One of the most important steps before you move is getting a moving estimate from your home or office mover. In order for the estimator to provide you with the most accurate quote possible you will need to provide him with the best information you can. You should have complete knowledge of your new neighborhood, apartment/house/office, and the route to your destination (including construction). With local moves, time is everything. You can sometimes save time if you can recommend a quicker route to your destination than the one your mover was expecting to take. Other helpful tidbits that your Austin mover needs to know in order to give you an accurate moving estimate:

• Check your new area for the availability of suitable parking for the moving truck – one that will allow the movers to comfortably load and unload your items. Double-parking means the truck has to round the corner every so often and you may incur additional charges. A long carry will add to the time it takes to load or unload.
• Know all of the restrictions and requirements for your building. Most big buildings, especially in city areas, allow moves only between 9am and 5pm for residenatial moves, or only after hours and weekends for commercial moves. Remind your movers to provide the necessary certificates of insurance. These documents protect the building against damage. Building superintendents will not allow entrance without them. Check what other requirements the building may have regarding floor/wall protection and elevator usage.
• The availability of suitable elevator units for apartment moves is very important, especially ones large enough to hold your biggest pieces of furniture. This will definitely save you time and money. But it will also save the movers the time and effort of carrying heavy furniture up the stairs, where damage is more likely to occur, and also from disassembling your furniture.

If you are unsure about access, parking, or elevator sizes don’t hesitate to request an on-site estimate! Your Austin movers will gladly take a little time to check things out to ensure there are no unpleasant surprises on move day and everything goes smoothly for your move!

Get an Austin residential or commercial moving estimate now!

ONE MONTH BEFORE YOUR MOVE
* Clean out storage spaces & discard unwanted items
* Make inventory of items to be moved
* Use up refrigerated/frozen items
* Notify post office, subscriptions, and correspondents of address change. This includes: Charge Accounts/Credit Cards, Friends/Relatives, Medical Offices
* Verify with veterinarian any travel accommodations for pets
* Register children for school and transfer school records
* Purchase packing materials
* Begin packing household items that you do not use on a regular basis

TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOUR MOVE
* Contact utility companies to schedule disconnect and reconnect of these services: Electricity, Gas, Telephone, Water/Sewer, Cable
* Contact Newspaper carrier
* Call to confirm moving date with your moving company

ONE WEEK BEFORE YOUR MOVE
* Drain fluids from lawn equipment
* Prepare a box with essential items necessary for your first day in your new house, including: Bedroom Linens, Toiletries, Medications, Telephone Book
* Purchase any additional packing materials necessary
* Continue packing – Pack all items not used on a daily basis

THE DAY BEFORE
* Pack valuables (we recommend you take your valuables in your own vehicle)
* Be sure fragile items are appropriately packed and labeled
* Be sure all loose items are packed and secure
* Confirm all utility connections
* Clean the house to the best of your ability

FOLLOWING THE MOVE
* Test all smoke detectors and find fire extinguishers
* Make a new list of emergency contacts
* Register new address with the department of transportation, obtain an update for license and registration

Get an Austin residential or commercial moving estimate now!

Due to the design and/or construction of certain items, as well as moving company policies and government regulations, there are items which are not covered under basic cargo coverage, increased valuation coverage, or third part moving insurance. Also, please note that Elephant Moving’s liability is limited to $50.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces.

Elephant Moving assumes no liability for the following items:

Customer Packed Boxes (PBO-Packed By Owner) – VERY IMPORTANT
- the contents of your boxes are not covered unless they have been packed by Elephant Moving company employees
- in the event that a customer-packed box is lost or destroyed, compensation will be computed based on an average weight of 50 pounds per box, REGARDLESS of actual box contents

Pressboard Furniture
- disassemble pressboard furniture if possible, package fasteners separately (see our section on pressed wood furniture for further explanation)

Halogen Pole Lamps
- disassemble and box halogen pole lamps to protect them, always remove bulbs

Live Plants or Perishables
- avoid packing food or plants if at all possible, use open-top boxes or wardrobes for plants

Electronics & Musical Instruments (Internal Mechanisms)
- includes the internal workings of all electronic items such as televisions, stereos, computers, computer accessories and all musical instruments (unless you have specifically purchased full coverage insurance with the mechanical and electrical derangement add-on coverage)
- have your electronics and musical instruments professionally prepared for moving beforehand

Unpackaged Glass
- includes glass framed artwork, fish-tanks, tabletops, and mirror glass
- glass must be pre-packaged by an Elephant Moving employee to be fully covered

Get an Austin residential or commercial moving estimate now!