Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What can I do to keep moving costs down during my move?

A. Mention your cost concerns when contacting Professional Movers. Similar to airlines or hotels, most moving companies have a sliding scale of prices that reflect supply and demand on a particular day. Generally, the summer months are the busiest. Saturdays and the beginning and end of each month are busy year-round. Monday through Thursday, in the middle weeks of the month, tend to be less busy and therefore less expensive. Flexibility with your move date or an overlap between when you need to be out of your old home and are able to get into your new home can both allow you to get the best value. Additional, your moving consultant can provide advice on other cost-saving measures, including efficient preparation prior to move day.

Q. Can I keep moving costs down by having a family member or friend help with the move?

A. Many people have friends and family help to keep moving costs down. While this a good solution for certain situations, if items are damaged during the move, it’s generally difficult to get an insurance carrier to replace them. If you choose to hire Professional Movers, your friends and family can be most helpful in preparing for the move – packing boxes, shoveling a pathway in the snow between the moving truck and the door, or caring for your pets or children. On the day of the move, you should let the professionals handle the job entirely – they are highly trained and therefore best suited to carry the weight and maneuver the difficult access ways. Remember that you are paying your moving crew either by the hour or a flat rate, and generally speaking, having non-professionals on the job alongside them slows things down and costs you more in the long run.

Q. How is the cost estimate determined for a move?

A. Most moving companies base their estimates for local moves on an hourly rate, which includes drive time on each leg of the move: from the moving company to your place or origin of the move, then to your destination and back again to the moving company’s base. Some customers are surprised by the extent of the drive time costs, which results from the fact that moving trucks can not travel as fast as passenger cars on the highway, and are often excluded from non-truck routes, resulting in longer trip mileage and travel time.

Professional Movers offers moving services on both hourly and flat rates.

Q. Is labor the only moving cost I will experience?

A. Labor represents majority of the moving experience. However, you should also budget for packing supplies, such as boxes and tape, and for additional valuation as needed. These costs can represent as much as 20% of the cost of labor. Professional Movers prefers to take special precautions with delicate or over-sized pieces, such as plasma televisions and artwork. This type of item is typically custom-crated, which will incur an additional fee. Your moving consultant can advise you on these services and additional questions you may have regarding costs associated with your move.

Q. Are there any unexpected moving costs I should be aware of?

A. Unexpected moving costs often result from a breakdown in communication between the customer and the moving company. Rushing through the initial booking process can be detrimental to the success of a move. By taking the time up front to talk to our moving consultant, both parties will be fully away for the specific circumstances they will find on moving day. For example, if you have remodeled your house since moving in, some of the furniture that went in originally may not come out the same way, and may require additional labor or equipment. Similarly, if you have assembled furniture within your home since moving in, special considerations will need to be made to move it out.

Q. How accurate will the cost estimate for my move be?

A. The best way to ensure that your move comes in on-target with your estimate is to offer as much information as possible at the time of the estimate – this includes reviewing the inventory taken by the moving consultant for accuracy. Neglecting to mention an ancillary piece of the move at the time of the estimate does not mean your move will cost less, but rather that your moving crew will be less prepared to do it. They may show up with too few movers or trucks for what the situation requires, which may, in the end escalate costs.

Q. Should I tip my movers?

A. As in other service industries, you may wish to thank your moving crew for a job well done by offering a gratuity. While the crew does not expect a set amount, we suggest that you tip based on your satisfaction with your crew and the move overall; with the general guideline of $5 per man, per hour. If you feel that your crew went about and beyond in their efforts, you may certainly increase the amount accordingly. When tipping, please be aware that whatever amount you offer will be divided evenly among all movers and packers who worked on your move. You may give the entire tip to your Crew Chief, who will later disperse it to the crew. Should you have additional questions or concerns regarding tipping, your moving consultant can provide assistance.

