Moving Guide: Plan Your Move

The key to a successful move is planning. Planning and organizing your move will help you alleviate the stress of moving, and avoid any surprises. The relocation process takes anywhere from 90-120 days. During this time, you will need to plan and organize your move. The more organized you are, the less stressed you will be. When using a professional mover, be aware that the summer months are the busiest, so try and contact us 30 to 45 days prior to your preferred move dates .

Loading and Moving Day

Your household goods are packed and ready to be loaded. The day before moving day, you will be called by our Customer Service department to schedule move times and discuss any last minute details.

It is your responsibility to be there on moving day. If you cannot be there, you must designate a person to be present on moving day. Be assured that your household goods will be loaded and transported by professionally trained service providers experienced in proper loading techniques to minimize damage in transit.

Bekins knows how important it is to protect your home, so we use runners and special padding throughout the house to avoid any damage to carpeting, flooring, doorways and molding during the move-out , if requested. We will also use stretch wrap or padding to protect upholstered furniture or any other furniture that can cause damage to other items.

For all Long Distance and Storage moves, your Bekins driver will prepare an inventory of items to be moved, and each item is noted for its' physical condition. Please be sure that each item is listed and that the condition of each item is accurately indicated. Each item to be moved will be labeled with an inventory sticker and numbered so that it's matched on the inventory sheet. Both you and the driver will sign the inventory to finalize the items being loaded and moved.

Our loading team will load your goods onto the moving truck using strapping if necessary. Once the van is loaded, you will be asked to sign your Bill of Lading (shipping contract) to confirm agreed upon services, schedules, selected valuation coverage and to authorize the transport of your household goods being moved.

Delivery Day

It is your responsibility to be present on delivery day. Be sure to have your payment ready, as payment is required upon delivery, unless other billing arrangements were made in advance. Accepted methods of payments include cash, cashier's check, traveler's check, credit card (with prior approval) or money order. Be aware that personal checks cannot be accepted.

As the driver unloads each item, carefully inspect each item for damage and check it off the driver's original inventory form. If any item is damaged or missing, you must identify the missing items and/or note the damage on the driver's inventory. This is required if a claim is filed and settlement is to be made. After unloading, you will be asked to sign the inventory form. Before you sign, be sure that you accompany the driver for one last inspection of your shipment and your residence. Your signature indicates that you have received your articles in the same condition (unless noted) as when they were picked up by Bekins for transportation.

Moving with Children

A move can be especially trying for children. Here are some tips to ease their concerns:

• Get them involved - This will help alleviate some of their stress about moving to a new place.
• Let them pack their own special box of their items
• Discuss their fears and concerns

Be sure that they are not there on loading day, as they may become upset that their things are going on the truck. We suggest that they spend the day with family or friends to minimize their anxiety about the move. Proper planning will assist your children in the transition to you new home and community.

Moving your Pets

Pets cannot be moved on the moving truck. Be sure that they are not around on moving day as they might get in the way. Also, arrange for the transport of your pet well in advance. You might want to visit your veterinarian to get your pet's health records and update tags, and to obtain tranquilizers to calm your pet during transport.

Moving Plants

Plants should not be moved. We cannot be responsible for the care of plants, and many states quarantine plants at all times. We recommend that they move with you, and not on the Bekins truck.