Making Your Move In Portland A Little Easier

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Moving Tips For Your Convenience

Here are some quick moving tips provided by www.movingtips.org scroll down to see our FAQ’s

Create a folder to keep all records related to the move. You can also use a legal-sized envelope.
Plan the actual physical move (are you renting a truck, hiring movers, etc.). Then get estimates for each.
If you are moving for a job find out what moving expenses will be reimbursed and what receipts or documentation you will need for that purpose.
If you are going to need temporary or permanent storage for some of your items figure that out now as well.
Schedule the turn on and turn off of your utilities: Phone, Internet, Cable, Water, Garbage, Gas, and Electric services.
Determine how you are going to move your vehicles and other valuables (especially for long distance moves).
Sketch out a floor plan of the new home to figure out what furniture you can take with you and what new furniture you may need to get.
Hold a garage sale or go through all of your belongings and donate what you don’t need to Goodwill. If you haven’t used it in the last year, you probably don’t need it (unless it is a keepsake).
Contact schools, doctors, and dentists to transfer your records to the new location and to get referrals from them as appropriate.
Start collecting packing materials boxes, tape, and all related packing materials to keep your belongings safe as you transport them.
Make any home repairs that you may need to make (especially if a deposit is on the line). Get it over with.
Return anything you may have borrowed from any neighbors to make sure you leave on good terms.
Get back anything you may have loaned out to neighbors unless you never want to see it again.
Start using up food in your pantry and refrigerator so you don’t have to move too much to your new home.

Things Household Goods Movers Cannot Transport or Store

Propane Tanks
Gas Tanks
Hazardous Chemicals
Person Items such as wills and jewelry

FAQ's

Here are a few example questions that commonly come up.

How do I know that a company is a licensed mover?

Licensed Movers must have operating authority from the state of Oregon. This is a very complicated task so there are a lot of rouge movers out there. Here is how you can tell…

Are they on the ODOT Website listed as authorized movers?
Movers are regulated by Tarriff’s this means they cannot have a separate truck fee, it must be included in the cost of the labor. This is an easy indicator or red flag to notice when getting pricing.
Do they have an ODOT# listed on there website or advertising? Ours is, ODOT #161428 and our Federal Authority (USDOT#) is U.S. DOT #2353055
Can the company show proof of insurance? All authorized movers are required to carry at least cargo insurance.
Are all of there employees background checked and cleared to enter your home?

Should I empty dresser drawers?

The short answer is yes, however sometimes its not needed. We as movers have special tools that help us move heavy items but sometimes there are things we can control, like narrow doorways, tight corners and stairs. If one of these obstacles comes into question we have to tip the dresser on it’s side, back, or top and that’s not so easy when your drawers are full of clothes. So again, it’s easiest if the drawers are emptied into a box or two.

How should I pack for efficiency and safety of my belongings?

The number one rule to packing is to use the appropriate box for the item being packed. For example heavy items like books and dishes should go in small boxes, lighter items like comforters and pillows go in larger boxes. This doesn’t only help the movers transport the boxes to the truck it also helps keep your stuff safe! if a box is loaded down too heavy then it will collapse an the integrity of the box is compromised and you loose the ability to keep your belongings safely packed for the move.

All though we are green and love our environment, sometimes boxes have seen better days. If you are trying to reuse a box from other moves, make sure it is in good enough condition to make the haul. As movers we pack a truck with a certain style and strategy EVERYTIME we move so boxes that are the same size and shape with only 4 or 5 different variations (small, medium, large and extra large boxes) can actually make your move go much smoother and quicker. In the long run using boxes that are uniform and sturdy save you money, its often a misconception that its expensive to buy new packing material but in reality its quite cheap and it can save you money in other ways. Think of loading a truck like a big Tetris game, if there are several different shapes it would make it very hard to play that game, same as true loading a truck, the less style of pieces the faster it takes us to load the truck.

Can I tip the movers? and how much do I tip them?

Tipping movers is very common so yes it is recommended. Typically tips range anywhere from 10%-30% of the final bill, depending on your budget. See more recommendations below under “5 Tips for Preparing for Professional Movers”

5 Tips For Preparing For Professional Movers

Here are some quick tips to help you prepare for professional movers.

5: Know What Can and Cannot Be Moved

Professional movers won’t just move anything. Many moving companies have lists of items they will not transport for safety reasons, such as household chemicals, paints and liquids. They may also have a list of things they won’t move for liability reasons, like cash, important papers, photographs, pets, food and medicine. If you plan on bringing these items with you, you’ll have to pack them up and transport them yourself.

4: Have a Packing Plan

Before your moving day, determine whether you or the movers will be responsible for packing and unpacking your belongings. If you’re doing the packing, make sure you use plenty of newspaper, bubble wrap or blankets for padding. This is important because if what you pack breaks during transport, the movers may not be held liable for it. Be sure to have enough boxes on hand and label them with your name, room destination and contents so it’s easier to keep track of where it all needs to go in your new space.

Once everything’s packed, try to sort the boxes by weight to make loading easier for the movers. Keep piles of boxes away from the doorways so everyone can easily walk around. Avoid piling stuff on heavy furniture that will get loaded into the van first.

Moving Aps
There are several home moving checklist aps that can help you organize your move on your Apple and Android, or Blackberry device.

3: Have Insurance

Regardless whether or not you choose to use the moving company’s insurance services, make sure your belongings are financially protected. Accidents can and do happen, so it’s best to have a security blanket in case something breaks or gets lost along the way.

Moving companies offer different types of insurance coverage. Two popular options are by the pound and comprehensive. Insurance by the pound is cheaper, but it doesn’t cover much. For example, if your antique dining table gets scratched during the move and needs to be repaired, this type of coverage will only pay a certain amount depending on how much the table weighs. It may not cover all — or even most of — the repair bill. Comprehensive coverage is more expensive, but it will cover all damages and losses.

