Checklist: define the move before requesting proposals
□ Which addresses, dates, and preferred arrival windows apply? □ Is the move within North Carolina or across state lines? □ Which rooms, boxes, furniture, appliances, and specialty items are included? □ Who will pack, unpack, disconnect appliances, and disassemble or reassemble furniture? □ Are stairs, elevators, long carries, narrow entries, gates, docks, or restricted parking involved? □ Does either property require an elevator reservation, loading window, or certificate of insurance? □ Will anything require storage, multiple stops, or separate delivery timing? Give every company the same inventory and conditions. A consistent scope makes written proposals more useful and reduces the chance that an omitted task becomes an unexpected change.
Questions to ask before hiring
Ask for the carrier’s legal name and the identifying information appropriate to the move. North Carolina regulates intrastate household-goods movers through the North Carolina Utilities Commission; interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Use the NCUC transportation resources for a move within North Carolina and FMCSA’s mover-search tool for an interstate move. Then ask: □ Is the proposal binding or non-binding? □ Which labor, travel, equipment, mileage, shipment, or minimum charges apply? □ What work and materials are included or excluded? □ How are added services approved and documented? □ What valuation option applies, and how does it differ from separate insurance? □ What are the cancellation, rescheduling, payment, and claims terms? □ Who handles the move if another carrier or contractor is involved? Read the written estimate and governing terms rather than relying on a verbal summary. For more context, visit the Raleigh moving-planning pillar at /resources/ and the service choices at /services/.
Account for Raleigh access and disposal conditions
Local logistics can change the plan even when the inventory stays the same. Ask each property manager who controls the loading area, whether the elevator must be reserved, what truck-size restrictions apply, and whether fire access or sidewalks must remain clear. If a truck, container, or moving activity could affect a public street or sidewalk, consult the City of Raleigh’s temporary street-closure and permit information. Do not assume permission to block public right-of-way. Before packing, request the mover’s prohibited-items list. Wake County provides household hazardous-waste guidance and facilities, while Raleigh’s curbside program excludes hazardous waste, construction materials, unsafe-to-load items, and certain other materials. Arrange a lawful disposal option instead of leaving restricted items for the crew.
Final questions to confirm before scheduling
□ Is the date a confirmed service date or only a requested date? □ What arrival window and contact method will be used? □ What inventory, access details, and services appear in the written scope? □ Which party is responsible for parking, permits, elevator bookings, and building paperwork? □ What must be completed before the crew arrives? □ How will delays, unavailable access, inventory changes, or added work be handled? □ When are documents and payments due? □ Which items travel separately with you, including identification, medication, valuables, and essential records? Save the proposal, inventory, building rules, reservation confirmations, and any approved changes together. Availability and terms vary, so treat scheduling as complete only when the company’s written confirmation matches your move plan.