Planning a move in or around Raleigh, NC? Whether you’re relocating to a new home or office, moving day can bring a mix of stress, anticipation, and confusion—especially if you haven’t clarified all the important details with your moving company.
At Excel Moving & Storage, we believe that the more informed you are, the smoother your move will be. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ve put together a list of 10 essential questions to ask your Raleigh moving company before the big day. These answers will help you avoid last-minute surprises, protect your belongings, and ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
1. What Time Will the Movers Arrive on Moving Day?
Knowing exactly when to expect your movers is key for coordinating your day. Most Raleigh movers will provide a time window—usually a 2–3-hour range—when their crew will arrive.
At Excel Moving & Storage, we always confirm your arrival window a day before the move and aim to arrive at the earliest time possible. We also keep you updated via phone or text, so you’re never left guessing.
Pro Tip: Be ready at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Movers may arrive early depending on traffic and previous job completions.
2. Do I Need to Empty Drawers or Disconnect Appliances?
This is a common concern. In general:
- Furniture drawers should be emptied if they contain fragile or heavy items. Light clothing or linens can often be left inside.
- Appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens must be disconnected and properly drained in advance, unless your moving company provides appliance services.
Our Raleigh moving team can assist with appliance disconnection upon request, but it’s important to discuss this beforehand to ensure we arrive with the necessary tools.
3. Will Movers Disassemble and Reassemble Furniture?
Yes, most professional moving companies in Raleigh offer basic disassembly and reassembly services. This includes beds, dining tables, and large desks.
At Excel Moving & Storage, we come prepared with tools to disassemble standard furniture and reassemble it at your new location. If you have specialty furniture or adjustable desks, it’s best to let us know in advance so we can ensure proper care.
4. What Should I Pack Myself Versus Letting Movers Handle?
You have the option to let our team handle the full packing job or pack select items yourself. However, there are certain things we recommend you pack personally:
- Valuables like jewelry, cash, passports, and important documents
- Sentimental items such as photo albums or keepsakes
- Personal electronics you want to keep track of during the move
For everything else—kitchenware, clothing, decor, electronics—our professional packing team can take care of it using the right materials and labeling techniques.
5. Are There Items Movers Won’t Take?
Yes. Even the most trusted Raleigh moving companies follow safety regulations that prohibit transporting certain items. These include:
- Flammable liquids (gasoline, paint, aerosol cans)
- Explosives or ammunition
- Perishable food items
- Live plants (for long-distance moves)
We provide a complete list of non-allowable items in our pre-move guide. Always review this with your moving coordinator so there are no issues on moving day.
6. How Should I Label Boxes for Movers?
Clear labeling is critical for efficient loading, unloading, and unpacking.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Label each box on multiple sides with the room name and brief contents (e.g., “Kitchen – Glassware”)
- Use color-coded stickers or tape for different rooms
- Add “Fragile” labels where necessary
- Mark “Open First” boxes that contain essentials for the first day in your new home
Our team uses your labels to place boxes in the correct rooms, saving you time and effort later.
7. Can I Ride in the Truck with the Raleigh Movers?
Unfortunately, federal safety regulations prohibit customers from riding in moving trucks. These vehicles are designed and insured for cargo and authorized personnel only.
However, you’re welcome to follow behind in your personal vehicle. If you’re hiring us for a long-distance move, we can provide updates and tracking through our logistics support, so you’re always informed of your belongings’ location.
8. What If the Elevator or Loading Dock Isn’t Available?
Elevators and loading docks are critical in apartment buildings, high-rises, or office complexes. If they’re unavailable, it can delay the move or add to the cost due to increased labor time.
That’s why it’s vital to:
- Reserve elevators and loading docks in advance (if applicable)
- Provide building access codes or keycards to the movers
- Inform your moving company about any parking restrictions or time limitations
Our team works closely with property managers in Raleigh to ensure all access points are secured before we arrive.
9. How Should I Prepare for a Move with Pets or Kids?
Moving can be overwhelming for pets and young children. We recommend:
- Arranging a pet sitter or keeping pets in a quiet room during the move
- Giving kids a moving day task (like packing a backpack with their favorite toys)
- Packing an overnight essentials bag for both pets and children
- Keeping them away from heavy equipment and loading areas
At Excel Moving, we prioritize safety and work efficiently to minimize disruption for your family.
10. What Happens if the Move Takes Longer Than Expected?
Even the best-planned moves can encounter delays—whether due to weather, traffic, or unexpected inventory changes. It’s important to understand your moving company’s hourly vs. flat-rate pricing structure and overtime policies.
We strive to provide realistic time estimates based on our pre-move assessment. If the job runs longer, we’ll communicate clearly about the next steps and ensure you’re not hit with surprise fees.
Excel Moving & Storage: Trusted Raleigh Movers
With over two decades of experience serving the Triangle area, Excel Moving & Storage stands out among Raleigh movers for our commitment to professionalism, transparency, and customer satisfaction.
What sets us apart:
- Fully licensed and insured movers in Raleigh
- Friendly and background-checked moving crews
- Local and long-distance moving expertise
- Residential, commercial, and corporate relocation services
- Short- and long-term storage options
We handle everything—from packing and loading to final delivery—with care and precision. Our goal is to make your moving experience smooth, stress-free, and even enjoyable.
Ready To Move with Confidence? Ask The Right Questions and Choose the Right Team
Asking your moving company the right questions isn’t just a smart move—it’s essential. From arrival times and labeling systems to handling pets and prepping for unexpected delays, clarity in communication can make all the difference.
When you partner with Excel Moving & Storage, you’re choosing a team that puts your needs first, communicates clearly, and delivers exceptional results—every time. Contact Excel Moving & Storage today to schedule your free estimate with top-rated movers in Raleigh.
