FAQ: Helpful Moving Tips
Published by Chris Townsend
Moving can be stressful. Here's some helpful tips to make your next move easy.
Frequently Asked Questions
We offer damage insurance for all items that we personally move. The moving specialist that handles your move will be able to detail the coverage amount and what will be covered during your move.
We recommend that you keep anything that you think you or your family will need on the day of your move – such as a laptop, phone, and phone charger, snacks, a change of clothes, toothpaste and a toothbrush, favorite kids’ toys, and/or pet toys, and other essentials.
You may also want to keep valuables like important paperwork (Social Security cards and birth certificates) and other things like jewelry, checkbooks, medications, and other essential items with you. Place all of your essentials in a bag or a box that you’ll be able to keep with you on the day of your move.
Full-service moving is exactly what it sounds like! In this type of moving, a team of movers with a truck from Three Movers will come to your home and pack up all of your stuff, room-by-room – packing smaller items into boxes, disassembling and moving furniture, and making sure all of your stuff is properly packed for the move.
Then, your stuff will be loaded and moved to your new home, where your moving team will unpack it in each room, based on your instructions and moving plan. You won’t have to lift a finger – which is why this is called “full-service” moving!
Full-service moving is very convenient, but it is quite a bit more expensive than packing on your own. If you are short on time, it’s a great option – but you can definitely save some cash if you’re willing to pack on your own.
We recommend that you start packing up about a month before your moving date, starting with the rooms that you use the least. Your attic or basement, for example, can be packed well in advance, while you likely won’t want to pack your bedroom or kitchen until a few days before your moving day.
Packing up room-by-room helps you stay organized while you pack up your stuff. We recommend packing for a few hours at a time so that you don’t get burned out. Spreading the process out over a few weeks is the best way to eliminate stress.
Don’t have time? Full-service moving may be a good option. You can let Three Movers pack up all of your stuff for you – making your moving day much simpler and easier.
There are a lot of different things that can affect the cost of moving services. Here are just a few factors that could influence the quote for your job.
- Distance of move
- Total weight or volume of items moved
- Access issues (lots of stairs, lack of freight elevator, etc.)
- The total time it takes to load and unload your truck
- Time of year (summer tends to be more expensive)
- Special and hard-to-move items like pianos, antiques, safes, etc.
- Full-service vs. self-pack moving
- Cost of moving supplies
Because there are so many factors that affect your job, the cost of two different moves will rarely be the same. Contact Three Movers right away to get a quote over the phone or in-person, and see how much you can expect to pay.
First, we recommend asking for recommendations from friends, family members, and colleagues in the area. Then, you can look into online reviews for the recommended services, and learn a bit more about what they do.
We also recommend that you look at their website to make sure that they are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Some moving companies that offer cheap moving rates may not be fully regulated and could be operating illegally – which could put your stuff at risk.
Once you’ve found some companies that you’d like to learn more about, you can contact them directly with any questions, and to get an over-the-phone or in-person quote for your moving job. Then, you can compare the quoted prices, levels of service, and other information about each moving company to make the right choice.
Not sure how to get started? Contact Three Movers. We offer fantastic service at industry-leading rates, and we’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your peace of mind.
In most cases, moving companies like Three Movers can give you a quote for your move over the phone. However, there are some circumstances in which you may need an in-home quote to ensure we give you the proper price.
We may need to come to your home for an in-person estimate if you have a large (1,500 square foot or larger) home, or if you have bulky or fragile items like antiques, pianos, safes, and other difficult-to-move items.
In addition, we may need to see your home if you have problems like narrow hallways and doors, tight stairways that may not fit your furniture, a long-distance between your front door and a parking area, or other issues that make the logistics of moving your items more complex.
We also typically provide in-home quotes for long-distance moves, since the total volume and weight of your items has a much larger effect on the cost of long-distance moving. To find out if you need an in-home quote, the best option is to give us a call – if we think someone should visit your home, we’ll let you know, and we’ll send a moving professional to you right away.
