FAQ

FAQ

Everything You Need to Know Before You Move

Honest, straightforward answers to the questions customers ask us most — before, during, and after their move.

What should I do first when planning a move?

Start by setting your moving date and getting at least one written estimate. From there, sort out what you’re taking, what you’re donating, and what can be disposed of before the truck arrives. The earlier you start decluttering, the easier moving day becomes.

What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?

A binding estimate locks in a fixed price regardless of actual weight or time. A non-binding estimate is based on projections and may change on moving day. Always ask which type you’re receiving and get it confirmed in writing before you commit.

How do I get an accurate moving quote?

The most accurate quotes come from an in-person or video walkthrough of your space. Describe every room, mention specialty items like pianos or safes, and be upfront about stairways, elevators, or limited parking — these all affect the final price.

What is the cheapest time of year to move?

Late fall and winter months — November through February — tend to have lower demand and better pricing. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are also typically less expensive than weekends and month-end dates regardless of season.

How do I protect my floors and walls on moving day?

Use furniture sliders on hardwood and tile, lay down floor runners in high-traffic areas, and place corner guards on doorframes and walls. A good moving company will bring protective materials and take precautions without being asked.

Should I be present during the move?

It’s strongly recommended. Being on site lets you answer questions as they come up, confirm which items should be loaded or left behind, and do a final walkthrough before the truck departs. If you can’t be there, designate a trusted person to make decisions on your behalf.

How do movers handle items of high sentimental or monetary value?

Communicate the value of specific items before loading begins. Items like jewelry, important documents, irreplaceable keepsakes, and fine art should either be transported by you personally or packed separately and flagged clearly for the crew.

What should I pack last and keep most accessible?

Pack an essentials box with items you’ll need in the first 24 to 48 hours — medications, chargers, a change of clothes, toiletries, important documents, and snacks. Keep it with you rather than loading it onto the truck.

Can movers move items from a storage unit?

Yes. We can pick up from storage units, load items stored in a garage or shed, and combine multiple pickup locations into a single move. Just let your coordinator know all the stops ahead of time so the route and timing are planned correctly.

What size truck do I need for my move?

A studio or one-bedroom apartment typically fits in a 16-foot truck. Two to three bedrooms generally require a 20 to 24-foot truck. Larger homes or combined pickups from multiple locations may need a 26-foot truck or more than one vehicle.

Do movers charge extra for stairs or elevators?

Some companies do apply staircase or elevator fees. We factor these into our estimate upfront rather than adding them at the end. Always ask about stair and elevator policies when comparing quotes to avoid billing surprises on moving day.

Can I leave clothes inside dresser drawers?

For light items like folded clothing, yes — most dressers can be moved with soft contents inside as long as drawers are secured. Remove anything heavy, breakable, or valuable from drawers before the crew arrives to reduce the risk of damage and make furniture easier to carry.

How are large appliances handled during a move?

Refrigerators, washers, dryers, and ranges need to be disconnected before the crew arrives. We handle padding, loading, and transport — but disconnecting gas lines, water lines, or electrical connections should be done by a qualified technician ahead of moving day.

What happens if the truck can't park near my building?

We assess parking logistics in advance whenever possible. If street access is limited, we can arrange a shuttle service using a smaller vehicle, or coordinate a parking permit if your city requires one for moving trucks. Let us know your building situation when you book.

How do I move with pets?

Keep pets secured in a quiet room or with a sitter on moving day. The activity, open doors, and unfamiliar people can cause stress or create opportunities for them to escape. Set up their space at the new home early so they have a comfortable place to settle once the move is done.

What documents should I keep with me during the move?

Carry your moving contract, inventory list, and any receipts for specialty items yourself rather than packing them in boxes. Also bring identification, your new home paperwork, insurance documents, and any credentials your new building might require on move-in day.

Can I request the same crew for the delivery as for the pickup?

For local moves this is typically automatic since pickup and delivery happen the same day. For long-distance moves, request crew consistency when you book — we document this preference and do our best to accommodate it, particularly for clients with specialty items or complex logistics.

What is a certificate of insurance and when do I need one?

Some apartment buildings, condos, and HOA communities require a certificate of insurance from your moving company before allowing a truck on the property. If your building management asks for one, let us know and we’ll provide the documentation quickly.

How do I handle moving a home office or remote work setup?

Label all cables before disconnecting them or take a photo of each connection point so reassembly is straightforward. Pack monitors and computer towers separately with proper padding. Keep external hard drives, flash drives, and important hardware with you rather than in the moving truck.

What should I check at the destination before signing off?

Walk every room before the crew leaves, check that all boxes and furniture have arrived, and test any items that were disassembled and reassembled. Note anything that looks off on the inventory sheet before signing. It’s much easier to resolve concerns while the crew is still on site.

Do you move items to more than one destination?

Yes. Multi-stop moves — for example, dropping furniture at a storage unit and the rest at your new home — are something we handle regularly. Provide both addresses when booking and we’ll route the day accordingly.

How should I label boxes for the most efficient unpacking?

Label every box with the destination room and a brief description of contents. Use a consistent color system if you have a lot of boxes — one color per room. Mark anything fragile clearly on all four sides, not just the top, so the crew knows at a glance how to handle it.

What if my new home isn't ready when the truck arrives?

Let us know as early as possible. We can hold your items in the truck for a short window at no charge in most cases. If there’s a longer delay, we have access to short-term secure storage that can bridge the gap until your new space is ready to receive everything.

How do I leave a review after my move?

We appreciate every review and they genuinely help other customers make informed decisions. After your move is complete, you can leave feedback on Google, Yelp, or Facebook — whichever platform you prefer. If anything didn’t meet your expectations, reach out to us directly first and we’ll make it right.