MOVING COMPANIES NEAR ME

TRENDY MOVING PHRASE:  “PULLING THE GEOGRAPHIC”

So, you are pulling the geographic.   It is a new beginning combined with a jarring life event. 

You are moving, searching “moving companies near me”.  Why is it that body ailments reappear? Friends disappear. Friends and family trucks are scarce. Emotions are peaking in all directions.

There is a reason stress is building as you get closer to moving day.  You are not alone.  Moving is a top-three high-stress event ranking up there with divorce, loss of job, or loss of a loved one.

In this article, I will explore the many facets of the moving process. Learn where to start through the moving day. The article assumes an individual who wants to eliminate as much stress as possible and has the income to afford a Full-Service Mover.   Convenience is worth the additional cost. 

Searching the phrase “moving companies near me” may give you thousands of results, but choosing the right Full Service Mover will be difficult and time-consuming.  Get it right.  You will learn the definition of "The Gold Standard".  Know when to schedule the move.  Know what to expect from the mover.  The cost of a Full-Service Mover?  Should I tip?

THE MOVER CATEGORIES

Moves fall into three categories:  Do it yourself move, Hybrid Move, and Full-Service Move

1. Do it yourself move:  Rent or Borrow a truck.  Pack it all.  Move to a new location.

2. Hybrid Move:  Rent or borrow a truck.  Hire help to load and unload the truck.

3. Full-Service Move:  Choose a mover to perform all the tasks associated with the move"

Here is an outline of the three categories defining the responsibilities. Data from moving.com.

MOVING COMPANIES NEAR ME OPTIONS COMPARISON

D.I.Y Move:

Loading & Unloading You

Driving                 You

Average Cost $660

Average Time 31hrs

Planning:         6hrs

Packing:                 13hrs

Moving Day:         12hrs

Hybrid Move:

Helpers + Your Own Truck

Packing & Unpacking You

Loading & Unloading Helpers

Driving                 You

Average Cost $910

Average Time 21hrs

Planning:         5hrs

Packing:                 13hrs

Moving Day:         3hrs

Full Service Move:

Movers + Truck

Packing & Unpacking You

Loading & Unloading Movers

Driving                 Movers

Average Cost $2,568

Average Time 51hrs

Planning:         48hrs

Packing:                 2hrs

Moving Day:         1hrs

In summary, time is money.  

THE EPIC MOVING CHECKLIST (summarized from updater.com)

8 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

No.  It is not too soon to begin the moving process.

1. Create a digital “moving companies near me” folder. You’re not going to remember all of the details, so throw documents in a folder online for easy reference.

2. Search “moving companies near me” and schedule in-home estimates with a moving company. Get at least three estimates, if you can.

3. Create a budget for moving expenses. We know you want to hire professional movers, buy that new sectional and wine fridge, but priorities, right?

6 WEEKS FROM MOVING DAY

4. Read over documents from your movers before signing anything.

Learn about the documents you'll be receiving ahead of time to avoid getting intimidated by contracts. It is important.

5. Plan how to move fragile or unusual items, such as guns, pianos, fine art, pool tables, safes, etc. Some full-service movers will not move these items.

6.  Collect free boxes from restaurants, liquor, grocery, office supply stores, or local bookstores.

Most have more boxes than they know what to do with and will be more than happy to hand them over for free.

7.   Label your moving boxes using different colored stickers/tape for each room.

Once you arrive at your new home, this will make unpacking so much easier.

8.  Mark moving boxes that are fragile.

You don’t want textbooks stacked on top of your grandmother’s dishes.

4 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

9. Use or donate items, such as frozen foods, bleach, and aerosol cans.

00. Gather all financial, legal, and medical (includes dental and optical) records in one place.

2 WEEKS BEFORE MOVING DAY

11. Create a moving file to organize your move-related printed receipts and bills.

In addition, to your digital “moving” folder, you’ll want to keep a file of moving-related expenses and check with the IRS to see if you can deduct your moving expenses on your tax return.

12. Remove light bulbs from all lamps you plan to move

13. Prepare a list of emergency service technicians and preferred providers.

You don't want to be googling plumbers while your toilet is overflowing in your new home.

14. Find somewhere safe for pets to go during your move. 

Look into doggy daycare or ask a friend to watch them for a day

15. Forward your mail

16. Transfer your utilities

17. Update your driver’s license

18. Clean outdoor furniture before it’s moved

1 WEEK BEFORE MOVING DAY

19. Clean your current home for the next resident

20. Make a worst-case scenario plan in case your movers run late

21.  Withdraw cash to tip movers (See my section on tipping)

22. Clean your new place

MOVING DAY

23.  If you are a drinker, time to bring out the bubbly. Set the alarm,  get up early and ENJOY YOUR DAY.  You made the wise decision to partner with a Full Service Moving Company.  Relax. 

HOW MUCH WILL FULL-SERVICE MOVING COMPANIES NEAR ME COST?

The more responsibilities the mover has, the higher the price.  Common sense, right?  Consider $25-$50 per hour.  The final price will depend on:

1.  How many movers

2. How much stuff

3. Travel distance

4. Extra fees apply to some packing materials

5. The tasks performed

6. The time of year (Price will be higher during popular times, holidays and seasons).

The TIPPING BATTLE-SHOULD I?

Consider a tip as an expression of above-average satisfaction.  Moving is a skill worth appreciating.

Is your food below par?  A good server can fix that.  If an antique breaks, it cannot be replaced. 

Stay within the industry standard of $10-$50 per mover.  Did the movers lift heavy items or transport ten pieces of Tupperware?  Did the movers arrive on time?  Finish early?  Did the movers take good care of you?  

Movers will appreciate receiving the tip individually.  Do not get "tip Happy" and pay before the move completion.

CHOOSING THE MOVER FROM MOVING COMPANIES NEAR ME - The Gold Standard

Choosing the right mover will dictate moving day.  Full-service movers are the gold standard. 

Selecting the right bonded and insured mover from all the “moving companies near me” result is the most critical and time-consuming part of the move.

From tonnes of results of “moving companies near me” choose three full-service movers near you for a phone discussion regarding your details.  Expect a general estimate.  Narrow your choice.  Schedule home visits. Request a quote.  Make sure the mover meets all your needs.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM MOVERS-BURIED IN BUBBLE WRAP?

Do not make endless trips to the store and get buried in bubble wrap and tape.  The movers will supply the packing material.  It includes blankets and padding.

Love to move?  Hate to Pack?  No worries.  The trained movers will pack the entire dwelling in a fraction of time it would you.  Yes, fragile items are secured.

Cannot find a screwdriver or gadget to disassemble the furniture?  The professionals will fully or partially disassemble and reassemble furniture.

You guessed it!  The pros will load and unload the truck.  Just be at the new location at the designated time to accept the shipment.

Hating to pack means hating to unpack also.  The movers will unpack and place the items in a designated location.  Supplies will be disposed of properly.  Again, no need to be buried in bubble wrap.

Ideally, the stress of moving day is low because of preparation.  Of course, the process will not be perfect.  Roll with the punches during the process and keep an eye on moving day—a day to RELAX with a favorite cocktail or mocktail.