FAQ

A binding estimate locks in a set price as long as the scope of your move doesn’t change. A non-binding estimate is a projection that can increase based on actual weight, time, or conditions on moving day. Always ask which type you’re receiving and get everything in writing before committing.

A useful rule: if an item would cost more to move than to replace, consider leaving it behind. Bulky furniture, older appliances, and low-value pieces often fall into this category. Moving is one of the best opportunities to reduce what you own — a lighter load means a shorter move and a lower bill.

Pack an essentials box last and load it so it comes off the truck first. Include phone chargers, medications, a change of clothes, toiletries, important documents, keys, and anything else you’ll need access to within the first 24 hours. Don’t let this box get buried under everything else.

Use floor runners or cardboard in high-traffic areas, and ask your crew to use door frame protectors and furniture pads throughout the job. Walk through both locations before the move starts and document any pre-existing scuffs or damage so there’s no confusion about what happened during the move.

Label every box on the side — not just the top — so it’s readable when stacked. Include the destination room, a brief contents description, and any handling notes like “fragile” or “this side up.” Color coding by room using tape or markers speeds up the unloading process significantly.

Keep pets in a secure, quiet room during packing and on moving day itself. The activity, open doors, and unfamiliar people can cause stress or create opportunities for escape. Transport pets in your own vehicle rather than the moving truck, and set up a familiar space at the new home as quickly as possible to help them adjust.

No. Heavy items like books, tools, or canned goods should always be removed from furniture before a move. Leaving them in place puts stress on drawer slides, cabinet hinges, and the furniture frame, and significantly increases the risk of damage during loading and transport.

Contact your moving company as soon as you know — even a few hours of notice can make a difference. Most companies have rescheduling policies tied to how much notice is given. Changes made very close to the move date may result in a fee, depending on the terms in your booking confirmation.

Fish tanks require significant preparation. The fish need to be transported separately in oxygenated bags or containers. The tank must be completely drained and dried, and the stand disassembled. Large tanks should be moved by professionals with proper padding and support — a full tank is one of the heaviest items in any home and one of the easiest to crack.

A long carry fee may apply if the crew has to carry items a significant distance from the truck to the entrance. To avoid this, confirm parking access at both locations before moving day and, if needed, arrange for a parking permit or reserved space on the street. Let your coordinator know about any access challenges in advance.

If you’re short on time, have a lot of fragile items, or simply want to reduce the stress of the move, a professional packing service is worth the cost. Crews pack faster and more efficiently than most people expect, and items packed professionally are better protected in transit. For a straightforward move with mostly non-fragile items, self-packing is a reasonable option.

Most moving companies won’t transport live plants due to the risk of pests, soil spillage, and sensitivity to temperature changes in the truck. If you’re moving locally, transport plants in your own vehicle and avoid placing them in direct sun or a hot trunk. For a long-distance move, consider giving plants to a neighbor or friend rather than attempting to transport them.

Wardrobe boxes are the most efficient solution — your clothes hang inside just as they do in the closet and arrive ready to transfer directly. For folded items, leave them in dresser drawers if the dresser is light enough, or pack them flat in standard boxes. Vacuum storage bags are a good option for bulky winter clothing.

Antiques and irreplaceable pieces should always be flagged before moving day so the crew can bring appropriate packing materials and assign experienced handlers. Custom crating may be recommended for particularly fragile or high-value pieces. Consider carrying the most irreplaceable items — family heirlooms, documents, jewelry — in your own vehicle rather than putting them on the truck.

Mid-week moves — Tuesday through Thursday — typically offer better crew availability, more flexible scheduling, and occasionally lower rates compared to weekends. Moving companies are busiest on Fridays, Saturdays, and the first and last days of the month when leases most commonly turn over.

A one-bedroom apartment with a two-person crew usually takes two to four hours. A three-bedroom house with a four-person crew typically runs five to eight hours, depending on how far the truck has to travel, how much packing is involved, and how accessible both locations are. Your coordinator can give you a more specific estimate based on your actual inventory.

Confirm your booking the day before and double-check parking arrangements at both addresses. Make sure all boxes are sealed and labeled, furniture is ready to be moved, and any items you’re not moving are clearly set aside. Have payment ready and keep a copy of your estimate handy so you can reference it if any questions come up during the job.

Standard moving crews don’t transport personal vehicles on a residential truck. If you need a car or motorcycle moved, that requires a separate auto transport service. We can refer you to a trusted carrier if needed — just ask when you book so we can point you in the right direction ahead of time.

Walk through every room as items are being placed and inspect furniture and boxes before the crew leaves. Note any visible damage on the delivery paperwork before signing. For concealed damage discovered after unpacking, report it in writing within 48 hours. Taking photos of high-value items before the move gives you clear documentation if a claim becomes necessary.