• 1. When should I contact a moving company?
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  • 2. Do I need an estimate?
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  • 3. When is the best time to move?
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  • 4. How long does it take to move?
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  • 5. How do you determine what my move will cost?
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      This, too, varies based on your specific circumstance, but again, any quality, experienced mover should be able to give a reliable estimate once you’ve answered a few simple questions. Make sure you ask some questions too – such as whether expenses such as moving blankets are included in the cost. The best moving companies will include these in the estimate. Also you can ask how time is billed – do they round up to the next hour or half-hour (e.g., if you finish up at 5:05 pm, do you pay for the whole 5:00-6:00 pm hour)? There is no right or wrong answer, but you’ll want to know upfront – and a reputable moving company will let you know.

  • 6. How and when should I pay?
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      Typically, once you’ve got a cost estimate you have 1-2 days to reserve the time slot in that estimate, at that price. Once you make the reservation, you would also make a deposit, ensuring that the company reserves that time and the appropriate truck and manpower for your move. The amount of this deposit may vary, depending on the specifics of your move. The remainder of the payment will be due immediately upon completion of the move – reliable, professional moving companies will not ask for payment until the move is complete. You’ll want to have some cash on hand if you would like to tip your movers.

  • 7. Is a moving company “licensed” and “insured”?
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  • 8. What does moving insurance cover?
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  • 9. Can you get more insurance for your belongings?
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  • 10. What are the limits of “full value replacement” insurance?
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      This insurance offers a maximum replacement value of $100 per pound, as mandated by the Surface Transportation Board, the federal organization that oversees moving companies and insurance companies. It is important to note that even with “full value replacement” insurance, items such as antiques and jewelry may not be fully covered, unless they are listed separately on shipping documents as their value can exceed $100 per pound. Also it is important to note that this type of insurance is for the actual moving process, and items packed by the moving company during that process. This means that items damaged while in storage will not be covered, and unless a box shows significant damage, you are not likely to be covered for damage to any items inside if you are the one that packed the box. This insurance also does not provide coverage in the event of “natural disasters,” such as fire, hurricane, tornado, windstorm, hail, etc. Please make sure to read any contract carefully and discuss the limitations with your moving company and the insurance provider – as there may be further restrictions specific to that company’s insurance policy.

  • 11. Other options to protect/insure your belongings?
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If you have a unique move let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.