Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2024-25

describe the amount and type of items and their condition, where and how far your home is from Fulshear or Katy, additional insurance options, dates of pick-up and delivery, and other specifics. One important way to protect yourself as a consumer is to ask for the company’s U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number and Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) number. Every reputable carrier that delivers to Texas will have these numbers, and you can use them to help screen the companies. DIY MOVING AND PACKING Look online for a moving calculator that will help you estimate how much cubic space (volume) your goods will fill. The truck rental company will match that figure with the right size truck and the number of boxes you’ll need. Don’t forget a hand truck and consider a separate appliance dolly. Organization tip: Get the packing process organized from the start — be meticulous about labeling boxes with a number, some of the contents and in what room they belong. Record this information in a spreadsheet or paper list. Add a printed version to your moving documents organizer. Different size boxes have different uses. Use small boxes for your heavier items such as books, glassware, dishes, and tools. Fill to capacity, but be mindful that too much weight will make it hard to lift. Put soft items like bedding and towels in larger boxes. Plastic storage containers offer visibility and don’t require packing tape. As boxes get filled and labeled, store boxes from each room together in the garage or other holding area. Boxes with fragile contents should be placed near the top of the truck and storage unit if you rent one. How much tape and how many boxes will you need? One estimate is that 30 small, 10 medium and 10 large boxes will require six rolls of tape with two or three passes on the bottom of the smaller boxes with heavier contents. Things to consider about DIY moving: • “With self-packing, the customer is always responsible for anything they pack themselves. If you did not pack it well, the moving company is not responsible if something breaks. Take time to pack things correctly using a lot of material like bubble wrap for reinforcement,” Khan says. • While you can save money packing the boxes yourself, consider that movers will pack the truck professionally, arranging everything so it doesn’t get damaged and unloading carefully when you arrive in Fulshear-Katy. • Do you have the physical ability to box, lift, and carry boxes during move-out and move-in? A sore back or other injuries could result in days off work or doctor visits. • Is it worth the savings on costs? Khan says to look at the bigger picture. “Are you really saving that much money with self-moves by the time you rent the truck, buy gas, pay your friends for their labor, buy the materials and other expenses? I don’t think so.” TIMELINE FOR MOVING 8 weeks before The generally accepted rule is that interstate movers ask for 6 to 8 weeks from when they pack your current

FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2024-25 ISSUE 45