Q. If I have hired the professionals, is there any point in purchasing valuation?

A. Although Professional Movers , takes every precaution on a move, damage can occur and it is important to make sure your shipment is protected. We recommend first checking wit your homeowner’s policy. If your insurance provider does not cover items while in transit or in someone else’s vehicle, or if they only cover against major disasters versus minor damage to individual items, you should consider purchasing valuation coverage. Your moving consultant can help you make a decision about the appropriate type of moving insurance coverage for your move.

Q. Can the kids hang out and watch the move?

A. We recognize that the moving process fascinates children, but for their own safety, we recommend that they stay with family or friends on moving day. If you do prefer to have them present, be prepared to supervise them carefully to ensure their safety during an often-frenzied day..

Q. Can the movers transport my pets?

A. Unfortunately, there is no safe place in the moving truck for pets to ride. They cannot be transported in the cab for liability reasons and the box truck is inappropriate due to lack of climate control and the danger posed by potential shifting of heavy objects. Move day is traumatic for most pets. They best way to ensure their physical and emotional safety during the move is to secure them at a neighbor or friend’s home, on in a professional kennel if necessary.

Q. I’m having difficulty arranging transportation on moving day. Can I ride in the cab of the moving truck with my movers?

A. Unfortunately, most professional moving companies cannot transport customers for liability reasons. You may wish to ride with a friend or a cab service on move day.

Q. I think my home will close by the first of the month and would like to move as soon as possible thereafter. Can I move that same day?

A. Because a complicated process such as home closure or completion of construction is often delayed due to unforeseen variables, we don’t recommend scheduling your move for the same day. Save yourself the stress and schedule your move date for a few days after your closing date. Consider booking your move 5-7 days after the estimated time your new home should be available.

Q. Our new home is still undergoing construction. Can we still move in?

A. Professional Movers understands that the challenges of packing and moving are often amplified by the unpredictable time frames of construction or renovation. First and foremost, it is critical to inform your moving consultant as soon as possible of any situation that may affect your move. While our crews are highly adept at taking optimal precautions for care of new floors, walls, etc., a move can be significantly more difficult for all involved if there is wet paint or construction still actively taking place. If it is necessary to keep a move scheduled for a particular date, we can effectively work with your needs by grouping boxes in one room or bringing some pieces into storage until your home is ready. If you prefer to reschedule your move, we can work to accommodate your new schedule.

Q. I want to do some packing and moving of small items before the movers arrive. What areas would be most helpful?

A. Focus on packing, not moving. You’ll be amazed how quickly many helping hands – either professional movers or your friends – can carry all of your boxes. Don’t spend time trying to move these items yourself. Rather, focus on packing boxes, so when the help arrives, you’re ready. You should prioritize your preparation into three areas:

Sorting and disposing of unneeded items through garage sales, donations to charitable organizations or give-aways to friends and family. While it may be time-consuming, getting rid of items that you are only going throw away later.
Pack non-breakables and areas that you don’t use often, such as basements, garages and attics.
If you have time remaining to move some items yourself, focus on plants, pictures, collectibles and highly sentimental items.

Q. I have some items I’d like to keep, but they wont fit in my new home. Should I store them?

A. Discuss this with your moving consultant. In general, storage is inappropriate when you have a plan for the future of your items. If your items don’t fit in you new home but you are living there only for a finite period and then planning to move to a larger home, storage may be appropriate, or, if your items are of high-value, and you wish to store them. If your items are older or less valuable, consider the monthly cost of storage versus the replacement cost of the items. It may be more cost effective to donate or discard them now.

Q. I’m on a limited budget, and can only afford to hire professional movers for a portion of my move. What should I ask them to do?

A. You will want the movers to carry heavier, larger items such as bureaus, desks, and sofas. Also, should any items need to be hoisted into or out of your home, it is essential to leave that to trained movers versus risking serious injury to yourself. We also recommend that you have the movers pack fragile items such as china and artwork.

