MOVING TIPS

General Tips  |  How to Select a Mover  |  Supplies You'll Need

Learn How to Pack  |  Items Not to Pack  |  Move Checklist

City Moving Company is dedicated to assisting its customers during the moving process. That's why we've created a 'Moving Tips' section full of helpful information that we've acquired through our experience assisting past customers. The following attempts to breakdown the moving process, and should be used as general guideline as your upcoming move approaches. Our goal is to help turn you moving experience, an inherently stressful time, into an event that is more organized. Please review these tips below and contact us with any questions or comments. We are here to assist you in any way we can.

 

GENERAL TIPS

Whether this is your first move or you are a seasoned veteran when it comes to moving, City Moving and Storage suggests you review the following moving tips:

• The moving industry has "peak" and "off peak" seasons. The "peak" season for movers is during the summer months. Also the beginning and the end of the month, or end of the year holidays, are particularly busy for movers. The demand for moving equipment, vans, and personnel is heavy during this time. City suggests you book your move weeks or even months in advance to ensure your preferred move date.
  

• Your move should occur at a time that is convenient for you and your family. However, if you have children, consider whether its best to transfer them during the school term or wait until the summer months. If your move can be rescheduled for another time when your mover can accommodate your preferred delivery dates, you may be able to reduce your moving cost.
  

• Decide what items you wish to ship and what should be discarded. Inspect your home; Check your attic, basement, and everything in-between for items  you would like shipped with your chosen moving company.
  

• If you decide to do your own packing, get packing supplies and start collecting strong boxes suitable for moving. Complete all packing prior to your scheduled move day. City Moving Company sales a full range of the packing supplies needed for your move.
  

• If your company is relocating you, find out exactly what portion of your total moving expense will be paid for by your company.
  

• Obtain a written appraisal of antiques to verify their value. Do not retouch, wax or oil wood furniture prior to moving. Some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
  

• Notify the post office of your intent to move and provide them with your new address (permanent or temporary).

HOW TO SELECT A MOVER
Picking a mover is an especially important decision. Always check to make sure the mover is a legitimately licensed, bonded, and insured company. Please review the section below to help you decide on a mover that you can trust with your household furniture:

• Call or email the movers you are considering and ask for an estimate. Get involved in the estimating process and try to meet with a relocation consultant to survey your home and prepare a written estimate. Ask each prospective mover for how long his or her estimate is valid.
  

• Be certain that the mover has marked all items that are "going" and "not going" on the survey sheet. The mover will prepare an estimate that will include transportation charges and the charges of additional services that you requested. Keep in mind that if you decide to take more or less items than was originally noted during the survey the cost of your move will vary. Please inform the mover if there are any changes with your shipment. Communication is key to a successful move.
  

• If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for those boxes should they be damaged during transportation. However, if there is obvious exterior damage at the delivery make a note of that on the inventory sheet of your shipment. The driver has the right to refuse to accept any carton that may be improperly packed. If the driver has to re-pack cartons that the customer has packed, additional charges will apply.
  

• Please provide as much information as possible about unusual situations at the loading location and delivery so your estimates are more accurate. Make the mover aware of any problems they may encounter at the time of delivery, such as parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restrictions, or if there are any stairs or elevators involved. The cost of your move can increase for such occurrences. Try to reserve a "parking space" for the moving van if your new home is on a congested street. If the moving crew has to carry your load more than 75 feet from the moving truck to your door you may be charged for excessive distance.
  
  Some neighborhoods may prohibit trucks over a certain weight. The driver will then have to offload your possessions into a smaller vehicle and the charge for this can be quite expensive. Please advise a relocation consultant if you anticipate this happening. In addition, advise the consultant if you are moving to a high-rise building where an elevator reservation is required. This can cause problems for the delivery schedule if the mover does not know about this in advance and additional charges will apply.
  

• Ask the prospective mover what type of estimates they offer. There are two types of estimates available: Binding estimates and an Estimated Cost of Service. Take the necessary time to understand your options. This could have a significant impact on the final cost of your move.
  

• Compare all estimates for both weight and services provided by the prospective movers. Check the reliability of the moving company you may use by contacting the local Better Business Bureau (BBB). Inquire about the company's complaint record. Ask your friends, neighbors and family for advice on movers and ask each mover you are considering for references.
  

• Be sure to understand the coverage for loss or damage to your shipment. All licensed movers must provide liability for the value of goods which they transport. However, there are different levels of liability. You must be aware of the amount of protection provided and the additional charges that may apply.
  
  There are a number of quality moving companies in the Oklahoma City metro area and City Moving Company is proud to be considered the best in the eyes of its customers among other OKC movers and Oklahoma moving companies.

SUPPLIES YOU'LL NEED
The following boxes and packing materials are used specifically for household moving. These boxes and packing materials are manufactured to the moving industry's specifications. You can obtain these items from your moving company for a reasonable fee.

