The Complete Walkthrough: Why Showing Everything Saves You Money

After 20 years as a CNA and four years running a moving company, I've learned that moving is a lot like healthcare: the more information we have upfront, the better we can care for you.

And just like in healthcare, leaving out important details doesn't make the problem go away—it just creates surprises nobody wants.

Today, I want to talk about something that might seem obvious but causes more moving day stress than almost anything else: the walkthrough.

What Is a Moving Walkthrough?

Whether we come to your home in person or you send us a video, a walkthrough is how we see what you're moving. It's how we:

• Estimate how many crew members you'll need
• Determine if you need one truck or two (or three)
• Calculate how long the job will take
• Price your move accurately
• Plan the logistics (parking, stairs, special equipment)

Here's the critical part: We can only estimate what we can see.

The Hidden Costs of an Incomplete Walkthrough

I get it. You're busy. You're stressed. Your nephew is filming the video and maybe he doesn't show the garage because you forgot to mention it. Or you think "that stuff in the basement doesn't count" because you're planning to donate it (but then you don't).

Here's what happens when we arrive on moving day and discover:

• A garage full of tools and lawn equipment
• An attic packed with boxes
• A shed you "forgot about"
• More furniture than what was in the video

We don't pack up and leave. We're professionals, and we'll make it work.

But here's what DOES happen:

 ✅ We may need to call in a second truck (additional cost)
✅ The job takes longer than estimated (you pay for actual time)
✅ We update your contract on-site (awkward, stressful)
✅ You feel blindsided by the cost
✅ We feel like we're the bad guys

Nobody wins.

"But I Sent You a Video!"

Yes, and we're grateful! Video walkthroughs are fantastic—when they're complete.

The problem is, most people don't realize what we need to see. They film the living room, bedrooms, and kitchen. But they miss:

• The garage (often contains 20-30% of your belongings)
• The basement (storage areas, workshop, laundry room extras)
• Attics (holiday decorations, keepsakes, boxes)
• Sheds and outdoor storage
• Closets (yes, all of them—we need to see what's packed vs. hanging)
• Under stairs storage
• Crawl spaces

One client recently sent us a beautiful video walkthrough of her home. What she didn't show us? Her entire garage. When our crew arrived, we discovered tools, outdoor furniture, lawn equipment, sporting goods, and seasonal items that added six hours to the job and required a second truck.

She was shocked at the final cost. We were frustrated that we couldn't plan properly. It didn't have to be that way.

The Complete Walkthrough Checklist

Want to get an accurate estimate and avoid surprise costs? Here's exactly what to show us:

Inside the House:

• [ ] Every bedroom (including closets—open the doors!)
• [ ] Living room, dining room, family room
• [ ] Kitchen (including pantry)
• [ ] All bathrooms
• [ ] Laundry room
• [ ] Hallways and linen closets
• [ ] Home office
• [ ] Basement (every corner, including storage areas)
• [ ] Attic (yes, even if it's "just boxes")

Outside the House:

• [ ] Garage (even if it's "not that much stuff")
• [ ] Shed(s)
• [ ] Outdoor furniture and equipment
• [ ] Garden tools and planters
• [ ] Any items stored on porches or patios

Don't Forget:

• [ ] Items in storage units
• [ ] Items at a friend's house you're picking up
• [ ] Large items in unusual places (kayak on the side of the house, bikes in the basement rafters)
• [ ] Things you're "probably going to donate" (if it's there on moving day, it counts)

Pro Tips:

📹 Film slowly - we need to see volume, not a blur
💡 Turn on lights - dark basements and attics hide a lot
📦 Mention what's packed - "These 15 boxes are books" helps us estimate weight
🚪 Open closet doors - we need to see what's inside
🗣️ Narrate as you go - "This is the garage, it's got my tools, lawn mower, and about 10 boxes of holiday decorations"

"What If Things Change?"

Life happens. We get it.

If you need to add items after we've given you an estimate, just tell us. The earlier you tell us, the better we can plan.

We can:

• Update your estimate
• Add crew members
• Bring additional equipment
• Block more time

What we can't do is magically fit 30% more belongings into the same truck and timeline without it affecting the cost.

Why This Matters to Us

At S.B. Taylor Moving, we come from a caregiving background. I spent 20 years as a CNA before I started this company. In healthcare, you learn that surprises are dangerous. The same is true in moving.

When we have complete information, we can:

• Bring the right team
• Use the right equipment
• Allocate the right amount of time
• Price the job fairly for everyone
• Deliver a smooth, stress-free experience

When we're missing critical information, everyone suffers.

The Bottom Line

A complete walkthrough protects YOU.

It ensures:

 ✅ Accurate pricing (no surprise costs)
✅ Proper planning (right crew, right equipment)
✅ Realistic timeline (no rushing or delays)
✅ Less stress on moving day

And honestly? It protects us too. We can show up prepared to take excellent care of you and your belongings.

What Happens If You Don't Show Everything?

We'll still move you. We're professionals.

But the estimate will change to reflect the actual scope of work. And that's a conversation nobody wants to have on moving day when you're already stressed and exhausted.

We bill based on actual time and resources used. If we estimated 5 hours with one truck but the real job takes 7 hours with two trucks, you'll pay for what actually happened—not what we thought would happen based on incomplete information.

Is that fair? We think so. Would you expect a contractor to renovate your "three-bedroom house" for the same price after discovering it's actually five bedrooms? Probably not.

Our Promise to You

When you give us a complete walkthrough, we promise:

 ✅ An honest, accurate estimate
✅ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✅ The right crew and equipment for your job
✅ A realistic timeline
✅ Professional, trauma-informed service

We're not here to surprise you with costs. We're here to move you safely, carefully, and as stress-free as possible.

But we can only do that if we know what we're walking into.

Ready to Get an Accurate Estimate?

If you're planning a move in York or Cumberland County, we'd love to help.

Here's how to get started:

1. Schedule a video or in-person walkthrough
2. Show us EVERYTHING (use our checklist above!)
3. Get an honest estimate based on reality
4. Move with confidence

Because at S.B. Taylor Moving, we're caregivers who happen to move furniture. And caregivers need complete information to take the best possible care of you.

Questions about your upcoming move? Call us at 207-502-4035 or visit www.sbtaylortransport.com.

Brie Grant is the Co-Founder and Co-Owner of S.B. Taylor Moving (USDOT #3771801), a women-owned, federally licensed moving company based in South Portland, Maine. With 20 years of experience as a CNA in memory care, hospice, and veteran facilities, Brie brings a unique trauma-informed approach to the moving industry.