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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Kyle and Jame's crew were top-notch! Very profesional, friendly, and seemed to truly love their work. I can't recommend them enough.Kim D.7/25/2024The guys are friendly, efficient and careful! I have used Fresh Start before and it was exactly the same experience the second time! I would use them again for a move for sure!Grace K.7/23/2024Super friendly. Super efficient. Would definitely hire again!Miss C.7/23/2024Fresh Start Movers are outstanding. I give them ten stars! I have moved many times often using the usual big name moving companies. None have been as efficient, professional, pleasant or timely as Fresh Start Movers.... read moreFresh Start Movers are outstanding. I give them ten stars! I have moved many times often using the usual big name moving companies. None have been as efficient, professional, pleasant or timely as Fresh Start Movers. Starting with my initial conversation with Emily to a discussion with Kyle the owner, I knew this was the company I trusted to move me. They superseded my expectations. Fresh Start Movers are OUTSTANDING which is why they are number one and best in Sonoma County! read lessSallie A.7/22/2024
- Great experience. Super nice team that worked really efficiently!Rachael A.7/20/2024Really helpful, super accommodating, even on the weekend they helped us with a 50+ mile move. Highly recommend. Friendly and honest pricing. Great to work with.Jean-Luc G.7/20/2024Very professional. Kind, courteous, and they took extra care in protecting my furniture. Highly recommend!Lana M.7/20/2024Kyle sent the dream team of David and Jai to help us make a two part move: from storage unit to another storage unit and from storage unit to house. They were quick, careful and courteous. They finished the job... read moreKyle sent the dream team of David and Jai to help us make a two part move: from storage unit to another storage unit and from storage unit to house. They were quick, careful and courteous. They finished the job within the estimated time despite some glitches on our end. We would hire them again in a heartbeat! Our move with Fresh Start Movers was top notch from start to finish! read lessSusanna D.7/19/2024
- Fresh Start Movers are amazing. The entire process was seamless. Emily answered the phone when we called. She was cheerful and asked the right questions. She transferred me right to Kyle who was able to fit... read moreFresh Start Movers are amazing. The entire process was seamless. Emily answered the phone when we called. She was cheerful and asked the right questions. She transferred me right to Kyle who was able to fit my move in last minute, next day. Kyle was friendly and professional. His team did a fabulous job. They couldn’t have been more helpful. The price was well within the estimate. This was our first stress free move ever. Thank you Fresh Start Movers! read lessG B.7/19/2024Made moving completely painless and came in under the estimate.Clinton G.7/19/2024These guys did a wonderful job, packed everything very nicely and safely. I would highly recommend these guys for future moves. Super efficient and put everything exactly as I imagined! Thank you!Nicholas G.7/19/2024Can't say enough positive things about the experience we had with Fresh Start Movers. Owner Kyle was very friendly and honest with the move estimates. Casey and his team showed up on time and were very professional, personable, careful,... read moreCan't say enough positive things about the experience we had with Fresh Start Movers. Owner Kyle was very friendly and honest with the move estimates. Casey and his team showed up on time and were very professional, personable, careful, and patiently placed the things in the new place we have moved to. They did an EXCELLENT job, and I am resting easy right now, and so very grateful for their commendable job. I would recommend them to anyone without any slightest hesitation. read lessSiva S.7/15/2024
- Really great experience. Made moving a piece of cake for me. Would highly recommend 👍Daphne V.7/15/2024The most personable and generous moving company I have ever worked with and I’ve worked with military services. Kyle and the guys were amazing and got our move done so fast. I would never go with any other company!Jackie c.7/15/2024Casey and his team were fantastic. Arrived at the scheduled time, took a walk through to make sure we were on the same page with the plan for the day. Each item was wrapped up like precious cargo (my Amazon... read moreCasey and his team were fantastic. Arrived at the scheduled time, took a walk through to make sure we were on the same page with the plan for the day. Each item was wrapped up like precious cargo (my Amazon decor felt the love!) & brought into my new space with that same care. From scheduling the move with Emily to completing the end of service paperwork, it was a great experience & a-plus service. Need a move in SoCo, this is your team 😊 read lessErica G.7/15/2024
I would highly recommend Fresh Start Movers to anyone. The communication was stellar, they arrived on time, the movers were swift, courteous, and respectful of the properties. I still don't know how they took apart my weird italian bedroom and... read moreI would highly recommend Fresh Start Movers to anyone. The communication was stellar, they arrived on time, the movers were swift, courteous, and respectful of the properties. I still don't know how they took apart my weird italian bedroom and reassembled it in minutes...I stared at it for quite a long time prior and could not figure it out! Maybe they have a magic wrench.
The cost was extremely reasonable.
Moving is stressful, this company made it much less so! I'd use them again in a heartbeat! Thanks!! read lessMary C.7/15/2024 -
Fresh Start Movers recently moved all of our heavy furniture from Occidental to our new residence in Sebastopol. The crew was outstanding and worked seamlessly as a team. They were well organized, efficient, and extremely careful.
