Prime Van Lines has been dedicated to delivering stress-free moves for over 20 years, so we’d like to share some of the insights we’ve gained along the way. Take a few minutes to scan the advice and tips in our moving guide. It should serve you well!

Summer is traditionally the busiest season for the moving industry. The beginning and the end of the month are usually busier than mid-month, no matter what the season, and the end-of-year holidays are often busy, as well. During these periods, rates will be higher because of increased demand. If you’re able to schedule your move between October and April, you will find lower rates and greater availability.

Be sure to schedule an on-site estimate before you hire a moving company. A relocation consultant should come to your home to take a visual inventory of the items you plan to move, and then prepare a written estimate for your review.

Determine what items you want to ship and what will be discarded. Inspect your home thoroughly before the relocation consultant arrives, and show the consultant everything that you will be moving. A little advance preparation will save you time, hassles and money!

Effective communication is essential to a successful move. Be certain your mover has marked all items that are “going” and “not going” on the survey sheet. The mover should prepare an estimate that includes transportation charges and the cost for any additional services you may request. Keep in mind that the total cost of your move will change if you decide to add or subtract items on moving day. Inform the mover of any changes to your shipment.

If you plan to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that movers are not liable for damage to items that they have not been responsible for packing. However, if there is obvious exterior damage on packing up your goods, make a note on the inventory sheet of your shipment. The driver has the right to refuse to accept any carton that is improperly packed, and if the moving company has to re-pack cartons originally packed by the customer, additional charges will apply.

If you decide to do your own packing, get packing supplies and start collecting strong boxes suitable for moving. Your mover should be able to provide these, although many movers charge customers for delivering materials. Complete all packing by moving day. You will be busy enough on moving day without having to worry about last-minute packing.

If your move is a corporate relocation, find out what portion of your moving expenses will be paid by your company.

Obtain a written appraisal of antiques to verify their value. Do not retouch, wax or oil wood furniture before moving. Some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

Notify the post office that you will be moving. Provide them with the new address, whether permanent or temporary. You can use the following link to change your address online: https://moversguide.usps.com/?referral=USPS.

How to select a mover

• Before you even talk with a mover, decide what household goods will be shipped and what will be sold or given away. In addition to cutting down on clutter, you’ll save money!

• Get references for reliable movers from your friends and family. Request estimates from more than one company so you can comparison shop. Be sure to ask each prospective mover how long the estimate is valid and determine whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. Never accept an estimate over the phone and do not consider using a company that operates this way.

• Contact the Better Business Bureau to inquire about the company’s complaint record and, importantly how or whether these complaints were resolved.

• Check for the mover’s Department of Transportation (DOT) license number. All movers are required to be licensed, although interstate movers are required to meet two additional criteria;
  
  1. Publish their tariffs or price list and make it available to anybody who requests a copy.
     
  2. Participate in a dispute settlement program and offer neutral arbitration in the event a dispute arises. A dispute may arise in the event loss or damage happens to a shipment while in the hands of the mover.
     
• Be very clear about the coverage available for loss or damage to your shipment. All licensed movers must provide liability for the value of goods they transport. There are different levels of liability, and you need to understandthe amount of protection provided and what additional charges may apply.

• Consider whether you want to do the packing, or whether you’d prefer your mover to handle that for you.

• Inform the mover of any issues on either end of the move so that your estimate will be more accurate. Make the mover aware of any challenges, such as limited parking or street accessibility, delivery time restrictions or if there are any stairs or elevators involved. All of these issues can increase the cost of your move. Try to reserve a parking space for the moving van if your new home is on a congested street. If the moving crew has to carry your load more than 75 feet from the moving van to your door you may be charged for excessive distance.

• Some issues to consider include neighborhoods that prohibit trucks over a certain weight. The driver will be required to offload your possessions into a smaller vehicle, and that will cost more. Advise the relocation consultant if you anticipate this situation. As well, advise the consultant if you are moving to a high-rise building where an elevator reservation is required. This can cause logistical problems if the mover does not know about this in advance, and additional charges will likely apply.

Ask the mover questions so there are no surprises on moving day:

1. Will there be extra charges if the movers have to go up an extra flight of stairs even if I did not know about it when booking? (Many times you may not have enough information at the time of the estimate to be completely accurate.)
   
2. What is the estimated delivery time and will the driver notify me?
   
3. If I do the packing myself, what types of packing materials are acceptable?
   
4. What form of payment is expected? Cash, credit card, personal or certified check?
   
5. When is full payment due?
   
6. Will the movers disassemble everything that needs to be taken apart, and will they reassemble all items at the destination?
   
7. Following the initial weigh-in, will there be an additional weigh-in to determine actual cost?
   
8. If I have purchased liability insurance and need to make a claim, what is the procedure