Moving 101
As Jerry Seinfeld once said, “To me, if life boils down to one thing, it's movement. To live is to keep moving.” He, obviously wasn’t talking about moving from one home to another... Anyone who has ever moved knows that it can be a taxing experience. That’s why StarCity Moving has come up the Moving 101 guide. With these tips, we feel confident that your move will go so smoothly that you will be able to take Jerry’s advice and want to keep moving!
In Moving 101 you will learn how to save money, organize your belongings, choose a moving company, and much, much more..
1) When is the Best Time to Move?
You’re asking yourself, ‘Is there ever a good time to move?!’ The answer is: Yes. If you are flexible with your move date and can stay away from moving at the middle or end of the month, your wallet will be thanking you! Check out StarCity’s Moving Calendar and find out on which days you can enjoy special discounted moving rates.
While moving in the summer months can be more pleasant, you won’t be the only one thinking so. In May through September, moving services are in highest demand. Along with rising temperatures comes rising bills for moves. If you do decide to move during the peak season, try to plan your move as far in advance as possible. Use our Moving Timeline to guide you in your planning process.
2) When in Doubt, Throw it Out!
One of the hardest things to let go of are your valued possessions. That computer in the basement that’s been collecting dust for the past three years which you’ve been planning to fix, or that set of encyclopedias that have never been opened. While moving forces you to realize how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the years, it can be a blessing in disguise. If you have things that you haven’t touched or looked at in years, get rid of them! Don’t worry, you won’t mourn your losses for long- if you’ve managed to survive without the old, broken computer thus far, you can do it again! The rule of thumb is: “When in doubt, throw it out.”
There’s something to the saying, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” There are multiple outlets for sell- ing your stuff, including: Ebay, Craigslist, etc. Yes, there really is someone out there who will pay good money for Grandma’s retro tea set! If time is of the essence, and you aren’t having any luck selling your stuff online, then consider having a garage sale. If you’re in a giving mood, you can donate to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill store- you could even get a tax deduction!
3) How to Choose a Mover
- Ask for References - Legitimate movers should be able to provide you with countless names, email addresses, and phone numbers of satisfied clients. You should contact a couple previous clients of each moving company to get an idea of what to expect.
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Make Sure the Moving Company You are Considering is Licensed and Insured - All moving companies are required by law to operate with a specific state license for moves within the state and a USDOT/ MC number for out of state moves. Moving companies should also have business liability insurance and cargo insurance. The following websites provide useful information about mover credentials and qualifications:
- Check Out Independent Review Sites - When scanning a moving company’s reviews, look for consistency. If every review says the movers showed up late, you know what to expect! Keep in mind that there are always two sides to every story- if there is a negative review, also take into consideration if and how the moving com- pany has responded.
- Pick Movers with Binding Estimates Only - When you receive a binding estimate, you have the comfort of knowing that your move won’t exceed a certain amount. This makes it easier to more effectively budget your move. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), a binding estimate must accurately describe the shipment and all the services the moving company will provide. Your mover must retain a copy of the binding estimate and attach it to the bill of lading.
- Pick the Moving Company You’re Most Comfortable With - Your pre-move interaction with moving com- panies can shed light on their professionalism, integrity, and attentiveness to your needs. Has everyone from the company you’ve dealt with been friendly and knowledgeable? Have your needs been accommodated in a pro- fessional and timely manner? In the long-run, you should pick the company that makes you feel the most at ease. You should, nevertheless, still check the company’s reviews and/or references.
4) Organize Your Belongings
The more organized you are, the smoother your moving experience will be. We suggest dividing your inventory into three main categories:
- Items to be Handled By the Movers
- Items to be Handled By Yourself
- Items to be Left Behind, Sold, or Given Away
Start by forming two room layouts. One for your current place and one for your future place. This will help you figure out where you can logistically place your items. It will also help you realize which items will not fit into your new place. Within each room, make a list of items you’d like to have handled by the movers.
Certain items like aerosol cans, plants, flammable liquids, etc are by Federal Law not allowed to be transported by moving companies. For a more in depth list, please check out our Non-Transportable Items List.
5) The Packing Process
To pack or not to pack? That is the question. Most moving companies offer varying levels of service in order to accommodate different budgets and needs. You have to ask yourself what level of involvement you would like to have on your move day. Would you like to do all your own packing? Would you like to be responsible for pro- viding your own boxes and other supplies? You can ask movers to give you a breakdown of how much extra packing, unpacking and materials cost. This will make it easier to decide which level of service meets your budget. Check out our Packing Guide to learn how to pack specific items properly. We also carry a wide array of moving supplies and kits in our supply store.
6) Color Code Your Move
Designate a color for each room in your new place. Label each box with the specific color of the room it belongs in and put a color-coded sign near each room. During your move, this will allow the movers to place boxes where they belong. Check out our Moving Supply Store where you can purchase color-coded labels for each of your rooms and boxes.
7) Utility and Address Change
Don’t forget to notify your utility companies of your new address and to submit the official Change of Address form with the United States Postal Service.
8) Keep Track of Important Papers
Make sure you keep important papers like: birth certificates, various titles, contracts, current bills, phone lists, bank records, etc in a separate box than other, less-important paperwork. Consider taking this box with you on your move day, so as to not get it mixed up with your other belongings.
9) What to Do With Valuables
It’s a good idea to carry small valuable possessions yourself on your move day. These items can include: jewelry, silverware, small antique items, etc. If there are some things of extraordinary value that you are not able to take yourself, than it may be a good idea to buy additional insurance for the items.
10) How to Treat the Movers
It’s always nice to have a couple of drinks and/or snacks around for the movers. Keep in mind they are doing hard physical labor and may be working for long hours to complete your move. In addition, it is typical to leave gratuity for the movers based on your level of satisfaction. A 15-20% tip of your total bill is common. The tip can be added to the credit card bill or can be paid in cash.