Moving Tips

• Get an estimate from a professional. Ballard Moving & Storage Co. provides free, no obligation estimates. To request an estimate electronically, click here.
• Tour your house before the agent arrives. Check from attic to basement and determine which items will be moved and what will be discarded. Show your agent everything you will be moving.
• If you plan to do the packing yourself, ask your agent to get you the right boxes. Oftentimes used boxes are available at a reduced price.
• Notify the post office that you will be moving. Provide them with a forwarding address. Click here to notify the U.S. Postal Service of your move.
• If you are being relocated at your company's request, find out what portion of your moving expenses will be paid by the company.
• Dispose of all flammables such as cleaning fluids, aerosol cans, fireworks and matches. Drain fuel from your power mower and other machinery. Discard partly used containers of any substance that may leak. Empty the water from your steam iron.
• Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify their value. Don't wax or oil wood furniture before moving, because some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
• Unplug all electronic equipment such as television sets, home computers, stereos, etc. 24 hours in advance of a move so they will be at room temperature on moving day. Moving a TV set and other electronic equipment in which heat is still retained could cause internal damage.
• Search for businesses in your new area. Visit Smartpages. For more information on your new city, visit YAHOO! Get Local.
• United Van Lines has created the Interactive Moving Guide. By providing your e-mail address and date of your move, United Van Lines will e-mail you weekly reminders about important steps in preparing for your move. Sign Up for United Van Lines e-mail reminder.

Contact your Ballard representative for detailed brochures about moving issues that are important to you.