The average American changes their residence 11.3 times throughout their life. Ben Franklin said, Moving three times is as bad as a fire. That 18th-century adage is no longer true — especially when you have professional movers like Guindon Moving & Storage by your side.
No matter if this is your first move or your fifteenth, we know that moving is inherently stressful and can be downright confusing. This guide will walk you through the top questions and concerns to ask when hiring a moving company and completing a move.
We encourage your questions throughout the process. Most of the professional movers you’ll meet are down-to-earth people running a family business helping people like you. You may move only 11 times in your life. At Guindon, we move families like yours every day.
You may think a DIY move is for you, but there are often tips, tricks and, most important, the proper tools and equipment professional movers have access to that you may not.
If you’re looking to downsize or rightsize your office, or if you’re simply changing homes, we have moving and storage services ranging from local and long distance to office and corporate relocation that depend on:
Full-service moving includes furniture disassembly and reassembly. Just like the name says, it’s full service. The customer doesn’t need to lift a finger. Busy professionals often choose this option, as it takes the stress out of moving. Many companies also offer partial-service plans and customized moving plans.
Packing, lifting and transporting your own items.
You will probably find it beneficial to rent trucks and dollies, especially for heavy items.
The middle ground between full-service and DIY moves. Hire movers for a few hours to help load/unload your goods. Labor only is a time- and energy-saving move if you don’t mind packing your own items but would like some help with the heavy lifting.
What information to have ready before calling a mover:
Fill out an online quote form.
Most moving companies will have an opportunity to fill out a free moving estimate form on their website. Once you narrow down the movers you are interested in using, fill out their online quote forms to get a quote on your moving cost.
Once you have received your quotes, you should be able to choose a mover that meets your needs and your budget. Call the mover you are most inclined to hire and ask them more specific questions about your move, such as the type of services you need, and ask if they are available for your moving dates.
On moving day, you need to:
Moving is a specialized industry, and you’re likely to come across unfamiliar terms. We’re here to break down commonly used moving terms and what you need to know:
Accessorial/Additional Charge: Charges for additional services, such as packing/unpacking.
Bill of Lading: This is your receipt or contract with your mover.
Binding/Non-Binding Estimate: This is what is provided before the move as an estimate of how much the move will cost. The full charge amount will be given after the move is complete.
Carrier: The mover or company you’re working with.
C.O.D.: Stands for “cash on delivery.”
High-Value Article: An item valued at about $100 per pound.
Interstate Move: Any move that crosses state boundaries, regardless of miles.
Intrastate Move: A move within the state.
Order for Service: The document that authorizes the moving company to move your items.
Order Number: The number used to identify and track your shipment. It will be found on your order for service and the bill of lading.
Shuttle Service: When a smaller vehicle is used to transport your shipment to its destination. This usually happens when a road is too narrow or there isn’t enough parking to get the moving truck to its destination.
Storage In Transit (S.I.T.): Temporary storage for your belongings if your new home isn’t ready.
Valuation: This is not insurance but a specific amount a moving company agrees to pay if an item is damaged or lost by a mover.
Now, you’re fully armed with all the knowledge you need to plan a successful move. You know what to look for in movers, what to pack and some frequently used terms to help you navigate your moving contract. You are at an advantage — you’re going into this process knowing more than the average person.
Moving is stressful. But you’ve got this!
Free moving quotes
Family-owned and operated
Over 80 years of experience
Government approved and inspected warehouse storage
4 hospital moves
Largest mover in northern Wisconsin and Michigan
Friendly, personable staff
Highest-quality service at competitive prices
Assembly and disassembly of furniture