With experts handling the logistics of shipping their household goods, relocating employees can focus on their new location, home, and settling into their new role. In this article, we dive into the basics of household goods shipments and share best practices for each step of the process.
Relocating is a life transition that is particularly stressful because it disrupts routines and requires a number of decisions and tasks that can be physically and mentally overwhelming. One of the most supportive, stress-relieving relocation benefits employers can offer their relocating employees is a full van line move. With experts handling the logistics of shipping their household goods, employees can focus on their new location, home, and settling into their new role. Let’s dive into this topic to help both employers and employees understand each step of the process. We’ll include best practices for a smooth, stress-free move.
Scheduling: Plan Ahead
One of the most important aspects of a household goods shipment is scheduling. Because household good shipments can take 4-6 weeks to book, establishing a preliminary schedule as early as possible is critical. The size of the shipment, the distance of the move and even the time of year can affect the delivery date. Van lines generally experience an uptick during the summer months and at the end of each month, which may mean an employee’s preferred dates are not available.
Best Practice Tips:- Employers: Authorize relocations as quickly as possible. Streamline the internal authorization process to ensure efficiency.
- Employees: Determine preferred pack and load dates and discuss with your Cornerstone Consultant as soon as possible. Have a few back-up dates just in case; flexibility can make the process smoother.
The Survey: Taking Stock
Before packing begins, the moving company will arrange a thorough survey of the household goods to be shipped. The survey may be scheduled in-person or virtually, and its purpose is to assess the volume of items and identify any special needs. The survey helps the moving company plan for crew requirements as well as ensuring the right equipment is available.
Best Practice Tips:- Employers: To help lighten household goods loads and support the company’s sustainability goals, provide a Discard and Donate program to employees.
- To further help contain costs, ensure the relocation policy includes a list of items and services that the company will not cover as part of the household goods shipment. Companies will generally not ship items such as taxidermy, pool tables, boats, wine/alcohol collections, and perishable goods. Services such as new appliance hook-ups for gas and electric and piano tuning remain the employee’s responsibility.
- Employees: Familiarize yourself with your relocation policy before the survey, so you know what items may be excluded from the move by your employer. It’s also helpful to understand what services are covered, such as crating, special handling, and insurance. Understanding your benefits ensures you make the most of your company’s support.
- During the survey, be transparent about all items you plan to move, including any items in a garage, shed or basement. Clear communication helps avoid surprises and avoids moving day delays.
Packing: Boxing and Wrapping Up Stuff
With full van line support, the movers will entirely manage packing. In fact, for insurance to be placed, the movers should pack everything that will be shipped. They may even need to repack items that have already been boxed up such as holiday decorations. Movers use high-quality materials and techniques to protect shipped items.
Best Practice Tips:- Employers: Providing full packing helps ensure your employees’ goods are well protected and properly insured.
- Employees: The exception to the “let the movers pack everything” rule is to pack personal or sentimental items and valuables yourself so you can take them with you.
Loading: Moving Day Begins
When the crew arrives, employees can expect a whirlwind of activity! The crew will lay down protective plastic or pads to protect flooring and carpeting, and will wrap furniture, load boxes, and secure everything in the truck. They’ll create an inventory list and check items off as they are loaded.
Best Practice Tips:- Employers: Because moving activities occur during the work week, provide employees with the needed time off so they can supervise the physical move.
- Employees: Be present during packing and loading. If you can’t be there, have a trusted friend or family member stand in for you.
- Before the crew leaves, make one final sweep through the house or apartment to ensure that nothing has been overlooked. Verify that all cabinets and closets have been cleared out.
Transportation: On the Road
The household goods are on their way! Depending on the distance and size of the load, the van line company may transport only one shipment in the truck or may combine it with others. The expected delivery date may be expressed as a range because traffic, weather or previously scheduled moves may take longer than expected.
Best Practice Tips:- Employers: Be flexible! Employees will need time off to accept delivery of their household goods and settle in.
- Employees: Flexibility is key here too. Be aware that unexpected delays can occur even though drivers strive to be prompt.
Unloading: Arrival at the New Home
Once at the new home, the crew will unload and place furniture and items in the specified rooms. With limited unpacking, they’ll put beds and other items that were disassembled back together and will unpack a few boxes. The movers will place items on the nearest flat surface, which could be the floor.
Best Practice Tips:- Employers: Consider offering a “quick start” service for executive or critical skill moves to help employees get settled more efficiently. With this service, professional organizers unpack some of the highest priority boxes (usually in the kitchen and/or bedrooms) and put them away as the employee directs.
- Employees: Sign off on the inventory list as each item is checked in. Inspect items for visible damage before signing off. Note any issues on the paperwork right away.
After the Move: Settling In
Once the movers leave, employees will finish organizing at their own pace. The movers will come back to pick up packing materials, usually within 30-60 days of delivery.
Best Practice Tips:- Employers: Even though the household goods have arrived, check in with employees to see if additional assistance is needed. Address any post-move concerns promptly.
- Employees: Unpack essentials first, then tackle one room at a time. Ensure claims are submitted promptly and within the claim window to avoid any issues with resolution.
Summary
Relocating can feel overwhelming, but with the support of Cornerstone’s team and experienced van line professionals, the household goods move becomes efficient and straightforward. This critical logistical and practical support makes employees’ moves to new jobs and destinations as effortless as possible. Employers can limit unexpected issues and ease stress by clarifying policies, encouraging flexibility, and applying recommended strategies. Employees who take advantage of their company’s resources and stay organized will feel more assured settling into their new locations, ready to begin a fresh chapter as confident and productive employees.