Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Washington D.C.

Your choice of moving company is influenced by multiple details, including the size of your move, the distance, and any special requirements you may have. Follow these tips to make a smart decision:

• Review Customer Reviews from Trusted Sites – Check online reviews and ratings from previous customers.
• Ask for Recommendations – Get referrals from family, friends, or coworkers who have recently moved.
• Double-Check Licensing & Insurance – Look up their license numbers and proof of insurance.
• Compare Different Quotes – Review a few options to spot the best fit.
• Look Up the Company at the Better Business Bureau – See how the company handles disputes or negative reviews.

Keeping breakable possessions safe is a top priority when moving. Follow these packing strategies:

• Choose Strong Boxes – Go for sturdy packing materials that will protect your valuables.
• Protect Each Piece – Wrap each item with soft materials to guard every piece.
• Create a Padded Buffer Inside Boxes – Surround items with cushioning on all sides.
• Clearly Mark Boxes as Fraglie – Write ‘Fragile’ on all sides for extra caution.
• Place Plates Upright Instead of Flat – Standing dishes up minimizes breakage in transit.

Booking your move as early as possible ensures availability and can help you get better pricing. Here’s a general guideline:

• Peak Season (May - September) – Schedule at least 6-8 weeks ahead.
• Off-Peak Season (October - April) – Schedule 4-6 weeks ahead.
• Local Moves – For moves within Washington D.C., 2-4 weeks is usually enough.
• Long-Distance Moves – Cross-Country moves should be booked at least 6 weeks ahead.

If you need to move on short notice, contact Shoreview Moving and Storage at 202-937-2591, and we will make every effort to help you move when you need it.

The right time to move depends on your schedule and flexibility. Consider the following factors:

• Summer Months (May - September) – Peak season means high demand; reserve your date well in advance.
• Winter Months (November - February) – You’ll likely get better rates and easier scheduling in winter.
• Weekdays vs. Weekends – You may avoid higher rates and competition by picking a weekday.
• Mid-Month vs. End-of-Month – Choose mid-month to bypass the rush and secure your preferred date.

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

• Ask for Referrals – Ask neighbors, family, and coworkers for suggestions.
• Request In-Home or Virtual Estimates – Direct assessments reduce the risk of unexpected costs.
• Review Options and Cost Breakdowns – Look at what’s included in the price (packing, storage, specialty items, etc.).
• Ensure Complete Price Transparency – Clarify if any add-on costs may apply to your situation.
• Identify Risky Company Behavior – Watch for signs of unprofessional or risky behavior.

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.

Yes, as long as the boxes are packed securely and deemed safe for transport. 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. Fiber-filled waterbeds may require professional vacuum-draining services to avoid damage. Discuss the process with your mover ahead of time to plan accordingly.

Most moving services do not transport plants because the truck environment can be harmful. Additionally, certain states enforce rules about plant movement to prevent pest and disease spread. If you are moving locally in Washington D.C., 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, make sure to talk with your consultant about added insurance protection and coverage.

Taking time to get appliances ready helps prevent damage:

• Refrigerators & Freezers – Empty and defrost 24-48 hours before moving day.
• Washing Machines – Secure the drum to prevent internal damage.
• Dryers – Remove all lint and unplug safely.
• Dishwashers – Empty and secure hoses.
• Ovens & Stoves – Disconnect gas lines if applicable.

If you’d like assistance, Shoreview Moving and Storage can arrange professional appliance servicing before your move.