FAQs

FAQs

move prep

  • What determines my flat rate?

    • The rate depends on the move type: home, apartment, storage unit, Pod, or shipping container.
    • Volume, wrapping, and prep time of items
    • Size and weight of particular items
    • Walking distance, number of steps or flights
    • Time constraints (Elevator, and storage facility or other time of day restrictions)
    • Busiest times for moving: end or start of the month, and specific times of the year
    • The nature of the materials in the furniture, and more, all impact the rate. 
  • I have a bunch of small things I forgot to add. Is that okay?

    We ask that all things that can be put into a box, be put into a box.

    • This protects your items from break or damage
    • Packing things into a box is a separate quote
    • Packing things into a box can add minutes or hours to our day
    • Bringing multiple loads of CHOWDER to the Truck is incredibly inefficient!

    CHOWDER: The term ‘chowder’ refers to all of the knick-knacks/do-dads & odds-and-ends scattered throughout your dwelling, such as small lamps and lamp shades/toys/couch pillows/kitchen appliances/vacuums, etc.

  • How do you know all of my items will fit?

    We have been doing this for a long time and we have a number of ways, from software to home square footage averages, pictures, and real estate listings. It's rare for us to underestimate the truck size, and our guys are quite good at filling the spaces.

  • What do I do with items the movers could not fit?

    • We will take everything we can fit into the truck, even extra items, at an increased price… 
    • If we didn't have prior knowledge of those items, your price will go up
    • If we have prior knowledge, that makes things a whole lot easier.
    • If you wait until we get there to tell us about your extra items, it may not fit, and we can't be held responsible. This is why we ask for a very detailed inventory.
    • If we can't fit certain items due to our error, we appreciate your patience as we find a solution. (We do our best to play a very advanced game of tetris, and the Cubic foot estimates we calculate are not always perfect. There are alot of factors that go into what, and how things can be stacked. It is very rare that we don't show up with a bigger truck than is necessary to fit all of your household items, so rest assured this is the exception.)
  • Oh no, the movers got locked into the Storage Facility...

    Non-disclosed time-specific restrictions, such as elevator reservations, storage access times, or specific delivery windows, that result in delays or push the move to an additional day may have additional associated costs.

  • Can you be more specific about what determines my rate?

    • Unplanned Items: A few additional items are usually accommodated at no extra cost. However, introducing multiple items not previously listed, will potentially impact the cost.
    • Traditional Moves: We require a detailed list of items not meant for boxing and an approximate count of boxes. If the actual box count exceeds by over 75% of the stated amount and is already over 30-40 boxes, this can result in a rate adjustment depending on how much extra time it may add.
    • Storage, Pods, and Shipping Containers: An abbreviated inventory focusing on heavy or substantial items is essential. Additionally, knowing the size of the storage unit and its full percentage (e.g., 50% full, 80% full) aids in giving a precise quote. We understand it may be difficult to remember or see everything in  a storage unit, but the “full percentage” is how we calculate how much truck space it will take and how many guys to bring. If the unit size or percentage is clearly different when we show up the price will change to reflect the difference.
    • Access & Proximity: The closer a 16ft-26ft truck can park to your front door or storage unit entrance, the better. If distances in hallways or between elevators exceed standard lengths of between 50 feet and 75 feet total walking distance from the truck, price may change to reflect extra time and energy.
    • Steps: The rate takes into account the number of flights in your premises, both inside and outside, including the total number of steps.
  • How long will my move take?

    When planning your move, it's important to understand that the duration is influenced by a specific formula, albeit with a few exceptions. The formula for estimating moving time is as follows:


    Estimated Moving Time = (Access Difficulty x Number of Items) + Drive Time + Preparation/Packing Time + Placement Decisions

  • What are the factors influencing moving time?

    The time it takes to move can be significantly affected by various factors. Below is a detailed list, organized by their impact on the moving process:


    • Access Proximity

    The distance from your location to where the moving truck can be parked. Closer parking can significantly reduce the time.


    • Stairs and Elevators

    The number of flights of stairs to navigate, as well as the number of steps up to the porch or entrances.

    The size and accessibility of elevators, if applicable.


    • Path to the Truck

    The presence of long hallways or extended paths that need to be taken to carry items out to the truck.


    • Volume and Type of Items

    The amount and size and weight of furniture to be moved.

    The number of boxes packed with belongings.

    Miscellaneous or unpacked items that require special attention take longer to move.


    • Distance Considerations

    The proximity of your current and new locations to the moving company's warehouse.

    The distance between your old and new homes.

    Any additional stops or pickups required during the move.


    • Preparation and Organization

    Your readiness in terms of knowing where each item goes in the new location and whether the items will fit in the designated spaces.

    The degree to which items are disassembled and prepared for transport, and the necessity for reassembly at the new location.

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