Moving FAQs

The best time to move generally is the summer. Summer is the busiest season for movers though. Most people choose to relocate in the summer because of the favorable weather conditions. According to AMSA, some 32 million Americans relocate in the summer alone. Thus, imagine that the moving companies get extremely busy and if you don’t schedule your move in advance you may find yourself moving on your own. Consider moving in off peak season. Off peak season is usually the winter and late fall months. In the DC Metro area many top rated moving companies will book up as far as 4 weeks in advance! Start your search early and confirm that you are actually on their schedule. 

This is one of the most frequently asked moving questions. Often you don’t know when exactly you will move and you can’t schedule your move far in advance. It is best though if you can start contacting movers at least a month in advance. The earlier the better because then you will have a good idea of the lead time for each company you reach out to. In the winter months many companies will be booked about 2-3 weeks in advance. In the busy summer season expect your preferred mover to be scheduled out 4-6 weeks in advance so start checking early! 

An estimate is an educated guess of the approximate cost of your moving. This educated guess is based on your inventory, the movers’ rates and their experience performing the same type of moves – local or long distance. It is best that you get at least three moving cost estimates because that way you can compare moving companies and services rates to find the company that will best fit your particular move needs.

You can easily check if your movers are licensed and insured. This information should be available on the movers’ website, advertising materials and trucks. Whenever you call a mover, you can ask them for their DOT and MC license numbers and then verify them with the Department of Transportation and the local authority. If they are licensed, by law they have to offer limited liability protection. Many movers offer additional coverage as well or can refer to agents they work with if you need full coverage for your belongings. If you are moving interstate, ask the movers if they can do an in-home or virtual estimate.

Every move is strictly individual and the time to complete it varies a lot. The time to complete a moving job depends on the size of your home, the level of preparation and the distance traveled. If you are moving a one bedroom, it may take up to three hours to pack, load and move locally. If you are moving long distance, depending on the size of your home packing and loading will vary and it may take up to two weeks to deliver. So, the time required to move your home will depends greatly on the type of your move and the size of your home. There are some factors like the distance from your front door to the moving truck that can additionally increase the moving time for local moves.

This question again depends on the size of your move and the moving services you require. The best way to see how much your moving will cost is to get a free estimate. All movers offer free online or over the phone estimates. For local move you can even get an in-house estimate, which will give you the most accurate assessment. Thus, begin by contacting movers and be sure to tell them about every little piece intended for moving.
Getting an accurate moving estimate from us is a simple as entering your contact information and a professional move coordinator will reach out to review the details with you and provide an estimate in the same call.

Question for movers about how and when to pay are some of the most important for many of us. Moving is not cheap service and thus you have to be aware of the moving charges. The moving company you end up hiring will give you all the details on how you can pay and if they require deposit. Most reliable moving companies accept most credit cards, money orders or bank checks. Usually there is an initial charge (moving deposit) when you book your move and then once your move is complete the balance will be due. Don’t assume your move is reserved when you have an estimate, make sure to confirm your move with your coordinator and review any final details like start times and elevator reservations.

The moving company should provide all information you need. First the movers should answer all your moving related questions and those of them which are truly professional will go even beyond and provide personalized moving tips. Then, upon booking they must provide you with your final estimation and confirmation of your moving date and time in writing.

You should ask questions about everything you do not understand. For instance most movers consider packing to be the boxing of your individual items for transport, and wrapping would refer to covering of furniture with moving pads and shrink wrap on move day. If you receive multiple estimates from the same company, ask about the differences, is one a packing day? Is valuation coverage the same as insurance? Reputable companies will be happy to explain their process to you in full to ensure you know what and how they will conduct your move. Remember that movers should give you peace of mind leading up to the big day and all through out your move process!