Over 110 years in business and 15,000 families moved each year has given Stevens Worldwide an in-depth understanding of relocation. And if there’s anything we’ve learned from this experience, it’s that the key to a successful move is preparation. We’re dedicated to guiding families through easy relocation processes with minimal issues along the way. Whether it’s packing boxes, selecting storage units or making sure you’ve completed all to-do tasks, we’ve got everything you need to make your move go smoothly.
Make A Plan
It’s always a good idea to book your move as far in advance as possible, and your Stevens agent will get you started with a free in-home moving estimate. Ideally, this estimate will be scheduled at least five to six weeks ahead of your move, and you’ll want to choose your moving company at least four weeks ahead of your moving date.
Your agent can also help advise you on what services you may need for packing and storage and can help explain your valuation and protection options.
Working with a Move Manager
Your move manager is your advocate at Stevens, overseeing your entire move from start to finish. As your primary point of contact, your move manager will make sure your relocation is a smooth one by staying in constant contact with agents, the driver and loaders. Move managers are also available to answer your questions. If you have customer service concerns or need to file a claim, your move manager can help with that, too.
Your Moving Responsibilities
While Stevens is equipped and ready to shoulder the bulk of relocation responsibilities, there are tasks you’ll want to handle on your own. We recommend customers prepare and schedule time to manage the following:
- Pack and transport all valuables (money, jewelry, documents, etc.) separately from the items on the moving truck.
- Arrange transportation for anything that is flammable, explosive or corrosive. These items are marked non-transportable by Stevens Worldwide. We’ve put together a full list of items not allowed on our moving trucks here.
- Remove items fixed to the wall or ceiling for movers to pack and ship. This includes ceiling fans, light fixtures and décor.
- Empty food from refrigerators and freezers. Stevens is unable to transport frozen or perishable food items on the truck.
- Gasoline-powered engines must be emptied of all gas and oil. This is particularly important if you’re transporting cars or motorcycles.
- Finally, be sure to handle all documentation like address changes, motor vehicle transfers and school records.
Packing
Whether you use our professional packing services or decide to pack things yourself with the help of our guides, packing things the right way is the first step toward ensuring they arrive safely at your destination. The time spent packing (and the materials used) will depend largely on the items you’re moving (especially if they’re unusual or specialty items), so it’s a good idea to schedule an in-home estimate to help determine your timeline.
Loading
Our movers will load your belongings onto our truck, making sure everything is packed securely and safely, provided the driver deems your items safe to transport. The time this takes will depend largely on the size of your home and the number of items you’ll be shipping. We’ll label boxes individually and verify the condition of all goods, even providing you with a detailed inventory before we load your belongings securely into our van.
In Transit
Your move manager can answer any questions you have about the progress of your belongings toward your destination, and we’ll provide you with a range of dates for delivery based on the distance we travel. Should you need more time, we do offer storage-in-transit to keep your belongings safe until you arrive at your new home.
Methods of Payment
Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid in full before your shipment can be unloaded at your destination. We accept payment by cash, money order, traveler’s check, certified check or cashier’s check. With prior credit approval, you can also charge the expense to your personal credit card. We gladly accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express.
Delivery, Inventory and Payment
At least 48 hours before the delivery of your belongings, your driver will contact you. Make sure your driver has the right destination contact information before he leaves your origin residence.
When the truck reaches your destination, payment should be made before the truck is unloaded. At that time, it is your responsibility to make sure there’s no damage to any of your belongings. You should also make sure nothing is missing.
We accept cash, traveler’s check, certified check, cashier’s check or money order for your move, and you can make payment at any time before the truck is unloaded. If you’ve been granted prior credit approval, you can also choose to pay by credit card. Stevens accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express.
Unpacking
Our packers can help you unpack and dispose of the cartons, or you can take the lead and settle in at your own pace. Either way, the unpacking process goes a long way toward making your new house feel like a home.
Satisfaction and Service
We always want to hear your feedback, and after your move we’ll follow up with a satisfaction survey to get your thoughts. Our goal is to make sure you’re completely satisfied, and we do that by providing excellent, attentive service. If you have any concerns, we want to hear them.
To learn more about any of the steps involved in planning your move, or to start working with Stevens, please contact us today.