What to Expect When Moving

Moving is one of the most stressful experiences that we go through. It’s not just about boxes, logistics, and getting from point A to point B; it’s about leaving behind familiar routines, helping your family adjust, starting a new job, or stepping into a completely new chapter of life. 

When you work with a professional moving company, you should know what to expect at every stage of the moving process—from your first call to the final box unpacked. From the beginning, you should have clear expectations about timing, costs, and what happens next. A written estimate, regular communication, and one dedicated point of contact can make a major difference during a long distance move.

At Wheaton World Wide Moving, we understand that moving is personal. That’s why we focus on helping you feel informed, supported, and cared for throughout the journey.

We’re Here for You

Moving is a big deal and a long process! That’s why Wheaton will be at your side during every step of your move, from packing to delivery. 

We’ve specialized in interstate moves since 1945, and over the years, we’ve learned a thing or two about what people need most during a move: clear communication, dependable support, and peace of mind. We understand that every move is personal, which is why we take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and help you feel prepared for what’s ahead.

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What to Expect with Your Wheaton Move in 8 Simple Steps

The Moving Process With Wheaton

When you’re planning a move, it’s easy to stress about possibly forgetting important details or wondering whether everything will stay on schedule. Understanding how moving works—what happens before, during, and after the truck pulls up—takes a lot of that uncertainty off the table. Following a detailed moving checklist can help you feel more organized, prepared, and confident throughout the process.

Taking the time to thoroughly plan your move will make a world of difference. It’s always a good idea to book your move as far in advance as possible—that way, your Wheaton agent can get you started with an in-home estimate at least four to eight weeks ahead of your move. Your Wheaton agent can also help advise you on what services you might need for packing and storage as well as explain your valuation and protection options.

Your move manager is your advocate at Wheaton who will oversee your entire move from the initial quote to move in day and the final walkthrough. As your primary point of contact, your move manager will make sure your relocation goes smoothly by staying in constant contact with agents, drivers, and crews.

Move managers are available to answer all your questions throughout the process. If you have customer service concerns or need to file a claim, your move manager can help with that, too.

Packing your belongings the right way is the first step toward ensuring they arrive safely at your destination. It’s not always easy knowing how to pack efficiently for a move. That’s why we recommend either using our professional packing services or utilizing our helpful packing guides.

The time spent on the packing process (and the materials used) will depend largely on the items you’re moving—especially if they’re unusual in size or shape or considered specialty items. That’s why it’s always a good idea to schedule an estimate to help determine your timeline.

Before we begin the loading process, we provide you with a detailed inventory. Then, as our professional movers load your belongings onto our truck, they’ll make sure everything is packed securely and safely. The time it takes to load your items will depend largely on the size of your home and the number of items you’ll be shipping. We’ll label boxes individually and verify the condition of all goods.

Once your belongings are in transit, your move manager is always available to answer any questions about their location. We will also provide you with a range of dates for delivery based on the distance we have to travel. Should you need more time, we offer storage-in-transit to keep your belongings safe until you arrive at your new address.

The mover will give you a 24- to 48-hour advance notice of when it plans to arrive with your shipment. At that time, you must be available to accept delivery, or your shipment could be placed in storage at your expense. When the moving truck reaches your destination, payment should be made before the truck is unloaded. It is your responsibility to make sure there is no damage to any of your belongings and that nothing is missing.

The tariff provisions require that all charges be paid in full before your shipment can be unloaded at your destination. We accept cash, certified checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders for your move, and you can pay at any time before the truck is unloaded. If you’ve been granted prior credit approval, you can also choose to pay by credit card. Wheaton accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.

Our packers can help you unpack and dispose of the cartons, or you can take the lead and settle in at your own pace. We’re here to make sure whichever path forward you prefer is respected and supported, so you can begin feeling comfortable in your new home without added pressure. The unpacking process goes a long way toward making your new house feel like a home, and having the right support can help you settle in with less stress and more peace of mind.

Our goal is to make sure you are completely satisfied with your move. We do that by providing excellent and attentive packing, storage, and moving services. If you have any concerns, we want to hear from you. That’s why after your move, we’ll follow up with a satisfaction survey to ask for your feedback.

Support for Your Move From Start to Finish

Some moves are across the country; others are just a few towns over. No matter where you’re heading or where you started, Wheaton understands that every move represents an important life change.

That’s why we focus on more than simply transporting your belongings. We focus on helping you understand what to expect during the moving process and feel prepared for the journey ahead.

