Moving Resources

Why should I hire a professional mover?

Hiring a professional mover will result in less stress and an easier, safer move all around. Moving can be both emotionally and physically draining and handling delicate or bulky items with care requires specific moving skills and experience. Moving safely and successfully requires specialized equipment and experience, unlike other trades.

Do I need an estimate?

Usually, a sales representative will be able to give you a good idea of a price range over the phone. But for the most accurate estimate, Modern Moving recommends an on-site appointment to review the details of your move.

Is moving labor the only moving expense I should expect?

Moving labor represents the majority of the moving expense. However, you should also budget for packing supplies, such as moving boxes and tape, and for additional valuation (moving “insurance”) as needed. Modern Moving & Storage takes special precautions with delicate or oversized items, such as flat-screen televisions and chandeliers.

How accurate will the moving estimate be?

With over thirty years of experience, our sales teams pride themselves on providing the most accurate moving estimates in the industry. Our proprietary sales system ensures that we work closely with every customer to fully understand his/her moving needs and to provide a moving estimate that reflects those needs. Be sure to offer as much information as possible at the time of the estimate, including reviewing the inventory for accuracy. Neglecting to mention additional items, or difficult areas of access, at the time of the moving estimate almost always results in unexpected costs for the customer.

How can I keep costs down during my move?

Keep in mind that moving is both a science and an art, and each movie is different. The best way to keep costs down is to be as prepared as possible for when the movers arrive, which will reduce or eliminate unexpected/unnecessary time. Moving boxes are one of the most time-consuming areas of a move yet are some of the lightest things to move.

Another time saver, if we are not packing for you, is for you to use the same size boxes and be sure they are taped closed and labeled correctly for the movers. Stack them up, so the movers can just place them on the dolly and go. Also, while the movers will be happy to do so, the disassembly of furniture takes up time as well. You can try to disassemble any beds, desks, etc. to cut down on time. In short, anything that you can do yourself or anything that can help the movers move faster will cut down on your cost.

Is valuation ("moving insurance") necessary?

Although Modern Moving & Storage will take every necessary precaution on your move, unexpected damage can occur; and it is important to make sure that your possessions are protected. We are able to offer valuation (“moving insurance”) to our customers at a very fair price due to the very low number of claims we file.

How far in advance should I schedule my move?

We recommend scheduling your move as far in advance as possible. The farther out you can plan your move, the greater the availability you will have in choosing a date and time that is convenient for you. A general rule of thumb is to contact us no later than two weeks in advance of your desired move date. We realize planning is not always possible and do our best to accommodate last-minute customers as well.

I want to do some packing and moving before the movers arrive. What areas would be most helpful?

Focus on packing, instead of moving. Smaller items and moving boxes can be moved very quickly by professional movers. Don’t spend time trying to move these items yourself. Rather, focus on packing boxes, so that when the movers arrive, you are 100% ready. For more information on packing and packing supplies check out our Packing page and tips

What can I do to ensure that my belongings end up in the correct room during the move?

Choose a simple labeling system (i.e., MBR for Master Bedroom) and make sure that all of your boxes are clearly marked. Boxes should be labeled on the top and three sides. Your movers will work closely with you at the destination to make sure everything ends up where you want it.

Can I leave the clothing in my dresser drawers?

It is generally fine to leave clothing in dresser drawers during the move. Be sure to remove anything from the drawers that may roll around or shift during transport, as this can cause damage. If the dresser is particularly large (a triple dresser or part of a large armoire), it is best to empty it at least partially

Are there any items that you cannot move?

Modern Moving, as well as all other licensed movers, will not move hazardous or combustible items such as propane tanks, firearms, paint, and aerosols, as the temperature in the truck could cause these items to explode or ignite.

How will the movers know what items to take and what to leave behind?

When the movers first arrive, they will do a walkthrough of your current home with you, confirming which items are going and which are not.

What if I haven’t finished packing by my scheduled moving day?

If your moving day is rapidly approaching and it becomes clear that you will not be fully packed, it is critical that you inform your move coordinator as soon as possible. He/she can work with you to make the best possible “plan b” for packing. This may mean having the movers finish your packing. Alternatively, if we have the availability, there may be an option to push back your move date to give you more time to pack. If you only have a small number of items left to pack, your movers can often complete this on moving day; however, it is important to understand that this will add time to the job and, therefore, add to the total cost of the move.

Can the movers arrange the furniture to my liking in my new home?

Absolutely! When we deliver your items to your new home, the movers will work closely with you to make sure all furniture and boxes arrive in the correct rooms.

Can I keep moving expenses down by having a family member or friend help on moving day?

On moving day, the professional movers should handle the job entirely. They are highly trained and best suited to carrying the weight and negotiating the loading of the truck. Generally speaking, having non-professionals work alongside the movers slows things down and costs you more in the long run. Your friends and family can be most helpful in preparing for the move – packing moving boxes or caring for your pets or children.