Boxes:

• Book Box (1.5 cubic feet)
  These small cartons are designed for heavy items, such as books, records, CD's, and canned goods.
  

• Medium (3.0 cubic feet)
  This box is designed for non-fragile and moderately heavy items, such as pots, pans, linen, folded clothes, toys, games, etc.
  

• Large (4.5 cubic feet)
  All large bulky articles that are very light, such as pillows, comforters, and lamp shades.
  

• Dish pack (5.2 cubic feet)
  This box has double extra thick walls specifically designed for dishes, vases, glasses and other fragile items. The separators accompanying dish pack boxes are ideal for china and glassware with individual compartments for these items when being packed.
  

• Mirror, Picture box:
  These narrow boxes accommodate different sized mirrors, paintings, other fragile items and flat items.
  

• Wardrobe box with metal bar:
  This box is equipped with a metal bar so clothes may hang.
  

• Mattress Box:
  Comes in various sizes for different size mattresses.

Packing Materials:

• Tape:
  The most common tape used for carton sealing is a plastic tape called "PVC".
  

• "Newsprint" paper:
  Never use newspapers for wrapping and cushioning material. The ink from newspaper has a tendency to rub off on the items it touches and it is very difficult to remove from items such as fine china. The solution is using "newsprint" paper as cushioning material as it does not contain ink residue.
  

• Bubble wrap:
  This material is another item used as cushioning and is an indispensable asset for packing many items.
  

• Styrofoam peanuts:
  Packing material used to protect fragile items. This material is lightweight, clean, lint-free, dustless and safe.

 

LEARN HOW TO PACK

Implementing good packing practices reduces the chance of your household goods being damaged. If you don't have the time to devote to this task, we suggest your move crew handles your packing needs along with your furniture. The City Moving Company crew will provide the packing materials and service needed to accomplish the task according to professional standards.

 

If you opt to do your own packing instead, consider having your move crew pack delicate items such as dishes, crystal, and other fragile pieces. Reduce the risk of damages by letting the crew handle the packing for these items while reducing your costs by doing the bulk of the packing yourself. Keep in mind that you can purchase moving supplies and boxes from City Moving Company in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

 

 

ITEMS NOT TO PACK

It is important that you understand which items you can ship and which you cannot. Read this section carefully before doing your own packing and having boxes loaded onto the moving van. There are rules and regulations that govern all movers and consumers alike to ensure safety.

• Drain oil and fuel from lawn mowers and other machinery. Discard any partially used cans of paint thinner, oil or other substances that may leak.
  
• All refillable tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer. Discard non-refillable tanks.
  
• Have your rugs and draperies cleaned by your local cleaners. Leave these items wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.
  
• Avoid refinishing your furniture before your move. Some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
  
• Think twice before dismantling your outside satellite dish; a new one may cost less than moving the present one.
  
• If you'll move items such as hot tubs, pool tables, and some exercise equipment you will need third-party service before your move. Please consult your moving company about third party servicing.
  
• You should also consult with your mover about servicing appliances, grandfather clocks, satellite dishes etc. before and after your move.

Follow the list below for information on specific items that cannot be shipped:

Dispose of all flammable, corrosive, or explosive items including the following:

Acid / Gasoline Poisons / Charcoal / Lighter Fluid
Fertilizer / Paints / Car Batteries / Matches
Nail Polish & Remover / Ammunition / Liquid Bleach / Stern
Aerosols / Kerosene / Pool Chemicals / Chemistry Sets
Fireworks / Pesticides / Motor Oil / Paint Thinner
Batteries / Loaded Weapons / Weed Killer / Ammonia
Lamp Oil / Propane Tanks / Cleaning Fluid

Dispose of perishables. Food, plants, or living things may spoil or perish while in transit:

Frozen Food / Plants / OKC
Open Food / Produce

Please note that you should empty your refrigerator and freezers at least 24 hours before loading. Keep the appliance doors open so the appliance will dry out and prevent the growth of mold and odor.

The moving company agent may agree to transport perishables if they are properly packed and require no servicing in transit and the shipment delivery is less than 150 miles and within 24 hours.

Some articles are not accepted for transportation.

The moving company assumes no responsibility should these items come into their possession without knowledge. Although these articles do not create a physical threat it can create problems if your shipment is delayed or items are lost. This can be avoided if all irreplaceable, sentimental items are carried with you.

For example:

Address Books / Files / Personal Video Tapes
Air Line Tickets / Financial Statements / Photos and Albums
Car Keys / Furs / Research Projects
Bonds IRAs / Deeds / Tax Records / School Records
Check Books / Jewelry / Sterling Silver
Coins / Letters / Stocks / Stamp Collection
Computer Software / Disks / Medicine

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