Moving 101
    Your Complete Guide

    Everything you need to know about planning a move in Richmond, VA - from creating a timeline to packing like a pro to choosing the right moving company. Moving an upright piano, helping a loved one downsize, or facing a gap between homes? Our piano movers, senior moving team, and overnight storage have you covered.

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    Planning Timeline

    Your Moving Timeline

    A week-by-week checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free. Renting your own truck or container? Pair this timeline with our labor-only loading and unloading help.

    8+ Weeks Before

    • Research and get quotes from at least 3 moving companies
    • Check reviews on Google Business Profile - look for real, detailed reviews
    • Verify movers are licensed and insured (ask for proof)
    • Set your budget and start decluttering room by room
    • Notify your landlord if renting and give proper notice

    6 Weeks Before

    • Book your moving company - the best crews book up fast
    • Start collecting packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
    • Create a moving binder or folder for important documents
    • Begin packing non-essential items (seasonal decor, books, rarely used items)
    • Schedule utility disconnects and reconnects for move day

    4 Weeks Before

    • Pack room by room and label every box clearly (contents + destination room)
    • Arrange mail forwarding with USPS
    • Update your address with banks, subscriptions, insurance, and employer
    • Confirm your moving date and arrival window with your mover
    • Donate, sell, or toss items you no longer need

    2 Weeks Before

    • Confirm elevator or parking reservations at both locations
    • Pack a "first night" essentials box (toiletries, chargers, snacks, sheets)
    • Take photos of electronics wiring before disconnecting
    • Clean and prep your new home if possible
    • Arrange pet or child care for move day

    Move Day

    • Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and cabinet
    • Keep valuables, medications, and important documents with you
    • Be available to answer questions from the crew
    • Check items off your inventory as they are loaded and unloaded
    • Inspect everything at the new home before signing off
    Packing Guide

    Packing Tips from the Pros

    Our crew has packed thousands of homes. Here are the tips that make the biggest difference.

    Heavy Items in Small Boxes

    Books, tools, and canned goods go in small boxes. Light items like linens and pillows fill large boxes. This keeps boxes manageable and prevents crushing.

    Label on Multiple Sides

    Write the contents and destination room on the top and at least one side of every box. When boxes are stacked, you can still read the labels.

    Wrap Plates Vertically

    Plates are stronger on their edge. Wrap each plate in packing paper and stand them vertically in a dish-pack box like records in a crate.

    Use Clothes as Padding

    Wrap fragile items in t-shirts, towels, and socks. This saves on bubble wrap and packing paper while using space efficiently.

    Bag and Tape Hardware

    When disassembling furniture, put screws and bolts in a labeled ziplock bag and tape it to the furniture piece. RVA Movers handles assembly/disassembly for free with every move.

    Pack an Essentials Box Last

    Load it last so it comes off the truck first. Include toilet paper, paper towels, a box cutter, phone chargers, basic tools, snacks, and water.

    Choosing a Mover

    How to Choose the Right Moving Company

    Not all movers are the same. Here's what to look for - and what red flags to avoid.

    Check Licensing and Insurance

    Virginia movers must be licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Ask for their USDOT number and proof of liability insurance. RVA Movers is fully licensed and insured.

    Read Real Reviews

    Look for detailed Google reviews - not just star ratings. Pay attention to how companies respond to complaints. Our 4.9-star average across 189 reviews speaks for itself.

    Get an In-Home or Virtual Estimate

    Reputable movers will assess your belongings before quoting. Be cautious of companies that give a binding price over the phone without seeing your home.

    Ask About Hidden Fees

    Stairs, long carries, heavy items, fuel surcharges - ask what is and is not included. RVA Movers gives transparent quotes with no hidden charges.

    Understand the Difference: Hourly vs. Flat Rate

    Hourly rates work well for small, local moves. Flat rates give you cost certainty for larger moves. Ask your mover which option is best for your situation - our pricing page explains exactly how RVA Movers structures both.

    Confirm What's Included

    Does the quote include furniture disassembly and reassembly? Blanket wrapping? Shrink wrap? With RVA Movers, all of this is included at no extra charge.

    Common Questions

    Moving 101 FAQ

    Ready to Move?

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    in Minutes

    Now that you know how to plan your move, let us handle the heavy lifting. Request a free, no-obligation quote from Richmond's top-rated movers.

    Licensed, insured & background-checked crew
    Free furniture assembly & disassembly
    Transparent pricing - no hidden fees
    4.9-star rating · 189 Google reviews
    804-801-8079

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