General Tips...

It is time to relocate. This may be your first moving experience or you may have done it all before.  We at Bill's Movers have complied a few tips for you to review.

The moving industry has a peak and off season.  The peak season for movers is during the summer months.  Also the beginning and the end of the month are extra busy.  During that period of time, the demand for moving equipment, trucks and personnel is heavy.

Your move should occur at a time that is convenient for you.  However, you should consider if you want to transfer your children during the school term as well as other factors involving your family.

Call or email the moving company that you have selected to set up a convenient time for an estimate on your moving costs.  The representative can prepare an estimate in writing and submit it to you or he may do this verbally.

Decide what items you want to move and what will be discarded.  Inspect your home, check your attic to your basement, before the representative arrives.  Show him everything that you will be moving.

If you decide to do your own packing, get packing supplies and start collecting strong boxes suitable for moving.  Most moving companies have boxes available for sell.  Complete ALL your packing before your moving day.

If your company is relocating you, find out what portion of your moving expense will be paid by them.  Check with the movers you choose to see if they will bill your company or if you will need to pay for the move in advance. 

Obtain a written appraisal of antiques to verify their value.  Do not retouch, wax or oil wood furniture before moving.  Some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

Learn How to Pack

Good packing will reduce the chance of your household goods from being damaged.  Careful packing will increase your chances of no damage to your goods.  If you do not have the time to devote to this task, your moving company will be able to pack your household goods along with your furniture.  The moving company will provide the boxes and its packers will pack your home with the safest and best techniques developed.  However, if your budget does not allow you the privilege of packing services, then doing your own packing can considerably save your moving costs.

If you do your own packing, consider having your moving company pack delicate items such as dishes, crystal, and other fragile pieces.  Reduce the risk of damages by letting them do the packing for these items while reducing your costs by doing the bulk of the packing job yourself.  Most companies do have a set minimum for this service.

Keep in mind that you can purchase all moving supplies and boxes form any moving supply company.

Extra Ordinary Value Items

All items in your move which are considered to be of extraordinary value must be identified.  You must advise your mover in writing what they are and a value of each item.  These items are defined as having a value greater than $100.00 per pound per article.  For example:  antiques, crystal, precious stones or gems, art collections, currency, silver and silverware, figurines, video cameras, computers and software, furs, coin collections and oriental rugs.

Items Not to Pack

It is important that you understand which items you can move and which items that your movers can not move.  Read this section before doing your own packing.  There are rules and regulations that govern all movers to ensure safety.

Drain oil and fuel from lawn mower and other machinery.  Discard any partially used cans of paint, thinner, oil or other substances that might leak.

All refillable tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer.  Discard ALL non-refillable tanks.

If you clean your rugs and draperies with your local cleaner, leave them wrapped when they are returned.  This will help protect them from dirt and possible damage.

Follow the list below for information on items not to be moved prior to packing and loading dates.

Dispose of all flammable, corrosive or explosive items such as acid, gas, poisons, lighter fluid, fertilizer, paints, car batteries, ammunition, sterno, kerosene, fireworks, paint thinner, loaded weapons, pesticides, lamp oil, and propane tanks.

We advise you to move the following items.

Address Books, files, personal video tapes, airline tickets, financial statements, photos and albums, car keys, furs, research projects, bonds, IRA's, deeds, tax records, school records, check books, jewelry, sterling silver, currency, coins, letters, stocks, stamp collections, computer software, computer disks and medicines.

IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US.  Email us at Billsmovers@aol.com, call us at (903) 792-7281 or stop by for a visit at

1407 Texas Boulevard, Texarkana, Texas.