If you’ve hired Three Movers for full-service moving, you won’t have to buy any packing supplies or materials ahead of time – they will all be included with your service. Your movers will show up with boxes, tape, moving blankets, and everything else that may be needed to move your items safely and securely.
If you’re moving on your own, though, you have a few other options for getting moving and packing supplies. Truck rental services like U-Haul and Penske typically sell moving boxes, packing tape, packing materials like air pillows and packing peanuts, and other basics.
Another option is to do some Googling for used boxes and packing materials in your area. You may be able to find offers for gently-used boxes on websites like Craigslist, and pick up what you need for a low price.
You may also be able to save some money by asking local businesses for their used cardboard boxes. Grocery stores, for example, often have a surplus of strong cardboard boxes from shipping eggs, milk, and other essentials, and typically are willing to let you have them for free.
Yes! If you’re downsizing your home and you don’t have enough room for your stuff, but you haven’t been able to determine what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of, Three Movers can help.
We can assist in arranging for the rental of a storage unit if you do not have one, and move your selected items into your storage unit. Or, we can bring some of your stuff to an existing storage unit that you have already rented out. The choice is yours.
Yes. At Three Movers, we can move pianos as well as other bulky and difficult-to-move items like safes. However, there are additional fees and costs involved with this, since it requires more movers, specialized equipment, and challenging logistics, particularly if stairs or steep inclines/declines are involved. When calling us for a moving quote, let us know if you have any special items like a piano – we will bear this in mind when we provide you with the initial quote for your moving project.
This depends on your job, how soon before your moving day you’re canceling, and a few other factors. In some cases, you may get a full refund, but in others, Three Movers may keep your deposit as non-refundable.
For more specifics, refer to the contract you signed for your moving services, or feel free to contact our customer service team with further inquiries.
Whatever you think is appropriate. It’s common to tip movers for a job well done, but our movers will never ask for a tip or hint that they deserve additional compensation. You may tip as much as you feel is appropriate for the work performed – it’s a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work!
We will always do our best to avoid damage to any of your items when moving, but accidents can still happen. If your items are damaged, you will need to file a claim with Three Movers. We carry insurance for this situation, and our team can guide you through the process of resolving your claim and getting compensation for your damaged stuff.
We accept all major credit and debit cards. In some cases, cash and checks may be accepted. Your moving team will inform you about your available payment options when payment is due before your moving date.
Whether to rent a truck or hire a professional mover largely depends on several factors including your budget, the size of the move, the distance of the move, and how comfortable you are with handling the moving process on your own. Here’s a comparison of the two options to help you decide:
Truck Rental:
Pros:
- Cost: Generally cheaper than hiring professional movers, especially for local moves.
- Flexibility: You have control over your moving timeline and can set your own pace.
- Packing: You decide how your items are packed and loaded, ensuring fragile items are handled with care.
Cons:
- Labor: You will have to do all the heavy lifting, packing, and loading yourself unless you have friends or family to help.
- Driving: Driving a large truck can be challenging, especially in unfamiliar areas or through busy streets.
- Hidden Costs: While the initial rental might seem cheaper, costs for fuel, tolls, insurance, and other potential fees can add up.
- Risk: Without professional packing and loading, there’s a higher risk of damage to your belongings.
Professional Mover:
Pros:
- Ease: The moving company handles everything from packing and loading to unloading.
- Efficiency: Professional movers are trained to pack and load a truck quickly and efficiently.
- Safety: Your items are generally safer as they’re packed and loaded by professionals.
- Insurance: Most moving companies offer coverage options for any damage that occurs during the move.
- Equipment and Supplies: They have the necessary equipment and supplies, like moving blankets, dollies, and packing materials.
Cons:
- Cost: Generally more expensive than renting a truck.
