Moving tips that will make your Boston area move go smoothly

Moving to a new house is a challenge, even under the best of circumstances.  I’ve moved on the average of once every three years, with a personal best of three moves in one year: Hong Kong to Beijing to Brookline to Wellesley, MA.  And I managed moves for several companies.  Am I nuts?  Absolutely!  But along the way, I’ve developed a few tricks to save my sanity – I hope they help save yours, too.

Choose a good mover!  As soon as you sign the Purchase and Sale Agreement, ask your Realtor for the names of the two or three best movers they or their customers have used.  Call and schedule an appointment for each (separately!) to come to your house.  They will go through your house with you to determine the size truck needed, number of movers (and packers if you decide to use them), number and type of boxes and other packing  supplies. They also will discuss the house you are moving to (number of , floors, location of stairs, basement access, etc.). Give them a rough idea of your moving date – weekend moves are more expensive than weekday moves, and certain times of year are busier for movers than others.  They will also provide references you can call, explain costs in detail and give you an estimate. Once you’ve contacted references and reviewed the estimates, choose the mover you feel most comfortable with and get on their schedule as soon as possible, even if your move date might change.  Most movers require a down payment.  They will arrange for delivery of boxes and packing supplies approximately two weeks before your move date (you only pay for what you use) – if you need more time to pack, ask them to deliver some supplies earlier or purchase supplies as you need them at U-Haul. 

Caution: the one time I chose a mover who gave me a quote over the phone, based on number of rooms and “big” pieces of furniture, the move was a disaster.  They sent a truck that couldn’t hold all of our belongings and refused to make two trips or send a backup truck. Luckily that move was within Wellesley and I had wonderful friends who came to the rescue.  The most expensive mover is not necessarily the best, but you do get what you pay for.

Look for Part II in coming days, when we’ll go over planning and labeling.

 Barbara Butterfield, Pinnacle Realtor

cell: 781-910-9293

office: 781-237-5000

email: bbutterfield@pinnaclehouses.com

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