of our drivers meet and exceed FMCSA’s Regulations. This will give you the peace of mind you need knowing that your cherished belongings are in good hands.
To examine each moving company’s estimate, check the Better Business Bureau for their respective rating, review each policy, and make sure that you give yourself at least two to three days within that six week time frame to look each item over carefully.
Review Your Rights and Responsibilities
Before you select a moving company, be sure you understand the documents you’ll be signing. Whether you visit FMSCA’s website or review the booklet Your Rights and Responsibilities When Your Move, it’s important that you know the warning signs of rogue movers and are aware of your rights should any damages occur during a move.
Rogue movers are moving companies who hold your belonging hostage once they’re loaded onto the truck. In order to have them delivered, the company will force you to pay more money—often significantly more than the original estimate.
FMCSA points out a few red flags that will help you determine if the moving company you requested an estimate from is legitimate. A company may be fraudulent if they:
- Don’t agree to an onsite inspection
- Demand cash or a large deposit
- Ask you to sign incomplete contracts
- Don’t have a local address
- Claim all goods are covered by their insurance
- Determine charges after loading
Give yourself a day or two within the six-week time frame to investigate the reputation of your prospective moving companies. Be sure to ask your friends and family for moving companies they recommend. Visit FMCSA’s Protect Your Move to do a quick yet thorough search.
Start Packing Early
Once you’ve chosen a moving company, the next order of business is to start packing. Give yourself about two weeks lead time in order to reduce stress and improve the organization of your belongings.
Start by making a basic schedule and a checklist of items to pack each day. It may be advantageous to buy fresh moving boxes, blank newsprint (for padding), and a couple moving blankets.
Begin packing items in the attic, basement, and garage first. Generally, the items in these rooms aren’t used every day. Once these rooms are packed, cleaned, and organized, they can also become designated work spaces. As you are packing up the main living areas in your home, consider what items you’ll need to use right up until your move, such as:
- Cell phone and charger
- Clean clothes
- Hygiene products
- Medications
- Moving documents
Start Your Search with B.F. Fields
Ultimately, we recommend that you give yourself a six week timeframe to plan, pack, and make your move. We also recommend you begin your search for a mover with B.F. Fields, a company that takes pride in every move we make.
From our drivers to our Relocation Consultants, our staff aims to make your relocation as smooth as possible. If you’re interested in a quote, click here to contact us today or call us at (814) 454-2481.