- Scheduling: You’ll have to schedule your move in advance, and there might be less flexibility in choosing your moving date.
- Control: Some people feel uneasy about strangers handling their personal belongings.
Conclusion:
If you’re moving locally, have a tight budget, and feel confident about managing the move yourself (or with friends’ help), then a truck rental might be the way to go. If you’re moving long-distance, have a lot of belongings, want to avoid the heavy lifting, or just prefer the convenience and assurance of professionals, hiring a moving company might be the better choice.
Remember to consider your physical ability, time, stress factors, and the value of your items when making your decision.
Hiring local movers (those near your current location) offers several advantages:
Convenience: Local movers know the area well. They’ll be aware of the best routes to take, local traffic patterns, and any area-specific challenges.
Cost: Hiring local movers might be more cost-effective. Since they are close by, they will likely charge less for travel time and fuel costs. A local company might also have more flexible pricing or discounts for local moves.
Reputation: It’s easier to verify the reputation of local movers. You can check with friends, neighbors, and colleagues for recommendations or warnings. Online reviews specific to your area can also be more insightful.
Easy Communication: Proximity means you can visit their office if needed. It’s also easier to coordinate timings or address any concerns directly.
Familiarity with Local Regulations: Different cities or towns might have specific regulations regarding moving trucks, parking, or unloading. Local movers will be aware of these and can plan accordingly.
Support Local Business: By hiring local movers, you are supporting local businesses and contributing to the local economy.
Personal Touch: Local movers might provide a more personalized touch, ensuring that you’re not just another customer in a vast sea of clients.
Quicker Resolutions: If there are any post-move issues or claims, dealing with a local company might result in quicker resolutions since they will be in the same time zone and, often, more responsive to maintain their local reputation.
Flexibility: Local companies might offer more flexibility in terms of moving times, especially if they are less bogged down by the rigid schedules of larger, national chains.
Storage Options: Many local moving companies also offer storage solutions. If you need temporary storage, it might be more convenient to use the same company for both moving and storage.
When hiring movers, whether local or not, always ensure they are licensed, insured, and come with good recommendations or reviews.
When renting a moving truck from companies like Two Men and a Truck or any other truck rental service, purchasing insurance is a decision that should be based on evaluating risks and potential costs. Here are some factors to consider:
Your Personal Auto Insurance: Check with your personal auto insurance provider to see if rental trucks are covered under your current policy. Some policies might cover rental cars but not necessarily larger vehicles like moving trucks.
Credit Card Coverage: Some credit cards offer rental vehicle coverage as a perk. Contact your credit card provider to see if they cover moving trucks and understand the specifics of the coverage they provide.
Potential Costs: Think about the potential costs you could incur without insurance. Damaging a rental truck, even if it’s a minor dent or scratch, can lead to hefty repair fees. If you’re at fault in an accident, you might be liable for repairs to the other vehicle and any medical expenses.
Different Types of Coverage:
Truck rental companies usually offer various insurance options, including:
- Damage Waivers: This covers damage to the rental truck.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance: This covers claims made by others for bodily injury or death and property damage.
- Cargo Insurance: This covers the belongings you’re transporting.
- Medical and Life Insurance: Covers medical treatment and ambulance expenses for you and your passengers, and in worst-case scenarios, provides death benefits.
Peace of Mind: Having insurance can provide peace of mind during an already stressful moving process. If anything unexpected happens, you won’t have the added stress of significant unexpected costs.
Cost of Insurance vs. Potential Damages: Consider the cost of the insurance premium against the potential damages. If the premium is relatively low compared to the value of your belongings and potential repair costs, it might be worth it.
Driving Conditions: If you’re moving in challenging driving conditions (heavy traffic, bad weather, unfamiliar routes), the risk of an accident might be higher.
Size and Familiarity with the Vehicle: If you’re not used to driving large vehicles like moving trucks, there’s a steeper learning curve, which can increase the risk of minor accidents or scrapes.
