Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Virginia, VA

Choosing the right moving company depends on several factors, including the size of your move, the distance, and any special requirements you may have. These steps will help you choose confidently:

• Check Reviews & Ratings – Look for consistent feedback and recent comments.
• Get Referrals – Reach out to people you trust for honest opinions.
• Verify Licensing & Insurance – Don’t book until credentials are verified.
• Compare Different Quotes – Don’t settle for the first quote you receive.
• Check the Better Business Bureau – Pay attention to red flags in complaint histories.

Avoiding breakage for glassware and valuables requires careful packing. Use these expert packing tips:

• Choose Strong Boxes – Use sturdy boxes that won’t collapse or break in transit.
• Protect Each Piece – Wrap glassware, dishes, and breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper.
• Cushion with Padding – Fill gaps with soft materials, like packing peanuts or towels, to prevent shifting.
• Identify Fragile Boxes with Clear Labels – Show movers which boxes need special care.
• Stand Dishes on Edge – Placing dishes on their sides rather than stacking them reduces the risk of breakage.

Reserving your move as soon as possible ensures availability and can help you save money. Follow these rules of thumb for move scheduling:

• Peak Season (May - September) – Book at least 6-8 weeks in advance.
• Off-Peak Season (October - April) – Book 4-6 weeks ahead.
• Local Moves – For moves within Virginia, 2-4 weeks is usually sufficient.
• Long-Distance Moves – Cross-Country moves should be scheduled at least 6 weeks ahead.

If your move needs to happen quickly, contact Bayshore Moving and Storage at 571-583-5402, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

The ideal time to move depends on your schedule and flexibility. Think about the following factors:

• Summer Months (May - September) – Expect limited availability and plan ahead for a summer move.
• Winter Months (November - February) – Fewer people move during this time, which can mean better pricing and availability.
• Weekdays vs. Weekends – You may avoid higher rates and competition by picking a weekday.
• Mid-Month vs. End-of-Month – Mid-month moves are less hectic and often easier to schedule.

To get the best price and service, follow these steps:

• Ask for Referrals – Reach out to people you know for referrals.
• Arrange In-Home or Virtual Estimates – This helps get accurate pricing.
• Compare Services & Pricing – Understand the full scope of what’s covered for your move.
• Ensure Complete Price Transparency – Ask for a breakdown of all charges in writing.
• Watch Out for Warning Signs – Avoid movers who ask for big payments before the move.

The safest approach is to remove all contents from drawers before transport to reduce risk. Shifting contents inside drawers can result in broken items or complicate the moving process.

Movers will load your boxes if they’re stable, secure, and properly sealed. Poorly packed boxes that may collapse or break open could be rejected by movers for safety reasons.

Be sure to remove all water from the bed ahead of your move. If you have a fiber-filled model, it’s best to hire experts for safe draining. Reach out to your movers before moving day to talk through best practices.

Most moving companies do not transport plants as conditions in a moving van are often unsafe for plants. Additionally, certain states have restrictions on bringing plants across state lines due to agricultural concerns. If you are moving locally in Virginia, using your own vehicle is often the best option for plant transport.

When you have items of significant worth or sentimental value, it’s best to keep them with you instead of loading them onto the truck. Items like:

• Jewelry
• Cash
• Important documents (passports, birth certificates, medical records)
• Collectibles or small valuables

If you prefer to add these items to your shipment, ask your moving expert about added security and insurance choices.

Preparing appliances ensures their safe transport:

• Refrigerators & Freezers – Empty and defrost 24-48 hours before moving day.
• Washing Machines – Lock or brace the drum for safe travel.
• Dryers – Prepare by clearing any buildup and unplugging.
• Dishwashers – Drain water and fasten all hoses.
• Ovens & Stoves – Take proper steps to safely disconnect.

If needed, Bayshore Moving and Storage can arrange professional appliance servicing before your move.