While most people dread moving across the city or across the country, with these tips and a little lead time you can welcome drivers with a satisfied smile.
Use professional language throughout the interaction. When listing an item for shipping, be certain to use business language. Text-speak and unnecessary abbreviations can let the driver know you might not be serious about moving your item.Prepare, Prepare, Prepare – A mover’s worst nightmare is arriving ready to work and the customer is still packing. If you’re moving an entire home, you should start at least two weeks in advance, first with family treasures (pictures, diplomas, all that baby stuff your Mom insists you keep). Next, start working on items that aren’t used everyday.Store Packed Boxes in a Central Location. Garages are a good place for boxes that have been packed and are ready to go, and offer easy access if you need to locate an items that’s already been stowed.Take Pictures and Know the Dimensions of Larger Items Before Listing. Snapping pictures of the larger, bulkier items being shipped can be a big help to you and the driver. It helps the driver determine if he can handle the job and it documents the pre-move condition of your stuff.
Set Expectations Upfront – Establish with the driver you hired what you expect as they haul your belongings. Clearly mark FRAGILE items; sometimes it’s best to haul these items in your vehicle, if possible. Also, be very clear and concise when you need the item(s) picked up and dropped off. Often, time is of the essence.Stay in Touch – Encourage your driver to keep in communication with you en route to the destination. Ask for a picture or two – people love to see their stuff traveling cross-country.Label Everything – Just because you think you recall which boxes hold the kitchen dishes doesn’t mean you will remember once everything has been loaded and unloaded. Label each side of every box for ease of organizing and unpacking. A roommate once put colored construction paper on each side of her boxes – made them really east to find in a crowd!Did we mention, TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES? For safety’s sake, be sure to take pictures and document the condition of the item being shipped (especially vehicles).
CitizenShipper is a two-sided marketplace for hard-to-ship items such as dogs, cats, motorcycles, boats, cars, and more. CitizenShipper puts you in touch with experienced, background-verified, and user-rated transporters. A quality experience — quick, safe, and affordable!
CitizenShipper · Updated January 16, 2024
