Moving Tips
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Moving Tips
Packing yourself certainly can save you money in a lot of cases, but it is necessary to consider the time and effort needed to properly protect your belongings. To keep damage to a minimum, it is strongly recommended that you allow a professional mover to pack any fragile or valuable items.
When you use a professional moving company, you can decide, if you choose to do some or all of the packing yourself, or you can leave it all to the experts. Discuss your options with your moving company.
If you decide to pack yourself, you need to assure that all your items are properly packed, wrapped and ready to load, when your movers arrive.Â
For your moving company to be able to load, transport and unload your items, your belongings need to be packed according to moving standards. Check for any cartons or boxes that are torn or damaged or could be damaged, because they are improperly packed. Your movers will inspect your packed items to make sure that none of them will be exposed to potential damage, due to improper packing during the transport.
Consider what items you need the night before or the morning of your move and keep these items separate.Â
When packing your garage, sheds or attics, consider giving items away that you might not need anymore.
Even though you might be inclined to use non moving specific packing materials for your belongings, you might want to reconsider. Using new and moving specific materials will make it easier for you to pack and will ensure that your items will reach their destination safely.
Your moving company has a variety of boxes and other packing materials available that will fit your need.
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In general you can expect your moving company to wrap and pad your furniture and major appliances. If you do have items that require professional disassembly and/or crating – such as pool tables, pianos, or large glass table tops – it is recommended to leave those furnishings to be taken care of by your professional mover.Â
The following items are some of the items that the moving companies, by federal law or internal policy, cannot transport.
To understand, what applies to your move, please contact your moving company for a full list of items.
Hazardous Materials
Items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive
• Aerosols
• Ammunition
• Charcoal lighter fluid
• Fireworks
• Gasoline
• Kerosene
• Matches
• Paint thinner
• Nail polish remover
• Paints
• Propane tanks
Perishable Items
For example, food, plants or living things that may die or spoil in transit.
• Frozen foods
• Plants
• Produce
• Refrigerated foods
Items of personal importance or sentimental value
• Cash or credit cards
• Deeds or wills
• Important documents (including moving documents)
• Family photographs
• Precious jewelry
• Stamp or coin collections
• Any other valuable items
- I couldn't be more pleased with the service provided by this moving company! From start to finish, they were professional, punctual, and incredibly careful with all of my belongings. They arrived on time, handled everything with care, and left me... read moreI couldn't be more pleased with the service provided by this moving company! From start to finish, they were professional, punctual, and incredibly careful with all of my belongings. They arrived on time, handled everything with care, and left me feeling completely satisfied. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a reliable moving service. read lessSven5/13/2024Super friendly, great attitude, very professional. I would give more stars if I could. I highly recommend!Dennis E.5/12/2024Couldn’t have been happier!! Awesome people, super nice, professional, and kind.julia s.5/10/2024I always have the best experience with Fresh Start Movers ! This was the Third time I hired them to help me with a move, and I was once again blown away by their timeliness , expertise and professional friendliness.... read moreI always have the best experience with Fresh Start Movers ! This was the Third time I hired them to help me with a move, and I was once again blown away by their timeliness , expertise and professional friendliness. They always make me feel right at ease. I will never use another mover. Thanks again you guys. read lessLindy M.5/07/2024
- Hard working friendly crew, who were fast and efficient! If I have a heavy load to move I’ll definitely be using them again.Geoff H.5/06/2024Great service, great moving crew. They were punctual, and wrapped everything with care.Citlali G.5/06/2024Very professional, very skilled, very efficient. Moving can be so stressful and when the team showed up I felt I was in very good hands. The team worked quickly and was able to fit everything I had into a limited... read moreVery professional, very skilled, very efficient. Moving can be so stressful and when the team showed up I felt I was in very good hands. The team worked quickly and was able to fit everything I had into a limited amount of space. I highly recommend fresh start movers and would absolutely use them again. read lessnick s.4/29/2024Our experience was great -- From first steps to last everything ran smoothly and the entire move was made much less stressful with all of their help. Would highly recommend.Christine W.4/29/2024
