Answers to Questions about Moving
Buehler Companies
knows that there are a lot of questions when it comes to your move. This is why
we have compiled a list of the most common questions we get asked when people
are moving. We hope this helps to answer some questions for you!
When is the best time to move?
If you have the option to select your moving time frame, it’s
the best choice to select a time other than summer, end of the month or the end
of the year holidays. The heaviest demands are placed on moving companies
during these time frames. Moving
companies will better be able to meet your needs in the winter, middle
month and non holiday periods.
How long does it take to move?
This depends on many things. Everything plays a factor in
the time it takes to move each household individually. The time of the year,
weather conditions, the amount of items that you are moving, the time it takes
to load the items onto a truck, if stairs are involved and how many flights and
the distance in which you are going can all play a critical factor in the time
it requires to complete your move.
The earlier that you can call your moving company the
better. This helps the moving company to find the right driver with the right
amount of space available on the truck going the way that you are moving. It
helps the mover to plan accordingly to meet your scheduling needs and better
assist you. Moving Companies always try
to do their very best to meet the scheduling needs of our customers. You should
discuss your specific pickup and delivery dates with your Mayflower or United Van Lines moving representative.
All interstate moving companies must hold a valid operating
authority with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the
federal agency that regulates movers. Choose a moving company that holds such a
registration and is subject to all of the consumer protection and other
regulations administered by the FMCSA.
Do I need an estimate?
We always recommend that you get an in home estimate from
your moving company. It is the best practice to quote a move, establish where
to park the truck, fine tune the amount of time it will take and properly
estimate what it is going to cost. You should always receive a written
estimate/Order for service that explains in detail what your moving company is charging you for.
Keep in mind that the total charges for your move are based on the actual
weight of your shipment, the origin and destination points of the move,
distance of travel, services elected (Example: packing or unpacking) and
additional charges for services requested outside of the original moving scope.
When additional services are requested, it is advised to get a new estimate to
include the cost of the extra services so that there aren’t unexpected
surprises.
What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate specifies in advance the precise cost of
your move based on the services that you have requested or that your moving
company has deemed necessary at the time of the estimate to complete your move.
These estimates are valid for 60 days. If you are interested in obtaining a
binding estimate, please call your moving
company.
What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate is prepared in advance to give you a
general idea of the cost of your move. A non-binding estimate may not be the
amount that you will ultimately have to pay. The exact cost of your move cannot
be determined until after your shipment has be loaded and weighed.
Transportation charges are based on a tariff, the actual weight of your goods,
the origin and destination points of the move and the distance that it will
travel. The total cost will include these basic line items. However, if you
wish to elect coverage or have additional services, then you will need to have
your moving company send you a
revised estimate with the new pricing so that there aren’t any surprises later
on.
How and when should I pay?
Moving regulations require that you pay the charges before
your goods are unloaded at destination unless you have made prior billing
arrangements with your moving company for later billing. If you would like this
option, please get with your moving
company representative to discuss the options and go through their individual
credit checking process.
You can pay for your move by traveler’s check, money order,
cashiers check or cash. You may also pay by credit card for interstate moves if
you make arrangements with your moving company prior to loading. Personal
checks are not typically accepted.
All payment forms apply to both binding and non-binding
estimates. If you receive a non-binding estimate and your actual moving costs
exceed the estimated cost, you will not be required to pay more than 110
percent of the estimated cost at the time of delivery. Should your actual cost
exceed the amount paid at delivery, you will be given 30 days after the
delivery to pay the additional amount.
If storage in transit at destination is necessary, payment
of up to 110 percent of a non-bound estimate or 100 percent of a bound estimate
must be paid at the time of delivery of the shipment to the warehouse.
You will be invoiced for any additional transportation or
accessorial charges 30 days after your items are delivered to your home or to
long term storage.
What shipment protection options are available?
The shipment protection option that you select prior to your
move will determine your moving
company’s maximum liability for loss and damage to your household goods.
Please know that shipment protection is not insurance. If you want the type of
protection afforded by insurance, please contact your insurance company
representative.
Items of extraordinary value which are defined as items that
have a value of $100.00 per pound, must be listed on the high value inventory
form, which your moving company will give to you. Items of extraordinary value
might include jewelry, art, coin collections and silverware. If you do not
include these items on the high value inventory form, any settlement in the
event of a claim will be limited to a maximum of $100.00 per pound per article
under Full Value Protection.
Your moving company is required to offer you options of the
minimum liability and the Full Value Protection option with deductibles. For a
full description of your valuation options, please contact your moving company representative. It
should be clearly discussed prior to loading your items onto a truck.
Can my possessions be stored temporarily?
Your belongings can be stored if you are unable to take
immediate possession of your residence. Your moving company should be able to
explain the storage in transit options that are available to you. However, you
will be responsible for the storage charges that occur by your moving company storing your goods
as well as the final delivery charges.
If your goods are placed in storage, there will also be an
additional charge for the shipment protection option that you declared on your
move. The type and cost will depend upon weather your goods are held in transit
or in permanent storage.
Do my appliances needs special attention?
Most appliances such as refrigerators, washers, dryers and
other mechanical appliances require special servicing to assure safe
transportation. You will also have to have gas appliances serviced by your
local gas utility.
It is your responsibility to ensure that all of your
appliances are serviced prior to being loaded on the truck. Speak with your
moving company representative to see if they can assist in arranging this
service for you.
Can I pack my china, glass and crystal?
Most people prefer to have the moving professional package
these types of items. However, if you decide to pack these items yourself,
remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping items
individually, providing plenty of cushioning within the cartons and making sure
that you pack them tight and firm to avoid potential damage. You can purchase professional
packing paper and tape from your moving company.
Can I pack my clothes in a chest or inside of dresser
drawers?
You can leave lightweight clothing, sweaters, shirts,
blouses and lingerie in drawers. Please do not fill the drawers with heavy
items such as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage the piece of
furniture during the move. Be careful not to leave fragile items, anything that
may spill or leak, money, jewelry, watches, or any other valuables in the
drawers.
Can I move my frozen foods?
If the food items are perishable, then they cannot be moved
on the van. Plan your meals so that you use these types of items up prior to
your move.
Can I move jewelry and other valuables?
Your moving
company can move any items that you would like. However, we strongly
suggest that you move these items yourself if possible. If you do require that
your moving company move these items for you, then please be sure to list these
items onto your high value inventory form.
Can I move my house plants?
Your moving company cannot accept responsibility to move
your plants safely because they may suffer from lack of water, light as well as
probable temperature changes while in the van. You may prefer to transport them
in a car.
Some states prohibit the entry of all plants, while other
states will admit plants under certain conditions; still others have no plant
regulations. Be sure to check the regulations of the state that you are moving
to or feel free to ask your moving company representative.
Can I move my pet?
Your moving company cannot move your pet on the moving van. Your moving company should be able to
assist you with a professional pet moving company if you would like this
option.
Buehler Companies
can assist you with all of the details of your move. We are happy to answer
additional questions and work closely with arranging all of the details of your
move. We know that each move is unique and different. Please call us today for
a free estimate!
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