Moving One Item Out of State

If you live in another state and while traveling decide to purchase a bed or huge antique... Don't.

Let me try that again.

If you live in another state and while traveling decide to purchase a bed or huge antique and decide to contact a mover to move it, please do not be surprised that the cost might be $1000 or more.

Moving companies have a minimum weight charge that they use on all of their moves. It's doesn't matter if it is one item or one household. This is more to over the cost of running the truck & insuring the item then to pay the driver. It is not there to prevent people from hiring them or to make it difficult for you to move your item. It is there to protect the company.

Now, some people might ask if we could 'tak it on' or 'sneak it on' to the back of a truck if we have a truck going that way. Once upon a time companies were able to do this but now, due to insurance reasons, they can't. You can ask, but do not expect any answer other then no.

I feel really bad telling people this. UPS could be an option or you could rent a truck and drive it your self. Personally I would get a rental and drive it because I would totally shop along the way.

Planing to Move

I can't tell you how many times I have paused while talking to a person on the phone because they "are planning ahead" or "want to get the ball rolling" for their move that they want to happen in three days.

Most companies have a seven day registration policy. In my opinion it is there to prevent last minuet switches to driver schedules. The last thing any moving company wants to do is have a driver stuck on the other side of the country and possibly delay other moves.

If this happens in the summer, durring our bussy seasion, I have to tell people that we can not do their move. A few have asked for my manager and would hang up on him because he would give them the same answer. Generaly in the summer we are booking moves two weeks out so a last minuet thing just can not happen.

In the winter, during our slow season, once in a RARE while we can pull something like that off. but we have started to see a pick up in appointments during this time and this makes last minuet moves like this almost imposable.

To save your self some frustration you want to get an estimate about two weeks or more before your desired move date. If you are worried about getting stuck with a last minuet move; contact a moving company a check to see how long their estimats are good for. If you have a sales agent come out ask them if there is anything that  could be done if you have to be out of your home sooner then you thought.

When Packing Medication...

Please, please, please! If you have medication the is necessary for you to continue to live, please do not have the movers pack it up. Also please do not call in yelling at the moving company because you need the medication.

Take some with you or contact your doctor for an emergency prescription.

Moving Preparation Ideas for Long Distance Moves

This is a pretty stander-ed list of things my parents did during our long distance moves. While it is basically a list of ideas for items that you would want to purchase when you get to your new house while you are waiting for your household goods to be delivered.

1) An inflatable mattress and a method of inflating it.
This is probably one of the most important things you will need if you go to your new home before delivery of your items. Some of the less expensive ones require you to use a pump or hairdryer to inflate them. Some of the better ones are equiped with their own pumps. both will make your wait eiser.

2) Dishes and silverware
When you get there swing by the local big name store and grab yourself a set of silverware, dished and glasses. It never hurts to have an extra set on hand, even after moving the set could be used for picknics, camping, for the kids or even for your next long distance move.

3) Towels & Robes
Either you purchase new or pack your current set, you want to make sure you have enough for everyone when you get to your new home.

4) Personal Items
This might seem like a no-brainer but little travil bottels of shampoo run out fast when you have kids. Toothbrushes and the like are also things you don't want to be packed by your movers.

5) Backpack of Things for the Kids
This is a big one. Until you stuff arrives your kids will have nothing to do inside the house. Unless you have get them to help clean the new house you should make sure they set pack a backpack of things they like to read or games they like to play. This was a must every time my family moved.

There are so many small things that you never realize that you use until they are locked away. Hopefully this list will help you in the process of your long distance move.

Your Moving Truck & You

I have gotten several sales calls asking if their items will stay on the same truck with the same driver. This is actuly a very intresting question because the answer is defined by the sercumstances of the move.

The things that can cause your items to be moved to a different trailer after pick up are usally due to size and were it is being delivered. Most large companies will try to get you your items as soon as possible, the moving companies that work as agents for the larger companies do this as well. So at times they will have different agents take your shipment if that agent has a driver going in that direction if it works out better for you.

Sometimes a Driver will just be dropping off a trailer and be heading back the route that your items would need to go. This way they get the items delivered and their driver were they are needed.

If your items fill a trailor you will generaly have the best shot at getting the same driver and trailer that packed you up. If your home needs more then one trailer you will get a combination of the two scenarios.

Overall the moving companies are trying to get you your items as soon as they are able. With the economy and entering the slower winter season you should prepare for a different driver making the delivery.