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VIP Transport Complete Moving Guide and FAQs
A comprehensive moving resource from VIP Transport, family-owned movers since 1982. This guide covers moving timelines, packing tips, insurance and valuation options, billing and pricing explanations, special situation advice, and frequently asked questions. Call 1-800-998-4847 for a free quote.
Family-Owned Since 1982 — Your Trusted Moving Resource
Your Complete Moving Guide
Everything you need to know,
from first box to final walkthrough
40+Years of Expertise
50K+Moves Completed
98%Satisfaction Rate
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Moving Timeline
Your Moving
Countdown
A well-organized move starts weeks before the truck arrives. Follow this timeline and you will be ahead of every deadline, every detail, every box.
018 Weeks Before
Research & Prepare
- Research moving companies and request at least three quotes
- Begin decluttering room by room — donate, sell, or discard what you no longer need
- Create a detailed home inventory for insurance and organization purposes
- Establish your moving budget, including packing supplies and travel costs
026 Weeks Before
Book & Notify
- Book your moving company — VIP recommends booking at least 6 weeks ahead
- Start packing non-essential items: seasonal decor, books, guest room
- Notify schools, doctors, and dentists of your upcoming address change
- Begin collecting free boxes from local stores or ordering supplies
034 Weeks Before
Logistics & Paperwork
- Submit a change-of-address form with USPS and forward your mail
- Transfer or set up utilities at your new home (electric, gas, water, internet)
- Pack seasonal items, garage belongings, and infrequently used rooms
- Arrange pet and child care for moving day
042 Weeks Before
Confirm & Organize
- Confirm your moving date, arrival time, and logistics with your mover
- Pack most rooms, leaving only daily essentials accessible
- Arrange travel plans if moving long distance (flights, hotels, car shipping)
- Refill prescriptions and transfer medical records to new providers
051 Week Before
Final Preparation
- Complete final packing — label every box with room and contents
- Defrost and clean your freezer at least 24 hours before the move
- Prepare your essentials box: toiletries, phone chargers, snacks, change of clothes
- Confirm elevator reservations or parking permits if moving from an apartment
06Moving Day
The Big Day
- Be present for the crew walkthrough and point out fragile or high-value items
- Do a final sweep of every room, closet, cabinet, and outdoor space
- Take photos or video of your empty home for your security deposit or records
- Keep your essentials box, valuables, and important documents with you — not on the truck
07After the Move
Settle In
- Unpack your essentials box first: bedding, toiletries, kitchen basics
- Update your address with banks, insurance, subscriptions, and the DMV
- Introduce yourself to neighbors and explore your new community
- Inspect all belongings and report any concerns within the claims window
Packing Tips
Room-by-Room
Packing Guide
Professional movers pack differently than most people. These are the techniques our crews use every day — the same methods trusted by families, museums, and industry leaders.
Kitchen
- Pack plates vertically like records — they are stronger on edge
- Wrap each glass individually with packing paper, then nest in cell boxes
- Use dish towels and oven mitts as padding between pots and pans
- Seal spices and liquids in zip-lock bags inside a labeled box
Bedroom
- Use wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes — no folding, no wrinkles
- Leave dresser drawers full of soft items like socks and t-shirts
- Roll soft bedding tightly and use it to cushion fragile nightstand items
- Pack shoes in their original boxes or pair them in gallon zip-locks
Living Room
- Remove and bag all hardware from wall-mounted TVs and shelves
- Wrap framed art in packing paper, then place between cardboard sheets
- Photograph your electronics setup before disconnecting cables
- Bundle cords with rubber bands and label each one
Bathroom
- Tighten all lids and seal bottles in zip-lock bags to prevent leaks
- Keep a small toiletry bag out of boxes for the first night in your new home
- Dispose of expired medications properly — do not pack them
- Wrap mirrors and glass shelves in bubble wrap with cardboard backing
The Labeling System
A good labeling system is the difference between a smooth unpacking process and days of searching for your coffee maker. Here is what the pros do:
- Color-code by room using colored tape or markers — blue for bathroom, green for kitchen, etc.
- Number every box and keep a simple inventory list on your phone
- Mark “FRAGILE” on at least two sides of boxes with delicate contents
- Write a brief contents list on top of each box — “Kitchen: pots, baking pans, utensils”
The “Open First” Box
This is the single most important box you will pack. It contains everything you need for your first night in your new home — before everything else is unpacked.
- Bed sheets, pillows, and a blanket for each family member
- Toiletries, towels, phone chargers, and a change of clothes
- Paper plates, cups, basic utensils, coffee maker, and snacks
- Trash bags, paper towels, hand soap, and a basic tool kit
VIP Pro Tip: Want us to handle the packing entirely? Our professional packing crews can pack your entire home in a single day. Request a packing quote.
Important Restrictions
What Movers
Cannot Transport
Federal regulations and safety standards prevent movers from transporting certain items. Knowing these restrictions ahead of time means no surprises on moving day.
Hazardous Materials
Paint, paint thinner, aerosols, propane tanks, ammunition, fireworks, pool chemicals, charcoal, lighter fluid
Why It Cannot Ship
Federal regulations prohibit transporting flammable, explosive, or corrosive materials in moving trucks. These items pose a serious fire and safety risk in enclosed vehicles.
What to Do Instead
Use up, give away, or properly dispose of these items before your move. Many communities have hazardous waste collection events.
Perishable Foods
Frozen foods, refrigerated items, opened pantry goods, fresh produce
Why It Cannot Ship
Perishables can spoil, leak, and attract pests during transit — especially on long-distance moves where delivery may take several days.