Moving can feel overwhelming at times, but having experienced professionals by your side can make all the difference. At Wheaton, we’re proud to help make the process feel easier, more manageable, and centered around what matters most to you and your family members.

We Can Handle Every Part of Your Move

At Wheaton, we’re best known for our interstate moving services; we don’t stop there, though. No two moves are exactly alike, which is why we work to provide the support and guidance people need during all kinds of life transitions. No matter where life is taking you, our goal is to help make the process feel easier, more manageable, and centered around your peace of mind.

Here are all the ways we can help:

  • Interstate Moves: Trusted long distance moving support designed to help make your relocation feel more organized and less stressful from start to finish.
  • Local Moving Services: Connections to moving support that can help simplify shorter-distance relocations and keep your move on track.
  • Full Service Moves: Comprehensive moving support that helps take more of the planning and coordination off your shoulders.
  • Priority Moves: Flexible moving options designed for situations that require additional attention, timing, and coordination.
  • Senior Moving: Patient, respectful moving support focused on helping older adults feel comfortable and cared for throughout the transition.
  • Car Shipping: Reliable vehicle transportation support that helps make long distance moves easier to coordinate.
  • Military Moving: Moving assistance designed to support military families through relocations with clear communication and dependable coordination.
  • Valuation Protection: Protection options that provide added confidence and peace of mind throughout your move.
  • Corporate Relocation: Organized relocation support that helps employees and their families transition smoothly during job-related moves.
what to expect when moving infographic

Ready to Plan Your Move? Talk to Wheaton!

At Wheaton World Wide Moving, we’re proud to be the full service movers trusted across the country. We understand how many factors there are to consider during a move, and we’re here to make sure nothing gets overlooked or forgotten.

Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. We are here to help with your move every step of the way. Get help from the experts at Wheaton, and contact us today to get a free estimate!

Ballpark Estimate 2023
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    The moving process generally moves through eight stages: planning and estimate, working with a move manager, packing, loading, in-transit, delivery and inventory, unpacking, and a post-move follow-up. With Wheaton, your move manager guides you through each stage so you always know what is happening, what comes next, and what is expected of you. Most interstate moves take four to eight weeks of advance planning, with the actual loading-to-delivery window depending on distance and home size.

    A long distance move with a professional company starts with an in-home or virtual estimate, followed by a written quote that outlines services, pricing, and your valuation protection options. Once you book, your move manager coordinates packing dates, a loading day, transit, and a delivery window. Your belongings travel on a Wheaton truck with a detailed inventory, and you receive 24 to 48-hour advance notice before the truck arrives at your new home. Payment is collected before unloading, and your move manager stays available through the satisfaction follow-up.

    The first step is booking an in-home or virtual estimate with a Wheaton agent, ideally four to eight weeks before your move date. The estimate gives you a written quote, a clear picture of which services you need, and a chance to ask questions about packing, storage, and valuation protection before you commit to anything.

    On loading day, expect the crew to arrive in the morning, walk the home with you, confirm the inventory, and protect floors and doorways before they begin loading. They will label every carton, note the condition of furniture, and have you sign off on the inventory before the truck leaves. On delivery day, you will receive 24 to 48-hour notice, payment is collected before unloading begins, and you have the chance to inspect every item as it comes off the truck.

    For interstate moves, plan on four to eight weeks from your first call to delivery day. The estimate and booking phase takes one to two weeks, packing typically happens one to two days before loading, and transit time depends on distance, anywhere from two days to two weeks. Your Wheaton agent will give you a delivery window once your move is booked.

    A full service move covers everything from packing materials and labor to loading, transport, delivery, and unpacking. Wheaton also handles inventory documentation, valuation protection, storage-in-transit if your timeline shifts, and specialty handling for items like pianos, artwork, and vehicles. Your move manager coordinates each piece so you have one point of contact rather than juggling separate vendors.

    You should never feel left guessing during your move. With Wheaton, you have a dedicated move manager who stays with you throughout the process, answering questions, providing updates, and guiding you every step of the way.

    Packing can quickly become one of the most exhausting parts of moving. If you need extra support, Wheaton offers professional packing services to protect your belongings and reduce some of the pressure that comes with preparing for a move.

    Life does not always go according to plan, and moving schedules can change. If you need additional time before delivery, Wheaton offers storage-in-transit and longer-term storage solutions designed to keep your belongings secure until you are ready to receive them.

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