Every major move will require some basic preparation and planning, including those where you’re remaining within the same city. Even a move that involves very little actual distance between two locations can be a significant job, and many people in this position will lean on professional movers for part or all of their needs.
At CMS Relocation & Logistics, we’re happy to offer Seattle’s very best local moving services, with local experts who have decades of experience helping clients move within our great city. We’ll assist you from start to finish, helping with everything from basic planning and preparation to numerous other needs you may have on moving day itself or nearby. What are some things you should expect during a local move, and how can you go about ensuring it’s as successful and low-stress as possible? Check out our tips below:
Especially if you’re planning to utilize the services of professional movers like ours, booking at least six to eight weeks in advance is typically a good idea. This will ensure that we have availability on your desired moving date, and will also provide plenty of time for us to help you plan and prepare as needed.
This is especially true if you’re hoping to move during peak demand season, which we’re just entering now — this season typically spans from early spring to late summer, and during it most people are understandably eager to get the moving process underway. This might mean some movers see their schedules fill up sooner, so getting on top of things early on will pay dividends.
Simply put, professional movers are not all created equally. Some are simply far more experienced and capable than others, and it’s important to do your due diligence before selecting a company to help with your move. You’ll likely want to read online reviews, speak with friends or family who have utilized moving services in the past, and get an idea of what different companies will charge for their various offerings.
In addition, you should never hire a moving company if you cannot confirm that they are fully licensed and insured to provide these services. This is not only important for your peace of mind, but can also be critical if something goes wrong on moving day and you need to file a claim.
As you’re evaluating your moving company options, it’s vital to ask for specific price quotes and estimates that will give you an idea of what you need to spend. The company should be asking to take an inventory of what you have, this can be done through a virtual meeting, or an in-person appointment. This allows the movers to take a look at your belongings and give you an accurate idea of what it will cost to move them.
It’s very important to remember that the cheapest moving company is not always the best option, and that you should focus on finding a company that offers quality services at a fair price. For instance, if you obtain five price quotes from different companies, and four of them are similar while one comes in 300% lower than all the others — this is likely a red flag for the company with the low prices, not the other four. It could be a sign that they’re inexperienced, use low-quality materials and equipment, or employ unethical business practices.
When discussing your options with any moving company or professional, it’s important to ask lots of questions. This will help ensure that you understand what services are being offered, what is and isn’t included in the price quote, and how the moving process will work from start to finish.
Additionally, you should never be afraid to ask for clarification on anything you’re unsure of. Unclear on precisely how your goods will be covered while they’re in the possession of the movers? Ask. Wondering if you’ll be responsible for assembling any furniture yourself once it’s delivered to your new home? Ask. The more information you have going in, the smoother the entire process will likely go.
Like many other moving processes, a key piece of preparation for any local move involves getting your home ready for the new arrivals. This means decluttering and organizing as much as possible, so that the movers have an easier time transferring your belongings from one place to another.
In addition, it’s a good idea to have a designated spot (or spots) for everything in your home. This will make it far easier for you to put everything back in its place once the move is completed, and can help minimize the amount of stress that often comes with moving.
One detail that is vital not to forget about with so much going on: Cancelling your utilities at your old home and setting them up at your new one. This includes everything from electricity and water to cable and internet.
In most cases, you can contact your utility providers ahead of time to cancel service, and many will have a specific process for doing so. It’s important to remember to do this as soon as possible, as most providers require a certain amount of notice before they’ll cancel your service.
For more on how to prepare yourself for a successful local move, or to learn about any of our professional moving services in Seattle or nearby areas, speak to the pros at CMS Relocation & Logistics today.
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Helpful Tips & Resources from the Seattle Moving Experts
