Moving can be a challenging task that leads to exhausting labor while you haul your belongings. While you can hire a standard mover to move your belongings, you will still need...
Continue ReadingResearch and Planning For Your Move
The best way to choose a moving company is through extensive research.
Referrals – Start by asking friends, family and neighbors for reputable moving companies that they used and were happy with.
Reviews – Look at the movers’ reviews on their website, Google, Facebook, the Better Business Bureau and other places where customers post ratings and comments on their experiences.
Research – When you narrow your choice down to a few options, research them thoroughly. Are they registered with the Better Business Bureau? Do they have a lot of complaints filed against them? Find out their credentials.
Then have a walk-through for a thorough assessment of your needs that includes an accurate written estimate – and choose the moving company who best fits your needs and budget.
You should start planning for and organizing your move at least 6 weeks prior to your move date, if possible, to ensure that you can get the moving date(s)/times, equipment and staff that you need.
You'll have the best availability if you can schedule your move outside of the summer months (moving season is May through August with the peak typically in June and July). Many moving companies will accommodate last-minute moves as well, but the most advanced notice you give, the better.
This varies with the distance or move type:
Long distance – Often, long-distance relocations are booked about 30 to 60 days in advance. This is rather standard for out-of-state moves; however, moves inside this window can typically be scheduled, especially if you have some flexibility in your move date.
Local moves – Most often, local moves are booked within a 3- to 4-week window of the requested move date. Due to factors such as apartment leases and closing dates, the end and beginning of every month, as well as weekend days, are the most requested dates. Please remember to book in advance as the first and last week of every month often get booked first.
International Moves – International relocations require the most advance notice. A good rule of thumb is 60 to 90 days to properly coordinate with the receiving country for customs clearance and other necessary requirements.
The best time to move totally depends upon you. If you have complete freedom over your schedule, you'll often get lower prices or better availability during weekdays, in the middle of the month and during off-peak season (September through April). You may also want to be mindful of the local climate and weather conditions so that you can try to avoid extreme temperatures or inclement weather at origin or destination location.
We have convenient and flexible pricing options for interstate and local moves. Call us today to check out our rates for your next upcoming move dates.
Yes, our professional movers will provide a comprehensive assessment of your moving needs and provide written estimates. This free consultation is also the ideal time to ask questions and discuss the details of your move. Your move consultant will offer options tailored to your move, so you will have clear expectations and understand what is and isn't covered in your move.
It's always best to get an estimate before committing to hiring your movers. This is the best way for the estimators to ensure all aspects of your move that impact the cost, such as specialty items or obstacles in the layout of your space, are included in the quote. Otherwise, you can be hit with unforeseen charges later on, after these elements are discovered. It also gives you a better idea of the total cost of the move, as well as allows the movers to better accommodate your belongings.
If an in-home estimate is not possible, we can also provide a binding estimate of cost over the phone by one of our trained estimators.
When our consultant comes to your home, he or she will start by learning more about your move, including timeline, expectations, and preferences.
The relocation consultant will arrive at your home to perform a visual survey of your items. The consultant must be able to clearly see what is being moved to provide you with an accurate estimate. If you know of items that are out of view or will be eliminated, be certain to point them out to the consultant.
Together, we'll discuss what level of service you prefer so you're getting exactly what you need without paying for services you don't need. The consultant will review your packing options (including DIY, partial- and full-service packing), furniture disassembly/reassembly, furniture preparations, and storage needs.
Once the visual survey is completed, the consultant will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charges related to your move to record everything in a written cost estimate. This will be the best way to accurately determine a cost for your relocation.
About Our Professional Moving Company
Yes! All professional movers who cross interstate lines must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). We comply with all federal and state regulations and are fully licensed for both in-state and out-of-state moves.
We proudly display this information on our website with our contact information, so you may always verify the data and reach out to us with questions about your move.
No, we are a full-service professional moving company, not broker. Instead of relying questionable subcontractors, we hire individuals we know, and trust and you work with our vetted and well-trained employees.
Keeping things in-house is what helps us control service and the successful outcome of every move. Being independently owned also gives us the flexibility to offer the exact moving solutions you need at the best price possible.
For answers to more of your questions, or to discuss a custom relocation plan, contact us today. You can call to speak to one of our highly knowledgeable representatives or fill out our online form to request a call back.
You can reach us anytime during normal business hours or submit any general questions on our Contact Us form.