Q. What can I do to ensure that my belongings end up in the correct room?

A. Pick a labeling system and use it consistently. You can either color code your belongings based on the rooms at your destination (bedroom blue; living room green, etc.) or label the boxes with consistent shorthand to denote their location (DR for dining room, MBR for master bedroom, etc.). If possible, boxes should be labeled on 3 sides.

Q. Should I pack my breakables?

A. Many people feel that they should move their own breakables and heirlooms themselves. However, if you’ve chosen to hire professionals, let them do what they do best, including assuming the liabilities associated with heavy lifting, negotiating stairs, and maneuvering fragile items. The moving crew has daily experience packing delicate items such as crystal and collectibles. Also, insurance providers to the moving industry will only cover boxes packed by the moving company, not the customer. In a worst-case scenario in which your valuables break during a move, they will be covered as long as you have purchase valuation and that the movers have packed the items in question.

Q. I have a lot of paperwork in my home office. Do I need to empty out my filing cabinets?

A. All drawers of metal and wood filing cabinets need to be completely emptied.

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

A. The moving crew will wrap these items in moving blankets to protect them on the truck. However, you should make certain that your dishwasher, microwave, fridge, freezer and washing machine are empty. Additionally, movers are not electricians or plumbers – you need to arrange for the appropriate professionals to disconnect your washer, dryer, chandeliers and refrigerator from any electric/and or water connections. Most importantly, movers are not licensed to disconnect gas.

Q. What should I do with my household plants and garden shrubs?

A. Such items can be moved if properly packed, but Professional Movers cannot ensure the safe transport of live plants, which can be traumatized by motion, temperature extremes, or time in the moving truck. Plants cannot be stored or taken on interstate moves. If you are moving overseas, please not that most countries will not all import of agricultural items.

Q. What should I do with hazardous items?

A. Even Professional Movers cannot move hazardous or combustible items such as propane tanks, firearms, paint, and aerosols, as the pressure in the back of the truck could cause these items to explore or catch on fire, risking enormous danger to the rest of your items. It may be better to dispose any dangerous items than to try and them to your new home. Additionally, be certain to empty the fuel of any gas-operated items such as lawn mower or snow blower prior to moving.

Q. How will the movers know what items to take and what to leave behind?

A. Keeping the lines of communication open with your moving crew is critical during both the packing and moving process. If you have some items that should say behind at your old home and some that go to your new home, you must clearly mark which is which. In order to avoid inadvertently leaving something behind or discarding a valuable item, your moving crew will move all items in your new home, unless instructed otherwise. It is your responsibility to walk through your old home and do a final check for any overlooked items before the moving truck departs for your new home.

Q. What should I do with last-minute kitchen items?

A. Decide up front with your moving consultant if you or the movers will be packing your kitchen. Based on the agreement you have arranged, either your have kitchen packed before their arrival or have items neatly stored in cabinets if the crew is packing for you. This may necessitate eating off paper plated or dining out for final few days up to your move.

Q. What should I do with the food in my refrigerator and other perishables?

A. Arrange for a cooler to transport such items. Your refrigerator cannot be moved with food in it.

Q. What if I have not finished packing by my scheduled move day?

A. It’s vey common to underestimate the volume of items that need to be packed for a move. Frequently, people simply overlook many of their possessions until it is time to dig into the far reaches of the basement, attic, or garage. Other times, you may anticipate having more time available to pack or more helping hands than is the actuality. For the above reasons, we strongly recommend following an organized packing plan and leaving significantly more time that you think you will need for packing and boxing items. If your move day is rapidly approaching and it becomes clear that you will not be fully packed, it is critical that you inform your moving consultant as soon as possible so Professional Movers can work with you to make the best possible plan-b for packing. This may mean having a Professional Movers crew finish up your packing or, if you have the flexibility pushing forward your move date in order to allow more time to pack. If you have only a small quantity of items left to pack, your crew can complete this on move 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.

