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Frequently Asked Moving Questions, Tips & Information
Q: What can I do to keep moving costs down during my move?
A: If you're engaging professional movers, you should mention your cost
concerns during your initial call with a sales person. 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 you 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. Additionally, your Sales Consultant can
provide advice on other cost-saving measures, including efficient preparation in
advance of move day.
Q: Can I keep moving costs down by having a family member or friend help with the move?
A: Many people enlist friends and family to help keep move cost down. While
this is 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 move day,
you should let the professionals handle the job entirely - they are highly trained
and therefore best suited to carry the weight and negotiate the difficult access
ways. Remember that you're paying your moving crew by the hour, 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 original home, then to your destination, and back again to the moving
company's home base. Some customers are surprised by the extent of the drive
time costs, which result 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.
Pricing for an interstate move is handled one of two ways. Once we have
assessed your inventory of furniture and other belongings and identified an
appropriate timeframe for delivery, we are happy to provide a binding price
for your move. With a binding price you have the security of knowing the
exact cost of your move, up front. Alternately, you may choose a non-binding,
weight-based estimate of your move. Using this method, your moving coordinator
will assess your goods, estimate their total weight, and provide you with an
estimated price based on that weight. On move day, your shipment is weighed
once it is loaded on the truck and your final charges based on the actual weight,
which might be slightly lower or slightly higher than the estimate. Please discuss
which pricing method is a better fit for your move.
For more moving estimate information see our
Moving Estimate page.
Q: Is labor the only moving cost I will experience?
A: Labor represents the majority of the moving expense. 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. Gentle
Giant prefers to take special precautions with delicate or oversized pieces, such
as plasma televisions and chandeliers. This type of item is typically custom-crated,
which will incur an additional fee. Your Move Coordinator can advise you on these
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 your sales person, both parties will be fully aware of 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 Sales Consultant for accuracy.
Neglecting to mention an ancillary piece of the move at the time of the estimate
does not mean that 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 offer your moving crew a
gratuity. While there is no set amount expected, we recommend you tip based on how
well you feel your crew performs. If you have additional questions, please speak
with your Move Coordinator at the time of your move confirmation.
Q: If I've hired the "professionals," is there any point in purchasing valuation?
A: Although Gentle Giant takes every precaution on a move, damage can occur
and it is important to make sure that your shipment is protected. We recommend first
checking with 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 from your moving company. Your Move Coordinator 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 of the 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. The best way to
ensure their physical and emotional safety during the move is to secure them at a
neighbor or friend's home, or 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 arrange a 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 a 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 several 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: Gentle Giant understands that the challenges of packing and moving are
often amplified by the unpredictable timeframes of construction or renovation.
First and foremost, it is critical to inform your move coordinator 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 occurring. If it is necessary to keep a move schedule
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 may apply your deposit towards a new date.
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 prior to your move is time well spent. Keep in mind that it
isn't worth paying the movers to move items that you're only going to 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 won't fit in my new home. Should
I store them?
A: Discuss this with your Move Coordinator. In general, storage is appropriate
when you have a plan for the future of your items. If your items don't fit in your
new home but you are only living there only for a finite period and then have
plans to move to a larger home, storage may be appropriate. Or, if your items are
high-value, you may 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 of 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'll 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 red; living room: blue,
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. See
www.boxxpress.com/packing.htm for more information.
Q: Should I pack my breakables?
A: Many people feel that they should move their 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 experience day in and
day out 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 on a move,
they will be covered as long as you have purchased valuation and that the movers have
packed the items in question.
Q: I've got a lot of paperwork in my home office. Do I need to empty out my
filing cabinets?
A: When the cabinets are made of metal, 2-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. All drawers need to be
emptied in wood cabinets.
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, and washing machine are empty. Additionally, movers are not
electricians or plumbers - you need to arrange for the appropriate professional
to disconnect your washer, chandeliers, and refrigerator from any electric and/or
water connection. 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 the time in the moving truck. Plants cannot
be stored. If you are moving overseas, please note that most countries will
not allow the import of agricultural items.
Q: What should I do with hazardous items?
A: Even professional movers can not 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 explode or catch on fire, risking
enormous damage to the rest of your items. It may be better to dispose of such
dangerous items than to try and move them to your new home. Additionally, be
certain to empty the fuel out of any gas-operated items (such as a lawnmower 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 stay 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 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 coordinator if you or the movers will
be packing your kitchen. Based on the agreement you have arranged, either have
your 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 plates or
dining out for the final few days leading 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 haven't finished packing by my scheduled move day?
A: It's very 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 than you think you'll
need for packing. Convenient delivery of high-quality packing supplies from
Box Xpress
is a great way to start your move preparation efficiently.
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 move coordinator as soon as
possible. He or she can work with you to make the best possible "plan b" for packing.
This may mean having a Gentle Giant crew finish up your packing or,
if you have the flexibility, pushing back your move date in order to allow more
time to pack. If you have a only a small quantity of items left to pack, your
crew can often 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 crewmembers 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, 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've got 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, any time that they spend eating lunch will be deducted from your
bill. As for providing lunch, it is certainly not required, though it is very much
appreciated by the crews. Having the crew stay in your home for lunch may also make
for a slightly shorter move day, as they will be able to eliminate time getting to
and from a local restaurant.
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 knickknacks, photos, CD collections, books, spare clothes, etc., will
take up. If in doubt, you may wish to consult with 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 a
fee imposed by the management of the waste disposal location.
Q: Can my movers clean my home while after the move?
A: While moving companies may vary, at Gentle Giant we clean up any clutter
we make during the moving process, but we do not do general house cleaning. This is
largely because we charge rates commensurate with our moving experience and, therefore,
feel that you could find a better value elsewhere for 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 are prepared to move during rain, sleet, or snow. They 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 the time
it takes to remove such obstacles.
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