Important Moving Documents
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide certain documentation to customers. These include:
- Order for Service: Prepared Before Shipment, Detailing Contract Terms
- Inventory: Prepared at Time of Shipment
- Bill of Lading: Delivered to You at Time of Shipment, Serving as Your Receipt
- Freight Bill: Provided at Time of Transportation Charge Payment
- Weight Tickets: Required for All Moves with a Non-Binding Estimate
You should also receive Your Rights and Responsibilities and Ready to Move brochures from your moving company.
On the day of pick up, the moving foreman will provide shipping documents for your order. These documents typically consist of the following.
- Bill of lading
- Inventory sheets
- Valuation of coverage
- Claims Instructions
- Post-contract service sheet
On the day of delivery these forms will also be provided to verify all the items have arrived properly.
A Bill of Lading is your moving contract. It details what has been agreed upon by you and the moving company, and it must accurately reflect the information on the Order for Service (see more below). You are required by law to be given a copy of your Bill of Lading by the driver who loads your shipment.
The Bill of Lading must include 14 key elements, such as pick-up date, cost estimate, vehicle and driver identification numbers, and forms of payment accepted. It is very important that you read the entire Bill of Lading and only sign once you have confirmed that all terms and conditions are correct.
Please read more about the Bill of Lading from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
An Order for Service is a document prepared by the moving company and given to the client, as required by federal law. The order serves as a written record of what has been agreed upon and should match the Bill of Lading. Any changes made to the Order of Service must be provided in writing.
Please read more about the Order for Service from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Preparing For Your Move
Yes, we are a full-service moving company offering custom plans designed for your specific needs and budget. We can prepare your furnishings for damage-free moving with padding and shrink-wrapping. To ensure the protection of your furniture we use proper furniture wrap products and procedures. We also offer optional disassembly and reassembly services. For hard to pack items, we'll even build you a custom crate!
To prepare major appliances for moving, we recommend that you: Empty contents, clean them thoroughly, unplug them, drain all water, remove and store all loose pieces (Cords, Racks, Shelves, etc.), and tape all doors closed.
Moving out of or into a high-rise building has its own special challenges, as high-density communities tend to have a lot of rules to keep everything working smoothly. Luckily, our movers have the skills, training, and experience needed to coordinate a move of any size and complexity – including apartments and condominiums.
Ask your building if a Certificate of Insurance form may be required. Many buildings or apartment complexes do require this form be provided by the moving company prior to allowing a tenant to move in or out.
Packing
There are typically three options for packing: self-packing, custom packing and full-service packing. For do-it-yourselfers, self-pack is a common option. This means all of your belongings are packed by you. Custom packing is when the moving company only packs highly valuable or fragile items such as antiques, artwork and collectibles, while you are responsible for packing the rest. Full-service packing is when the moving company packs your entire home, alleviating you of the entire task. Most people think self-packing is the most cost-effective but depending on how much you have to pack and the cost of moving supplies, a full-service pack may be more time and cost-effective.
Absolutely! We can provide professional packing materials like boxes and tape so that you can pack your own items as you see fit. We can also give you some tips on packing and labeling to make things easier on moving day.
You should not pack plants, food or any hazardous materials. You should also carry any irreplaceable items or valuables with you instead of packing them. Jewelry, money and other irreplaceable items should not be included in your truck shipment.
Yes, breakable items should be packed with exceptional care. We recommend using a “dish pack,” which is a stronger double-walled cardboard box and labeling it FRAGILE.
In the dish pack, we recommend the following:
- Put a layer of crumpled newspaper in the bottom.
- Wrap smaller breakable items in newspaper and larger breakable items (like large china bowls) in bubble wrap. Be sure to cover the item completely on all sides.
- For stackable items like plates and bowls, wrap each item individually and then bundle 3 or 4 items together. Wrap the entire bundle again.
- Always stand your bundles of dishes and plates upright rather than laying them flat.
- Fill the remaining space in the box (including the top) with crumpled newspaper.
We recommend placing your small household appliances (such as stand mixers, toasters, handheld vacuums, etc.) into boxes in groups of 2 or 3.
Follow the same general tips as above for breakable items: wrap each item in paper or bubble wrap, put a layer of crumpled newspaper at the bottom and top of the box, and nest the items inside. Be sure to add a layer of tape to the bottom of the box for extra strength.
