Why Should I Hire a Moving Company?
By hiring a professional moving company, like Triangle Movers, it can save you time and stress of having to worry about getting your items moved into your new home safely, and without loss of items or damage. Our professional moving team takes care of everything from start to finish, quickly and safely, plus we are fully licensed and insured.
What is the Difference Between a Moving Broker and a Moving Company?
A moving broker is someone who does not have trucks or movers of their own but instead arranges to book your move and works with an actual moving company to carry out the job. A moving company has actual moving trucks and movers of their own and will work directly with you throughout the entire process.
What is the Difference Between Local Moving and Long-Distance Moving?
You will see that every moving company talks about local moving and long-distance moving. Many people see or hear this and assume that it simply means how long your move is. However, local and long-distance moving can really be broken up into in-state moving and out-of-state moving. A move is local until you cross state lines once you do it becomes a long-distance move.
Do Movers Pack for You?
This will depend on what you want. Any established, full-service moving company will offer both packing and unpacking services. While this will cost a little more money, you will save time while resting assured that your items are taken care of as they are packed by experts with all of the right packing supplies.
Be sure to ask if your moving company’s packing services are tailorable. It is good to have the option of having just some of your belongings packed, such as larger or more difficult-to-pack items. A reputable moving company works with you.
Are There Items Moving Companies Can’t Move?
There are certain items that cannot be moved in moving trucks for safety and liability reasons. Those items include:
- Adhesives (glue, cement, etc.)
- Auto Batteries (not being used in a vehicle)
- Combustible Liquids (Rubbing Alcohol, Antifreeze, Cleaning Materials, etc.)
- Corrosive Liquids (Acid, Bleach, Weed Killer, etc.)
- Explosives (Fireworks, Ammunition, Dynamite, etc.)
- Firestarters (Matches, Lighters, Lighter Fluid, Flares, etc.)
- Flammables (Aerosol Cans, Gasoline, Kerosene, Ammonia, Propane, Fuel, etc.)
- Food Items (Anything Perishable, Subject to Freezing, Non-Perishable Food Items Sold in a Bag or Box, etc.)
- Gases (Unpurged Scuba Diving Tanks, Welding Gases, etc.)
- Painting Supplies (Paint Thinners, Paint Removers, Stain, Laquer, Varnish, Black Powder, Primers, etc.)
- Plants (Live Plants, House Plants, Soil, etc.)
- Valuables (Jewelry, Currency, Stocks, Collectables such as Stamps and Coins, etc.)
What Should I Do with My Jewelry and Other Valuable Items?
Any valuable items and important documents should be packed and moved by you personally. These items include:
- Important Documents (Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, Passports, Mortgage Papers, etc.)
- Laptops and Portable Electronics
- Medications
- Jewelry
- Money
Where Can I Get Packing Supplies?
From belts to bubble wrap to dollies, moving blankets, moving boxes, and totes, there are a lot of packing supplies needed for a safe move. Be sure to start getting these items together early on if you are packing yourself.
First, check to see if your friends and family have any supplies left over from a recent move. After this, check in with your movers. They typically will sell all of the packing supplies you could need at a great price or will include them with your move.
What is Moving Valuation?
Moving valuation is coverage for your belongings that financially protects them when lost or damaged. Most moving companies offer different levels of valuation and some offer separate liability coverage. All established movers will offer a level of free valuation, and then you can pay for extra protection. That cost will be based on the weight and value of your items. Speak with your moving representative to learn more about moving valuation, or insurance.
How Does Moving Valuation Work?
There are three levels of valuation. The basic plan is typically called “Release Rate Liability” or “Limited Liability Coverage.” The federal government requires all moving companies to provide this basic level of valuation at no additional charge. If any of your items are broken or lost under this plan, the moving company will pay you 60 cents per pound for each item, which is generally a fraction of what your item’s value is.
You can also get “Full-Value Coverage,” which means that, if your belongings are lost or damaged, the moving company will repair, replace, or reimburse you at fair market value for each item damaged or lost.
Lastly, you will be able to mark your items on a “High-Value Inventory” list. All items that are valued at over $100 per pound must be on this list. This can be anything from jewelry to art to antiques and more.
Is There a Difference Between a Quote and an Estimate?
