Fulshear-Katy Community Guide 2025-26

I t’s true that moving can be stressful, but strategy and pre-planning make relocating much easier. “The goal is to have tasks and timelines in place from door to door,” advises Dawda Khan of EURMOVE, a residential, commercial, and interstate moving and storage company located in Cypress, TX. “Organizing and planning ahead keeps the process simple and under control, especially between May and September (Memorial Day to Labor Day), the busiest moving months.” GETTING STARTED — AN OVERVIEW Below are Khan’s top 10 tips for preparing for a move and relocating with as much ease as possible, whether going it alone or hiring a professional moving company. 1. Budget: Determine what you can afford, and then explore your options. 2. Research trustworthy professionals: Begin your search for a mover by asking acquaintances for references and looking online at reviews of nationally known and local companies. Check moving company websites and social media before requesting a quote or hiring. Is the mover a member of professional and community organizations?

get damaged and unloading carefully when you arrive in Fulshear-Katy. 8. Schedule time off: If possible, be available on moving and arrival days to interact with movers and others who are helping with the details. 9. Be ready to hit the road early: Movers prefer to start at 8 or 9 a.m. before the sun gets hot. This also allows them to deliver and set up by early afternoon and finish at a reasonable time. 10. Be flexible: The unexpected can happen, whether through rainstorms, traffic, or something else. Be adaptable when things don’t go the way you planned. MOVING AND PACKING YOURSELF Some home and business owners choose not to hire professional moving companies and opt to move themselves. This means purchasing your own boxes and using your own vehicles or renting a moving truck. 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. Moving furniture and accessories is hard work — don’t forget a hand truck (box cart) and consider a separate appliance dolly to haul and load your possessions. Labeling tips: Get the packing process organized from the start — be meticulous about labeling boxes with a 1.) number, 2.) some of the contents, and 3.) in what room they belong. Record this information in a spreadsheet or paper list. Add a printed version to your moving documents binder/organizer. This will help as you unload in your new domicile. Boxing tips: Different-sized 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. Most 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. DIY downsides: Khan says to look at the bigger picture and ask yourself how much you are saving by doing it yourself. “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. “Also, 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. And by the time you rent the truck, buy gas, pay your friends for their labor, buy the materials, and other expenses, have you really saved that much? I don’t think so.” HIRING A MOVING COMPANY There are many upsides to using a professional moving company. It generally guarantees your belongings arrive intact and within a certain timeframe. Experienced movers know the ropes and

3. Bidding process: Request quotes from at least three reputable moving companies and compare costs. 4. Book services early: Most reputable moving companies require a deposit to secure your choice of moving day. By law, these deposits are fully refundable if you cancel your move. 5. Get organized: Create a moving documents folder or binder. First, create a digital checklist of tasks that need to be done and print it out before the move to keep track. Store copies of contracts and checklists in your documents folder for quick reference. 6. Sort, sell, donate, or discard: Before the movers arrive, decide what to bring and what to leave behind. Donate, sell, or throw away belongings you don’t use anymore to reduce moving expenses. This will prepare you to have a garage sale by the third week before you move or use an online selling platform if you feel comfortable doing so. 7. Packing: If you are going to pack yourself, it’s never too early to get started. “Time sneaks up on you quickly,” says Khan. “Whether you have a one-bedroom apartment or a 5,000-square-foot home, start packing, labeling, and tagging right away so you’ll be set and ready to go.” While you can save money packing the boxes yourself, consider that movers will pack the truck professionally, arranging everything so it doesn’t

FULSHEAR-KATY COMMUNITY GUIDE & DIRECTORY 2025-26 ISSUE 43