A-Z Moving Dictionary

We are all familiar with the basics when it comes to moving because not until we are faced with the moving situation we need to learn. And after that happens and we call local movers to learn more about the services, we get lost when they start talking about the moving equipment, rules, and regulations, and similar. It might seem like we are not even talking the same language with our professional movers. And how can they help if we don’t understand each other? You don’t have to be an expert, but learning more about the terms that local movers are using will help you a lot to prepare for your upcoming move too. Ready to start? Let’s go! 

1. Apartment moving

At the very beginning, we must mention the apartment moving. Now, you might be thinking that there is no difference between apartment moving and house moving. But your local movers will prove you wrong. It is a completely different relocation – when moving from an apartment you will have to deal with the building management and learn more about their needs. Your building management will certainly require your local movers to provide some sort of documentation, so you must be prepared for that. Not just that, but when it comes to apartment buildings, professional movers have to deal with stairs, long hallways, narrow spaces, and similar. And you will have more things to think of, such as making a reservation for the elevator. 

2. Blankets

Moving blankets and plastic wrap are a part of standard equipment local movers are using to protect your belongings from getting damaged or scratched along the way. These are usually free of charge, and your professional movers will take blankets with them once the move is done, so you won’t be thinking of all the mess after they leave. 

3. Certificate of insurance

When moving from a building with building management, it is not surprising if they want your local movers to provide them with a certificate of insurance. This is a document that proves that your local movers will cover any damage that might happen to the building property. Most of the professional movers provide this for free and they might need a few days to prepare the paperwork, so make sure to plan accordingly. And don’t forget to check with your building management if this is even necessary. 

4. Double drive time fee

Most of the local moves in California, but sometimes in the other states as well, decide to charge the double drive time fee. This is a standard charge that professional movers have and it goes on top of the price. If that is the case with your affordable movers, they should explain everything about it. But just so you can be completely sure – ask your local movers about it. Sometimes they might think that you are already familiar, which might not be the case, and you will end up surprised on your moving day. 

5. Elevator restrictions

Moving from a building with an elevator? Have you checked if there are some restrictions for using it? Oh yeah, that is possible and it is the case in many buildings. Make sure your local movers have free access to the elevator as long as they are at the building. This will make your move stress-free and enjoyable, rather than nerve-wracking. The important thing to note is that you can schedule the elevator for a particular time window, so make sure that your local movers can arrive at that time. 

6. Fuel charges

Professional movers can decide whether they want to offer an all-inclusive price or there will be a base price with certain fees on top. No matter what the case is with the local movers you are going to use, they need to be transparent about any additional expenses you might have on a moving day. No shady business allowed when moving! And everything they charge additionally needs to be stated in the confirmation email and agreement. 

7. Guaranteed price

This is the usual practice local movers have – you reach out to get a quote and don’t have to schedule your move immediately. However, the price you have received will be guaranteed for the next 24 or 48 hours and after that period of time, it might change. Once you schedule your local movers, the price is locked down and guaranteed unless you make some changes to your reservation. 

8. Hourly price

Local movers are known for charging hourly rates. There is always some minimum, counted in hours. But this doesn’t have to worry you, professional movers will never try to delay and charge more money. Hourly rates are the usual practice that local movers have, and they usually have more than one relocation a day, so it is in their interest to finish the move sooner rather than later. 

Hoisting

Professional movers are never happy to help you with hoisting because it is a service that is too dangerous, both for them and the safety of your belongings. But you can always check with your local movers about their policy on this. Oh, by the way, hoisting is when you need to move the items over the balcony or window because they cannot go through the door or hallways. 

9. Insurance

Local movers usually have the basic coverage insurance included in the price. If they are licensed they must have it. But it really doesn’t hurt to ask! Also, if you have any items that are simply too valuable to risk them with only basic coverage insurance, make sure to purchase the additional policy for them. When it comes to moving, we like to say that is always better to be safe than sorry. And that is the fact! 

10. Jeopardizing the items

Something that you don’t want to face! Professional movers will do their best not to jeopardize your belongings, and that is why they will use all the equipment to keep your items safe and sound. Hiring licensed local movers will be helpful if something gets damaged because you will be able to file a claim and get compensation for the damage. 

