The purpose of this page will be to address a few of the most often asked questions pertaining to the moving and storage process. After reading below, if your question has not been answered, you may continue browsing our blog, or you may contact us directly. We hope you find this list to be of interest.

1) When should I contact a moving company?

You should begin contacting moving companies, and scheduling appointments, approximately 6 weeks before your scheduled move date. This will give you sufficient time to meet with several companies and choose between them. The more time you give, the more likely your preferred pick up and delivery dates will be available.

Note, if your dates are crucial due to such factors as a real estate closing, for example, then you should contact a moving company well in advance, and make this one of the first points you mention.

2) What is an estimate, and why do I need one?

One of our trained employees will visit your home and survey the goods you are proposing to move.  This survey will determine the approximate cost of your relocation and how much van space your goods will occupy. Once this information is gathered then the salesperson will be able to provide you with a written estimate for the moving charges. Thus, the estimate will detail the goods to be shipped and the cost. It will also act as a binding contract between you and the carrier.

Note, accurate estimates require an in-home visit so that the company can fully see and itemize the goods to be shipped. All moving company estimates are free of charge.

3) Is there a best time of year to relocate?

Traditionally, the summer months are the busiest of the year. As a result, your travel dates are somewhat longer and the prices will tend to be higher. However, you ought to move when it is convenient for you. Take into consideration the following factors when deciding:

• whether the move should be done immediately
• relocating during the school year
• separating family while moving

If your dates are flexible then it is more likely you will be able to schedule a time when vans and personnel are more readily available. This can result in reduced travel time for your shipment.

4) How long does the moving process take?

First, it generally takes 1-3 days to pack and load your shipment into the truck. After this, several factors will determine the time it takes your goods to reach their destination. The time of year,  the weight of your shipment and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling will affect the transit time. Generally speaking, interstate moves can take one to three weeks, with the largest factor often being the distance traveled.

Note, the goods from an average house will not usually fill a van. As a result, it is necessary for two or more shipments to be loaded onto the same truck. Do not worry though, each shipment is carefully sectioned off from the others and detailed inventories are taken.

5) What does it mean for a moving company to be licensed, insured, bonded etc?

When somebody speaks of these things in reference to a moving company they are often discussing one of two things. First, a moving company is more accurately described as being registered to move household goods. For instance, almost all moving companies are agents for larger van lines. These larger van lines have acquired permission from the Department of Transportation (DOT) to haul household goods amongst all 50 states.

Second, some moving companies are not registered with the DOT. Rather, they are licensed with the state, and can only provide local and intrastate services. They are not allowed to move your goods across state lines. These are the two ways in which companies are registered with the government to provide moving services.

5) What determines the cost of my move?

To begin, we recommend you always obtain a binding quote. This way you will know the cost of your move right away, and will not have to worry about any changes in price. If you choose to sign a standard estimate, however, then the precise cost of your move cannot be determined until after your shipment has been loaded onto the truck. The cost of transporting your goods is determined by your shipments weight and the distance traveled. The total cost will then include local and state taxes, a fuel surcharge mandated by congress, and any additional services you have requested such as packing.