The terms “super size truck” and “standard truck” are not universally standardized across the
trucking or moving industries, so their specific meanings can vary based on the context or the company using these terms. Generally speaking, here’s a basic distinction:
Super Size Truck:
- Larger Capacity: A “super size” label typically implies that the truck is larger than the standard offering. This could mean more cargo space, greater tonnage capacity, or both.
- Longer Length: Such trucks might be longer and might require special permits to operate on certain roads or bridges.
- Higher Operating Costs: These trucks can have higher fuel consumption and maintenance costs due to their size.
- Special Considerations: Super size trucks might require drivers with specialized training or specific commercial driving licenses.
Standard Truck:
- Average Capacity: This is the typical truck size that a company offers or the most common size used in a specific context (like moving household items).
- Easier to Handle: Being smaller, a standard truck is often easier to drive, park, and maneuver, especially in cities or residential areas.
- Lower Operating Costs: Compared to super size trucks, standard trucks usually have lower fuel and maintenance costs.
- General Use: These are typically used for a broad range of tasks and do not require any special considerations or permits in most cases.
If you’re dealing with a specific company or context (like renting a moving truck), it’s crucial to get the specific dimensions, capacity, and features associated with their “super size” and “standard” offerings. This will give you a clear understanding of what each term means in that specific scenario.
Here are some average rental rates for moving trucks:
- Pickup truck: $20-40 per day
- Midsize truck: $30-60 per day
- Large truck: $40-100 per day
Here are some additional fees that you may be charged:
- Fuel: You will be responsible for refueling the truck before you return it.
- Insurance: Rental companies typically offer insurance for the truck, but it is usually optional.
- Drop-off fees: There may be a fee for dropping off the truck at a different location than where you picked it up.
To get an accurate estimate of the cost of renting a moving truck, you should contact several rental companies and get quotes. You should also factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and any other fees.
In general, it takes two movers about 1 hour to load a 10-foot truck, 2 hours to load a 16-foot truck, 3 hours to load a 20-foot truck, and 4 hours to load a 24-foot truck. However, these are just estimates and the actual time may vary.
Whether you need a large moving truck depends on the size of your belongings and the distance you are moving.
Here are some factors to consider when determining the size of moving truck you need:
- The size of your home: If you are moving from a large home, you will need a larger truck than if you are moving from a small apartment.
- The size of your furniture: If you have large pieces of furniture, such as a king-size bed or a piano, you will need a larger truck.
- The amount of your belongings: If you have a lot of belongings, you will need a larger truck.
- The distance you are moving: If you are moving a long distance, you will need a larger truck to accommodate all of your belongings.
If you are unsure of the size of moving truck you need, it is always best to err on the side of caution and rent a larger truck. This will give you more space and make the moving process easier.
- 10-foot truck: This is a small truck that is suitable for moving a small apartment or a few rooms in a larger home. It has a cargo space of about 300 cubic feet.
- 16-foot truck: This is a medium-sized truck that is suitable for moving a one- or two-bedroom apartment or a small home. It has a cargo space of about 600 cubic feet.
- 20-foot truck: This is a large truck that is suitable for moving a two- or three-bedroom apartment or a medium-sized home. It has a cargo space of about 1,000 cubic feet.
- 26-foot truck: This is a very large truck that is suitable for moving a large home or a business. It has a cargo space of about 1,600 cubic feet.
If you are unsure of the size of moving truck you need, it is always best to err on the side of caution and rent a larger truck. This will give you more space and make the moving process easier.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs for a full-service move with movers:
- 10-foot truck: $1,000 to $2,000
- 16-foot truck: $1,500 to $3,000
- 20-foot truck: $2,000 to $4,000
- 26-foot truck: $3,000 to $5,000
The cost of the movers will also vary depending on the number of movers needed. For example, a two-bedroom apartment typically requires two movers, while a four-bedroom apartment may require four movers.
