Need boxes?
We have you covered! Our Bethesda and Gaitherburg office carry a full lineup of popular moving supplies. Our prices BEAT major retailers like U-Haul, Lowe's and Home Depot! Come visit one of our locations for your moving supplies. Read our recommendations.

Truck Rental
Stick with the big names you know and trust; Penske, Budget, and Ryder. While we cannot possibly endorse any company we can tell you that some companies have higher performance ratings and customer satisfaction than others. Penske and Budget are generally more expensive but often the expense is well worth it in the end. Make sure if you choose a rental truck to allow yourself plenty of space, it's always a good idea to have too much space as opposed to not enough.

Mobile Storage
So many options so little time! With the industry flooded with mobile storage - Smart Move, 1-800-Pack Rat, PODS, Public Storage, Box Carts, SOS, Door 2 Door, and more - we suggest choosing the brand that is most prominent in your area. Search for the brand that has the amount of space you need and has an affordable price. Mobile storage can be a practical way to get your belongings to your new location. Please use the contact us page if you have questions about particular mobile storage options.

Upack/Freight
ABF, Movex, Move America have created a cost effective way to hitch a ride on a freight truck. These companies allow you to use as much space as you need within a freight truck and seal off your own section. Once you have completed your section, the truck is loaded with commercial or residential cargo and then it begins its trip to your destination. While these options can be beneficial, please make sure you do your research!

Stairs, Elevators and Long Carries, Oh My!
They can be extensive and they can cause great fatigue; that's right I am talking about stairs. It is proven that a load from a third floor apartment building can take up to 50% more time than a load from a single family home. The reason for this is two fold - First of course is worker fatigue. Let's face it, movers are not Supermen all be it we certainly try. A couple sets of stairs in each direction will make the lightest items weigh a ton upon the last step. If you have multiple stair sets or if you have stairs within your home ask yourself a few simple questions. Did the largest furniture items make it upstairs assembled or were they put together upstairs? Is there enough clearance in the stair well for these items? Are the stairs narrow and are there landings? Although hourly clients do not experience additional charges for stairs flat rate clients generally will. Please do recognize that stairs will always make the completion of your move longer.

Elevators will help movers avoid fatigue but they can be a hassle as well. Planning ahead can create less hassles and a quicker move. Ask your building if the elevator is locked - this would allow only the movers to move a particular elevator as opposed to waiting for it every time. Also, check the clearance in the elevator. Believe it or not older building sometimes have very low ceilings which can be a large hassle when moving couches, beds and other tall furniture.

Long carries can be almost as vicious as stairs. A long carry is defined as the distance from your truck or container to the destination. Most companies waive the first 25-50 feet before they start tacking on additional charges. At Pacific West Moving our hourly clients receive no additional charges, however flat rate clients will be charged additional. Ask yourself if you can avoid the long carry by working with neighbors or building management. Remember, the closer your items are to the truck or container the faster you will be moved in!

Insurance
Pacific West Moving LLC carries a few forms of insurance for your protection, please read over the types of insurances carefully. Pacific West Moving carries general liability insurance in the amount of $1,000,000 which acts as a safety net to other more specific insurances. We also provide basic liability insurance as required by law, this policy is reflected as $0.60/lb per item. This policy does have exclusions such as boxes packed by the client and not Pacific West crews, particle board and items already damaged. It also should be noted that since Pacific West Moving is a moving labor firm and we generally do not do the driving all one way loads are not covered once our crews leave the site. If you have any specific questions about insurance please contact us.

Inventory & Helpful Links
Pacific West Moving knows how important it is to protect your valuables during the moving process. With our Inventory Worksheet, you'll have a list of your possessions right at your fingertips. Click the link below to open the worksheet. Fill out the form, print it and keep it in a safe place until you've unpacked and can account for all of your belongings. Need help locating the size of your rental truck? Use the "Truck Loading Wizard" to get an accurate estimate of what size truck you will need!

Inventory Worksheet
Truck Loading Wizard