Marine Drive in Portland
Portland Summer Moving Tips
Once the infamously long Portland rainy season comes to an end and the sun makes its appearance, our phones start ringing more and more. Summer is by far Portland’s busiest moving season. In fact, more than 50% of the nation’s residential moves occur between Memorial and Labor Day.
We have noticed that the summer rush can leave many customers feeling hurried and unimportant. The team at Bridgetown Moving & Storage works hard to ensure that every move, big or small, is treated with the same high amount of care and dedication we pride ourselves on. No matter the season, we want your next move to be your best yet. We have put together a quick list of what to keep in mind to ensure your summer move is stress-free.
Research the Moving Company
Be cautious when choosing your movers. The first company that is available may not be the best fit for you, so give yourself time to call around. A cut rate company may charge less or be able to fit you in for the next weekend but then cancel last minute or simply never show up. Make sure that the company you choose is licensed to operate in your state by checking their Oregon Department of Transport (ODOT) number and check their reviews to see if they stick to their word. Make sure they’re licensed and bonded. While most movers should be careful with your items and the surrounding property, accidents can sometimes happen so make sure you’re covered.
Ask what will be included in your moving fees. Will they come with supplies like padding and dollies or are those an additional fee? Will they help disassemble/assemble larger furniture pieces? Do they charge drive time or mileage fees?
Once you are on Bridgetown’s schedule, your move day is guaranteed and we will work until the job is done. We offer a simple hourly pricing structure and includes moving materials like padding and even the use of wardrobe boxes to help simplify your move. There’s no hidden costs and NO drive time or mileage fees within the Portland Metro area! Experience why customers rate us 5 stars.
Plan Ahead
If you can help it, avoid moving during the summer at all. Even late spring and early autumn will be drastically less busy. However, since more houses sell and the majority of leases end during the summer seasons, it cannot always be avoided.
One way to maximize your chances of getting on the schedule is to move on a weekday during the middle of the month. If you need to move the last Friday of the month, you should start calling moving companies at least a month in advance. Once you find a company you can trust, make sure to get on the schedule. If your dates aren’t firm, schedule your move in the latest part of your window to be safe.
If you live in an apartment or a busy part of town, there are other things to consider when planning. Make sure to let your property manager know when you are moving so you can get on your building’s schedule as well. Elevator and loading dock reservations are essential for a smooth move and fill up quickly. If there is no loading dock, reserve parking spots from the city at least 5 business days in advance. The City of Portland requires this permit whether it’s a metered or non-metered spot.
Proper planning is key to a less stressful move. View our Moving Checklist and our full list of questions you should ask when choosing your mover.
Celebrate Yard Sale Season
There’s no point in hauling unwanted furniture across town. Summer is the ideal season to sell your household goods and furniture. Everyone is looking for a good deal and moving sales are always a hit. If you are in an apartment building, see if you can set up a communal yard sale in the courtyard or sidewalk.
If you don’t have the time or energy to set up a yard sale, check out our blog post detailing the different organizations in town that will gladly accept your donations. We’ll even gladly take your items to these places to help reduce your moving stress.
Heat Sensitive Items
Moving trucks are not climate controlled so think twice before boxing up candles, DVDs, electronics, or other items that can easily melt, fry, or warp while sitting in a hot truck. If you have no other way to move them, then clearly label them and make sure that they are loaded last and unloaded first.
Although you can lug around a bulky cooler and buy bags of ice for transporting your frozen or refrigerated food items, it is easier to plan your last week of meals around them. Using space in the truck to move a heavy icebox full of frozen peas isn’t the best use of your time or money.
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful, even during the hectic summer months. If you are organized and choose a reliable company like Bridgetown, you will be able to stay cool and calm. Put your trust in us so you can spend your time planning your next trip to the river instead.