Q. Can the crew arrange the furniture to my liking in my new home?

A. Absolutely. However, please remember that on local moves you are charged by the hour unless you are paying the flat rate, so a significant amount of time spent rearranging the furniture will add to the total cost of the move. Having a plan in mind before arriving at your new home can save time and money.

Q. I have a few prized possessions that I want treated with extra-special care. How can I guarantee this?

A. For your own peace of mind, you should consider moving jewelry and other small valuables yourself in your personal vehicle. As for larger valuables, point these items out to your moving crew. Awareness breeds care and you should feel confident that your movers will pay special attention to any items you have designated as having high monetary or sentimental value. Most moving companies will have some variation of a high value declaration form and will request that you itemize all precious items to ensure that they receive VIP attention and that, in the event of breakage, the crew is aware of their value. Completing these forms up front will also streamline any claims you may have following the move.

Q. If I have items that I absolutely need on move day, should I point them out to my crew?

A. You may wish to transport essentials that will be needed immediately (such as medication, cosmetics, toiletries, a change of clothing, bed linens, towels, and toilet paper) in your personal vehicle. Alternatively, mark these boxes and draw them to the crew’s attention, giving them specific instructions as to where to place the boxes in your new home.

Q. Do the movers take time off for lunch? Do I need to provide lunch for them?

A. Moving is a physically taxing job and the crew needs time to eat during the day. On a local move, they will often grab a quick bite to eat en-route to your new home. As for providing lunch, it is certainly not required, though it is very much appreciated by the crew. Having the crew stay in your home for lunch may also make for a slightly shorter move day.

Q. I’m scaling down to a smaller home. I know my furniture will fit. Does that mean I’m all set?

A. Unfortunately, possibly not. Many people overlook the space that smaller items such as kick knacks, photos, CD collections, books, spare clothes, etc. will take up. If in doubt, you may wish to consult an architect, interior decorator, or a professional organizer with experience in evaluating space.

Q. Can the moving company dispose of excess trash?

A. Yes, but there is a charge for items taken to the waste disposal location, which includes the labor involved in driving to and from the location as well as fee imposed by the management of the waste disposal location.

Q. Can my movers clean my home after the move?

A. While moving companies may vary, at Professional Movers we clean up clutter we make during the moving process, and if requested we can perform general house cleaning. Ask one of our moving consultants with pricing for in house cleaning services.

Q. Is it possible to move during inclement weather?

A. While it may be more pleasurable to move on a warm, sunny day, Professional Movers is 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 that you shovel or rake or otherwise clear the access ways in preparation for their arrival, rather than paying your moving crew for this time it takes to remove such obstacles.

Q. Do I need to be there for the entire move?

A. You or a representative on your behalf needs to be available for the entire move. Often times questions come up that the movers need someone available to answer. They will also need someone to verify that everything that needs to be moved is loaded and unloaded.

Q. Do I need to empty out drawers?

A. In most cases, clothes can be left in drawers. However, limit it to clothes only. Overly large dressers and armoires should be completely empty. Standard 2 drawer file cabinets can be left full. Standard file cabinets larger than 2 drawers should have all drawers above the bottom 2 drawers emptied. Lateral and fireproof cabinets should be empty. All other furniture should be emptied.

Q. Can the movers disconnect and reconnect gas and water lines?

A. We recommend gas technicians for gas lines. Due to rust and corrosion we prefer to stay away from water lines. We can assist with a signed liability waiver.

Q. Will the movers disassemble and reassemble furniture?

A. Certainly. Just inform your moving consultant of what you are wanting disassembled and reassembled and we will include that in our moving price. They are some exclusions such as ready to assemble furniture, pool tables, and some home gyms. We can refer you to well qualified companies if we can’t help.

Q. How many men will I get for my move?

A. Every move is different. Our moving consultant will guide and align a crew of movers and trucks catered specifically to each move.

Q. How much time does an-in-home estimate usually require?

A. Usually an-in-home visit requires between ½ hour to an hour of your time.

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