Expert Moving Advice

Advice to help you move like a pro

If you're searching for more information to help plan your move, you've come to the right place. U-Pack Moving^® has carried more than 500,000 shipments over 600 million miles. Along the way we’ve compiled an arsenal of expert moving advice, designed to help make your move easy and affordable. Much of the advice you'll see here can also be found on U-Pack's Moving Blog – a place where you'll find helpful blog posts written by U-Pack's moving experts and an "Ask the Experts" tool where you can ask your own moving-related questions.

Get organized

Even if organization isn't your "thing," there are some simple things you can do to make it a little easier:

• Create a moving file.This can be as simple as a file folder, or as involved as a fancy binder. It's where you'll keep all things moving related: quotes, contracts, bills of lading, receipts, mover contact information, etc. Just make sure it's easily accessible.
• Print and use a moving checklist. U-Pack's moving checklist was designed specifically to help ensure you don't forget any of the important stuff. Simply check tasks off as you complete them.
• Plan a moving budget. Consider all potential moving-related expenses: mover cost, fuel, travel expenses, utility deposits, cleaning fees, new furniture, new home essentials, etc.

For more advice on getting organized for your move, check out these helpful blog posts:

Get Moving Quotes

We recommend starting the process of getting quotes at least 60 days before your move. Before you call or go online, gather the following information: the locations you're moving from and to, an estimated move date, the size of your move, any special services you may need (packing/loading/unloading help, crating, storage, etc).

Most full-service movers require an in-home estimate, which means a company representative will walk through your home and estimate how much your belongings weigh (if this is the case, your price will be based on weight). You pack, we drive services like U-Pack do not require in-home estimates. Instead, simply use the online room-by-room space estimator to determine how much space you'll need. The price is based on the linear footage your shipment occupies in the moving trailer, or the number of moving containers you use. Get a free moving quote from U-Pack.

For more advice on getting organized for your move, check out these helpful blog posts:

Choose a Mover

We recommend choosing your mover and reserving your move at least 30 days in advance. But before you make the final decision, make certain you have fully researched the company you have chosen, and know how they answer the following quesitons:

• What moving services are included in the price?
• How much does the move cost including all potential fees?
• What could the price change to if you need more or less space/weight than originally quoted?
• What are the payment options; is a down-payment or deposit required?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Is your moving day/equipment guaranteed?
• What is the transit time? Is it estimated or guaranteed? If estimated, is a guaranteed transit option available if needed.
• Can your shipment be tracked in transit? How is it tracked?
• Will your belongings be transferred or unloaded at any point during the move?
• Are your goods co-mingled with other household goods shipments?

Once you are comfortable with the moving company's responses to these questions, continue research at consumer review sites like epinions.com, movingscam.com and the BBB.

For more advice on getting organized for your move, check out these helpful blog posts:

Prepare to Move

As you know, moving takes preparation. Your moving checklist will provide excellent advice regarding when each task should be completed, so make sure to keep it with you throughout your entire move. In the meantime, for additional advice on preparing to move, check out these helpful blog posts:

Pack your Home

If you're saving money by doing your own packing, we recommend starting early. Begin with the items that are rarely used, and if possible, choose one location to hold each packed and taped box so that they're not strewn throughout your home in the days leading up to moving day.

For more expert advice on packing your home, check out these helpful blog posts:

Get ready for Moving Day

Once the big day arrives, you'll want to be prepared. Make certain to verify parking and obtain permits for the type of moving equipment you have reserved. Call your moving coordinator to ask any last minute questions and make certain you know your mover's drop-off, pick-up and shipment tracking procedures.

Settle into your new home

Whew... it's almost over. Once your shipment is delivered to your new home, you can unload, unpack, and get settled. Like most things in life, if you plan ahead, this should be a smooth, enjoyable process. Check out the blog posts listed below for advice on how to make that happen: