Resources
Your Ultimate Moving Checklist
Moving can be one of life's most stressful events, but with proper planning and organization, you can make it a smoother, more manageable process. This comprehensive guide is designed to walk you through every step of your move, from two months before to the weeks after you've settled into your new home. We've also included a section of invaluable tips to help you navigate common moving challenges.
Stress Reduction Tips
- Start early to avoid last-minute panic.
- Break the move into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Maintain a routine as much as possible, especially if you have children.
- Take breaks and practice self-care during the moving process.
- Accept help when offered and don't be afraid to ask for assistance.
- Keep a positive attitude – focus on the excitement of your new home.
Money-Saving Tips
- Collect free boxes from local stores or online marketplaces.
- Use towels, blankets, and clothing as packing material.
- Move during off-peak times (mid-week, mid-month) for potentially lower rates.
- Purge unnecessary items before moving to reduce volume.
- Compare multiple moving quotes and negotiate prices.
- Consider a hybrid move: Hire movers for big items, move smaller items yourself.
- Save receipts – moving expenses may be tax-deductible in some cases.
Packing Tips
- Use the right size boxes: Heavy items like books go in small boxes, lighter items in larger ones.
- Fill empty spaces in boxes with packing paper or clothing to prevent shifting.
- Pack a "first night" box with essentials: Toiletries, change of clothes, basic kitchen items, bedding.
- Use colored labels or markers to color-code boxes by room.
- Take photos of electronic setups before disconnecting for easy reassembly.
- Use clean socks or t-shirts to wrap fragile items.
- Leave clothes on hangers and group them in garbage bags for easy transport.

After the Move
- Unpack essentials and set up main living areas first
- Inspect delivered boxes and furniture for damage
- Begin organizing your new home room by room
- Update your address:
- Driver’s license
- Vehicle registration
- Voter registration
- Explore your new neighborhood

Moving Day
- Wake up early and have a good breakfast
- Meet with your movers and review the plan
- Do a final walk-through with the movers
- Verify that all items are loaded/unloaded correctly
- Take photos of empty rooms for proof of condition
- Turn off all lights, lock windows and doors
- Give keys to new owners or real estate agent
2-3 Days Before the Move
- Pack a “moving day” kit with essentials:
- Phone chargers
- Basic tools
- First aid kit
- Cleaning supplies
- Confirm arrival time with movers
- Drain gas and oil from lawn equipment, grills, etc.
- Gather all house keys and garage door openers
1 Week Before the Move
- Finish most of your packing
- Pack suitcases with clothes and essentials for the first week
- Deep clean your current home
- Defrost your freezer and clean your refrigerator
- Dispose of any remaining hazardous materials
- Confirm payment method with the moving company
- Prepare a folder with important information for the new homeowner

2 Weeks Before the Move
- Continue packing, aiming to have most items boxed up
- Arrange for a charity to pick up donated items (we can do this on the day of the move for you if you’d like!)
- Separate any valuable items you’d like to transport yourself
- Make copies of important documents to take with you
- Confirm details with your moving company again

3 Weeks Before the Move
- Begin packing your main living areas
- Clearly label all boxes with contents and destination room
- Separate any valuable items you’d like to transport yourself
- Make a plan for moving plants
- Confirm parking arrangements for the moving truck at both locations
- Start cleaning empty areas of your current home

4 Weeks Before the Move
- Confirm details with your moving company
- Start packing your garage, attic, and storage areas
- Dispose of any flammables, corrosives, and poisons properly
- Gather important documents in a safe, easily accessible place:
- Birth certificates
- Passports
- Medical records
- Financial documents
- Arrange for child care and/or pet sitting on moving day
- Request time off work for moving day and settling in

5 Weeks Before the Move
- Continue packing, focusing on lesser-used items and rooms
- Start planning for moving day meals and snacks
- Begin using up any cleaning supplies, toiletries, and pantry items
- If moving long-distance, make travel arrangements
- Plan for moving your vehicles (if applicable)
- Arrange for pet transportation or boarding during the move

6 Weeks Before the Move
- Contact your insurance company to transfer or cancel policies
- Begin the change of address process:
- USPS online change of address form
- Banks and credit card companies
- Subscription services and memberships
- Voter registration (if applicable)
- Arrange for school and medical records to be transferred (if applicable)
- Schedule disconnection/connection of utilities at old and new homes:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Internet
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Security system

