Frequently Asked Questions

Moving your home can be quite stressful, so it’s a great idea to start planning as soon as possible. This gives you plenty of time to prepare and helps reduce stress. It's also a good time to mentally prepare yourself and your family for the move, allowing everyone to get used to the idea of settling into a new area and routine. One of the best tips is to go through your belongings and eliminate as much as possible before the move. This will not only help you save money but also save time unpacking and keep your life more organized. Consider getting rid of old or worn-out furniture; remember, in many cases, you will pay more to move some items than they are actually worth.

While online reviews are helpful, make sure you’re looking at independent reviews to get a true sense of a moving company's reliability. Check out Google Reviews and BBB Reviews, and seek recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. Be sure to choose a carrier and not a broker to avoid potential issues. Moving is a complicated task that has many aspects to it, so a solid company should have been in business for at least five years and have a rating above 4 stars. It's okay for a company to have some negative reviews, but avoid those, where the majority of reviews are negative. Check multiple review sites and be skeptical if one site has very different ratings from another. Avoid companies that have a lot of 5-star reviews but have been in business for only a few months. Remember, people are more likely to leave a review when they are not content than when they are satisfied.

It’s generally recommended to start packing as soon as you have an accepted offer and know your moving date. Larger homes can accumulate a surprising amount of belongings over the years. Begin with less frequently used areas like attics, garages, sheds, and utility rooms. You might also consider asking your moving company about their pricing for full or partial packing services to alleviate the burden. However, it is highly recommended to go through your items and get rid of some before packing. The last thing you want is to pay to pack and move items only to throw them away at the new location. Always estimate your new living space and downsize if needed by donating or selling unwanted items. To sell them locally, you could use platforms like Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, or local groups. If you have access to your new home and it’s close by, it’s a good idea to take some boxes with you in the car anytime you travel there. This will help reduce the volume and hours required for the main move, and you can reuse the same boxes for multiple trips

Preparation is key! Leaving things until the last minute increases stress and can prolong the moving process. Book your moving company well in advance to avoid availability issues and higher costs. If you are moving out of state, it’s a good idea to have the company perform a visual estimate, as this is typically more accurate and less likely to deviate by more than 10%. Always call your moving company a few days before the move to confirm all details and double-check the arrangements on the day of the move, including the estimated arrival time for the movers.

Moving can be stressful for pets as they may pick up on pre-move stress and feel anxious in a new environment. Consider taking your pets to a friend or doggy daycare on moving day. If they stay at home, keep them in a quiet room with familiar items like their bed and toys to keep them calm.

If you decide to hire a professional moving company, research and book them well in advance. Obtain quotes, check reviews, and confirm all details early. If you’re unsure about hiring professionals, get quotes for both professional services and DIY options. If you choose to move yourself, ensure you have the necessary equipment and help. While DIY moves offer more control, hiring professionals might be more efficient and cost-effective for larger homes. Don’t forget to include the cost of fuel, mileage, insurance and protective blankets if you plan on wrapping your furniture.

This is an important question to discuss with your moving company representative. Top-rated full-service movers offer a range of services that can significantly impact your overall moving costs. Typical standard services include:

• Blanket pad wrapping: Protects furniture and other items from damage during transit.
• Disassembly and reassembly of furniture: Includes taking apart and reassembling large pieces of furniture.
• Basic valuation protection: Provides coverage at 60 cents per pound per article
• 30 days of storage: Available while items are in transit.

Typical Additional Services:

• Non-reusable packing supplies: Includes tape, boxes, cardboard, mattress covers, shrink wrap, and wood crates. These are generally charged separately.
• Stairs: Most companies do not charge for the first flight or 7 steps of stairs. However, anything beyond that is typically charged at $75 per additional flight (7 steps).
• Long carry: The first 75 feet from the truck to the front door or apartment are usually free. Every additional 75 feet may be charged at $75.
• Elevators: Local moves often do not incur elevator fees, but long-distance moves might include a $75 elevator fee to cover additional labor time.
• Suttle service: Used when a semi-truck cannot access the property, requiring a smaller truck for transport. Common in big cities or restricted areas, shuttles are typically charged at $1 per cubic foot (CF), with a minimum charge of $350.
• Bulky fees and special handling: Applies to oversized items such as lawn mowers, pianos, jacuzzis, hot tubs, toolboxes, and safes.
• Insurance: Basic valuation protection, which is included as per federal regulations, covers 60 cents per pound per article. However, this may not be sufficient to cover potential losses. Even with careful packing, risks such as accidents, weather conditions, and vibrations can occur during transit. It’s important to evaluate these risks and consider additional coverage. You can either enhance your homeowner's or rental policy or obtain additional coverage through a third-party insurer like Bakers International or similar.