Simply put, a quote is an exact price for a job set by the mover, while an estimate is the mover’s best guess as to how much it will cost, subject to change. A quote is set in stone, unless there is a variation to your contract, which would include extra work or a change in the scope of a job. There is no such thing as a binding estimate, your contractor can change the price for a variety of reasons.
Do I Have to Get My Quote In Person?
No! As virtual options have become more popular, moving companies have followed suit. Any top moving company will allow remote options for your quote survey.
Now, when looking for virtual options, remember how important it is to have a good, thorough walk-through. There are some moving companies who will offer “instant quotes” or quotes over the phone. These should be considered as a “ballpark” estimate to be finished up later. Instead, look for an option over video chat where the moving representative sees your house and the items to be moved via their cell phone.
How Do I Know Which Movers Are Trustworthy?
With how big the moving industry is, it can be pretty difficult to determine who the best moving company is for you. Here are some of the key things to look for when researching a moving company:
- Badges: Look to see if they have any certifications or if they are accredited by the BBB. These will also show you if they have won any awards for top service.
- Experience: You may want to avoid movers that are relatively new. Experience is key to a good move. This could be listed anywhere on the site, but the most surefire location is in their About Us page.
- Reviews: Find online reviews. If a moving company has less than a 4-star average rating on their Google Reviews, there is most likely an issue there.
- Family-Owned and Operated: This is always a big plus. Not only will this help you avoid shady moving companies, but it will also help you avoid ones that are too big to genuinely care about your move.
The only way to know for sure is to do in-depth research. As you narrow down your list, look more and more into these aspects of the company to find the best one for you.
Is Triangle Movers Properly Licensed and Insured?
Yes, our moving company is fully licensed and insured. For example, our licensing numbers are USDOT 1125320, NYSDOT 33402 and Stevens Worldwide Van Lines DOT 70719. We are also fully insured, providing general liability and workers comp.
Can I Store My Items During a Move?
Yes! Your moving company will be happy to take your items to their warehouse storage. To make storing your belongings easy, look for a full-service moving company that provides warehouse storage with climate control and 24/7 surveillance.
With warehouse storage, your movers will pack up your items, load them up in their truck, store them in their warehouse, then deliver it to your new home when you’re ready. In fact, for those with a full house, storage can be even easier with On-Demand Storage options.
When Is the Best Time of Year to Move?
There isn’t a true answer to this. There are distinct seasons, but you have to decide which is best for you.
The first is summer. This is the busiest season. But there’s a reason it’s so busy. For families with kids, this is when school is out and they have more time. For everyone else, this is when the weather is at its best. There also aren’t any major holidays to work around.
While summer is a great time to move, it’s super busy. You’ll have to schedule your move in advance and the price could be higher. Planning for a winter move means a simpler moving process.
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Move?
It depends. Factors such as time of year, weather, the size of your shipment, and the direction and distance you are moving affect the schedule. If you are moving locally, Triangle Movers will work with you to determine a schedule based on your needs and our availability. For out-of-state moves, a centralized dispatching system is used to schedule pickup and delivery dates according to your desired timeframe and the availability of moving professionals at your destination.
How Far in Advance Should I Call a Moving Company?
It’s never too soon. The more notice you give, the more likely Triangle Movers will be able to meet your preferred dates. It is smart to give Triangle Movers four to six weeks advance notice, if possible.
How Much Will My Move Cost?
The cost of your move depends on the weight of your belongings, the amount of belonging you need to be moved, and the distance they will travel. The total price may also include any charges related to paid valuation plans, and additional services, such as packing and unpacking performed by Triangle Movers at your request. These charges are based on tariff rate schedules.
What is a Tariff?
A tariff is the “price list” used by moving companies that provide interstate transportation of household goods. The list includes all of the various services offered by the company and is on file with the Interstate Commerce Commission. Triangle Movers has copies of the tariff available upon request.
How and When Should I Pay the Moving Company?
Tariff regulations require that charges be paid in cash, credit card, money order, cashier’s check or traveler’s check before your shipment is unloaded at your destination. Unfortunately, the van operator cannot accept a personal check. This payment rule applies to both regular and binding estimates.
Have any other questions?
Didn’t see the answer to your question or questions here? Here at Triangle Movers, we put our 35 years of experience into every move. All you have to do to reach a friendly representative who is eager to answer your questions is call (845) 566-0288 or fill out our quick contact form.