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If you are moving soon, chances are you are prepping for your move and reviewing your moving options. 

Using a full-service moving company is a brand new experience for those who have only completed do-it-yourself moves in the past. If you are weighing the alternatives, you may be unsure of what to expect.

Let’s take a look at what to expect when you utilize the services of a full service moving company.

Full-Service Moving

A full-service move means the moving company handles all the heavy lifting related to your move from beginning to end. Full-service moving is ideal for those who aren’t able or don’t want to deal with the physical challenges of a move, like packing, unpacking, loading, unloading, and driving the truck. Full-service moves are also excellent for people who prefer not to manage the details of moving on their own.

Moving companies that provide full-service moving packages save you stress and hassle as well as time and money. By delegating the time-consuming details of your move, you can concentrate on your day-to-day responsibilities leading up to your relocation. 

Typically full-service moves include:

• A personal move coordinator to handle the details
• Qualified drivers and equipment
• Loading, transporting, and unloading of household belongings
• Full Value Protection
• Standard transportation of appliances (excluding service, disconnect, and reconnect)
• Disassembly and reassembly of bed frames
• Furniture placement

Additional Moving Options

Check for ways to customize your moving experience when reviewing moving companies. Depending on your needs, these extra options will make your moving experience that much smoother!

Here are some additional options that excellent full-service moving companies also offer.

Packing and Unpacking

Without a doubt, your daily life is hectic, and even more so now that you are moving. If you find that you are too overwhelmed or don’t have the time or energy to pack your entire house, look for a packing and unpacking option from your residential moving company.

Professional movers are systematic and organized about packing. They will ensure that your belongings are packed, protected, and safe for the move. They’ll go room to room and box up your items, dismantle any furniture that needs to be taken apart, and even take your artwork off the walls.

Handling Special Items

Sometimes there are belongings in your home that require more than just a standard packing job. Make sure that your valued items make it to your new house intact.

If you have fragile items that need special attention — from artwork to antiques or heirlooms to wine collections — inquire about special or custom crating or handling of these things. A full-service moving company can create a custom crate or another custom packaging to get them there.

Storage

You may have a unique moving situation. Perhaps you sold your house faster than expected, and you are still searching for your next dream home. You may be in a situation where you need to store your belongings in the interim.  

Full-service movers provide short-term and long-term storage options so that you can stash your belongings until you are ready.

On the Move

The best residential moving companies offer optional moving services in addition to their basic package. Look for one that is well-equipped to assist you with all aspects of your move. These customized services might be your key to a successful, smooth move. 

If you are planning your move and are looking at full-service movers, contact us for a virtual survey today.

Getting ready to move can be tough on every member of the family. 

You’re trying to make your new home perfect. Your children may be adjusting to switching schools or playing in a new neighborhood. When you’re working to keep your family happy during a move, it’s easy to forget your pets. 

However, your furry family members need some extra love and care when you’re moving. Check out these tips to make relocation to a new house less stressful for your dog or cat.

Check-In With Your Vet

If you’re moving to a new home that requires you to change vets, be sure to check in for an appointment. Even if you’re close enough to continue using the same vet, talking to your vet can be a smart move. 

Your vet knows your pet. They might have some tips and recommendations that can be helpful during the move. This is also an excellent time to get your pet up-to-date on shots. If you’re registering your dog or cat in a new county, you’ll need to provide immunization records.

Be sure to get their microchip records updated to your new address.

Snuggle And Play

Giving your pet some extra attention and affection is essential during your move. As you transition to a new home, reassure your pet that your love hasn’t changed. Give them some extra walks or playtime to relieve some pent up anxiety. 

If your pet wants to be alone, don’t feel that you have to force them to play (especially true for cats). When they’re ready, engage with them, pet them, and let them know that you’re still there, even though you’re in a new home.

Explore Slowly

You want to see your pet explore your new home, but be cautious. While it’s fun for pets to check out new areas, it can be overwhelming if it happens to fast. 

