Frequently Asked Moving Questions
We get a lot of questions about the moving process. Here are the top 20. (Don't see your question? Call us and we'll answer it!)
- When is the best time to move?
- How far in advance should I contact a mover?
- How long will it take for my belongings to arrive at my new location?
- What type of insurance options do you offer?
- What items can't be moved?
- Can I take my plants?
- How will you move my car?
- What will happen if my belongings need to be stored?
- Will anyone else's belongings be on the van with mine?
- Do the items in my dresser drawers need to be packed?
- What items require special attention or servicing? How will they be handled?
- How will you protect my upholstered furniture?
- Do I need to be present when the movers are there?
- What should be done about jewelry and other valuables?
- What will be done to protect my carpets, walls and interior of my home?
- What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
- Where do "extra charges" come from?
- Will there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?
- What if the truck can't park up close to the house?
- What payment options are available?
1. When is the best time to move?
Between May 15th and September 1st is "peak period" where equipment and personnel are in high demand. If your moving plans are flexible, avoid moving during this time frame. The end and the beginning of each month is a busy time as well. Schedule your move for the middle of the month and movers will be in less demand.
2. How far in advance should I contact a mover?
Provide as much advance notice as you can. In order to leave adequate time to handle all move details, six to eight weeks is the suggested amount of notice.
3. How long will it take for my belongings to arrive at my new location?
Typically, from 2 to 7 days depending on where you're moving and the size of your move. On average, the moving van will travel about 450 miles per day. Also, the driver may load and unload other shipments in route. Check with your move coordinator for details on your move.
4. What type of insurance options do you offer?
We offer a selection of coverage, including:
Basic Carrier Liability. Basic liability is just that - basic. Protection ranges from $.30 per pound to $.60 per pound at no additional cost to you depending on the type of move you are making. If your new 40-pound TV is damaged, under basic liability protection, you would be paid either $12 or $24. For most families, this level of protection is not adequate, so you may consider additional protection.
Declared Value Protection. Base liability here starts at $1.25 per pound minimum but can go up from there. It is a “middle” level of protection and provides coverage for the replacement value of the item – less depreciation. Your cost for declared value protection is based on the weight of your shipment and/or the lump sum or per pound value that you declare.
Replacement Cost Protection. Replacement cost protection offers the highest level of protection. Under this plan if an item is lost or damaged beyond repair, it is replaced regardless of cost, without depreciation. Under this option you must declare a lump sum valuation or your entire shipment with a minimum of $4.00 per pound.
The following materials are restricted:
- Flammables
- Combustibles such as aerosol cans
- Paints, thinners and varnishes
- Gasoline, kerosene, oil and bottled gas
- Nail polish and remover
- Ammunition and explosives
- Corrosives and cleaning fluids
- Perishables
We cannot accept responsibility for safely moving plants. There is no safe way to pack and move them. Also, because of the length of time on the van and the variances in temperature, plants typically simply do not survive the trip. Some states actually prohibit the entry of all plants, while other states will admit plants under specific conditions. Still others have no regulations on plants. Suggestion: move them in the car with you or make arrangements to give them to a friend.
Automobiles are moved directly on the moving van with your household goods, or on a car carrier. If your car is loaded on the van, it can be loaded at the residence with specially designed car loading ramps or it can be taken to a local warehouse and driven on from inside the warehouse. Once it is inside the van it is secured to the floor and a deck is constructed over the car with specially designed bars to support loading over the car.
8. What will happen if my belongings need to be stored?
If you can't move into your home at the time your belongings are delivered, Daryl Flood, Inc. can safely store the goods in one of our facilities or one of hundreds of other Mayflower agent facilities. Your goods will be unloaded and rewrapped and reloaded into specially designed storage vaults. Then, at the time you are ready to receive your belongings, simply notify your move coordinator and we will make arrangements for delivery.
9. Will anyone else's belongings be on the van with mine?
Unless your belongings will fill up the entire moving van, then there will be other goods loaded onto the van with yours. But rest assured each shipment is inventoried separately and sectioned off within the van to make sure there is no co-mingling of shipments.
10. Do the items in my dresser drawers need to be packed?
Fragile, breakable or valuable items should be removed from your drawers. Fragile and breakable items should be packed and valuables should be transported by you. When you are sure that your belongings will not go into storage, then you can leave non-breakable, non-valuables in your dresser drawers. If your belongings are bound for storage, then all contents of drawers must be emptied.
11. What items require special attention or servicing? How will they be handled?
- appliances
- waterbeds
- some pictures/paintings, pieces of glass or marble
- satellite dishes
- swing sets/gyms
During the survey of your home, your move consultant will advise you on the items that will require special attention. We will arrange for a specialized professional to handle the preparation of these items.
12. How will you protect my upholstered furniture?
Stretch Wrap will be used to wrap all of your overstuffed items to prevent soiling and other damage.
13. Do I need to be present when the movers are there?
We request that you or someone who can act on your behalf be present the entire time the packers and movers are in your home. You will need to sign paperwork and verify services performed. In addition, you will want to ensure that all services are being performed to your satisfaction.
14. What should be done about jewelry and other valuables?
Movers are not responsible for cash, coin and stamp collections or jewelry. We strongly suggest you find a safe place to keep your valuables during the move process.
15. What will be done to protect my carpets, walls and interior of my home?
The moving team will cover your entryway and heavy traffic areas with rug runners, and your stairwells with protectors. If you need further protection, notify your move coordinator.
16. What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate requires you to pay based on the actual weight of your shipment and the services performed. A binding estimate is a guaranteed price that will not be exceeded unless additional services are ordered and performed that are not listed on your paperwork.
17. Where do "extra charges" come from?
At the time of your estimate, if you fail to show your moving consultant a certain area of the home (e.g., crawl space, shed or attic) or you anticipated a garage sale that never happened, then the cost of moving these items are additional.
18. Will there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?
If you live on the second or third floor of a building, the driver may have to charge for "stair carries". This charge also applies to single-family homes with more than seven (7) stairs leading to the entrance of the home. Your move consultant will alert you to any and all charges that may apply to your home. Since your move consultant does not visit your new home, you will need to let her know about the layout there.
19. What if the truck can't park up close to the house?
If the movers are not able to park the van close to your home entrance, you may be charged for a "long carry.” In other instances, because of low hanging tree branches or narrow streets, the van is not able to come within a distance normal for carrying goods to or from the van. When this happens, a "shuttle service" may be required. Shuttle service involves loading or unloading your goods into a smaller vehicle and then transporting them to or from your home. This service requires an additional charge. Your move consultant will be able to explain all of these services and charges to you.
20. What payment options are available?
Most moves require payment up front or upon delivery in certified funds, cash or money order. Other options such as credit cards are available. You should discuss these options with your move consultant to see which one is best for you. If your employer is paying for your move, arrangements can be made to directly invoice your company.
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