The time it takes to receive your items during an interstate move can vary based on factors such as the distance of the move, the time of year, and the moving company’s schedule. Generally, it can take:

• Shorter moves: 1-10 business days
• Coast-to-coast moves: 1 to 4 weeks

When moving, understanding your insurance and valuation protection options is crucial to safeguard your belongings. Moving companies typically offer two types of valuation protection:

• Basic Value Protection: Often included at no additional cost, this provides minimal coverage—typically 60 cents per pound per item. This may not be sufficient to cover the full value of your items in case of loss or damage.
• Full Value Protection: Offers more comprehensive coverage, ensuring that the moving company will repair, replace, or compensate for any damaged or lost items. This protection comes at an additional cost, but it provides greater peace of mind.

In addition to these options, you might consider purchasing third-party moving insurance for extra coverage. This can provide additional protection beyond what is offered by the moving company. Be sure to discuss these options with your homeowners' or renters' insurance provider and review their policies carefully to ensure that your items are adequately protected during the move.

In the moving industry, a common rule of thumb is to use a multiplier to estimate weight. Typically, you can use a multiplier of 7. This means that every 100 cubic feet is roughly equivalent to 700 pounds.

To convert cubic feet to pounds, you can use the following formula:

Weight (lbs)=Volume (cubic feet)×7

For example, if you have 200 cubic feet of items, the estimated weight would be:

200 cubic feet×7=1,400 pounds200 \text{ cubic feet} \times 7 = 1,400 \text{ pounds}200 cubic feet×7=1,400 pounds

This method provides a general estimate and is useful for planning purposes. For precise weight measurements, especially for varied or high-value items, it’s best to consult with your moving company.

Choosing between a nationwide moving company and a local mover depends on various factors, including the scope of your move, budget, and specific needs.

Nationwide Moving Companies:

• Pros:

  • Experience and Resources: National companies like United Van Lines and Mayflower often have extensive experience and resources for handling large and long-distance moves.
  • Standardized Services: They typically offer a range of standardized services and have established protocols for ensuring a smooth moving process
  • Insurance and Valuation Protection: They generally provide robust insurance and valuation protection options.
• Cons:
  • Cost: Nationwide companies can be more expensive, especially for long-distance moves, due to their larger overhead and standardized pricing.
  • Personalization: You might experience less personalized service compared to local companies.

Local Moving Companies:

• Pros:

  • Cost-Effective: Local movers are often more affordable, especially for short-distance moves. They may offer more competitive pricing and flexible terms.
  • Personalized Service: Local companies may provide more personalized and attentive service, as they often have a smaller, more dedicated team.
  • Community Knowledge: They have better knowledge of local regulations and logistics, which can be advantageous for moves within the same city or state.
• Cons:
  • Limited Resources: Local movers might have fewer resources and equipment for handling very large or complex moves.
  • Varied Quality: The quality of service can vary significantly among local companies, so it’s crucial to check reviews and verify their credentials

Choosing the Right Option:

Evaluate your specific needs, budget, and preferences when making your decision. It’s always a good idea to get quotes from both types of companies and compare their services and reviews before making a final choice.

If possible, it’s best to handle fragile and valuable items yourself to ensure their safety. Moving companies often have limitations on their liability for certain high-value or delicate items. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Self-Handling:

• Personal Transport: If you can manage it, transport fragile and valuable items yourself. This allows you to have direct control over their handling and ensures they are in your possession throughout the move.

2. Moving Company Liability:

• Bill of Lading: Most moving companies' bills of lading specify that they are not responsible for items like cash, documents, jewelry, firearms, and bank notes. Ensure you understand these limitations and make arrangements to secure or transport these items separately.

3. Medications:

• Keep Medications with You: Always keep medications with you rather than packing them with your household goods. Ensure that you have all necessary prescriptions and medications readily available in your carry-on bag. This helps avoid any potential issues with access or temperature sensitivity during the move.

4. Secure Your Valuables:

• Before Movers Arrive: Remove valuables such as wallets, car keys, cash, watches, and jewelry from visible or easily accessible places before the movers arrive. This helps prevent any misunderstandings or potential issues.

5. Alternative Arrangements:

• Shipping and Delivery: If you cannot transport these items yourself, consider arranging for specialized shipping or secure delivery services for high-value or fragile items. Look into options like insured courier services or professional packing and shipping companies.

