Steven's Square - Loring Heights Neighborhoods in Minneapolis

One of the most common moving FAQs we get from our Minneapolis customers is how many boxes they’ll need for a move. Our answer? You’ll almost always need more boxes than you expect. It is better to have many of varying sizes than to be missing the boxes you need at the last minute. Contact us to learn more about our Budget Box Program.

See the table below for a rough recommendation of how many boxes you will need.

AAA Movers can provide affordable, sturdy boxes for your move through our Budget Box Program. You can also ask local store managers for extra boxes at retail stores, grocery stores, and liquor stores, or ask friends and family. Many people keep extra boxes of varying sizes on hand that you could borrow.

In additional to plenty of boxes, you will likely need packing tape loaded on a dispenser, unprinted newspaper (the ink on newspaper leaves stains on some items), packing paper, bubble wrap, markers to label your boxes, and a notebook and pen to inventory which important items are packed in which boxes.

See our moving checklist for detailed suggestions on what to pack when. In general, start with seldom used areas of the house, such as the basement, attic, or storage area. This will allow you time to decide if anything should be sold, recycled, or donated. Things that are not currently being used, like clothing out of season, holiday items, fine china, or some books, can be a good place to start. The more you can pack in the weeks leading up to a move, the more freedom and time you will have to continue being planful and careful as you pack your final boxes.

Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depends upon the valuation coverage you select. This can be one of the most confusing aspects of moving but it is important that you understand what is being provided to you. The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the carrier. The liability of a carrier for loss or damage is based upon the carrier’s tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations that have certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance. This is important to understand. It is the liability of the moving company. Check with the provider of your homeowner’s insurance to find out if you are covered for moving. Often you will find that you are.

Released Value
This is the most economical as there is no additional cost. However, this option
provides only minimal protection and is not sufficient coverage for most shipments. It will pay you $.60 per pound per article if lost or damaged while moving. That means a piece of furniture weighing 75 lbs would receive a settlement of $45.00. You will be asked to initial the bill of lading if you select this coverage. The only place this is applicable is if your insurance policy covers your goods for their entire value, and this would be considered supplemental coverage for your move.

Full Maximum Value Protection
This is your most comprehensive coverage. You may hear it referred to as “full replacement value” as well as “full value protection” by other van lines. If you elect to purchase full value protection, articles that are lost, damaged, or destroyed will be either repaired or replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged item. Depreciation of the lost or damaged item is not a factor in determining replacement value when the shipment is moved under full value protection. The cost of full value protection may be subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost. Ask your moving coordinator for the details of their specific plan.