If you still have it, the original box from the manufacturer is the safest way to pack and transport electronics like computers. If you do not have the original box, then follow the tips above: wrap the computer in paper or bubble wrap and nest it in a box with layers of crumpled paper above and below.
Like your computer, it’s best to move your TV in its original box using the Styrofoam padding that it came in. If you do not have the original box, then we recommend using a specially manufactured flat screen TV box or wooden crate.
High-value items require special packing and shipping protocols, and we strongly recommend that you do not attempt to pack these items yourself. Our expert packing team can provide custom crating for high-value items, including but not limited to:
- Glass and Marble Furniture
- Paintings, Statues, and Other Artwork
- Chandeliers
- Pianos and Grand Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
Storage Services and Options
Yes! We’d be happy to arrange for in-transit storage of any items. We understand that unexpected roadblocks often arise during a move, and we can help with storage-in-transit even if it wasn’t arranged beforehand. Whether you need your items stored for a week or a year, we have the right storage option for you.
If you plan to move your items into a public storage facility of your choice at your new destination, we can help you select the right size for your shipment. Please mind that these unit sizes are based on the industry standard for most moves. To get an exact recommendation please call to ask your moving sales consultant.
Can the Moving Crew Pack and Move… This?
We are not able to take responsibility for your living items such as pets. Other standard items that cannot be moved in our truck include flammable materials, combustible items, poisonous items, and perishable foods.
Such items require custom crating for optimal protection from damage, due to their size and/or weight. We would be happy to provide a quote for your move that includes the crating required for specialty or high-value items like these.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “an article of extraordinary value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound (such as jewelry, silverware, china, furs, antiques).” Our full-service movers can certainly move these for you, but they must be declared to us in writing to maintain full insurance coverage. Please speak with our moving consultants for more information.
Generally speaking, the monetary limit for handling and packing personal items is $5,000 (per item). Items with a value of $5,000 or higher are considered “high value.” These items must be inventoried and professionally crated in an industry-approved wooden crate. Items with a value of $10,000 or more must be serviced by a certified third-party crating company.
Moving Day
Someone must be present at both the origin and destination locations. This does not mean that the customer must always be present, A POA (power of attorney) is always an option if you are not able to be at the location. The power of attorney is required to sign shipping documents and may also be required to pay for the services on the order. If you do need a POA we recommend a friend or close family member to be present on your behalf.
We follow industry best practices and will give you an expected delivery window (of several days) based on your shipment weight, mileage, and final destination. Your goods will be delivered sometime within that window.
For safety and liability reasons, we cannot offer any form of transportation to our customers.
Payment and Coverage Options
We accept all types of Payment methods. We accept credit cards, postal money order, cashier’s check or cash.
In simple terms, long-distance moving costs are calculated based on how far you're moving and how much you have to move. In more detail, the final bill is calculated based on factors like moving date, fuel/mileage costs, employee labor, shipment weight, specialty packing/moving requests, storage and the chosen level of insurance.
Local and intrastate moves are often charged by the hour or even as a flat rate. Learn more about how your move will be calculated by contacting our move coordinator.
Tips are always appreciated but never expected. If your movers have gone above and beyond (which all of ours are trained to do). Please feel free to show your appreciation with a tip.
Our moving company offers standard valuation coverage and as well as replacement-cost insurance upon request. If you need help choosing between these options, we’d be happy to explain their differences and let you make the best choice for your specific move.
Yes. As required by federal law, we provide standard valuation coverage for all interstate and long-distance moves ($0.60 per pound). If you’d like a higher level of insurance, ask our move coordinators about replacement-cost coverage during your pre-move consultation.
Before shipping, you should opt for one of two types of valuation coverage provided by the moving company to protect you if your items are damaged or lost. Released value coverage comes at no additional cost to you, but it provides the bare minimum compensation should anything happen. You will only receive .60¢/lb., which is not typically sufficient. Full replacement coverage costs extra, but will fully compensate you by repairing, replacing or providing a monetary settlement for lost or damaged items. If your moving company does not provide valuation coverage, it is likely a disreputable company.
We take pride in our quality and professionalism, striving for zero damage to your items. However, in the rare event that your goods are damaged in transit, you can file a claim through our website or contact us by phone or email.
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I can’t say enough good things about this company. From the people in the office, Dominic who came out and thoroughly and professionally explained the whole process, to Paul and his crew who professionally and carefully packed everything up and move...
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