6. Communication and Documentation:

• Discuss with Movers: Clearly communicate any special handling instructions for fragile items with your moving company. Ensure they use appropriate packing materials and methods for these items.

• Inventory and Documentation: Create a detailed inventory list and take photos of valuable items before the move to document their condition. This can be helpful for insurance purposes and for tracking the condition of your items upon arrival.

By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your fragile and valuable items are handled properly and minimize the risk of damage or loss during the move.

Tipping movers is not mandatory, but it is a common practice to show appreciation for their hard work. If you decide to tip, a good rule of thumb is to tip $4-5 per hour per mover for a local move, or a flat rate of $20-40 per mover for a full day's work. For long-distance moves, consider tipping $50-100 per mover depending on the complexity and length of the move. Make sure to consider the quality of service provided when deciding the amount.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial vehicle operations to ensure safety. While FMCSA accreditation doesn’t guarantee fair prices or top-notch service, it indicates that a company isn’t a scam. To verify a company’s accreditation, look for its MC and U.S. DOT numbers on its website and check their status on the FMCSA’s database.

It's important to notify your utility companies (electric, gas, water, internet, etc.) of your move well in advance. Arrange for the utilities at your current home to be disconnected the day after you move out and set up the new service to start the day before you move into your new home. This ensures you won’t be without essential services during your transition.

For valuable or sentimental items, it’s often best to transport them yourself rather than packing them with the rest of your belongings. Items such as jewelry, important documents, family heirlooms, and personal electronics should be kept with you during the move to ensure they are not lost or damaged.

Preparing appliances for a move involves several steps. For refrigerators and freezers, defrost them at least 24 hours before the move and clean them thoroughly. Disconnect and secure any loose parts for all appliances. Consult the owner’s manuals for specific moving instructions and consider hiring a professional to handle disconnection and reconnection if needed.

Moving during peak seasons (typically summer) or holidays can be more expensive and challenging due to higher demand. If possible, try to schedule your move during off-peak times. If you must move during these periods, book your moving company well in advance and be prepared for potential delays or increased costs.

Handling firearms and ammunition during a move requires careful planning and adherence to legal regulations. Here are some guidelines to ensure their safe and compliant transport:

Handling Firearms and Ammunition During a Move

1. Understand Local and Federal Regulations:

• Research Regulations: Familiarize yourself with federal, state, and local laws regarding the transportation of firearms and ammunition. Laws can vary significantly depending on your location and destination

2. Prepare and Secure Firearms:

• Unload Firearms: Ensure that all firearms are unloaded before packing them. This is both a safety measure and often a legal requirement.

• Use Appropriate Cases: Place firearms in secure, hard-sided cases or lockable gun safes to prevent unauthorized access and protect them during transit.

• Separate Ammunition: Store ammunition separately from firearms. Use sturdy, well-labeled containers specifically designed for ammo storage.

3. Label and Document:

• Label Boxes: Clearly label boxes containing firearms or ammunition. Indicate that they contain firearms or ammunition to ensure they are handled with care

• Inventory List: Create a detailed inventory of your firearms and ammunition. Document their condition and keep records of serial numbers and any other identifying information.

4. Transporting with Moving Companies:

• Notify Movers: Inform your moving company in advance if you have firearms and ammunition. Some moving companies may have specific policies or restrictions regarding the transport of these items.

• Check Insurance: Verify that your moving company’s insurance policy covers firearms and ammunition. Consider purchasing additional coverage if needed.

5. Personal Transport:

• Carry with You: If possible, transport firearms and ammunition yourself rather than relying on a moving company. This ensures you have direct control over their handling and security.

• Safe Handling: Keep firearms and ammunition in your vehicle where they are not easily accessible during the drive. Ensure that they are stored securely and in accordance with legal requirements.

6. Special Considerations:

• Crossing State Lines: When moving across state lines, be particularly mindful of differing state laws regarding firearm transportation. Ensure compliance with all regulations in both your current and destination states.

• Firearm Safety: Follow all safety protocols during handling and transport to prevent accidents or mishaps.

7. Consult Professionals:

• Legal Advice: If you are unsure about the legal requirements for transporting firearms and ammunition, consider consulting with a legal professional who specializes in firearms law.

• Specialized Movers: Some moving companies specialize in the transport of firearms and may offer services tailored to handling these items.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your firearms and ammunition are transported safely, legally, and securely during your move.