Planning Your Move
Nelson’s Moving and Storage Experts
We believe that the more we give, the more we will get back, so if you have a moving or storage problem that you need help with, call us at 250 354 8402.
With over 25 years experience in moving and storage we guarantee that we will be able to help you find the best solution, whether Kootenai Moving and Storage is involved or not.
It may be better for you to rent a personal storage container or hire a truck yourself, it may be that we could send over an employee to help you pack and load your truck, but whatever the best solution is, we will help you decide yourself with expert advice. Just call or email us
1. Planning
Planning is the key to any successful move. It’s the best way to ensure the move goes smoothly for the whole family
- Stay home until the very last item is packed. Make a final inspection of the home before our van foreman leaves. It is your responsibility to confirm that all of your goods are loaded.
- Be on hand when our movers arrive. If you are not able to be present while our movers are there, then designate an authorized person who will be there to take your place and answer the questions the movers have.
- Make sure to mark all of the items you intend to take yourself so that our movers will not take them. Also, mark your boxes with fragile stickers when needed and label them all with your name, a list of their contents and the room they will be delivered to in your new home.
- Disassemble your computer system before your move. Back up all of your computer files onto removable media. In transportation there is a risk that exposure to extreme heat or cold could damage internal components. Keep your data safe.
- Make sure that you fully understand the details of the estimate provided. If any charges, guarantees or other details are not fully understood, please ask our move consultant to explain them for you. Moving companies and individual estimators present their services differently, and for specific reasons.
- Dates, addresses, phone numbers, and contact persons’ information should be given to the moving company at the time you book your move. It is common practice for a mover to require a 10% deposit in order to book you in. Beware of movers that ask for larger deposits.
2. Preparing For Your Move
Make your moving arrangements as far ahead of your moving date as possible. Ensure that you understand all the terms and conditions of our contract. Ensure that you declare a value of your goods for insurance coverage; otherwise your furniture will only be covered for 60 cents per pound per article.
Defrost your refrigerator and freezer the day before moving. Dispose of all flammables such as matches, aerosols, fuels and propane tanks before moving. Set up a specific area in your home for all items not to be shipped and inform your movers of this area. It is not necessary to empty dresser drawers, but remove all fragile items and liquids.
3. During Your Move
Carry your currency, jewelry and valuable documents. We cannot take responsibility for articles of “extraordinary value”. Take your personal phone books with you; you may need to make important calls during your transition.
If your long distance move occurs during extreme weather conditions, allow your electronics to climatize before plugging them in at your new home. Ensure you check the list of your goods (Inventory) and their condition at the time of loading.
Method of Payment — Unless prior credit arrangements have been made, your van foreman is required to collect payment in full before unloading. Final payment must be made in Cash, Bank Draft, Visa, or MasterCard.
Ensure you check off all your items and their condition, as they are unloaded at your new residence. Damaged or missing items must be pointed out to your van foreman at this time and listed on your inventory form. Keep a copy of your contract (Bill of Lading), as most moves are tax deductible.
4. Moving Schedule
6 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Tour your home, (include your attic, garage, storage space etc.) to determine what items you will be shipping. Have a garage sale or donate items you will not be shipping to a charity. Reducing your shipment size will reduce your moving costs.
- Make travel arrangements, flight, hotel, vehicle rental, etc.
- Start using up all extra food stocks, frozen food (cannot be shipped) and canned food, it will reduce the weight of your shipment and shipping costs.
4 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Contact us by phone at 250 354 8402 or use the free estimate forms on this website. Long Distance Estimate Form, Local Estimate Form
- Notify Post Office of your new address.
- Notify all accounts, such as mortgages, banks, leases, business or credit accounts of your new address.
- Notify schools.
- Return library books, videotapes, DVD’s, and other borrowed items and collect items loaned.
2 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Arrange for a baby sitter on moving day.
- Set up a specific area in your home for items you are taking with you personally.
- Finish packing.
- Label all boxes with your name, and name of room you would like them moved into.
- Drain water from garden hose and all oil & fuel from power mower and machinery.
1 DAY BEFORE YOUR MOVE
- Empty refrigerator and freezer, defrost and wipe down.
- Finish packing all personal items.
MOVING DAY
- Make sure someone is available to answer our mover’s questions.
- Keep vacuum out to clean areas where furniture used to be.
- Complete a final inspection of your home with your mover, make sure all rooms, closets, etc. are empty.