So you’ve done all your research to find the best local moving company that suits your needs and budget. You’ve decided on Big City Moving Company. Good move. However, what you do before the truck arrives is just as important. When you begin to think of the multitude of things you have to take care of before you move, it can seem a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, there are ways to make it less stressful. We have compiled some very helpful information from years of moving experience that you should take the time to review.

• First, check out the helpful hints below.
• Next, Click Here to print out our moving checklist and organize your move, step by step. Breaking down the move into a series of smaller, manageable tasks will keep you focused and less overwhelmed. It is important to try to make arrangements for your move well in advance, at least four to six weeks before the moving date.
• If you need boxes, tape, etc. for your move, check out our Moving Supplies page and give us a call at 781-209-1750 for Free Box Delivery*
• Click Here for tips on packing.
  
  

1. Dispose of unneeded and unused items through garage sales, donations to charitable organizations, or give them away to friends or family. Don't pay to move stuff you haven't used in four or five years.
   
   
2. Take any necessary measurements needed to ensure that all larger sized objects will fit through any possible obstacles, i.e., doorways, hallways, staircases, etc. (check out the dimensions at your new address).  This is particularly important if any furniture was assembled in your home. Special considerations may be needed to move pieces in/out (such as hoisting).
   
   
3. Jewelry, cash, coins, personal papers/documents, collectibles, highly-sentimental items and other valuable items should not be packed and should remain in your possession at all times.
   
   
4. Dispose of all explosives and hazardous materials like paints and pesticides. We can't move them due to federal regulations.
   
   
5. We offer free disassembly and reassembly of furniture upon request (please make us aware of any special tools that may be required).
   
   
6. You may also choose to handle these tasks on your own to save on time. Take your beds apart before we arrive. Take the mirrors off the back of dressers. Disconnect washers and dryers. Empty, defrost, and clean your refrigerator. Make sure it has at least 24 hours to air dry. Cribs should be disassembled, too. We can't disconnect any gas appliances or other "hard wired" appliances.
   
   
7. If you live in a house with a garage, put all of your packed boxes in it. If you don't have a garage or live in an apartment or condo, stack all of your boxes near your front entrance. (This can save us up to an hour of loading time.)
   
   
8. Reserve parking for the moving van as close to the front door as possible, at both your old place and your new one. The farther we have to carry your stuff, the longer it takes, and the more it will cost you. Arrange for parking permits where required. Big City Moving Co. is bonded with the City of Boston and can obtain and post the appropriate parking permits upon request. There is a fee for this service.
   
   
9. If you live in an apartment building with an elevator or freight elevator, inquire about reserving it for your move. This can save a tremendous amount of time compared to sharing use of the elevator with all of your neighbors. Some property management companies and condo associations require a certificate of insurance from your mover before they will grant permission for use. We can provide this free of charge upon request.
   
   
10. Empty all of your dressers, chests of drawers, bookcases and desks. Box up the contents. Load/unload time is reduced when your dressers are empty. However, if they are really light, clothes may stay in your drawers because we wrap your furniture so that the drawers cannot open. The only items that need to be removed are heavyweight items, breakables, valuables, money, jewelry, or important documents.
    
    
11. Family and friends are a great resource for assistance in preparation for your move. They can help pack, watch children or pets on move day and make things easier when you are setting up your new home. When it comes to the day of the move, moving furniture, loading, and unloading the truck should be left to the professionals.
    
    
12. Make sure you're completely packed and ready to go when we arrive. We do offer full-service moving, but you must schedule it in advance to ensure we come equipped with all of the necessary packing supplies. If you feel that you may not be finished packing or will need extra boxes or materials, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance and let us know. We can arrange to have them delivered to you free of charge in most cases.