7 Weeks Before the Move
- Choose your moving company and book your moving date (earliest)
- If you’re renting, give notice to your landlord
- Start using up food in your freezer and pantry
- Research schools in your new area if you have children
- Begin packing items you won’t need before the move (e.g., seasonal clothing, books, decor, etc.)
- Create a floor plan of your new home to plan furniture placement

8 Weeks Before the Move
- Create a moving binder or digital folder to keep all your move-related documents organized
- Start a moving journal or use a note-taking app to jot down ideas, to-do lists, and important information
- Begin researching moving companies
- Contact at least three moving companies for estimates
- Start sorting through your belongings room by room:
- Create “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” and “discard” piles
- Consider which furniture pieces will fit in your new home
- Plan a garage sale or start listing items for sale online
- We can also donate them for you to people in need through Big Bear Cares!
- Boxes of various sizes
- Packing tape
- Bubble wrap

Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Services
Big Bear Movers is based in Massachusetts and proudly serves the entire state. We also offer moving services throughout New England and provide long-distance moves across the country. Whether you're moving within Massachusetts or to a neighboring state, our team is ready to assist you with our unbearably caring approach.
We specialize in residential moves, including:
Local moves within Massachusetts
Moves to bordering states
Long-distance moves across the country
Packing and unpacking services
Furniture disassembly and reassembly We're also expanding our services to include commercial moves. Contact us for more information about our business relocation services.
At Big Bear Movers, we pride ourselves on our "Unbearably Caring Way" – our commitment to providing the best moving experience possible. We treat your belongings with the utmost care and respect, ensuring a smooth and stress-free move. Additionally, through our non-profit organization, Big Bear Cares, we offer the option to donate any unwanted furniture or belongings to people in need, adding a charitable aspect to your move.
Absolutely! Our non-profit organization, Big Bear Cares, makes it easy to donate unwanted furniture or belongings during your move. Simply let us know which items you'd like to donate, and we'll handle the rest. We'll ensure your donations reach people in need, giving your unused items a new purpose and helping you declutter during your move.
Planning Your Move
We recommend booking your move as soon as you know your moving date, especially during peak moving season (typically April through October). For local moves, try to book at least 2-4 weeks in advance. For long-distance moves, aim for 4-8 weeks ahead. However, we understand that sometimes moves come up unexpectedly, so don't hesitate to contact us for last-minute availability.
Getting an estimate is easy! You can:
Call us directly at (508)-301-3003
Fill out our online estimate request form on our website by clicking "FREE Estimates"
Schedule a virtual or in-home estimate for more complex moves
We'll ask for details about your move, including the size of your current home, the distance to your new location, and any special requirements. Our team will then provide you with a detailed, transparent quote for your move.
We strive to provide highly accurate estimates:
Our estimates are based on detailed information you provide about your move.
Typically, our estimates are within 10-15% of the final cost.
Factors that can affect the final cost include additional items, difficult access, or extra services requested on moving day.
We always communicate any potential changes in cost as soon as we're aware of them.
Leading up to your move, you can expect:
Clear communication about your move details.
A reminder call or email a few days before your move.
Answers to any last-minute questions you might have.
Advice on final preparations for moving day.
Confirmation of your moving time and any special requirements.
We understand that plans can change:
Yes, you can reschedule your move after paying a deposit.
Please give us as much notice as possible.
Rescheduling fees may apply, especially for last-minute changes.
Your deposit can be transferred to your new moving date.
Our team will work with you to find a new date that suits your needs.
Packing and Preparation
Yes, we offer a full range of packing materials, including boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape. We can provide these materials as part of our full-service packing option or sell them separately if you prefer to pack yourself. Our team can advise you on the right quantity and types of materials needed for your specific move.
Big Bear Movers offers several options for obtaining packing materials:
We sell a variety of boxes, tape, bubble wrap, and other packing supplies.
Yes, we can deliver packing materials to your home for a small fee.
You can also pick up supplies from our office if you prefer.
Our team can advise on the quantity and types of materials needed for your specific move.
While Big Bear Movers can handle most household items, some things require special care or can't be moved due to legal or safety reasons:
Hazardous materials (e.g., paint, gasoline, propane tanks)
Perishable food items
Valuable items like jewelry, important documents, or sentimental pieces (We recommend you bring these with you for safety reasons)
Firearms and ammunition (check local laws)
For items requiring special handling, such as pianos, antiques, or large appliances, please inform us in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
To help manage your moving costs:
