1. Define the move before requesting estimates
Write down the origin and destination, preferred date, acceptable backup dates, residence types, stairs, elevators, gates, walking distances, and any time restrictions. Create a room-by-room inventory that identifies large furniture, appliances, fragile pieces, and items requiring disassembly. Decide whether you need packing, unpacking, loading, transportation, assembly, or labor only. A clear scope helps providers assess crew, equipment, and time requirements. For a reusable format, see the moving inventory for quotes guide at /resources/moving-inventory-for-quotes/.
2. Check Raleigh access and property rules
Ask each property manager or owner about elevator reservations, loading areas, truck-size limits, docks, gates, floor protection, working hours, and certificate-of-insurance requirements. Inspect both addresses for narrow approaches, low clearances, difficult turns, stairs, and long carries. If a truck, container, or moving activity could affect a public street or sidewalk, review the City of Raleigh’s temporary street-closure information and confirm whether authorization is needed; never assume public right-of-way may be blocked. Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina and the seat of Wake County, but rules affecting a specific move may depend on the property and exact location. Source: City of Raleigh — About Raleigh (https://www.raleighnc.gov/community/services/about-raleigh) and Temporary Street Closures (https://raleighnc.gov/transportation/services/temporary-street-closures).
3. Prepare in a practical order
Four or more weeks before: reduce the inventory, gather written estimates, identify restricted items, and confirm responsibilities. Two to three weeks before: reserve elevators or loading areas, arrange utilities, obtain packing materials, and make plans for children, pets, valuables, and essential documents. During the final week: finish packing nonessentials, label boxes by destination room, separate items traveling with you, confirm access instructions, and photograph valuable items and furniture condition. The day before: create clear paths, protect personal data, refrigerate only what can be moved safely, and verify the arrival window and payment method. On moving day: keep keys, medication, identification, chargers, closing documents, and valuables with you; conduct walkthroughs at both addresses and note any issues promptly.
4. Confirm the plan before scheduling
Ask what work is included, who supplies packing materials, how furniture preparation is handled, and what circumstances create additional charges. Confirm the estimate type, minimum time, travel treatment, cancellation or rescheduling terms, valuation options, claims procedure, prohibited-items policy, and process for approving added work. For a North Carolina intrastate household move, consumers can consult the North Carolina Utilities Commission’s transportation resources to identify regulated carriers and review moving information. For an interstate move, use FMCSA’s registered-mover search instead. Source: North Carolina Utilities Commission — Transportation (https://www.ncuc.gov/industries/transportation/transportation.html).