What Should I Do About My Valuable Items?

Ask your moving team for a “High-Value” items inventory sheet. Use it to list anything worth $1000 or more. If you have items of extreme value, be sure to have them appraised and provide our driver with a copy of the appraisal. This will make filing a claim for loss or damage easier and lets the packers and movers know you have items of value that must be carefully packed. If a different team is unloading your belongings in your new home be sure they also have a copy of the inventory. This way should anything come up missing or damaged, the detailed inventory will make it far easier for your Richmond movers to try and locate the items or pay for their repair or replacement.

There Are Any Items That Your Protection Policy Does Not Cover?

Coin/ stamp/ card collections/ currency/ money. Appraisals/ Deeds/ Legal Documents/ Manuscripts/ Passports. Computer Backup Disks/ Software Licenses. Negotiable Instruments/ Receipts/ Stocks/ Bonds/ Tax Records. Jewelry/ Precious Stones/ Medications.

Are There Things We Can Do to Help Keep Our Moving Costs Down?

Decluttering, if you don’t use it or its broken get rid of it.Heavy furniture like pool tables and pianos should be sold, offered as part of your home sale, or offered to the new owner. Check to see if you can get a refund on any unused portion of your homeowners’ insurance or see if the balance can be transferred to your new house.Use garages sales, family, friends, and charities to dispose of usable items.Never ship things like lumber, wood, lawn and garden supplies, paints, any types of chemicals, or gasoline. Most are on the Do Not Ship list and the rest are just more dead weight. If it won’t fit in your new home, why ship it and pay for storage. Copy CDs/DVDs onto your computers and sell them. Don’t ship heavy garage/shop furniture. Use large planters to pack small things. Any deposits you are owed should be collected before you move. Same for any club memberships or dues.

Can I Deduct the Cost of Moving On My Taxes?

As your Richmond movers, we recommend you talk to a tax accountant or specialist to confirm what you may or may not be able to deduct. However, there are a few common costs that can be deducted in most instances such as: Packing, shipping/transportation, and unpacking. Shipping your car. Hotel expenses during the trip to your new home. Moving your pets. Many other deductions will be based on the reason you are moving, including: You are moving to start a new job. You will be employed full-time for at least 39 weeks during your first year in your new home. Moving because you are in the military or you are moving to another country because of work. Self-employed must work at least 39 weeks of year one and a total of 72 weeks during the first two years. Your new job must be at least fifty miles away from your old home and closer to your new one.

Are There Things I Need to Take Care of Before Moving Day Arrives?

Unhook and disconnect all appliances and electronics, mark cables for ease of reassembly. Clean and dry dishes to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Remove ink/toner cartridges to prevent leaks (this type of damage is not covered). Backup your computer files onto discs, the cloud, or an external hard drive. Clean and dry all appliances, water can freeze and cause serious damage. Remove any CDs or DVDs from electronics to prevent warpage that can lead to damage. Hang and fold your clothes, the packers won’t do this.

Are There Any Reservations I Need to Make?

If you are moving out of an apartment building, you may need to: Make sure there is room in the parking lot as many local moving companies use a truck that measures 75 feet long. If parking permits are needed, you may need to be the one to secure them. Reserving the freight elevator if there is one, or the main one if not to make things easier for the movers.

What Should I Leave Until the Last Minute Before My Richmond Movers Arrive?

Clean all perishables from the fridge and freezer, your grill, garbage cans, and unhook garden hoses. Get rid of anything you don’t plan to ship so you are paying to ship these items. Remove bedding from all mattresses. Remove loose items, liquids, and anything fragile from dresser drawers. Strip the walls of paintings, photos, mirrors, and window treatments. Pack your travel suitcases and keep them in a separate place to avoid the local moving companies putting them in boxes and on the truck. Leave all boxes you have packed unsealed for the movers to verify you aren’t shipping anything you shouldn’t be.

What to Know Before Hiring Movers and Signing a Contract

Posted on: Thursday, January 22nd, 2026

Hiring a moving company involves more than just picking the first name that pops up online. You need to research your options, understand the contract, verify credentials, and get transparent pricing before signing anything. Richmond movers vary widely in quality and pricing, so taking time to vet companies upfront saves headaches later. This post covers what to look for and the questions to ask before committing to a mover. A little preparation now means a smoother move on the big day.

Research Moving Companies

Picking the right moving company starts with solid research. Check online reviews on platforms like Google or Yelp to see what past customers experienced. Verify that any company you’re considering is properly licensed and insured. This protects your belongings if something goes wrong during the move. Get quotes from several companies to compare pricing and services side by side. Ask about the crew’s experience level and the kind of training they receive. Putting in the research time upfront helps you pick a mover that fits your needs and sets you up for a stress-free moving day.

Understand Contract Terms

Before you sign anything, read through the entire contract and make sure you understand every part of it. Pay attention to which services are included, how pricing breaks down, what insurance covers, who’s liable for damages, and what the cancellation policy is. Check for any extra fees that may appear later. The contract should clearly state the pickup and delivery dates, along with how potential delays will be handled. Note the payment terms, including deposit amounts and the forms of payment the company accepts. If anything seems unclear, ask the moving company to explain it before you put your signature on the dotted line.

Check Company Credentials

Verifying a moving company’s credentials tells you a lot about its reliability. Start by confirming they have the proper license and all required permits and insurance coverage. Look for memberships with reputable groups like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Read their online reviews to gauge how satisfied past customers were. Ask how long they’ve been in business and what kind of training their staff goes through. Checking these details gives you a clearer picture of whether the company operates professionally and can be trusted with your belongings.

Get Written Estimates

Request written estimates from every moving company you’re considering. These estimates should break down all potential charges, including hourly rates, fees for additional services, and any other costs that may arise. Make sure the estimates are detailed and transparent so you don’t get hit with surprises on moving day. Having everything in writing also makes it easier to compare companies and figure out which one offers the best value. When reviewing estimates, watch for fine print or hidden fees that could inflate the final bill. Taking time to analyze these quotes helps you make a smart choice and pick a mover that fits your budget.

Ask About Insurance Coverage

Insurance coverage matters when you’re trusting a company to move your stuff. Find out exactly what protection they offer in case something gets damaged or lost during the move. Here are the main things to ask about:

Types of Coverage: Know the difference between full value protection and released value protection so you understand what you’re getting.
Coverage Limits: Find out the maximum amount the insurance will pay per item or in total.
Claims Process: Ask how to file a claim and how much time you have to do it.

Understanding the insurance options helps you make a better decision and gives you peace of mind knowing your belongings are protected.

Clarify Payment Terms

Get the payment details sorted out before you finalize the contract. Most moving companies ask for a deposit upfront, with the rest due once the move wraps up. Ask what forms of payment they accept and whether any extra fees apply. Some companies charge more for packing supplies, storage, or handling specialty items like pianos or antiques. Knowing the full payment schedule and any potential add-on costs helps you budget properly and avoid unpleasant surprises when the bill comes. Ensure all payment terms are included in your contract to protect both you and the moving company.

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