Limit your dog or cat to one room of the house, and slowly expand their territory. This helps them learn the space, feel safe, and keep stress levels low.

Stay Consistent

Your pet knew your routine at your old home – do your best not to change it. Keep feeding times and exercise times the same. If you usually place their food and water bowls near the door, try to accommodate a similar spot in the new house.

Provide them with their favorite treats. Pack their crate or bed in your car – not on the moving truck – so you can get it set up right away. The more consistent you can keep their life as you move to a new home, the better.

Give Them Time

It’s normal for pets to act out as they get used to a new home. Know that this will pass in time as they go through the adjustment to a new space. Urinating in inappropriate places, being destructive, and showing anxious behaviors (hissing or barking) are all normal things for pets who are learning something new. If you’re concerned, reach out to your vet. For most pets, these behaviors usually pass within a few days or weeks.

Smooth Move With Your Pet

Moving is tough. Don’t forget that this is true for your dog or cat, too. Providing your pet with some extra love and care can go a long way in helping them make the transition to your new home.

Phase 1: Clean Out

1. Prepare a designated area at your home to use as a storage spot for when you clean out each room. This area could be the garage at your house or storage area at your condo. Define two areas: one for items to toss out and another for items to donate
   
   
2. Put an empty box and a few trash bags in every room.
   
   
3. Go through one room at a time. Put all give away items in the box and any items to toss out in the trash bags. Bring them to the designated area. Complete one room each day. This will keep the task from being overwhelming. Save your bedroom for last, as this may take the longest.
   
   
4. Place all high-value items together in one area of the room. Make a List of each high-value item. Include the item name, brand, make, style name, etc.
   
   High-value items need to be inspected by the mover before the box is sealed. If you are packing yourself, put the high-value items and an empty box with packing paper next to the high-value items. The mover will list each item on the “High-Value Form.” The mover will then wrap each item, pack it into the box, seal, and label the box “HV.”
   
   The mover will list each item on the HV inventory sheet. At your destination, the mover will bring all boxes labeled  “HV” to you. Together you will open and inspect each item. There is no extra charge for this.
   
   
5. Pack any personal high-value items, including important papers inside a box labeled ‘personal,’ and put them in a closet. On packing or moving day, remove them from the closet and put them in your car or the truck. Be sure to lock your car.  

Phase 2: Get Estimates

Moving estimates are good for 90 days. Make sure the quote is binding with a weight credit. If the weight goes under the estimate, Mayflower automatically sends the customer a ‘weight credit’ refund. 

Phase 3: Packing

1. If you are packing your own belongings, use the survey with the moving estimate to determine the number and sizes of boxes you will need for each room.
   
   
2. Buy or obtain moving boxes from your mover. These boxes from your moving company are specially rated for moving, unlike those at big box stores. Your belongings will be more protected during the move with boxes obtained through your mover. Keep in mind, if boxes obtained from an outside source crush during transit, the movers aren’t liable unless carrier mishandling is proven. 
   
   Steer clear of using plastic totes for moving boxes. They are not moving industry compliant. They are made to be stacked on a stationary shelf in a climate-controlled atmosphere. They’re not meant to be packed and stacked inside a moving truck that will be subjected to road and temperature conditions.
   
   
3. If you’re packing your home yourself, pack up one room each day. Continue packing one room a day and save your bedroom for last. Be sure to label every box.

Phase 4: Appliances, Special Services, Disassembly

Call to schedule third party services for all belongings that require professional attention. This includes things like preparing front load washing machines, disassembling grandfather clocks, pool tables, and exercise equipment, and removing TV and surround sound systems from the walls.

Phase 5: Pack Day

If you hired the moving company to pack — sit back and relax! The packers will pack and inventory each room. The basic contents of each box will be labeled on the box and inventory sheet. The moving crew will know where to put every box when they arrive at your new home. 

Phase 6: Move Day

The driver and crew arrive. They put down floor protection, and pad wrap other areas of your residence to avoid damage.