Local Moving Guide for Families in Kent, Washington

Preparing for a local move in Kent, Washington? In this blog, we’ll walk through the local moving process, share a few tips for saving money and explain some of the common moving services local movers in Kent offer. 

The Local Moving Process Step 1: How Do You Choose the Right Company for Your Move?

The three most important things to look for are a history of positive reviews, license and insurance status and range of service options.

Choosing a moving company starts with getting at least three quotes from local movers in your area. Here’s a bit more on the features that should guide your search.

• Positive Google Reviews and Testimonials: Online reviews are a great way to learn about experiences real people have had with a moving company.
• License and Insurance Status: Moving companies should be licensed by the state in which they operate. Look up a mover’s USDOT License on the mover database to find out if they’re licensed. If not, you may be dealing with a “rogue mover” – steer clear.
• Range of Service Options: Things like packing services and access to warehouse storage can make your move much smoother. You want a mover that can handle every aspect of your job. 

The Local Moving Process Step 2: How do you prepare for Moving Day?

Prepare for moving day by cleaning and organizing your home as much as you can. Your movers can help when they arrive, but your job will go much faster the less your movers need to do upon arrival.

You can get ready for moving day by:

• Decluttering around the house: Sell or give away any items you don’t need. It’s also wise to make sure there’s a clear path to the front or back door for movers to carry your items out to trucks.
• Pre-Pack anything you don’t want movers handling: If you have sensitive items you don’t want movers to handle, pack them on your own ahead of time and make sure you have them clearly separated from things you do want movers to handle.
• Pack a “day one” bag: Packing a backpack separate from the items your movers will handle with items you’ll need on the very first day at your new home is a great way to make sure your first night in your new home is a comfortable one.

The Local Moving Process Step 3: What Happens on Moving Day and What Comes After?

On moving day, your movers will arrive ahead of schedule to talk to you about how the day is going to go. Typically, that conversation will include:

• Reviewing an order of service: Your mover will tell you what services your agreement includes for the day. If there’s anything missing or any addons you would like, now is the time to bring them up.
• Logging all items you want moved: Moving companies take inventory of all of your property with a document called a “bill of lading.” If there are items you don’t want movers to handle, be sure to point them out.

The process of packing your items is what will usually take the most time. Movers will carry your property to trucks and drive them to a destination of your choosing. This could be a new home, apartment or even a temporary storage facility if your new home isn’t ready yet.

Once your move is completed, your bill of lading, or in other words, the inventory of your move, will be turned over to you for review. If you’re satisfied with the job that has been completed, sign off on the documents and mark your move as completed. Remember to leave a review for your moving company or give them a call if you notice any issues after your movers leave.

How Can You Save on Your Local Move? 

The easiest ways to save on a local move are decluttering, packing on your own and taking heavy items like couches downstairs before your movers arrive. 

• How decluttering helps you save: Most movers charge by either time or weight. Both of these factors can be reduced by decluttering before your moving day. The less property you have to move, the less time your move will take to complete, and the less it will weigh.  
• Pack your own home: Packing your own home lowers the amount of services your moving company will need to offer you, naturally leading to a lower cost.  
• Move large items ahead of time: Some moving companies will charge fees if they need to move items downstairs or use elevators. If you live in an apartment or condo, move items like couches and refrigerators downstairs before your movers arrive to avoid these extra costs.  

What Kind of Services do Local Moving Companies Offer?

Decluttering, packing services and warehouse storage are the services that you are most likely to need for your local move. 

• Decluttering: If your home is disorganized, that’s ok. Your movers can help you with getting your home arranged for moving day. They can take items to storage facilities, local donation centers or disposal centers.
• Packing services: Your movers will come pack your property using high-quality packing materials like moving blankets and bubble wrap. They can also handle disassembling furniture.
• Warehouse storage: This can be your saving grace if something goes wrong on your local move. Movers can take your property to a secure, climate-stable warehouse, where they can hold your items until your new home is ready for move-in.