02 Mar Flat Rate Long Distance Movers

Want a stress-free move but not really sure where to start? You’ve come to the right place. Integrity Movers is the flat rate moving helper you’ve always dreamed of. We offer peace of mind during this stressful time so that you can focus on more important tasks, while we do the packing and heavy lifting for you. In addition to hiring us as your moving helper, here are our top ten tips fpr a successful move:

#1: Use a checklist

Moving means managing a large number of details in a short period of time, and if you’re complicating things by buying and/or selling a home, managing moving truck rentals, or scheduling long-distance movers, you are mired in dates, deadlines, and to-do lists. Fortunately, there are several free moving checklists that can serve as a powerful tool to keep you organized and on-track. We like this one from Real Simple, or this one from Martha Stewart. Start early, and stay organized!

#2: Hire a local, reputable moving helper company

Hiring a moving company offers an enormous amount of convenience, but if you hire the wrong one, it can come along with expensive hidden costs and dangers. The Better Business Bureau said it received 8,486 complaints about flat-rate movers, long-distance movers, and moving truck rentals in the last year alone. Common complaints included final prices greater than original estimates, damaged or lost goods, and even companies who held customers’ belongings hostage until they paid thousands of dollars. Most moving companies don’t offer an “Integrity Guarantee” like we have, so you could be hit with a big bill on moving day. Do your research. Local is best, and you should ask around to see who friends, families, and realtors recommend. Only consider movers who are licensed, bonded, and insured like we are. Also, you should get an in-home estimate, so a professional surveyor can determine exactly how costly your move will be. According to guidelines released by the Better Business Bureau, “no legitimate mover will offer to give a firm estimate online or over the phone.” Reputable moving companies like Integrity Movers will always do an estimate in person–no surprises on your final bill.

#3: Schedule your move with long distance movers

Here are just a few things to consider when choosing your moving date:

• Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekends are the hardest and most expensive times to rent. You typically need to book these months in advance
• Weekends are more difficult to book than weekdays
• Weekdays are often better options in case you need to reach other businesses (utilities, etc.)
• The middle weeks of the month are easier to reserve than the first and last weeks

#4: Get your packing materials

You’ll need to have some basic packing supplies before you begin packing. These include:

• Moving boxes
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap
• Packing paper (like newspapers, but without the damaging inks)

*Keep in mind that Integrity Movers offers supplies. If you want us to supply the packing materials or even do the packing for you, just ask your estimator to include this in the bid.

#5: Start packing after hiring flat rate movers!

This is the most laborious and time-consuming part of the move. Most people seem to have far more possessions and belongings than they first think, and the time it takes to pack everything carefully seems incredible daunting. To make this whole process easier, start packing as soon as you can. Pack books, picture frames, memorabilia, and holiday decor first as these are the types of items you are unlikely to need in the weeks leading up to your move. Eliminate things you no longer need by holding a yard sale or donating to charity. Pack a suitcase as if you were going on a three-day trip and keep it with you at all times. Create an “Open Me First” box containing all the items you will need upon arrival. This will save you time and stress so you’re not searching for important items like toilet paper, snacks, bottled water, or medication. Label your boxes so you know where they go in your new home. Or, to avoid this stress all together, just have Integrity Movers do the packing for you!

#6: File your change of address

File your change of address online with the post office (it costs $1) and save all documentation. Notify all friends and loved ones of your address change with a mail-out or an email. Make sure you make contact with the electric, gas, water, sewer, cable, and phone companies to set-up or switch over your utilities.

#8: Manage moving day with ease

Make sure your cellphone is fully charged and the volume is on so you are reachable. Start the day early and recruit help. Kids and pets should have a place to go away from the action, so no one gets lost or stepped on during the shuffle. Make food and drink available for your moving helpers and have payment waiting.