Jimmy, our master inventory and control manager, made sure everything was running smoothly from the get go. (And no, that wasn't his official title or anything...but he earned it) He kept calling himself 'the model'...meaning a model of how loading was supposed to happen. That earned him this photo:
The big showoff!
So Jimmy, our driver Arthur, and 2 other loaders had stuff flying past me all day. I couldn't really see the rhyme or reason to what they picked up, they didn't do 1 room at a time or anything like that (which drove Vinny nuts). Then I headed out to the truck during one of their breaks and realized that while I may not have seen the rationale...they certainly did. It was like moving box tetris:
We got derailed on day 1 of loading by a monster thunderstorm that sent the loaders scrambling to get items that were outside into the garage. Because of the low hanging limbs, that were even lower after rain, the driver wanted to leave the trailer in place so he wouldn't have to maneuver back in the next day. Hint: Call your local police department and let them know what is up and get permission to leave it parked overnight.
So we went about 4 hours into day 2 as well. And we managed to get the house cleaned in time for a showing an hour after everything was out. Whew!
Other tips we've heard of and taken advantage of (particularly in military moves but many apply in all move situations):
Get your driver's cell number so you can be in touch.
Call them to ask what your initial weight was. (all of our stuff was a bit over 11,000, well under our 14,500 lb limit...yay)
Touch base every few days to make sure you know when your delivery is coming.
Request a reweigh on the delivery end. You end up getting the lower of the 2 weights, so there is no harm in having your stuff reweighed
Provide lunch for your loaders and packers, preferably not always pizza. I made pasta the first day when I still had pots, did pizza the second, and the third day I ordered Subway. I can't tell you how appreciative the guys were to not be eating junk for once
Make sure to have bottled water or cups and water on hand, especially on hot days
Learn your guys' names and use them. Smile at them. They're carrying all your stuff and it's easier for them to care about their job if they aren't ticked off at you.
Pray for good weather
Make an inventory beforehand of everything if possible, including serial and model numbers of electronics
Make sure you can read your copy of the inventory they do of your items and ask if you have questions about notations they've made about existing damage
If something drops or falls, ask them to note it on the paperwork so you can double check for damage on the receiving end
Keep your cool
Cross your fingers
Do you guys have other moving tips?
Moving tip: before moving, check your house for items that cannot be put into a moving van, such as fuel for a torch for creme brulee :)
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