At Foster Van Lines, we've seen a lot of moves. Since 1941, we've helped thousands of families and businesses relocate all over the world. To make your move a little simpler; a little more manageable, our movers in Richmond have put together a brief "top 5" list. It should come in handy whether your friends and family are helping you or you've opted to hire the pros. Good luck!

1. Draw a floor plan of the way you want the furniture arranged in your new home. This will eliminate a lot of confusion during the final stage of the process. Your floor plan doesn't have to be very detailed and you don't have to be an artist or an architect. It's really just a visual aid for your movers -- one that will save you time and energy.

2. Stick around for the packing of your belongings. A good moving company will issue you an inventory list of all items. Your job is to look over it for accuracy. If one of your belongings is damaged or lost, you don't want to find out that it wasn't on the inventory list to begin with.

3. Be a pal -- make things really easy on your friends and family if they've agreed to help you move in lieu of movers. This means having all the boxes packed before they arrive as well as plenty of snacks and beverages on hand. And don't forget to order dinner if it gets to be that time -- they earned it.

4. Keep your kids and pets out of the way. Small children and pets can be a dangerous addition to a house full of adults carrying heavy boxes and furniture. Consider letting someone babysit the kids and pets on moving day. It'll be safer for everyone.

5. Make sure there's a spot for the truck at both your old and new residence. This is usually only a problem in the city where high-rises and narrow streets are common. If this is the case for you, you need to reserve a time and place for the moving truck in advance. You should also lock down a freight elevator to make the job as efficient as possible.

To secure a move with one of the most trusted moving companies in Berkeley, call Foster Van Lines and see the difference over 70 years of experience can make!