Can I ride in the cab of the moving truck with the movers?

Unfortunately, professional moving companies cannot transport customers in the moving truck for liability reasons.

Can my movers clean my home on moving day?

While professional moving companies may vary, at Modern Moving we clean up any clutter we create during the moving process. However, we do not do general house cleaning. We recommend asking your friends, family, and neighbors for a referral for this type of service

Is it possible to move during inclement weather?

It is possible, but not recommended. We keep a keen eye on the weather and if it isn’t safe to put our crews or your belongings in harm’s way, we will notify you of our change of plans. Our motto is “no one gets hurt.” Remember: it’s not only the 1st stop that needs to be clear of snow and/or ice but also the 2nd or any additional stop along the way that must have walkways and driveways cleared before we can begin the move.

8 Tips To Help Avoid Getting Scammed

Ask Your Realtor – The general consensus among moving professionals is that word of mouth is the best way to find a good mover. While friends and family are always good sources, realtors know many of the ins and outs of the housing industry and are the most reliable sources.

Investigate the companies – Check with your area’s Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed and whether there are reliable Web sites solely dedicated to moving scams.

Make sure the moving company visits your home – Good companies will spend 20 minutes or more with a potential client answering questions and giving packing tips, Molloy says, and should offer to show their warehouses for temporary storage.

Demand a contract that covers everything – A moving contract should spell out all the details, and there should not be any hidden charges, such as a “driver’s fee.”

Ask about the claims process – Even reputable movers occasionally drop vases and scratch tables. The difference between a good mover and a bad mover when this happens is that a good mover has a solid claims process to make sure you recoup damages.

Be cautious of internet movers – If you were to Google “movers” or “cheap move,” your screen would be filled with special moving deals from companies that have legitimate-sounding company names. But if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Look at the actual trucks used – When you’re shopping, take a look at the trucks. Do they look clean and well-kept? The condition of the truck is a good indication of how your furniture will be treated.

Some Tips For A Smart Move

Moving to a new home can cause people to experience an array of emotions. There’s sadness at leaving the place they called home for so long, there’s excitement at the idea of exploring a new area, and there’s stress at the idea of packing and preparing to move to a new home. There’s nothing people can do about the sadness they feel to leave their current home, but there is something they can do to make packing and moving homes less stressful and much more efficient

Start packing early to avoid last-minute snafus – The earlier a family packs, the less stress they will face leading up to moving day. Since it’s not plausible to pack everything months in advance, it is a much better idea to start packing certain items in advance. As soon as it becomes official that a move will occur it is a good idea to start packing items that are not used regularly, such as holiday decor, seasonal clothing, and knick-knacks.

Clearly label all boxes for the move – Ask that your movers place boxes in the room they are marked for, which makes moving in much easier. It helps not to have to dig around hundreds of boxes in the garage to try and find the ones that go in specific rooms in the house. It’s much easier when a family labels boxes clearly and has those boxes placed in the rooms in which they belong.

Schedule the move well in advance. If a family plans to use movers, it is a good idea to schedule them at least two months in advance. Properly guide them through the process of moving your belongings if you have any specialty items that require special service.

Fill out change of address forms before the big move. It’s easier to head to the post office a few days before the move to fill these out than it is to deal with it the day of the move. Additionally, print out new address cards to send to friends and family so that they will have the new address when it comes time to mail holiday cards or housewarming gifts.

Pack an overnight bag to take with you on the night of the move. This bag should contain water, toothbrushes, toiletries, sheets and blankets, and clothes to wear. This helps families stay prepared when the move is over, and the unpacking is still not done.

Some Advice For Moving With Children

Call a family meeting. You may want to order some pizza and gather around the dining room table for a casual dinner and lots of conversation. If the reason that you are moving is due to a promotion or a new job, be sure to tell your children that you’re excited about it. Always explain why you took it and how it will impact the entire family. Tell them how you feel about the move and encourage them to express their feelings and concerns as well. If this is their first time moving, it could be particularly difficult due to the fact they’re leaving their family home. Share with them your first-move experience. Let them know you’ll be depending on them to help out during the move, from packing to settling into the new place.

Purge before packing. Let the children know that now is a really good time to cut through the clutter. All through the house, there’s sure to be a bunch of things that do not need to accompany you to the new home. Go ahead and get the kids to help you go through the house to identify what should go with you and what you should not bring with you. Do let them know that you don’t necessarily want to toss everything. It’s all right to keep certain things that hold important memories. However, items — be they clothes, toys, or electronics — that are no longer used, should be closely considered for the toss pile. And you don’t have to toss them … you can always donate them.

