Because local moves are charged on an hourly basis, there are numerous ways of reducing the time required to complete your move, thereby lowering the final charges. There isn't any one secret that will greatly reduce the cost. However, a combination of the following can produce significant savings.

1.	Start the move as early as possible. Late starts, particularly on large moves, can have a psychological as well as physical effect on both your family and the crew. Overtime rates can become a factor as well.
2.	Be ready when the movers arrive. Make certain that packing of all small items (including lamps, pictures, small mirrors, lampshades, dishes, books, etc.) has been completed prior to the arrival of the movers. Use cartons that can be sealed. Follow our "Packing Tips" carefully. We can supply you with all materials necessary. Keep in mind that any extra time taken if things need to be repacked on moving day would almost certainly offset the purchase cost of the proper materials in the first place. Mark the cartons clearly to ensure proper placement at your new residence. If you are planning on reusing the cartons, write on the tape, so that the writing comes off when you remove it.
3.	Discard unwanted items prior to the move. Have a garage sale (or donate the goods to charity) for items that you no longer consider useful - Don't pay to move goods you no longer need.
4.	Have the cars out of the driveway. The crew will need this space to work, even if the truck's too big to fit in the driveway. You also won't be able to go anywhere without the crew closing the doors, picking up the ramps, etc. if your car's blocked in. If the truck has to load off the street, try to ensure that the parking spot is reserved for the movers.
5.	If moving from an apartment, have the elevator on service and meet the crew when they arrive in the moving room.
6.	In the winter, make sure that walkways and driveways are clear and salted to prevent slipping.
7.	Move all items which you are moving yourselves prior to the movers' arrival. This way, they won't be in the way during the move.
8.	Move small plants yourself. The movers will move the large plants at owner's risk, if desired.
9.	Disconnect all appliances and remove the hoses completely from the washer and dryer to prevent scratching and soiling of walls and floors. Place them inside the washer to ensure that you will easily find them at destination.
10.	Bring any garden tools, lawnmower, patio furniture, etc. from the back yard to the front.
11.	Bring small items and cartons up from the basement and put them in the garage for quicker access for the movers.
12.	Disassemble swing sets, jungle gyms and other large items to be moved. Try to prevent them from freezing in the ground during the winter.
13.	Disassemble all beds. (It is assumed that all water beds will be drained and disassembled prior to our arrival).
14.	Take the mirrors off the dressers. (Wrap the screws and tape them inside the top right-hand drawer of the dresser.)
15.	Take the legs off large tables that come apart. (eg: dining room, kitchen, etc). Be sure to handle the pieces carefully to avoid damaging them.
16.	Remove screen door plungers and any doors that were removed when you moved in.
17.	Walk through the house when the crew first arrives and point out the things that are not to go, as well as items that you are especially concerned about.
18.	Make yourself available constantly in case of questions. If you must go out, let the crew know where and approximately how long you will be. Make certain that you are at the new house when the crew gets there. Any time the movers spend waiting for input from you is time that you are being charged for.
19.	Try to keep the children from getting in the movers' way. We realize this is a big day for them and we always try to be as patient as possible.
20.	Check the house thoroughly when the truck is loaded, prior to the crew leaving. The driver is instructed not to leave until you are satisfied that they have loaded everything that is to go.
21.	Pack and unpack the wardrobes supplied the day of the move while the movers load and unload the truck.
22.	Be organized at the new house. Have someone at the door to direct the movers. This will eliminate confusion as to where to place items.
23.	Reassemble items on your own where possible to save the time and cost of having the movers do it.

The items listed above are just some of the time-saving steps you can take. These are not mandatory. Rather, they are suggestions based on many years of moving experience at Rawlinson that will help you control your moving cost. In summary, the most important suggestion we can give you is organization. A move should be an exciting event, not a "headache", and we will do our best to ensure you family an efficient, professional move.

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