Your top 10 moving questions answered by our expert movers
Our field teams hear the same smart questions every season. Below, Active Movers experts answer the ten that save the most money and stress—before tape meets cardboard.
1. How far ahead should I book?
For large homes or month-end peaks, aim for two to three weeks; minimum one week for typical apartments. Last-minute slots exist but shrink crew choice.
2. Should I empty drawers?
Light clothing can stay; dense books, tools, or fragile junk must leave. Heavy dressers risk structural stress and slippery shifts on stairs.
3. What happens if it rains?
We mat entries, shrink-wrap vulnerable pieces, and pause if lightning nears active cranes. Safety and water stains share the same enemy—rushing.
4. Do you move plants?
Small potted plants often ride if soil is moist-not-soggy and pots are bagged. Tall specimens may need special vehicles—ask during survey.
5. How do you price stairs?
Stair segments are counted during survey and folded into labor or a transparent stair line. Surprise pivots at move day help nobody—send photos early.
6. Can you disconnect washers?
Many crews assist after water is off and lines are accessible; complex plumbing should involve a plumber. Scope belongs in writing.
7. What should stay off the truck?
Passports, jewelry, cash, medications, and perishable open food. Keep a small bag you never lose sight of.
8. How should I label boxes?
Room name, floor, and fragile top arrows. Color tape accelerates tower unpacks—your future self will thank you.
9. What if my new keys are late?
Pre-agree storage or holding options; idle trucks in tight wards rack standby fast. Communication beats hope.
10. How do I tip—or should I?
Tips are optional and appreciated when crews exceed scope safely. If you tip, do it per crew at handoff—clear and fair.
Expert bonus: the question clients forget
- Who is my on-site supervisor mobile if gates stall?
- What photo should I send the night before if parking signs change?
Expert add-on: refrigerator prep
Defrost and drain lines days ahead; tape doors shut but allow air strips—mildew hates trapped moisture.
Expert add-on: TV and monitors
Original boxes beat hope; if missing, we build foam corners—photo cable maps before unplugging.
Expert add-on: parking sign drift
Send a gate photo the evening before if city swaps no-parking posts—saves morning circles.
Expert add-on: AC remotes and curtain rods
Bag small parts in labeled zip bags—hardware hunts steal evening hours.
Expert add-on: elevator booking proof
Forward confirmation emails to your supervisor thread—screenshots prevent lobby debates.
Conclusion
Great moves reward early honesty: photos, labels, realistic stairs, and questions asked before deposit. Our experts answer gladly—because clarity on day zero prevents chaos on day one.