- I regularly use Fresh Start Movers for my local staging needs. I have referred them to my real estate and staging clients as well and every time I get the same feedback. They are professional, careful with items, great communication,... read moreI regularly use Fresh Start Movers for my local staging needs. I have referred them to my real estate and staging clients as well and every time I get the same feedback. They are professional, careful with items, great communication, and they are efficient. Today I worked with Tyler and his crew on a home with a tight access driveway. They navigated it great and made me feel very confident. I’m glad to have them on my team. read lessKristen P.4/29/2024We had a fantastic moving experience with Fresh Start Movers, they arrived promptly and worked tirelessly on loading up our apartment and storage unit. The team was friendly and professional. We were impressed by their speed and skill at puzzling... read moreWe had a fantastic moving experience with Fresh Start Movers, they arrived promptly and worked tirelessly on loading up our apartment and storage unit. The team was friendly and professional. We were impressed by their speed and skill at puzzling all the pieces into tight spaces. We felt confident that our belongings were being well cared for. Would definitely recommend. 🙂 read lessAylaRose L.4/29/2024Awesome. Will use again.Hannah P.4/29/2024I cannot recommend this company enough!! Everyone was so amazing, friendly, and helpful. Their prices are extremely reasonable and their service is outstanding! The next time I move, I will definitely be calling the team at Fresh Start Movers!! 💯🎉Matthew D.4/29/2024
- I just had Fresh Start Movers help with my move. Tyler and Cameron would great-punctual, friendly, efficient- all one could hope for. They packed everything tightly and safely. Thanks guys!Teri D.4/22/2024Arrived on time, finished early. Braved the 25 mph zone where everyone drives 60Robert F.4/22/2024Excellent experience. Professional, friendly and careful. Highly recommend!Brian W.4/22/2024First Start Movers helped us move our business in only half a day. They provided and delivered all the packing supplies we needed weeks in advance and wrapped up the entire move in roughly 4 hours. Including multiple 300lb+ items,... read moreFirst Start Movers helped us move our business in only half a day. They provided and delivered all the packing supplies we needed weeks in advance and wrapped up the entire move in roughly 4 hours. Including multiple 300lb+ items, and a dense 750+lb item. Grateful for how easy going, friendly, and cooperative their team is! They are very carful, and follow directions! read lessNicholas R.4/22/2024
- Super friendly! Efficient, great team!Bender B.4/22/2024Fresh Start Movers were the best I could have asked for! On time, clear and considerate, they let me know what they were doing as they were doing it. Even being patient while we changed furniture around at the new... read moreFresh Start Movers were the best I could have asked for! On time, clear and considerate, they let me know what they were doing as they were doing it. Even being patient while we changed furniture around at the new place! Thank you for everything! Highly recommend 🙂 read lessGina B.4/15/2024First time using movers and it was such a wonderful experience! They were so fast, got our 4 bedroom home with a huge bonus room packed up in under 3 hours. They finished ahead of schedule and our final price... read moreFirst time using movers and it was such a wonderful experience! They were so fast, got our 4 bedroom home with a huge bonus room packed up in under 3 hours. They finished ahead of schedule and our final price was way under the original estimate. All the guys were so nice and helpful with everything. They all had wonderful attitudes even though it was raining all day! We highly recommend them. read lessJacki W.4/15/2024Quick, professional, and very easy to do business with.Brett F.4/15/2024
- Fresh Start movers exceeded expectations They not only packed and sorted my belongings but went above and beyond by moving heavy items for me. They were considerate, polite and friendly. I highly recommend this company!Susanne H.4/13/2024Mario and Casey were amazing- they even managed to allow my 9 year old son to work alongside them without it slowing them down even a little. Both guys were super friendly and worked their butts off getting my truck unloaded.raven i.4/13/2024These guys are amazing and efficient! Moving made easy. Definitely, definitely recommend!Brianna L.4/13/2024Great, efficient, fast and kind. They moved our thing with a a lot of care. Cannot recommend more.Laure T.4/13/2024
- Phenomenal Movers!! Highly recommend Fresh Start Movers!! Prompt, efficient, professional, smiles all day during a huge move they did for me. Kind, extremely courteous, and handled every item like a white glove service!! The team consisting of James, Jaidan, Alex,... read morePhenomenal Movers!! Highly recommend Fresh Start Movers!! Prompt, efficient, professional, smiles all day during a huge move they did for me. Kind, extremely courteous, and handled every item like a white glove service!! The team consisting of James, Jaidan, Alex, Mason, Jose, and Cameron were a Dream Team. read lessMichelle W.4/13/2024Kyle's team have always been prepared, courteous, efficient, and careful while moving. They have also been able to move a smaller number of heavy items around during our house remodel, so that was also very helpful indeed. Reasonable rates.
