MOVING TIPS
Planning your move? Start early!
Using Burris Moving will help take the stress out of moving and avoid any surprises. The relocation process can take up to 120 days from start to finish, depending on various factors such as housing availability, transportation logistics, and required documentation. To ensure a smooth transition, it is essential to begin planning and organizing your move as early as possible. This includes securing housing, coordinating with movers, updating personal records, and notifying relevant organizations about your change of address. Keep in mind that summer months are typically the busiest time of year for relocations, with higher demand for moving services and limited availability. If you are planning to move during this peak period, we strongly recommend contacting us well in advance to secure your preferred dates and avoid potential delays.
Children:
Remember to actively include your children in the moving process to help them feel secure and involved. Encourage them to pack a special box filled with their favorite toys, books, or comfort items—things that will help them feel at home right away in the new place. Take time to talk openly with them about the move, and listen to their questions or concerns. Children, especially younger ones, may feel anxious or confused, so validating their emotions and providing reassurance is important.
On the day the house is packed, consider arranging for small children to stay with trusted friends or family. This can reduce stress for both the children and the adults managing the move. If that’s not possible, plan engaging activities or even a fun outing to keep them distracted and in good spirits. Framing the move as an exciting adventure—something new to explore together—can help shift their mindset and make the transition more positive for the whole family.
Pets:
Please note that animals cannot be transported on the moving truck, so you will need to make separate arrangements for your pets. On moving day, it’s important to ensure that your pets are safe, secure, and kept in a quiet area away from the activity to prevent them from becoming stressed or accidentally getting in the way of movers. A closed room with their bed, toys, food, and water—or temporarily staying with a friend or pet sitter—can help minimize their anxiety and keep them out of harm’s way.
If your pets will not be traveling with you directly, it’s essential to arrange their transportation well in advance. Whether you’re using a pet transport service or flying them to your new home, you’ll need to gather and update important documentation, including health records, proof of current vaccinations, and identification tags with your new address and contact information. Some destinations may also require health certificates or specific immunizations, so be sure to check requirements early to avoid delays. Proper planning will help ensure a safe, smooth, and comfortable transition for your furry family members.
Plants:
In general, household plants should not be moved by professional movers, as they are often not permitted on moving trucks due to regulations and the delicate nature of the plants themselves. Additionally, many states have strict agricultural laws that require the inspection and quarantine of plants to prevent the spread of pests and diseases. These regulations can vary widely depending on the type of plant and the destination, and failure to comply may result in fines or confiscation.
If bringing your plants is essential, we recommend that you transport them personally in your own vehicle. This allows you to better control their environment and care for them along the way. Before traveling, check the plant transport rules for your destination state to ensure compliance. Make sure your plants are healthy, pest-free, and placed in containers that are secure and won’t leak during transit. If you’re moving long-distance, consider gradually acclimating your plants to travel conditions in the days leading up to the move, and try to avoid extreme temperatures during transport. With the right preparation, you can help your plants arrive safely and thrive in their new home.
View Burris Bekin’s Countdown Week By Week List Moving To Do Guide
MOVING GUIDE
Make yourself available the entire day on moving day.
We will assist you if you need help in unhooking washers, dryer & ice maker (with the understanding this is not our area of expertise).
Accompany the driver during the inventory process to see that you agree with the notations made by the driver as to the present condition of your furniture.
Items of extraordinary value that you are declaring such as antique works of art, etc., should be noted separately on the inventory along with their value.
Plan to leave utilities on until the day following the loading of your household goods. Having a phone working is invaluable.
Make a walk through the house, garage, cellar, backyard, and storage room or building with the driver for overlooked items. Check drawers, cabinets, closets and behind doors in all rooms for articles that may have been overlooked during the packing or loading process.
On the day of loading, make sure the driver and our office know how to reach you en-route and at the destination.
All boxes packed by you must be sealed by tape.
If you have any questions regarding the loading, please call our office.
If we fail to meet your expectations in any way, please call our office, we truly want this to be a pleasant experience.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re planning a move, Burris Moving & Storage is here to help. Request your FREE moving quote online or give us a call today at 409-838-0126. Our knowledgeable team is ready to answer your questions and help you choose the best moving solution for your needs.
valuation options
Your Burris Bekins representative will also help to define a transit protection option that works best for you. You can choose standard coverage ($0.60 per pound @ no cost), or choose the security provided in our “For All It’s Worth” transit protection. With this option, your goods will be covered for repair, replacement or reimbursement against loss or damage for up to 100% of their current retail value, without depreciation and with maximum reimbursement up to the shipment value you declare. Having proper transit coverage will provide you with additional assurances that your family is protected.
Protecting your Possessions
Basic Liability Protection is free of charge to you and provides for the replacement or repair of an item at $.60 per pound per article and depreciation applies.
An example, you have a sofa weighing 150 lbs. which costs $800. If it is damaged during the move, you’d receive $90 if you select basic liability coverage and up to $800 if you had “For All It’s Worth” full value replacement coverage.
Please be aware that Burris Bekins transit protection excludes inherent vice, climatic conditions and cartons that are packed by owner or a third party.
Climatic Condition – Any damages which are the direct result of change in temperature or humidity are beyond the carrier’s control.
Cartons that are “Packed by Owner” (PBO) Unless the carton is damaged, Burris Bekins is not liable for any items that have been packed by someone other than Bekins. If the carton shows visible damage, it should be noted on the inventory and the carton(s) and damaged items must be retained for our inspection.
High Value Coverage:
Burris Bekins has developed special procedures for preparing and shipping items of high value. Items of high value are considered to have a value in excess of $100 per pound. Items typically considered to be of “high value” include items such as jewelry, furs, antiques, crystal, silverware, gems, precious metals, art and coin collections, oriental rugs, tapestries and collectibles.
If you decide to include high value items in your shipment, you must notify your Bekins representative before packing day or moving day, as you will need to complete and sign a “High Value Inventory” form. This form is needed to list your high value items so that you are assured that your articles are not limited to minimum liability. The High Value Inventory form will list signatures, serial numbers and manufacturer’s marks. You may also want to photograph or videotape the high value items being shipped. You will be required to sign this document as well.
When you pack your own goods, do not seal any cartons which contain high value items since the driver loading your shipment must be able to verify that the items listed on the High Value Inventory form are contained in the carton. On moving day, the driver will seal the carton and assign an inventory number in your presence.
This process was designed to fully protect your special items. Be aware that the valuation coverage option you select will determine the method used in any claims settlement. Before any settlement, you will be required to furnish verification of ownership and proof of value.
Helpful Moving Links
- Complimentary “First Day Service” option on shipments of 3,500 lbs. or more, if the cartons were packed by Bekins. Service includes unpacking at moving family’s request of one (1) dishpack, all mattress cartons and up to four (4) additional cartons.
- Inherent Vice/Mechanical Condition Unknown – This means that the carrier is not responsible for any damages which are inherent to the item being shipped. The mechanical condition of appliances or electronics cannot be established prior to a move, therefore unless there is exterior damage noted about the items or cartons, it is assumed that it is in working condition.
residential moves
With nearly 70 years of experience, Burris Moving has been helping residents relocate to new homes, either in or out of the southeast Texas area, including parts of Louisiana.
commercial moves
Serving the Southeast Texas area
since 1947, Burris Moving moves businesses like yours across the city or around the country – or world.
free moving quote
The most accurate estimate will be based on performing a visual survey of your residence or office including any storage spaces, garage, and outdoor areas.