Declutter before your move to reduce the volume of items.
Pack yourself if you're comfortable doing so.
Be fully prepared on moving day to avoid delays.
Consider moving during off-peak times (mid-week, mid-month, or during non-summer months).
Get quotes from multiple movers, but remember that the cheapest option isn't always the best value.
Ask about any available discounts or promotions.
We understand that packing can sometimes take longer than expected. If you're not fully packed on moving day:
Communicate with us as soon as possible about the situation.
Our team can help with last-minute packing, though this may incur additional charges.
We may need to reschedule some aspects of the move, depending on the amount of unpacked items.
To avoid this situation, consider our professional packing services or start packing well in advance of your move date.
On Moving Day
To ensure a smooth moving day:
Be present (or have a representative) to greet the movers and guide them through the process.
Ensure all items are packed and ready to go (unless you've arranged packing services).
Point out any items requiring special care.
Keep valuables and essential documents with you.
Provide clear directions to your new home if needed.
Be available to answer questions and make decisions throughout the move.
The duration of a move depends on several factors:
Size of your home
Amount of belongings
Distance of the move
Accessibility of both locations
As a rough guide:
Studio or 1-bedroom apartment: 2-4 hours
2-3 bedroom home: 4-6 hours
4+ bedroom home: 6-10 hours
For long-distance moves, the transit time will be added to these estimates. We'll provide a more accurate timeline during your quote process.
Yes, we operate in nearly all weather conditions, prioritizing safety:
We monitor weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
In extremely severe weather, we may suggest rescheduling for safety reasons.
Our teams use protective materials to keep your belongings dry during rainy or snowy conditions.
We take extra precautions to prevent slips and falls in wet or icy conditions.
Communication is key – we'll keep you updated if weather might impact your move.
Our experienced movers at Big Bear Movers are skilled at maneuvering furniture through tight spaces. However, if an item truly doesn't fit:
We can disassemble many furniture pieces to fit through doorways or narrow staircases.
In some cases, we might suggest using lifting straps or a hoist to move items through a window or balcony.
If an item absolutely cannot be moved into your new home, we can discuss alternatives like storage options or utilizing our Big Bear Cares program for donation.
Always measure your largest furniture pieces and the doorways of your new home in advance to avoid surprises on moving day.
Absolutely! At Big Bear Movers, we're happy to place your furniture exactly where you want it in your new home. Here's how it works:
Communicate your preferences clearly to our team.
If possible, have a basic floor plan or sketch ready.
We'll place large furniture items first, then adjust as needed.
Don't hesitate to ask for adjustments – we want you to be completely satisfied with the layout.
Keep in mind that multiple rearrangements may impact the total time of your move.
Yes, we offer furniture disassembly and reassembly services:
We can take apart and reassemble most standard furniture items.
This service is often included in our standard moving package.
For complex or antique pieces, we may recommend specialist services.
Always inform us in advance about items needing disassembly so we can allocate appropriate time and tools.
While our "Unbearably Caring Way" means we take utmost care with your belongings, accidents can occasionally happen. If an item is damaged:
Note the damage on the inventory sheet before the movers leave.
Take photos of the damaged item.
Contact our customer service team as soon as possible to file a claim.
We'll work with you to resolve the issue promptly, either through repair or compensation, depending on your chosen insurance coverage.
Pricing and Payment
Our pricing structure is designed to be fair and transparent:
We charge an hourly rate based on the number of movers required for your job.
A mileage fee is added to cover transportation costs.
Any packing supplies used are charged separately and itemized on your bill.
For multi-day moves, we include an overnight truck fee.
Long-distance moves may be priced differently, often with a flat rate that includes travel time.
During your quote, we'll provide a detailed breakdown of all potential costs.
Our team is always available to explain any aspect of our pricing to ensure you're comfortable with the estimate.
Yes, we require a deposit for all moves to secure your booking:
For estimates costing less than $2,000, the deposit is a flat $150.
For estimates costing $2,000 or more, the deposit is 10% of the total estimated cost.
Deposits are fully refundable if you cancel within 72 hours of your booking.
The deposit amount will be deducted from your final moving cost.
We'll provide clear information about the deposit and refund policy when you book your move.
For projects spanning multiple days, our payment structure is designed for clarity and convenience:
We charge after each day for moves that span multiple days.
The specific payment schedule will be outlined in your moving contract.
We accept various payment methods for your convenience.
Our team will provide a detailed breakdown of charges for each day of the move.
While tipping is not required, it's appreciated for excellent service:
A common guideline is $5-$8 per hour per mover, or 10-20% of the total move cost.
For exceptional service, some customers tip more.
Tips can be given directly to the movers or added to your final payment.
Remember, the best tip is a positive review and referral!