faq about moving
Timing is key. In response to many FAQs for our moving company, it is still best to arrange your move within 4-6 weeks so that it allows your moving company to have as much lead time as possible to meet delivery dates. If a pick-up and delivery date is determined based upon lease expiration or closing dates, there may be extra costs for specific dates, expedited service or guaranteed deliveries.
MiniMoves provides over the phone pre-move surveys and binding estimates to determine the cost of your move based upon the items and services discussed during the estimation process. Keep in mind that an estimate is only as good as the information provided. If the information is vague, the estimate will only be a guideline for moving cost.
Local moves are calculated on an hourly basis with a minimum hourly requirement.
What is a binding estimate? A binding estimate or binding cost of service specifies in advance the precise cost of the move based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the estimate. If additional services are requested or required at origin or destination (such as a “shuttle” from a location to which a full-size van cannot operate directly), the total moving cost will increase. Binding estimates are valid for the time period specified, up to 30 days.
If you add items to be moved or require additional moving company services, such as packing, between the time of the estimate and the time of your move, there will be additional charges. An addendum specifying these additional charges will be prepared for your signature.
Yes, you are protected but the amount of “protection” or valuation coverage is contingent upon the option chosen on the household goods bill of lading.
Full replacement value protection: if an item is lost, destroyed, or damaged while in transit with MiniMoves; MiniMoves will either repair the damaged article to the previously shipped condition or pay replacement cost.
Released value: With this form of coverage the maximum liability for loss or damage to any item within the shipment is 60 cents times the weight of the item.
If you are unable to accept delivery within MiniMoves standard transit time, we offer temporary moving storage for your items at the local destination terminal in a safe environment until you are ready for delivery. However, you are responsible for storage charges, warehouse valuation coverage (if transportation valuation was elected) warehouse handling charges and final delivery of the shipment (if storage is greater than 6 months). Contact us today to get more details for our moving company costs.
This depends on many factors, such as the time of year, weather conditions, size of your shipment, time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling.
Normal transit times for MiniMoves shipments are 2-14 business days coast to coast
MiniMoves shipments are paid in full after pick up and prior to delivery. Acceptable methods of payment are Visa, MasterCard and Discover. In the event of additional items that are added on from the binding estimated cost order for service, we will provide you with the new binding cost prior to processing any payment.
Shipments that are not paid in full prior to delivery may result in extended delivery spreads and possible storage.
If there is a choice, most moving companies suggest you select a time other than summer, the end of the month or the end-of-year holidays. Relocation demands are high during these times. Factors involved when considering the time to move:
- whether the move must be made immediately
- moving children during the school term
- separation of the family while the move is under way
Want more information? Read our article on the benefits of moving in winter!
Most people prefer to use professional moving packing services for their household possessions, especially fragile items. However, if you decide to pack these items yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure of a firm pack.
Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a two- or three-inch layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with a soft material to provide a safe, protective, “padded nest.” Pack the heaviest items on the bottom and the lighter ones next, filling in empty spaces with crushed paper. Place plates on edge and glassware on rims for maximum protection. Mark the carton “Fragile,” and list the contents on the outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape.
MiniMoves does not recommend leaving items within drawers to prevent any loss, or adding additional weight to the relocated piece which would cause difficulty in the transport of the item.
Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, photographs, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided your relocation specialist of items before packing or moving day. However, we strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport.
In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to be articles of “extraordinary” value. To be assured that a claim involving these articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form and sign the “Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration” box on the Bill of Lading. If no articles of extraordinary value are included in your shipment, simply write “none” on the High-Value Inventory form and sign it.