Hold a moving sale. Once you’ve figured out what you want to pack and what you want to purge, get the kids to help you organize a moving sale. They can help you sort through everything, organize it, inventory it, and price and tag it. Let them know that the proceeds from the sale will be used for something for the family. In fact, you can have a family meeting and vote to decide on what that might be. Maybe it’s a giant flat screen TV for the new house, or maybe it’s a chocolate lab puppy. Whatever it is, the more invested the kids are in the goal, the more helpful they’ll be with organizing the sale.

Research the new neighborhood. Try to learn as much as possible about the new neighborhood, community, and town. Share what you find with your kids. You don’t have to make everything sound wonderful; honest, matter-of-fact information will be most helpful in the long run. If you oversell things and raise expectations, there’s room for disappointment. Encourage your kids to do their own research. With your help, they can go online and look up community and school Web sites. You could also find copies of some local magazines and a weekend edition of the local paper. You’ll be able to learn about community organizations and groups, school events and sports, and other social and civic activities.



Host a see you again soon event. One of the more difficult things about moving for any kid is saying goodbye to their friends. You could certainly lessen the anxiety of this by taking part in hosting a small event with family, friends, and neighbors and calling it a See You Real Soon party. During the event, make sure everyone exchanges contact information and take photos of your kids with their friends. Between texting, e-mails, and phone calls, your kids should be able to maintain old friendships while transitioning to their new surroundings and making new friends. Depending on the distance of your move, you could speak with the parents of your children’s friends about planning a weekend visit or meeting somewhere halfway for a day visit.

2 Months Before

• Sort through the contents of closets, drawers, and cupboards to weed out what you don’t want or need. Hold a yard sale or donate unwanted items to charity.
• Inventory everything of value you plan to move and determine replacement values for insurance purposes.
• Obtain estimates from several moving companies and choose one.

6 Weeks Before

• Finalize real estate or rental needs.
• If moving out of town, make travel arrangements.
• Notify your children’s schools of the move and contact new schools for enrollment information.
• Obtain copies of school records or have them sent to new schools.
• Obtain copies of medical records for each family member.
• Ask doctors to recommend doctors in your new community.
• Consult insurance agents to find out if changes to policies are necessary.

1 Month Before

• Alert utility companies to disconnect services the day after you move and to have the new service activated several days before you arrive at your new house. Contact the chamber of commerce in your new town for information on utility services.
• If necessary, arrange for storage in your new community.
• If you’re packing your house yourself, order supplies and start packing boxes.

1 Week Before

• If you’re packing your house yourself, finish packing boxes.
• Confirm travel arrangements, if needed.
• Arrange payment or deposit for movers.
• Write directions to your new home for the moving company, confirm the delivery date, and give the company your itinerary and cell phone number.
• Complete change-of-address forms at the post office, and send notices to magazine subscriptions, creditors, friends and relatives, alumni organizations, credit cards, banks, and any other necessary companies and organizations.
• Cancel newspaper subscriptions.
• Notify your employers — new and old — of your new contact information.
• Clean rugs and have them packed for moving.
• Obtain health certificates from your vet for pets traveling by air.
• Pack your first-night box: spare bed sheets, clothes for your first night and next day, toiletries, shower towel, medications, and important financial records and documents

Moving Day

• If the inventory of your belongings is required, once complete, review the entire inventory and conditions report with your mover.
• Review and sign off on the paperwork with your mover – be sure to double-check that the addresses and phone numbers are correct.
• Lock windows, turn off lights, close doors, and take a final tour after the movers have finished being certain nothing is left behind. At your destination, check the truck before the movers leave to ensure everything has made it into your new home.
• Modern Moving wants your belongings to arrive at your new home safe and sound. So, one of the most important things to know about how to move…is knowing which items not to move. Modern Moving & Storage professionals are trained to look for normal household items that are hazardous and often illegal to ship. Being proactive in the move planning process can eliminate the risk of potential problems and save time along the way.

What Not to Pack

For your protection, omit the following when packing:

• Aerosol cans regardless of content
• Heating agents, such as Sterno
• Nail polish/remover
• Fire extinguishers
• Any type of gas in bottles or tanks, including propane or oxygen
• Paints, varnishes, solvents, thinners, and oils
• Ammonia, bleach, and other household cleaning agents
• Chlorine granules or powders
• Muriatic acid (also called hydrochloric acid)
• Auto batteries
• Charcoal/lighter fluid
• Matches and lighters
• Ammunition
• Any other combustible product
• In addition to hazardous materials, perishable items and those of personal importance are recommended for your individual transport.
• These include, but are not limited to:
• Frozen/refrigerated food, produce and open food items. Learn more about donating food to your local food bank in conjunction with Move For Hunger.
• Plants
• Prescription medications
• Stocks, bonds, and securities
• Collections, such as coins and stamps
• Insurance policies
• Currency
• Jewelry and furs
• Other important documents
• 
  

A safe move is the only move for your family. Proper planning and exclusion of hazardous items during the packing process will help make moving a satisfying experience.