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City moving guide

Planning a Move in Richmond

Use this guide to plan a Richmond move and compare the same job across proposals; it does not list or recommend companies. Confirm Virginia or federal authority as applicable, then document driveway or curb access, temporary parking, stairs, elevators, door widths, carrying distance, and property rules.

Start planning Check official records Virginia mover requirements
Local planning

Map access before requesting quotes

Loading conditions depend on the actual address. Document driveway or curb access, stairs, elevators, door widths, carrying distance, and property rules before requesting a quote.

  • Measure tight doors, stair turns, and elevator openings.
  • Describe curb access, alleys, loading docks, and carrying distance.
  • Ask the property manager about move hours and elevator procedures.
  • Identify items that may require disassembly before they reach the exit.
Local planning

Account for the regional route

Check current Richmond temporary-parking guidance if the truck needs reserved curb space. Ask who handles any required arrangement and how route length, river crossings, or a longer carry appear in the proposal.

  • Provide complete addresses rather than neighborhood names alone.
  • Share gate codes and contact instructions in advance.
  • Avoid scheduling a required handoff too close to an uncertain arrival window.
  • Confirm how the company communicates delays or route changes.
Local planning

Use consistent quote inputs

Give every company the same room-by-room inventory and service list. Written proposals are less useful when one assumes full packing, another assumes owner packing, or access details are missing.

  • Include basements, attics, garages, and outdoor items.
  • Separate transportation from packing or labor-only requests.
  • Identify fragile, oversized, or unusually heavy pieces.
  • Ask what circumstances can change the agreed scope.
Local planning

Verify authority and document the move

Virginia uses a certificate for intrastate household-goods carrier operations. Confirm the legal entity and current authority for a Richmond-area move, and retain the documents needed to understand or resolve a later issue.

  • Match the business identity across the proposal and official record.
  • Check federal carrier or broker records for an interstate shipment.
  • Photograph item condition before loading.
  • Save estimates, contracts, inventories, receipts, and written changes.
Official resources

Check current records and local guidance

Rules and public records can change. Use these official sources to confirm the requirements and access details that apply to your route and addresses.

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Review the current state household-goods requirements and available public records for an intrastate move. FMCSA Protect Your Move search Check the legal entity, carrier or broker role, and current federal household-goods authority for an interstate move. City of Richmond Department of Public Works (PDF) Review current local parking, curb, right-of-way, or access guidance when the planned setup may use public space.