• Schedule your move with a mover about a month in advance of your moving date and confirm that the proper crew and equipment are reserved. Remember that the summer months and the beginning and ending days of each month are the busiest for authorized movers, so try to plan your move accordingly

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• Before you move, eliminate what you don’t want or need.

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• If you are moving three or more rooms, invite at least two to three movers to view those items that you wish to have packed and/or moved. Be sure to show the estimator everything to be moved. You should also give the estimator detailed destination delivery information. For instance, how close to the destination residence can the van be parked? Are there any stairs or elevators at the destination that needs to be used? Giving such information should provide you with a much more accurate estimation of the moving bill.

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• If you are doing your own packing, be careful about overloading the cartons. Use the appropriate number of cartons to be sure that your goods arrive safely. Heavy items should be packed in small cartons, with lighter, bulkier items in larger cartons. Mark and note the contents and the room destination on the outside of each box.

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• Completely fill all cartons. If there are open spaces, fill them with a filler like crumpled paper to avoid shifting.

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• Pack a special "last on truck, first off truck" box that will include light bulbs, a flashlight, water, a favorite toy for your children, a set of towels and linens, a coffee pot, etc. Carry your valuables (jewelry, furs, money, etc.), medication, and important papers with you don’t pack them in the truck.

 

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• Notify the post office of your change of address. Send out change of address cards to businesses, friends, and relatives prior to moving. Many movers will provide you with official notification forms for utility companies, banks, government agencies, publications, and social and professional organizations.

 

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• Dispose of all flammables and combustibles such as matches, aerosol cans, paint, thinner, etc. Drain all fuel from mowers and other equipment. Dispose of propane tanks or take them to a proper propane service outlet to properly bleed the tank.

 

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• Unplug and do not use television sets 24 hours prior to moving. Internal damage can occur should a TV set be moved in which heat is still retained. Only move television sets after they have been reduced to room temperature.

 

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• If you are moving items of extraordinary value or antiques, obtain a written appraisal of such items to verify value and ask your mover about extra insurance for these items. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques and fine furniture before moving because some products may soften the wood, making them vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

 

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• Be ready on moving day. Local movers usually charge on an hourly basis, so the more prepared you are to be moved, the less expensive the final bill may be. Items not to be moved by movers should be noticeably segregated and prepare a check sheet or a diagram so that you know where you want items placed at the destination.

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Guide to a Smooth Move10 Ways to

Find a Local Mover You Can Trust

 

 

1.)   Call the Minnesota Department of Transportation to verify that the company is authorized to do interstate/intrastate moving.

 

Make sure that any mover that you are considering hiring is duly licensed and authorized to do business MN Dept of Transportation in Minnesota. Call the Minnesota Department of Transportation at (612) 405-6060 to verify that the mover has authority to operate and to obtain any complaint records on the mover.

 

2.)   Contact the Better Business Bureau.

 

Check with your local Better Business Bureau about a mover's complaint record. Also to make sure they are accredited or they at least have a good standing report with the BBB. A mover's record with the Better Business Bureau should provide an accurate measure of their safety record.

 

 

 

3.)   Ask the mover if he or she carries workers' compensation insurance.

Minnesota law requires that all movers carry workers' compensation coverage. Such insurance adds to the cost of doing business, but it legally protects you. Be wary of a very low bidder that may be cutting costs by cheating on this needed protection. Cheating on workers' comp coverage is a good sign of an unsafe mover.

 

 

4.)  Visit the mover's website to help make sure they are professional and legitimate.

Verify that the mover's website first exists and secondly that it is truthful, organized, and professional. A messy, dishonest and disorganized website is a good indicator of how the mover will treat your goods.

 

 

5.)  Don't always go with the lowest bidder.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of always choosing the lowest estimate—choose the mover which you are more comfortable with handling your prized possessions and goods. Be sure to require proof of US DOT#, MN License #, proof of insurance, and check the Better Business Bureau & the MN Secretary of State websites to make sure the company is a legally legitimate company to hire. In the end, the mover will bill you for the actual time that it took to perform the move, regardless of the original estimate.

 

 

6.)  Don't listen to negative comments by sales personnel.

A high-quality moving firm with a good reputation does not need to criticize another mover in order to make themselves look better. Such tactics are a negative indicator of a company.

 

 

 

7.)  Check on the internet search engines.

Was the company listed on any search engines with any negative or positive reviews? Were they listed at all? If not, the company could be a legitimate new moving company. However, it could also mean that the mover's DOT license and authority was revoked and that he or she is trying to operate under a new name.

 

 

 

8.)  Talk to the Owner.

Unless it is a larger mover, you should be able to talk to the owner of a moving company. If you can talk to the owner of the moving company if only by telephone, you should be able to develop a feeling of confidence that he or she is experienced and capable enough to assure a professional move.

 

 

 

9.)  Get a recommendation.

Ask the mover for a recommendation from a satisfied customer. Remember, a mover is only as good as their reputation.

 

 

 

10.)  Is the company a member of MTSA?

MTSA works hard to maintain high safety standards for the household goods moving industry. To that end, we educate the moving industry on proper ethics and on the importance of safety in this industry. Participation in this association is a good indicator of a safe moving company. All moving companies listed on the MTSA Moving Guide are members of Minnesota Transport Services Association.