2: Have Drinks and Snacks

Professional movers often have packed schedules. This is especially true during the summer months, when more people tend to switch residences. Movers often don’t have much time to take a lunch break or make a quick trip to a convenience store to grab a drink, so be sure to have refreshments on hand. Go with portable food options like energy bars, and have a variety of beverages to offer thirsty workers. If the weather’s hot, make sure you give a few bottles of water or sports drinks to each worker because they’ll definitely need the extra hydration.

1: Have Cash for Tips

The movers have been schlepping your stuff all day, and if you have a long-distance move, the process is just beginning. They may have a long drive ahead of them to your new house, or they might need to pack several households’ belongings into a large semi trailer and make several stops on a cross-country trip. Any way you pack it, moving is a tough job, so have some cash on hand to show that you appreciate their hard work, especially if they do a quick, thorough job of taking care of your belongings.

How Much Should You Tip?
You should tip your movers $20 or more per person for a full day’s work. If you’re moving a long distance and the same group handles your stuff the whole way, you should pay $100 or more per person.

Some Things To Know About Moving Companies

Consumer complaints against moving companies have been rising. Following are some tips that can help your move go smoothly.

Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
Inquire about their on-time record and other complaints with the local Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check existing homeowners or renter’s policy.
Ask about expected gratuities and write into contract.
Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%.
Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
Inform the moving company of how many stairs are at your new home.
Watch loading and unloading and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
Document an inventory of your belongings before you pack.

To Do: 3 Weeks Before Moving

You should know how you are moving and have all the arrangements finalized (truck, movers, etc.).
Start packing anything that is non-essential (anything that you use very rarely).
Keep boxes well labeled by Room. It may help to mark the room in the old home as well as the room to take it to in the new home.
Separate out any valuables that you will need to move yourself (keep them together).
Set a box aside that will be filled with items you will need the day you move (tools, small parts from furniture, etc.).
Create an inventory list of all the items and include serial numbers where available for items you need to insure.
Fill out a change of address form with the U.S. Postal Service (don’t wait until the last minute or mail you need won’t be at your new home).
Make sure that friends, families, neighbors, and employers all have your new address.
Notify your insurance and credit card companies of your change of address.
Cancel automated payments associated with the old home and all of them if you are switching banks.
Make sure that you get all vehicles into the shop for a tune-up so that they are ready for the move.

To Do: 2 Weeks Before Moving

Continue packing everything up and make sure that you are cleaning each area of the home as you go.
If you will need items right away, make sure you pack them separately and don’t just throw them in one gigantic box.
Make sure you have enough time off around the move (coordinate it with your employer).
If you have children find ways to let them contribute to the packing and move planning.
If you have children make sure you have someone lined up to watch them on moving day.
Begin packing suitcases to have all necessary items really handy (some clothes and toiletries).
Reconfirm again your movers and method of moving (take no chances).
Make sure all of your prescriptions are filled.
Empty any safety deposit boxes you may have and put the contents in a safe place for transport.
Cancel the following services at the old home: newspaper, housecleaning, lawn care, pool maintenance, and water delivery.
Take some furniture apart (what you don’t absolutely need) and check it for any pre-move damage.
Make sure all paperwork for the old and new homes is complete and in proper order.
Get rid of any flammables such as paint, propane, gas, etc.
Continue trying to use up any perishable food.

To Do: 1 Weeks Before Moving

Confirm the moving details (truck, movers, etc.) one more time and verify all paperwork.
Make an action plan for the day of the move (a complete schedule).
If you rented a truck plan for how you are going to pick it up, who is going to drive, etc.
Prepare for the moving expenses (food, lodging, moving, etc.). Make sure you have enough cash to cover the move.
Continue cleaning the house as you pack more of your belongings (clean as you go).
You need to defrost and clean the refrigerator.
Make sure your toolbox is handy (screwdriver, wrench, tape, pliers, etc.).
Pack of bag of snacks and water bottles to make sure you have ample supply on moving day.
Make sure you keep the boxes you are moving yourself separate along with other valuables.

To Do: Moving Day

Remove bedding and take the beds apart.
Make sure you go early to pickup the truck if you rented one.
When the movers arrive walk them through the house and tell them exactly what you want them to do.
Once the old home is empty do a walk through just to make sure everything is gone.
Write a note for the new residents leaving your forwarding address and other contact information.
Take inventory before the movers leave and sign the bill of lading.
Double check to make sure the movers have the correct new address.
Lock the windows and doors and turn off the lights at the old place.
At the new home verify that all utilities are on and working properly.
Perform an initial inspection of the new home and note any damages or problems
Do a quick cleaning while the place is empty clean the floors, counters, cabinets, etc.
Direct the movers to place everything where you want them.
Assemble beds and bedding.
Begin unpacking.

To Do: Post Move (One to Two Weeks Out)

As you are unpacking make sure you note any damages caused by the movers and watch the deadline for insurance claims.
Make sure you change the locks on the new place and make at least 2 copies of the new keys.
Confirm that mail is arriving at your new home.
Confirm that the utilities at your old home have been canceled and that they are no longer in your name.
Verify that all of the following have your new address: banks, credit cards, IRS, loans, insurance, pension plans, attorneys, accountant, doctors, dentist, family support, newspapers, magazines, licenses, memberships.
Schedule a time get your driver’s license updated with your new address.
Get local phone books and maps if you moved to a new city.
Find new doctors, dentists, etc. depending on what your needs are.
Update your renters or homeowners insurance to make sure everything is adequately covered.

How to Get a Hold of PDX Movers for Your Move!

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