Moving Expenses

First off, why hire professional movers?

Most people know and are all too familiar with the feeling of exhaustion that comes along with moving. By hiring professional movers, you’ll receive exceptional value: both financially, and also emotionally. 

Moving can be both emotionally and physically draining, and handling delicate or bulky items with care requires specific moving skills. 

We suggest looking at your move similar to how you might think of fixing a plumbing or electrical problem: look to the experts to do it right. 

How much will my local, short distance move cost? 

Our services vary, so this isn’t a straightforward answer. The best way is to contact us and let us know what kind of services you need. From partial packing to full packing services and an entire move, we customize what we do to suit you.

For a general answer, we base an estimate for a local move on an hourly rate, which includes the drive time for each leg of the move:

• from the moving company to your original home,
• then to your destination, and
• back to the moving company

How accurate is your moving estimate? Does it change during the process?

We work incredibly hard to accurately evaluate your circumstances and give an accurate estimate. Please give us as much information as is possible, so that we have a clear idea of the work to be done. If certain items or work is not mentioned during the evaluation, this will cause additional costs later.

Is moving labor the only moving expense I should expect?

Moving labor constitutes most of your expenses, if hiring a full service move. Also remember to budget for packing supplies, such as moving boxes and tape, and valuation (moving insurance) if needed. 

Especially fragile items, such as flat screen televisions or chandeliers, require extra packing. This will incur an additional fee.

Is valuation necessary?

Although we take every precaution during your move, unexpected damage can occur. It is important to make sure your possessions are protected. We are able to offer valuation to our customers at a fair price due to the low number of claims we file.

Do I need to tip the movers?

As with other service industries, you may wish to thank your movers for a job well done by offering a gratuity. While the movers do not expect a set tip amount, we suggest a tip based on your satisfaction with your crew and the overall move; with a broad guideline of $4-6 per mover, per hour.

If you feel that your movers went above and beyond in their efforts, you may want to increase the amount accordingly.

Preparing to Move

How far in advance do I need to schedule my move?

This is best done as far in advance as is possible. This ensures our availability, as well as gives you more options on choosing the date and time that is best for you. 

Generally, it’s best to contact us no later than two weeks prior to your desired move date. We realize this isn’t always possible. If our schedule permits, we will absolutely help you with your move! Contact us to discuss. 

Is there a better day of the week to move?

Things can get complicated during a move. This includes construction being delayed, or closing being put off due to unforeseen circumstances. Because of this, we don’t recommend scheduling your move for the same day. 

Save yourself the stress of rescheduling and plan your move date for several days after your closing date.

We are the most busy at the beginning and end of the month. The weekends are also our busiest time. It could be advantageous to schedule moving services around the middle of the month/week.

I want to do some packing and moving before the movers arrive. Where is best to start?

The most important thing to remember is to focus on packing, rather than moving! Boxes, small and large, can be moved quickly by our professional team. Use your time wisely, skip this part, and focus on boxing up as much as you can.

I have some items that I’d like to keep, but they won’t fit in my new home. Can you take them to a storage unit?

Yes! If you have a storage unit, we can take your items there.

What can I do to make sure my belongings end up in the right room during the move?

Choose a simple labeling system (for example, MBR for Master Bedroom) and make sure all of your boxes are clearly marked. Boxes should be labeled on the top and three sides. We’ll work closely with you at the destination to make sure everything ends up where you want it.

Can I leave clothing in my dresser drawers when I move?

It is generally fine to leave your clothing in your dresser drawers during the move. Be sure to remove anything from the drawers that may roll around or shift during transport, as this can cause damage. If the dresser is particularly large (a triple dresser or part of a large armoire), it is best to at least partially empty it.

Do I need to empty out my filing cabinets when I move?

When the cabinets are made of metal or plastic, two-drawer filing cabinets can be left full. The top two drawers of a 4-drawer cabinet need to be emptied. All lateral file cabinets need to be completely emptied and all drawers need to be emptied in wooden cabinets.

What do I need to do to prepare my appliances for the move?

Make sure your microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher are all empty. An important note: we are not electricians or plumbers! Please arrange for the appropriate professional to disconnect your items.

We are also not licensed to disconnect gas, which powers many dryers and ovens. Make sure to address this ahead of your move.

Additionally, make sure to clean these appliances before the move.

Will you move plants?

Such items can be moved on local moves if properly packed and prepared. However, we cannot guarantee the safe transport of live plants, which can incur trauma from motion or temperature extremes inside the moving truck. 

Are there any items that you cannot move?

We will not move hazardous or combustible items as the temperature in the truck could cause these items to explode or ignite. Some examples include:

• Propane tanks
• Firearms
• Paint
• Aerosols

Moving Day

What if I haven’t finished packing by my scheduled moving day?

If your moving day is coming close and you suspect you will not be fully packed, please contact us as soon as you can. We’ll work with you to make the best possible “plan B” for packing. This may mean we help you finish packing, or if the availability exists on your side as well as ours, we may be able to push your moving day back. 

If you have only a small quantity of items left to pack, your movers can often complete this on moving day; however, it is important to understand that this will add time to the job and, therefore, add to the total cost of the move.

Can the movers arrange the furniture to my liking in my new home?

Yes. We’ll work with you to ensure the furniture and boxes are in the correct rooms, in the right locations. We can arrange (or rearrange) as needed.

I have a few possessions I need treated with extra care. How can I guarantee this?

For your own peace of mind, you may consider moving jewelry and other small valuables yourself in your personal vehicle. As for larger items such as art, antiques, musical instruments, special collections, or other items of great personal meaning and value, point these items out to us at the start of moving day (and during the job evaluation) so we can take the necessary steps to ensure their care.

Can I lower my moving expenses by having a family member or friend help on moving day?

Generally, having non-professionals work alongside professional movers slows things down and costs you more in the long run. Your friends and family can be most helpful in preparing for the move by helping you with packing moving boxes or caring for your pets or children. 

Can you transport my pets?

No, we do not provide this service.

Can I ride in the cab of the moving truck with you?

Due to liability reasons, we cannot transport customers in our moving truck. You may wish to arrange a ride with a friend or a cab service on your moving day.

How will you know what items to take and what to leave behind?

When we first arrive, we will do a walk through of your current home to confirm which items are going and which are not.

Can you dispose of trash on moving day?

No, we are not equipped to dispose of trash. However, if you wish to have something transported to a waste disposal location, we are able to transport it at the hourly rate, plus any fee imposed by the disposal facility. Please discuss this with us ahead of time so that we can plan accordingly.

Do you take time off for lunch? Do I need to provide lunch?

Yes, we will take off time for lunch. On a local move, any time we spend eating lunch will be deducted from your hourly bill. It is not required for you to provide lunch. However, water and/or sports drinks for the movers are always a welcome (and appreciated) refreshment!

Can my movers clean my home on moving day?

We clean up clutter we make during the moving process. We do offer additional move-in/move-out cleaning services. Once your home is loaded into the truck and clear, we have a cleaning crew come in and clean your old home while the movers unload to your new home.

This is also available for your new home to ensure it is clean and ready for us to deliver your items.

Does the move still happen during inclement weather?

Yes. Our professional movers and moving trucks are prepared to move during rain, sleet, or snow. We come equipped with supplies to keep your belongings safe from the elements. However, in order to keep costs down, we recommend you shovel, rake, or otherwise clear the access ways in preparation for our arrival.