When you work with a professional moving partner, they’ll provide you with a delivery window — a range of dates for the expected arrival of your belongings at your new home.
If you’re wondering why your mover gave you a delivery window, what to expect, or tips for managing the time between when you move in and when your items arrive, you’re in the right place!
What Is a Delivery Window, and How Is It Created?
A moving delivery window is a range of dates when your mover will deliver your items.
Movers provide a delivery window instead of an exact date so we can accommodate the various logistical factors (and unforeseen delays) that can impact delivery times. We create this range of dates by taking several things into account:
- Weight of the shipment (Get a quick, free, no-obligation quote now!)
- Distance of the move
- Travel time (most truckers have a mileage limit for the distance they can travel in a day)
- Stops along the way (often, your shipment is one of several on a truck)
In general, smaller moves traveling a shorter distance have smaller delivery windows, and larger shipments going further have larger ones.
Let’s say that a 10,000-pound shipment is going 1,500 miles. This shipment might have a delivery window of four to eleven days. But if that same shipment only traveled 500 miles, the delivery window might be two to seven days.
Within your delivery window, you choose a smaller window of four consecutive days for your shipment’s delivery.
This range of dates helps you have a more realistic understanding of your moving timeline. Now, we understand that four days may seem like a long time when you’re in your (temporarily empty) new home. But it can be a great opportunity to explore your new community and take a breath from all the moving day craziness.
What Other Factors Can Influence My Delivery Window?
In addition to the shipment weight and travel distance, there are other factors that we take into account when creating a delivery window.
Weekends and Holidays
In general, our crews don’t work on Sundays. If a weekend lands within your delivery window, you’ll need to add a day. The same goes if your move falls near a major holiday — you’ll need to add an additional day.
Time of Year
During certain times of the year, your delivery range might be longer. This includes peak season (spring through fall) when movers have many shipments scheduled.
The truck carrying your items might also have other clients’ shipments, so it will be making extra stops en route to your delivery.
Unforeseen Delays
Here at Central, setbacks and delays are few and far between — but they sometimes happen.
Your delivery window could be affected by unexpected factors like:
- Inclement weather
- Traffic or road restrictions
- A vehicle breaking down
- A driver getting sick
But when you schedule a move with Central, we’ll assign a coordinator as your main point of contact. This coordinator will keep you in the loop about all aspects of your move — and keep you updated about any delays in your shipment’s arrival.
Tips for Managing Your Delivery Window
Understanding your delivery window can help you plan — and know what to expect.
Here are a few tips to help:
Pack Your Essentials Separately
It may be a couple of days before your items arrive. Make sure to pack a bag (that stays with you) with clothes, toiletries, medications, and important documents.
Secure Your Dates
Contact your mover as early as possible to secure your ideal move date. At Central, we’ll always work with you to find solutions to meet your moving needs.
Choose the Right Moving Partner
When you’re choosing a moving company, make sure they’re up to the challenge. An established, professional mover (like Central) has experience navigating the scheduling, logistics, and details of thousands of moves. Make sure your mover communicates clearly, assigns a move coordinator to your move, and promptly addresses your concerns.
Always Delivering Great Service
Here at Central, we’re committed to making your move as stress-free as possible. With over a century of experience, our skilled team has what it takes to load, transport, and deliver your belongings to your new home — and get them there when you need them! If you haven’t yet scheduled your upcoming move, contact us today to start your move on the right foot.
Do you have more questions about delivery windows or Central’s services? Contact us today to see if we’re the right fit for your moving needs.