11. Kind and helpful customer service

This is not crucial when looking for local movers, but it is pleasant to talk to people who are kind and trying to help you out. Also, these people will be your main point of contact if something goes wrong or if you have any follow-up questions on the service that you scheduled. Customer service will be your first impression of the local movers, since you will talk to them first, and we highly doubt you will schedule someone who is rude. 

12. Labor moving

Moving comes in many shapes, so you might need a type of service that is not that regular such as residential or office moving. Except for loading and unloading, local movers can help you with different projects that include heavy lifting. Sometimes you might need just the manpower to move one item within your home, or you need help with packing only. Anything that involves heavy lifting and moving-related tasks where you don’t have to use the truck local movers is using, professionals call labor moving. In case you need help with a service like this – local movers can help you out.

13. Moving dollies

Local movers are using moving dollies to handle any heavy or oversized items you have in your home. This way they will be safe and sound along the way, and you will avoid any stress about it. Hiring professional movers is great because they will have everything you need to be safe! 

14. Narrow streets

Living in narrow streets is something that you should inform your local movers about. This way, they will be able to determine what truck size will be suitable for your move, without having to walk down the long streets while carrying the heavy furniture. And this will definitely save you a lot of time, meaning money.

15. Office moving

Any type of commercial move, whether it is a small downtown office or a huge corporate building is always best performed in the hands of professional movers. If you are planning such a move, make sure to find the best movers to help you because office moving requires a lot of planning and organizing, because there are a lot of people involved. Professional movers will help you with heavy lifting, but also with planning the whole project. Don’t worry, office moving can be stress-free as well. 

16. Packers and movers

If we ask you to choose one task that you hate about moving, you will probably say it is packing. Not only it is time-consuming, but it requires you to be focused and concentrated. That is why you can hire packers and movers to help you out with both. You will just have to open the door for your local movers, and they will take care of everything else for you. Sounds perfect? Well, it kinda is! You will save a ton of time and nerves, that is for sure. 

Parking permit

Unless you have a driveway where your local movers can park, you will have to find either a parking spot or apply for a parking permit. If you opt for a permit, make sure to do it at least a week before your moving day because it takes some time for it to be ready. Every time when you are moving, your local movers will require you to find a parking spot for them, in all locations involved. 

17. Quote for moving

Getting a moving quote is the first step when you decide to hire local movers. Talking to them to learn more about the price and services they offer is considered as getting a moving quote. 

18. Residential moving

Moving from one residence to another is called residential moving, logically. Local movers usually have the most experience with this type of service, so you won’t have to worry about a thing during the process. 

19. Storage moving

Sometimes moving is not as simple as moving from one home to another, but you will have to use the storage unit. It might be scary at first, but no reason for panic! Your local movers can help you move in or out of a storage unit. 

20. Tolls

You should know that the customer is responsible for any tolls on the way between your pick up and drop off location. . Make sure to check if there are any so you are not surprised when your local movers arrive. 

21. Unpacking

The only task on this list that your local movers cannot help you with! Unpacking is something that you will have to do on your own. Make sure to set the deadline, otherwise, it might take internally to unpack everything. 

22. Vast experience

The only experience you are looking for when hiring local movers! 

23. Wardrobe boxes

To make your moving experience even better, local movers might offer to bring wardrobe boxes, so you don’t have to pack up your hanging clothes. These are free to use during the move and your professional movers will take them once they leave, so you won’t have to think of a bunch of cartoons around the house. 

24. Xperience – local movers

When looking for local movers, you want one thing – for your items to get to your new location in one piece and without any scratch. That is why you should be looking for experienced movers! The more years they are in business – the better. However, this shouldn’t be the only criteria you have. 

25. Yelp

Finding the best movers is not simple, and you will have to scroll through many Google and Yelp pages to hire the company that is right for you. A yelp is a place where you can find all the reviews that you might need in order to determine whether to use professional movers or not.  

26. Zillow

This is another website, the difference is that Zillow is made for those who want to sell or buy/rent the property. Before hiring local movers, you will have to find a place for you and your family. The best way to start your search is Zillow. 

If you are looking for local movers that can make your dreams real – you are in the right place! El Cajon Movers are the best movers in the area. Give us a call and learn more about the services we can offer you. Looking forward to helping you!