A full-service move is the most convenient option when relocating, as it involves professional movers handling everything from packing to transportation and unpacking. However, even with a full-service move, some preparation on your part can ensure the process goes smoothly. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to do to get ready for a full-service move and how to maximize the efficiency of your movers while reducing any potential stress.
What Is a Full-Service Move?
Before we dive into the preparation steps, it’s important to understand what a full-service move entails. A full-service move means that your movers handle everything related to your move, including:
- Packing: Movers bring their packing materials, carefully pack all of their belongings, and ensure everything is protected for transit.
- Loading: The moving team will load all of your packed items onto the truck.
- Transportation: Your belongings are transported to your new home, whether it’s across town or across the country.
- Unloading and Unpacking: Once at your new home, movers will unload everything and can also unpack your items, setting them up in your designated rooms.
While a full-service move means you don’t have to worry about the physical aspects of the move, there are still several things you should do to prepare for the day.
How to Prepare for a Full-Service Move
Even though movers will handle most of the work during a full-service move, there are important steps you should take beforehand to ensure everything goes smoothly. Here’s how to get ready.
Declutter and Downsize Before the Full-Service Move
One of the first things you should do before a full-service move is to declutter your home. A full-service move includes packing everything in your home, which means the more items you have, the longer the process will take and the higher the cost. Decluttering will help you:
- Save on packing materials and transportation costs.
- Ensure you’re only moving the things you truly want or need.
Go through each room and decide what you want to keep, donate, sell, or throw away. For large or unused items, consider selling them or donating them to reduce your moving load.
Create an Inventory of Your Belongings
Although the movers will take care of packing, it’s important to have a personal inventory of your belongings. Creating a detailed list of what’s being moved helps you:
- Keep track of your items during transit.
- Ensure that everything arrives safely at your new home.
- Facilitate the unpacking process.
Make sure to include a description of valuable items, and if possible, take photos for your records. This is particularly helpful in the rare event that something is lost or damaged during the move.
Label Special or Fragile Items for the Movers
A full-service move includes packing, but it’s still a good idea to label items that need special attention, such as:
- Fragile Items: Label anything that is easily breakable, like glassware, artwork, or electronics, so movers know to handle them with extra care.
- High-Value Items: For expensive or sentimental belongings, it’s important to let your movers know their value so they can take extra precautions.
While movers will typically handle all items with care, labeling fragile or high-value items ensures they receive the special attention they need.
Prepare Your Home for the Moving Crew
Before the moving day arrives, take some time to prepare your home for the movers to ensure a smooth full-service move. Some helpful tips include:
- Clear Walkways: Make sure all hallways and doorways are free from obstacles so movers can easily move large furniture and boxes.
- Secure Pets and Children: If you have pets or small children, consider making arrangements for them on moving day to prevent accidents or delays.
- Disassemble Furniture (If Necessary): Some movers will disassemble furniture for you, but it’s worth asking beforehand. If your movers don’t offer this service, make sure to disassemble any large or complex furniture before they arrive.
What to Pack Yourself During a Full-Service Move
While movers handle most of the packing during a full-service move, there are certain items you should pack yourself for safety or personal reasons. These may include:
- Personal Documents and Valuables: Pack important paperwork (passports, medical records, etc.) and personal valuables (jewelry, cash) separately. Keep these with you during the move.
- Overnight Essentials: Pack a bag with essentials like clothing, toiletries, and medications for the first night in your new home. This way, you won’t have to unpack everything immediately upon arrival.
- Sensitive Electronics: If you have particularly valuable or sensitive electronics, consider packing them yourself to ensure they’re properly protected during the move.
Communicate with Your Movers Before the Full-Service Move
Communication is key when preparing for a full-service move. Make sure you stay in touch with your moving company and confirm details such as:
- Moving Date and Time: Double-check the moving day schedule and make sure you know when the movers will arrive.
- Special Requests: If you have specific instructions or concerns, such as moving heavy or delicate items, make sure to inform the movers ahead of time.
- Services Included: Confirm the services included in your full-service move package, especially if you require additional tasks like disassembly or extra care for valuable items.
By communicating clearly with your movers, you ensure everyone is on the same page and can avoid potential misunderstandings on moving days.
Protect Your Belongings with Moving Insurance
Even with professional movers handling your full-service move, accidents can happen. To protect your belongings, it’s essential to understand the insurance options provided by your moving company.
- Basic Coverage: Most moving companies offer basic coverage known as “released value protection,” which typically covers a fraction of an item’s value (around $0.60 per pound).
- Full Value Protection: For more comprehensive coverage, you can opt for full value protection. This ensures that if any item is lost or damaged, the movers will either replace it or reimburse you for its full value.
Review the insurance policies available to you and decide whether additional protection is necessary for your belongings.
Plan the Layout of Your New Home Before the Full-Service Move
Planning the layout of your new home before Must Have Movers Temecula arrives will help streamline the full-service move. By knowing where each item will go, you can:
- Guide the movers to place furniture and boxes in the correct rooms.
- Avoid having to rearrange heavy items after the movers leave.
- Make the unpacking process more organized and efficient.
You can even provide the movers with a labeled floor plan to ensure they know exactly where everything should go when they arrive at your new home.
Be Ready on Moving Day for a Full-Service Move
On the day of your full-service move, there are a few last-minute tasks you should complete to ensure everything goes smoothly:
- Be Present: It’s important to be available on a moving day to answer questions or give directions to the moving crew.
- Final Walk-Through: Once everything is packed, do a final walk-through of your home to make sure nothing has been forgotten.
- Ensure Parking: Make sure there is space for the moving truck to park as close as possible to your home for easier loading and unloading.
