MOVING DO’S AND DONT’S

A football coach will tell you that the game is won through preparation.   Moving, like in football, preparation is the key to a low-stress moving experience. A big move is full of too many critical decisions, and Curtis Specialized Moving & Storage is here to help you make all the right choices.

Do…start the move preparations as early as possible. Give yourself a proper head-start and a better chance to be prepared when the move begins.
Don’t…lose time by starting without a clear plan of action. Create and follow a realistic, moving timeline.
Do…follow a moving checklist to organize your time. Prioritize all tasks in your plan.
Don't…move alone when you have expensive, fragile, and antique items or drive long distances. You can be penny-wise and thousands foolish.
Do…select a good mover by obtaining referrals from friends and relatives who have had a pleasant experience with the moving company. Also, check licensing information and ask for the mover’s certificate of insurance to see what coverage and amounts the mover has in place.  Reputable movers are happy to provide this to a prospective client.
Don't…accept cost estimates over the phone or by e-mail. The only way to get accurate quotes is to visit the site.
Do book. Reputable, trustworthy, and experienced movers are busy, and their schedules fill up fast.
Don’t…wait until the last minute to book your move. You will not have the best options for reputable movers and competitive pricing.
Do…prepare boxes containing toiletries, important documents, jewelry, cash, coins, firearms & ammunition, etc. and transport these items yourself.
Don’t…start packing without having a packing timeline to help you stay on plan. Most of us hate to move and packing is not a fun task. If you represent to the mover, you are packing x. y, or z when they prepare your estimate, and those items are not packed, your move bill will be higher.
Do…get the right packing materials in advance to avoid interrupting the packing process later.
Don’t…skimp on padding materials when packing extra-fragile items such as dishes, glasses, porcelain figurines, etc. Or better yet…hire a mover capable of packing these items. Movers will not be responsible for items they did not pack.
Do…label all moving boxes you pack for easy identification. Record and mark their content, destination room, and special handling instructions.
Don't…pack items for moving company transport that are not authorized for moving company’s transport. Moving companies will not move hazardous items, flammables, explosives, or perishables.
Do…transfer or change the utilities…power, water, gas, phone, cable TV, etc. Arrange to turn these services on at the new home or office.
Don't…move expensive, fragile, or irreplaceable items without purchasing increased valuation coverage from the mover.  Without purchasing increased valuation coverage, movers in Texas are released from liability at $0.60/lb. per item, lost or damaged.  Many believe their homeowner's policy covers their goods in transport, but the homeowner’s policy rarely provides complete coverage.  Call your homeowners agent to ascertain what is covered and discuss options with the mover.
Do…have a final check around the home or office you are vacating to ensure all windows and doors are secure, and nothing is left.