Moving in Sherman
Sherman is the Grayson County seat and has been since the county was created in 1846. Moves here range from older homes near the courthouse square, with narrow driveways and steep porch steps, to newer subdivisions with wide garages. Whatever the house, the first step is the same: make sure the mover is registered to do the job.
The TxDMV number
The Texas Department of Motor Vehicles requires anyone who transports household goods for compensation in Texas to register for a TxDMV number, regardless of vehicle weight. That covers small operators with pickup trucks as well as large companies. Ask every mover for its TxDMV number, write it on the agreement, and look it up with TxDMV before move day.
Older homes near downtown
Houses near the center of town can bring:
- narrow or shared driveways, where a big truck can't get close;
- tall porch steps and narrow interior stairs;
- doorways too tight for large furniture without removing doors.
Tell the mover about each of these when you ask for a quote. If the truck has to park on the street, ask whether the crew will need a longer carry and how that's priced.
North Texas heat
Summer moves in Sherman are hot ones. Start early, keep water on hand for the crew, and don't leave candles, electronics, vinyl records, medicines or photographs in a closed truck in the afternoon sun. Ask the mover whether the truck will sit loaded overnight and, if it will, where.
Spring storms
Spring is North Texas's stormy season. If your move is in spring, ask the mover how it protects furniture when loading in rain, and what happens to your date if severe weather is forecast. If a storm damages belongings in your old or new house during the move, your homeowners or renters insurer may be involved; if you disagree with your insurer about a claim, the Texas Department of Insurance suggests asking for an appraisal or hiring a public adjuster.
Moving day checklist
- Reserve elevators or loading areas if either home has them.
- Measure large furniture and the doorways it has to pass through.
- Set aside a box of essentials, medicines and documents that rides with you, not in the truck.
- Walk through the old house with the crew lead before the truck leaves, and the new one before the crew goes.
Getting a fair quote
- Ask for an in-home or video walk-through.
- Get a written quote with crew size, truck size, hourly or flat pricing, and charges for stairs, long carries, packing and materials.
- Ask how damage claims work and what coverage the mover offers.
- Confirm the TxDMV number is on the agreement.
- Don't pay a large deposit in cash.