I... read moreKyle's team have always been prepared, courteous, efficient, and careful while moving. They have also been able to move a smaller number of heavy items around during our house remodel, so that was also very helpful indeed. Reasonable rates.
I have had some other moving teams where communicating with the team has been difficult, but James and the rest of the team have been very easy to describe what I want moving to where. read lessKeith B.3/07/2024Fresh Start Movers was recommended by a close friend when I was needing moving help. I called and was instantly connected with Kyle for an estimate. Great customer service, and the move went smoothly and quick! ... read moreFresh Start Movers was recommended by a close friend when I was needing moving help. I called and was instantly connected with Kyle for an estimate. Great customer service, and the move went smoothly and quick! Was definitely quality service at a reasonable price. Would 100% recommend them to anyone who is moving and I'd go with them again when it comes time to move in the future. Thank you Kyle and team! read lessMariann M.2/04/2024Fantastic service. Good People. Efficient and caring work. I would absolutely use their service again.Georgia R.1/31/2024 - We used Fresh Start Movers for our move within Santa Rosa, and would highly recommend. From the quote process through to the moving process, the company was professional, helpful, and responsive. The movers took great care of our furniture with... read moreWe used Fresh Start Movers for our move within Santa Rosa, and would highly recommend. From the quote process through to the moving process, the company was professional, helpful, and responsive. The movers took great care of our furniture with multiple flights of stairs, and were quick, as well as helping us re-assemble furniture at our new home. The price was very fair. This is a company that is clearly committed to a positive customer experience. read lessCait D.1/28/2024best movers I have ever had. have moved 19 times. Kelsey is the perfect person with whom you would want to work. friendly, knowledgeable, professional . all the guys treated my household goods with the best care I could ask... read morebest movers I have ever had. have moved 19 times. Kelsey is the perfect person with whom you would want to work. friendly, knowledgeable, professional . all the guys treated my household goods with the best care I could ask . i def would recommend. them and they get more than a five star rating.!!! read lessMarj L.1/27/2024You don't need to look anywhere else. Seriously. These are good guys committed to doing good work and forming great customer relationships. I see them as a unicorn business. It can be hard to find an entirely responsible, transparent, feel-good... read moreYou don't need to look anywhere else. Seriously. These are good guys committed to doing good work and forming great customer relationships. I see them as a unicorn business. It can be hard to find an entirely responsible, transparent, feel-good moving company--but when you do, it's awesome. They took so much stress out of our move. They were efficient getting our big stuff from Cotati to Rohnert Park. And everything was in great shape on the other side. I wouldn't do it any other way in the future. read lessLauren K.1/12/2024I highly recommend Fresh Start Movers!!! They have handled 2 separate moves for me and each time they did an AMAZING. AWESOME job!!!! Todays move was extraordinary because I had a serious accident before I could even begin packing my... read moreI highly recommend Fresh Start Movers!!! They have handled 2 separate moves for me and each time they did an AMAZING. AWESOME job!!!! Todays move was extraordinary because I had a serious accident before I could even begin packing my home up. I called and explained my situation and I felt an immediate relief in their taking over my packing, along with the move to my new home! They handled my belongings with extreme Care, protecting everything in every way. I literally turned everything over to them and they were very fair in the pricing, cutting expenses where they could. I am in my new home and can recover from my accident in comfort! They placed everything where I needed. Each of the gentlemen were so very kind and courteous through the whole process!!! Kyle you have an amazing crew and James was overseeing everything throughout!
Thank you so very much!!!!! May God bless each of you in wonderful ways in 2024! read lessNana J.1/03/2024 - I came back a third time to Fresh Start Movers because it wouldn't occur to me to look elsewhere. This company is so seamless to work with. Kyle responds quickly and always sends a top-rate crew. Tyler and Nick worked... read moreI came back a third time to Fresh Start Movers because it wouldn't occur to me to look elsewhere. This company is so seamless to work with. Kyle responds quickly and always sends a top-rate crew. Tyler and Nick worked quickly, cheerfully and made life SO easy by taking care with each piece as if it was their own. I SO appreciate this great company. read lessStephanie M.1/01/2024Thanks Tyler, Jose, Oden, Kyle. 5 star.John S.12/18/2023James and his crew were prompt, fast and friendly! Highly recommend!!Ian H.12/17/2023My 2 man crew of movers were friendly, quick and efficient. What more could you ask for? Well....pizza. There is always pizza. But I will definitely use this company again. Just as soon as I get evicted from my current home...gary j.12/15/2023