Moving FAQs

When is the best time to move?

If there is a choice, I'd suggest avoiding the summer months. The last two weeks of May through the first two weeks of August are termed "Peak Season" for a reason; the heaviest demands are placed on vans, equipment and personnel during this period. If you must move during "Peak Season", if possible select move dates near the middle of the month as the demand for these dates is less frequent.

How long does it take to move?

Regardless if you are moving locally or long distance, you should begin the move process four to six weeks in advance by scheduling in home estimates with your movers of choice. A word of caution; I strongly suggest requesting a visual estimate from a reputable van line. Although Internet quotes are convenient, they are often not accurate and leave a large window for surprises - that often effect your pocket book. . For additional information, see the topic, Online vs. Visual Estimates

The time it takes to transport your house hold goods from your current home to your new home 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.

In regards to interstate (aka long distance) moves, because furnishing on average will not fill a van, it is often necessary for two or more shipments to be loaded on the same van. There is no need for alarm; each shipment is carefully sectioned off from the others to prevent commingling. Most National Van Lines offer computer-assisted dispatching systems to maximize planning opportunities. Pick up and delivery dates are scheduled according to the origins and destinations of individual shipments on the van, as well as the shipment weight. Considering the factors discussed above, transporting your goods may take anywhere between one week to three weeks. The bottom line, heavier shipments deliver faster than lighter shipments. Light shipments traveling a great distance receive the largest moving spreads. For an accurate estimate, please contact your mover of choice.

If you are moving locally, you will most likely be given and hourly estimate disclosing the price per hour, per man, per truck. For example, if your move required three men and a truck for four hours at a cost of $30 per man per hour and $30 per truck per hour, your estimated charges (minus valuation or accessorials) would be $120.00 per hour, totalling $480.00.

Additional factors the estimator will consider when performing a local move estimate include viewing if your home is tractor trailer accessible; floor layout; flights of stairs; elevator required; weight of your shipment; items of special concern (IE: hot tubs); distance between homes; and so on. In my opinion, a visual estimate is required to ensure all elements are properly understood by the estimator. The benefit of adding or subtracting a single crew member will impact your bottom line cost.