What to Do Instead
Plan meals to use up perishables in the weeks before your move. Donate sealed non-perishables to a local food bank.
Live Plants
Houseplants, potted plants, seedlings, garden plants
Why It Cannot Ship
Many states have agricultural regulations that restrict the transport of plants across state lines to prevent the spread of pests and disease.
What to Do Instead
For local moves, transport plants in your personal vehicle. For long-distance moves, gift plants to friends or take cuttings to regrow.
Personal Documents & Valuables
Passports, birth certificates, financial records, jewelry, cash, family heirlooms, irreplaceable photos
Why It Cannot Ship
While extremely rare, shipments can be delayed. You should always keep irreplaceable items within your personal control during a move.
What to Do Instead
Pack these in a personal bag or lockbox and keep them in your vehicle or carry-on luggage at all times.
Medications
Prescription medications, controlled substances, medical devices, supplements
Why It Cannot Ship
Medications can degrade in temperature extremes inside a moving truck, and you may need them before your shipment arrives.
What to Do Instead
Keep all medications in a clearly labeled bag with you. Bring copies of prescriptions in case you need refills during the transition.
Insurance & Valuation
Protecting Your
Belongings
Every interstate move includes basic valuation coverage at no extra charge. But understanding your options — and choosing the right level of protection — gives you real peace of mind on moving day.
We always recommend documenting high-value items with photographs and written descriptions before the move. This makes the claims process faster if anything is damaged, and it helps your move coordinator provide the most accurate protection advice.
Included Free
Released Value Protection
Basic coverage included with every move at no additional cost. Liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per item. A 50-pound television, for example, would be covered at $30.
$0.60/lbRecommended
Full Protection
Full Value Protection
Your belongings are protected at their current market value. If an item is lost or damaged, we will repair it, replace it with a similar item, or provide a cash settlement.
Full ValueAdditional Option
Third-Party Insurance
For exceptionally high-value shipments, third-party moving insurance provides an additional layer of protection beyond carrier valuation. We can recommend trusted providers.
Pricing & Billing
How Moving
Billing Works
Moving pricing can feel opaque if no one takes the time to explain it. We believe you deserve total transparency — here is exactly how it works.
Long-Distance Moves
Interstate and long-distance moves are priced based on two factors: the total weight of your shipment and the distance from origin to destination. A certified estimator will survey your home (in person or virtually) and provide a detailed quote.
- Binding quote: The price is guaranteed — it will not change on moving day
- Non-binding quote: An estimate based on projected weight; final cost may vary
- VIP Transport provides binding, flat-rate quotes as our standard practice
Local Moves
Local moves (typically within 50 miles) are generally priced by the hour. Your quote will include the number of crew members, the truck, and an estimated time to complete the job.
- Hourly rates include the crew, truck, and standard moving equipment
- Most local moves have a minimum of 2 to 3 hours
- Packing materials and specialty handling are quoted separately
What Affects Your Cost
Several factors beyond weight and distance can influence your final quote. Understanding these upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Distance
Miles between origin and destination
Weight
Total weight of your household goods
Stairs & Access
Flights of stairs, long carries, narrow hallways
Specialty Items
Pianos, safes, pool tables, hot tubs
Packing Services
Full, partial, or fragile-only packing
Season & Timing
Peak season (summer) vs off-peak rates
The VIP Difference: We provide binding, flat-rate quotes with no hidden fees. The price we quote is the price you pay — period. No fuel surcharges, no stair fees added later, no moving-day surprises.
Special Situations
Every Move
Is Different
After 40 years and more than 500,000 moves, we have seen every situation. Here is specific advice for the most common scenarios our customers face.
01
Apartment Moves
- Reserve the freight elevator well in advance — most buildings require 48 hours notice
- Secure parking permits for the moving truck near building entrances
- Check building rules on move-in/move-out hours, hallway protection, and insurance requirements
- Inform your move coordinator about any access restrictions or loading dock details
02
Multi-Story Homes
- Stairs add time and labor — be upfront so your quote reflects the actual scope
- Clear stairways completely before the crew arrives for safety and efficiency
- Heavy items on upper floors (safes, pianos) may require specialty equipment
- Protect hardwood stairs with runners or moving pads to prevent scuffing
03
Long-Distance Moves
- Expect transit times of 3 to 14 days depending on the distance and route
- You will receive a delivery window — plan temporary housing or hotel stays accordingly
- Pack a suitcase with 1 to 2 weeks of essentials to tide you over until delivery
- VIP provides shipment tracking so you always know where your belongings are
04
Senior Moves
- Downsizing takes time — start sorting and deciding months before the move date
- Involve family members early in the process for emotional support and decision-making
- Our crews are trained to be patient and compassionate — this is more than just a move
- Consider full-service packing so the transition is as stress-free as possible
Client Testimonial
“
The moving guide VIP sent us was incredibly helpful, but their crew was even better. They handled our cross-country move from Maryland to California like they'd done it a thousand times — because they have.
David & Maria K.
Jessup, MD to Corona, CA
FAQ
Moving Guide FAQs
Expert answers to the questions we hear most often
- We recommend booking at least 6 to 8 weeks before your desired move date, especially during peak season (May through September). For holiday or end-of-month moves, even earlier is better. That said, we understand life happens — call us at 1-800-998-4847 and we will do everything we can to accommodate last-minute moves.
Ready to Move?
You Have the Knowledge.
Now Let Us Handle the Rest.
Family-owned since 1982. Women-owned since 2007. Mayflower and United Van Lines-certified and backed by more than 500,000 successful moves. Get your free, flat-rate quote today.
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No deposits required•Guaranteed pricing•40+ years experience