Boston Movers Blog

Whether you are moving due to your job, or simply because you want to, it would be wise to consider hiring a moving company to ensure that all goes well and your possessions arrive safely.   However, there are some details that only you can address. Here are some helpful tips on how to manage the details while you getting ready to move.

Start by making a list of everything that has to be done, and keep it handy for instant reference. Be sure the moving company knows the dates involved so that they can schedule their trucks and employees for loading up and transporting your household goods.

If you have more than one vehicle, ask about auto transport services, because this could save you money on gasoline depending on how far the move is.

If you have dogs or cats, plan ahead for how your pets will be transported. They could simply ride in the car, but if your company is flying you and your family to your new home, then you will need to make arrangements for your pets. Airlines have requirements on what type of crates are approved, so contact them and find out what you need before the move.

Decide if you want to pack boxes yourself, having the movers simply load the boxes onto the truck.  If you want the movers to do all of the packing, be sure to specify this before getting a estimate. Call the moving company to get quotes.

Don't forget to notify all of the utility companies of the date you need them to turn off services. Also, be sure the address change forms have been filed out and given to the post office an the trash pick-up has been cancelled. Moving companies are not responsible for addressing these issues.

If you owe property taxes, you will need to notify the tax assessor’s office that you are moving and make and address change with them. Even if your house is still on the market, it is up to you to make sure all government agencies are away of your new address. When your house goes through closing, you will be released from the involved tax burdens, but until then you are still liable for paying property taxes, even if you are moving.

If there is a chance that you will need storage for some of your possessions, be sure to ask the moving company if they have long or short term storage. You should get estimates on these facilities at the same time that you set up arrangements with your mover, so you have a budget firmly in place with no last minute surprises.  

Moving Companies in Boston

The key to a successful move is organization. You also don’t need any surprises. There are several questions we encounter and some questions we think people should ask. Here are some things to consider when you are planning a move .

How do I find a moving company I can trust?

It is very difficult leaving everything you own in the hands of someone else. So the answer is interview the moving company, talk with them. Check out their background and their philosophy, but mostly, listen to your gut.

Should I hire a moving company or do it myself?

This is really a question only you can answer. It depends on factors such as time, money, and complexity of the move. You need to decide what your first priority is: time, money or a bit of both.

When should I call a moving company?

The earlier the better and the more lead time the better. That way every effort can be made to meet your preferred delivery schedule .

Should I get an estimate?

We will provide a survey of your items to be moved before you move. This way you can have an idea of what the move will cost you and we can determine the amount of van space you need.

Can my items be stored temporarily if I have not found a home in which to move into yet?

If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new home or you have not yet purchased a new home, your belongings can be stored in a Marathon Moving warehouse. Our facilities are clean, secure, and temperature controlled.

Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit or in storage?

Yes, but the amount of protection you have depends on the liability package that you select. Marathon offers three protection options from which you may choose prior to the start of your move. All options can be explained in full and made available to you up to the loading of your items on our truck.

In addition to great moving service, Marathon offers its skill and care to store any and/or all your goods. We offer short and long-term storage. Due to complications in real estate transactions, storage is sometimes a need that can’t be foreseen. Where would you be then if your mover did not offer it? With a combination mover and self storage facility, the ability to have your goods insured throughout the entire move process is lost without singular care custody and control. Self storage facilities will only offer protection for fire ,flood, etc and not chips or scratches to your items. Your mover can not insure your goods since the items can’t be left padded and you may access the unit to access items and cause damage.

Many people choose this option thinking it will save money, but this is not generally the case. Especially for short term storage of twelve months or less. Our storage facility allows your storage vault(s) to be brought directly to the loading dock. Your items remain padded until delivered back to your new home. This saves a lot of time on loading and unloading your storage items. At a self store facility, your unit is often floors and hundreds of yards away which adds to the time needed. Your furniture also needs to be unwrapped to go to self storage and then wrapped to load onto the truck to be delivered back to you which adds time. Finally, there is the time for your move crew to drive to and from the storage facility. All of this will most likely make self storage more expensive than your mover provided storage. That is why we recommend self storage only if you need continuous access to the items being stored.

We do more than just residential storage as well. We do commercial and records storage too. Hospitals, law firms, construction files, you name it and we store it. So don’t pay for office space that is only going to be used for old documents or archival files, store with Marathon for great cost savings. Our electronic database system will make recalling your documents easy and fast, whenever you want. If the records we’re holding become out of date or of no use, we offer secure shredding with certification for documents and records.