Here is some helpful advice. Moving is one of the hardest things that humans have to do. In addition to being physically hard on the mover, moving is stressful and time consuming. There are pitfalls to relocation so we came up with these helpful moving tips in order to lessen the chances of your move becoming a nightmare. Choose from the categories below for our advice.
Choosing a Mover	Preparation	Moving Day	After the Move
Make sure your mover is licensed. If you don't do this you are asking for trouble. If you are moving within California check movers licenses here:  http://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/tmis/ Interstate moving permits are usually not obtained by local moving companies. Instead most moving companies are affiliated with Van Lines or larger carriers. In order to check the licensing status for your interstate mover you will need the name of their Van Line or interstate carrier. You can also search the database with the DOT number or MC number, the mover should have these readily available. See if your interstate mover is licensed here:  http://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx
Get at least 3 estimates You will need to allow at least one estimator in to your home to prepare a table of contents and they will give you a quote. They will leave a copy of the table of contents with you that you can use to get quotes from other movers. You should be quoted a rate per hour or a rate per one hundred pounds. Make sure the estimator sees everything that will be moved. Make sure they are aware of stairs, narrow driveways custom furniture that may have been built inside the house and any packing you want the movers to do. Movers charge for the work they actually do and their estimates are not binding except for their hourly rate or rate per hundred pounds. So if there are more things to be moved on moving day or special circumstances that require more labor or equipment than were estimated you will have pay more than the estimate. Obviously you need to watch out for extremely low estimates because movers generally charge about the same amount.
Top
Make sure you get all of your packing done. If the movers show up on moving day and you are not packed they will either leave or charge you high fees to finish the packing.
You need to have the gas company disconnect your gas appliances before the movers arrive. Most movers will not do it, or they will charge a fee
Movers cannot move any gasoline or propane tanks. Lawnmowers must be empty of gas and propane tanks must be certified empty.
You can leave clothes in their drawers the movers can move them like that.
One room per box. Don't be afraid to leave space in a box if the room is done and the box isn't full. Following this advice will make things easier on yourself later if you don't mix rooms in your boxes. Label your box with room and contents.
There is a lot of advice about packing on the web. Here are some sites from Major Moving Companies that offer free advice: Atlas Van Lines United Van Lines Global Van Lines Paper is the key to good packing, make sure you get lots of packing paper it's worth it.
Local movers often overbook If you get bumped to a later time, ask for a meal or some other compensation, if your move ends up going two days, ask them to pay for a motel. Chances are another mover is not available on short notice so try to be accommodating.
Interstate movers are usually right on time - except in the busy season. During the summer when movers are especially busy it is not uncommon for a local truck to pick up your things and hold them until an interstate truck arrives. If this happens you will be on the local company's schedule and may get bumped. Call the local company the day before your move, they should know whether your interstate driver is on time.  If your driver is not on time see if the mover will let you wait to be loaded until he arrives, the less handling of your items means the less chance of problems. You need to be there for the entire loading of your things, so if you don't have the time, let the local truck load up.
Always buy your movers lunch and tip them individually at the end of the move. Give a receipt if you end up giving any of the movers any furniture other items you no longer want, his boss will appreciate it.
Jewelry, coin collections, your cd's and software should be in your car before the movers arrive.
Top
If you cant find something after your move check inside coolers and trunks, check in the bottom of wardrobe boxes and in the dryer. Don't think something is missing right away you probably wont finish opening all of your boxes for a couple of weeks. In general, you have 6 months to file a claim with your mover.
Free Advice Page Carlsbad, Chula Vista, Coronado, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, National City, Oceanside, Poway, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, Vista Copyright 2008