Preparing for a move across town or across the country, creates a lot of questions. Here are eleven most asked questions that Columbine Moving & Storage in our Aspen and Eagle offices gets asked concerning moving.
How long will it take to pack my boxes?
It really depends on how much “stuff” you have. In other words, if you have a lot of breakables for the mover to pack, it will take longer than if you have a lot of non-breakables to pack. Dishware & fine artwork take longer to pack versus books and linens.
How long will it take to load the truck?
This depends on a few variables such as, how close can the truck be parked to your front door, how many items do you have to move, how many levels are in your house, do you have any bulky articles, such as a piano, pool table, organ, and last but not least, do you have any extra pickups, such as a mini-storage, or goods at a relative’s house.
How long will it take to unload the truck?
This answer is the reverse of the loading answer. How close can the truck park to your front door, how many items do you have to unload, how many levels are in your house, do you have any bulky articles, do you have any extra deliveries.
When will my shipment get delivered? (This applies to Interstate shipments only.)
This will depend on the weight of the shipment. Most Interstate moving companies use 53’ long trailers, and combine a number of shipments going to the same general area onto the same trailer. The heavier the shipment, the sooner you can have it delivered, because the moving trailer will fill up faster and it won’t have to “wait” to fill up the trailer. Likewise, the smaller (less weight), the longer it may take for the delivery of your goods. Most Interstate moving companies, provide you with a “window” or “spread” of dates for your shipment to get delivered.
How much valuation should I take out?
Most interstate moving companies require a minimum value of $6.00 per pound of shipment weight for full coverage. In other words, if your shipment weighs 10,000 pounds, you would have to take out a minimum of $60,000 worth of coverage. You can always declare a higher amount, but you have to make sure the amount you declare is enough to replace your entire shipment if a disaster occurs. There are various deductibles that you can select as well.
Do you have/sell used boxes?
Most moving companies have used boxes. Please check with the specific company to see what their policy is concerning the selling of used boxes.
Is your warehouse climate controlled?
Most warehouses are not climate controlled. You have to ask the mover about this and if this is important to you, get it in writing. Always schedule a personal visit to the warehouse to see their facilities.
Do you carry workman’s compensation insurance?
If you are dealing with a licensed moving company, they should be able to furnish you with a copy of their certificate of insurance for workman’s compensation. If they can’t or refuse to, select another moving company.
Are your employees drug screened?
Most licensed moving companies do drug screen their employees. Please check with the specific company you are dealing with to see what their policy is regarding drug screening employees.
What is warehouse handling?
Warehouse handling is the fee for inventorying your goods when they come into storage, taking your goods off the “dock” at the warehouse and professionally wrapping your goods in furniture pads, paper, or shrink wrap, and placing the goods into the storage containers or on the “rack” space (for oversized items). This fee is typically only charged once, when the goods are placed into storage. However, if you pick up the goods yourself or have another company pick up your goods from the warehouse, a “release” fee may be charged for using the dock. Make sure you check with your moving company regarding this service.
Can I hire your “crew” on the for a cheaper rate?
Typically a licensed moving company will not release their crew to you “directly” because the crews are usually busy working for the moving company. If you do hire movers on the “side” make sure they carry their own workman’s compensation. If you hire men on the “side” and they get hurt working for you, you may be liable for any injuries they incur working for you as the “employer”. Please make sure the “side” crew carries liability insurance to pay for any damage to your property or the items being moved.