Fresh Start Movers made the... read moreFresh Start Movers recently moved all of our heavy furniture from Occidental to our new residence in Sebastopol. The crew was outstanding and worked seamlessly as a team. They were well organized, efficient, and extremely careful.
Fresh Start Movers made the process of moving as stress-free as possible, and I wouldn't hesitate to hire them again. From the office staff to the moving crew, everyone was professional, personable, and conscientious. Many thanks to the entire team! read lessCindy M.7/15/2024Quick and efficient movers. All very polite. Great company for a Fresh Start!Myra H.7/08/2024Very professional and friendly. Had a small hic up but was taken care of immediately. Definitely worth using Fresh Start Movers to help in our move.David S.7/06/2024Professional, super helpful and fast! These guys made our moving day really enjoyable and stress free!Amy R.7/06/2024 - Fantastic service from start to finish! Professional, came in right at their estimate. It was one if the hottest days thus year and still they worked so hard and so well. Thank you so much!Jennifer B.7/05/2024Awesome company! Very professional, prompt and took great care of everything. Will definitely use in the future!katie b.7/03/2024Great service, great price, and prompt completion. 5 ☆☆☆☆☆Collin M.7/03/2024Fantastic group of guys! Absolute professionals, could not recommend their service more. 5 star moving experience!Jonathan F.7/02/2024
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These guys are awesome. Local business owners know their reputation is everything, and taking care of people is the most important aspect to running a successful business and these guys embody integrity, courtesy, and professionalism. I couldn't recommend them enough!... read moreThese guys are awesome. Local business owners know their reputation is everything, and taking care of people is the most important aspect to running a successful business and these guys embody integrity, courtesy, and professionalism. I couldn't recommend them enough! Fantastic moving experience. read less
Jon F.7/02/2024We would like to express our appreciation for providing an excellent moving experience. From the friendly hello, to handling our items like it was their own, quick and efficient. Nestor, Jaiden and Alex served us well you can tell it... read moreWe would like to express our appreciation for providing an excellent moving experience. From the friendly hello, to handling our items like it was their own, quick and efficient. Nestor, Jaiden and Alex served us well you can tell it is Fresh Starts Culture of excellence Thank you Richard and Dawn read lessRichard P.6/30/2024Kyle and his team are always professional, friendly, efficient, careful, fairly priced and ensure things are as you want. This is the fourth time they've helped me, and they make moving smooth & simple!
Nickole R.6/30/2024The crew was fabulous. So kind, courteous and careful! Carlos Jose and Odin! Just completed using fresh start movers for the second time and it was equally fabulous! Alex, Chris and Tyler. Kyle is always highly responsive.... read moreThe crew was fabulous. So kind, courteous and careful! Carlos Jose and Odin! Just completed using fresh start movers for the second time and it was equally fabulous! Alex, Chris and Tyler. Kyle is always highly responsive. Great customer service. read lessKathy O.6/28/2024 - Extremely helpful and efficient! They made sure all my stuff was protected for the move and checked to see if I needed any of the furniture moved into different areas. I would definitely use them againRachel C.6/28/2024Nestor and Tyler/Kyle(?) were both great. They had a great attitude helping me and my husband with our move. Fresh movers was also very quick to respond to our calls and inquiries. Emily is also very nice over the phone.... read moreNestor and Tyler/Kyle(?) were both great. They had a great attitude helping me and my husband with our move. Fresh movers was also very quick to respond to our calls and inquiries. Emily is also very nice over the phone. Fresh movers is like a breath of fresh air, very polite, patient and everyone has great attitude. read lessJohannah C.6/26/2024Listen to what I need done and got it all done perfectlyKatherine C.6/25/2024The Fresh Start moving team was professional, upbeat, worked extremely well together and truly seemed to enjoy their jobs. It was a pleasure working with them. We had a large move out of a 5 bedroom home which was... read moreThe Fresh Start moving team was professional, upbeat, worked extremely well together and truly seemed to enjoy their jobs. It was a pleasure working with them. We had a large move out of a 5 bedroom home which was a major job, including a baby grand piano. James, the lead, handled all hiccups with open communication and team problem solving skills. Highly recommend!! read lessSara C.6/23/2024
- Highly recommend Fresh Start Movers! The team was professional, hardworking and careful with my things. They made the moving process easy!!Carolyn M.6/23/2024Excellent communication every step of the way. Casey and the crew were courteous, careful and organized. 100% recommend.Krystle J.6/21/2024
Great service and communication from start to finish. Casey and the crew were courteous, careful and organized.
Krystle J.6/21/2024Every step of the process working with Fresh Start was seamless. Kyle was quick to communicate and was very accommodating. His moving team was very professional, efficient & thorough. 10 out of 10 experiences. I will absolutely hire them again... read moreEvery step of the process working with Fresh Start was seamless. Kyle was quick to communicate and was very accommodating. His moving team was very professional, efficient & thorough. 10 out of 10 experiences. I will absolutely hire them again and recommend them without hesitation. read lessSarah F.6/20/2024