Moving Companies

Finding the right moving company can be a stressful time. Allvanlines.com relieves some of that stress by providing you with FREE quotes from licensed and insured moving companies. By filling out our free moving quote form, you’ll be contacting some of the best movers in your area with a single click of a button.

Whether you need a local or a long distance mover, Allvanlines.com can connect you with the reputable moving companies in your area. Local Movers and Interstate Movers that will help make your relocation cost effective, efficient, and even pleasant.

It is our goal to make sure that we provide you with the necessary information to assist you in locating that perfect moving company. Our network is set up to fulfill your moving needs.

Moving Guide

There are so many things to think about when moving! Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you stay on track.

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General Moving Tips

Whether this is your first time moving or you are an old pro you will benefit greatly from the advice and tips in Allvanlines.com’s extensive moving guide. The information has been gathered from professionals who have been in the business for many years. Read on.

1. The Moving season:
Summer is traditionally the busiest, or “peak” season for the moving industry. The beginning and the end of the month are usually busier than mid-month, no matter what the season. The end-of-year holidays are often busy, as well. During that period of time the demand for moving equipment, vans, and personnel is heavy. If you’re able to schedule your move between the months of October and April, you will find lower rates and greater availability.

2. The right time to move:
Your move should occur at a time that is convenient for you and your family. If you have children you will most likely want to move when the school term is up. Unfortunately this may fall in to the peak season and your costs will probably be higher.
If your move can be rescheduled for a time when the van line agents will be less busy you may be able to reduce your moving costs.
For younger children moving to a new school in the middle of the school term will probably not create any problems. Older children and teenagers will be in the middle of academic courses and this may not be a good time to uproot them. Older children will also have developed stronger ties to their friends and may be very upset if moved mid term.

3. Ask for a quote/ on-site estimate:
Ask for a free moving quote from www.Allvanlines.com . Contact the van line agents that you selected to set up appointments for on-site estimate before you hire a moving company. A relocation consultant should come to your home and do a visual inventory of the contents of your home that you are planning to move. He will then prepare a written estimate for your review. It is important for you to know that there is more than one type of estimate. The two most common types of estimates are binding and non binding estimates. See more detailed information in the estimates section of this guide. However, you should know that there is another quicker and sometimes even an easier way of getting a precise estimate for your move by filling out an inventory (item) list. In order for the quoted estimate to be precise you should provide as much information and detail as possible.

4. Decide what items you want to ship and what will be discarded:
If you don’t use it, or if you don’t need it, leave it….. This is the perfect time to go through house hold items that seem to have accumulated over the years. Decide what items you want to ship and what will be discarded. Inspect your home from top to bottom or from attic to basement before the relocation consultant will arrive. Show the consultant everything that you will be moving.
Be certain that the mover has marked all items that are "going" and "not going" on the survey sheet. The mover will prepare an estimate that will include transportation charges and the charges of additional services that you requested. Keep in mind that if you decide to take more items or take fewer items the total cost of your move will change. Inform the mover of any changes with your shipment. Effective communication is a key factor for a successful move.

5. If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing:
If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for damage to boxes packed by the customer. However, if there is obvious exterior damage on packing up your goods, make a note on the inventory sheet of your shipment. The driver has the right to refuse to accept any carton that may be improperly packed. If the driver has to re-pack cartons that the customer has packed, additional charges will apply.
If you decide to do your own packing, get packing supplies and start collecting strong boxes suitable for moving. Your mover should be able to provide these, although many movers charge customers for delivering materials. Complete all packing by moving day. You will be busy enough on moving day without having to worry about last-minute packing.

6. Corporate relocation:
If your move is a corporate relocation, find out what portion of your moving expenses will be paid by your company.

7. Value items:
Obtain a written appraisal of antiques to verify their value. Do not retouch, wax or oil wood furniture before moving. Some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

8. Changing your address:
Notify the post office that you will be moving. Provide them with a new address (permanent or temporary). Use the attached link to change your address online https://moversguide.usps.com/?referral=USPS

9. Travel Tips
* Fuel Economy
The better your fuel mileage, the more you save when you're moving. Here are some other tips to improve your mileage:
• Gradually build up to your desired speed and ease off of the accelerator early when approaching a stop. (This also helps keep your cargo from shifting.)
• Avoid driving with the accelerator held at the governed maximum speed.
• Park in a secure area to avoid having fuel stolen.
• Drive cautiously and obey the speed limits.
* Road Service
In the unlikely event that you have any mechanical problems or an accident, pull your truck off the main road to the shoulder, place the truck in "Park" and apply the parking brake. Turn on the emergency flashers and use the reflector kit. Then call the rental company emergency road service.
* Parking
Always look for an area that provides "drive thru" parking spaces. Avoid backing up as much as possible. If you must back up, ask someone to direct you from the side at the rear.
* Security
If parking the truck at a motel, park in a well-lit area. Lock all doors and padlock the safety chain from the towing device to the truck and the safety chain from the towing device to the towed vehicle. At road stops or restaurants, try and park somewhere where you will be able to see the vehicle while you rest and/or eat.

10. Safe Driving Tips
The first thing you need to do to ensure a safe trip is to familiarize yourself with driving a truck. Here are some guidelines for safe truck driving:
• Before you hit the road, get comfortable with the truck's switches and gauges. Driving a truck will feel a bit different from driving a car. It will take time to become accustomed to operating the vehicle. Adjust your mirrors before you hit the road. Remember, you won't have a direct rearview mirror, so make sure your mirrors are in the right place for you.
• Trucks are taller and wider than cars and need greater overhead and side clearance. If the height and width of the vehicle is not indicated on the truck, be sure to get this information from your rental agent. Be alert for low bridges and tree limbs, as well as canopies at service stations, fast food restaurants, banks, motels, etc.
• Remember to pay attention to road signs pertaining to trucks. This means stopping at weigh stations, obeying truck or lane restriction signs, and overhead clearance postings.
• Always use your turn signals and avoid making sudden stops or abrupt lane changes.
• Use the vehicle mirrors. Trucks are wider and longer than cars. The additional width and length of a truck requires more turning area and more room for lane changes. Adjust your mirrors before you hit the road, and check them before making any moves. This will help you stay clear of other vehicles and reduce the risk of a collision.
• Use caution at intersections. Before crossing an intersection, check left, then right, then left again. Obey all traffic signs and lights.
• Never tailgate. Trucks weigh three to ten times more than cars and must have more time and room to stop. Maintain more than one car length between the truck and the vehicle in front of you. The recommended maximum speed for a loaded truck is 45 mph.
• Do not attempt to pass a vehicle moving faster than 40 mph. Never pass on hills or curves. Never use the passing lane on an interstate highway.
• Set the hand brake every time you park. Turn the wheels away from the curb when parking with the truck faced uphill. When parking with the truck faced downhill, turn the wheels in toward the curb.
• Always look for an area that provides "drive thru" parking spaces. Avoid backing up as much as possible. If you must back up, ask someone to direct you from the side at the rear.
• Practicing these basic driving habits gives everyone else on the road sufficient warning of your intentions and helps prevent accidents.