When's the Best Time to Move? Ask These Questions First
What is the best day and time of day to move? If this is your first major move, and you're not sure when to schedule the movers, take a look at the questions to ask right now.
When Can You Get into Your New Home?
Do you already have the keys to your new house or apartment — or do you need to wait for your new landlord to hand them over? If the previous tenants plan to move out on the same day you move in, the landlord still needs to do a final walk-through before you arrive, or you don't have a way to get into your new home, an early morning moving time isn't an option.
Are the Utilities on and Working?
A dark or dimly lit move could put you, your family, or the moving company's staff at risk of unnecessary slip and falls. If the electricity isn't on in your new home yet, you won't have the light needed for an early morning, late day, or cloudy day move. This means you either need to wait for the utility company to start your home's service or move during mid-day sunlight hours.
Along with the electricity, you may also need to make sure other utilities are on before you schedule your move-in day. Without natural gas or water, your apartment or house won't have working heat or plumbing. This will leave you and your movers cold and without a way to use the restroom.
Will You Pack Everything Before Your Move Day?
When will you pack for your move? Ideally, you should complete the prep and packing process days before your move. But if work, your children, or other family obligations make this impossible, you may need to wait until moving day to finish packing.
If you plan on finishing your packing on your moving day, schedule an afternoon or evening service appointment. This gives you the time necessary to finish packing correctly — and won't leave the movers waiting in front of your house.
How Much Do You Need to Move?
The more furniture, boxes, and bins, you need to move, the longer the process may take — especially if you have heavy, fragile, or awkwardly-shaped items. Schedule a larger move for earlier in the day. This gives the movers enough time to safely move everything into your new home. A later appointment may mean you need to pay for two days of moving services.
What Is the Movers' Schedule?
Your specific moving day and time depend on the contractor's schedule. Before you agree to a mover's estimate, ask the contractor about their days and hours of operation, typical appointment schedules, and whether they have set times (such as 8:00 a.m.) or windows (such as 10 a.m. to noon or morning). While many moving companies have daily hours, some may not operate (or may not operate fully) on the weekends.
What Is Your Schedule?
Can you take a weekday off from work? Do you also work on the weekends? Your daily schedule will help you to choose a moving date. A mid-week move may offer greater flexibility or more appointment times. But if you can't take a Monday through Friday off from work, you'll need a weekend appointment.
Will Anyone Else Help You to Move?
Even though the movers will do the bulk of the heavy lifting, you may need extra help from friends, relatives, or roommates. Whether your friends are part of the packing process, your sister will babysit your children on moving day, or you'll get help in some other way, coordinate your schedule with everyone who will participate.
Do you need professional help with your next move? Contact Helping Hands Movers, Inc., for more information.
