Moving FAQ

• What is the Difference Between Local Moving and Long-Distance Moving?
• Do Movers Handle Packing?
• Where do I Get Packing Supplies?
• What is a Moving Valuation?
• Is There a Difference Between a Quote and Estimate?
• How Do I Know Which Movers I Can Trust?
• Can I Store My Items During a Move?
• When Is the Best Time of Year to Move?
• What if I have a Unique Item or Need a Unique Service?

Moving is complicated. You may not even know where to start researching the moving process. We’ve been in the moving and storage business since 2006. In that time, we’ve heard it all and know exactly what people are wondering about their move. We put together some of the common questions we get asked to make the research process simple for you.

Q. What is the Difference Between Local Moving and Long-Distance Moving?

A. You will see that every moving company talks about local moving and long-distance moving. Many people see or hear this and assume that it simply means how long your move is. However, local and long-distance moving can really be broken up into in-state moving and out-of-state moving. A move is local until you cross state lines, once you do it becomes a long-distance move.

Q. Do Movers Handle Packing?

A. Typically, you will have to handle the packing for your move yourself. That is, unless you choose full-service professional movers. A good moving company will offer packing services done by expertly-trained crew with delicate care and all of the right supplies.

Any good moving company will provide tailorable services, so if you don’t want packing services, you don’t have to have them. They can pack all of your items, leave all of the packing to you, or just pack some of your items to keep your more fragile or valuable items extra safe.

Q. Where do I Get Packing Supplies?

A. Packing requires a ton of supplies. For a truly safe and efficient move you need belts, bubble wrap, dollies, moving blankets, moving boxes, and totes. That’s a lot. If you’re packing your items yourself you need to get items right away. One place to start is with friends and family. They may have leftover supplies from a recent move. Next, look toward your moving company. They’ll offer you a great deal and you’ll know for sure that the supplies they have are the right ones for your move.

Q. What is a Moving Valuation?

A. This is coverage for your belongings that financially protects them from being lost or damaged. Most moving companies offer different levels of valuation and some offer separate liability coverage. All good movers will offer a level of free valuation, and then you can pay for extra protection. That cost will be based on the weight and value of your items. Speak with your moving representative to learn more about our moving valuation or insurance.

Q. Is There a Difference Between a Quote and Estimate?

A. Simply put, a quote is an exact price for a job set by the contractor while an estimate is the contractor’s best guess as to how much it will cost, subject to change. A quote is set in stone, unless there is a variation to your contract, which would include extra work or a change in the scope of a job. There is no such thing as a binding estimate, your contractor can change the price for a variety of reasons.

Q. How Do I Know Which Movers I Can Trust?

A. Every moving company will claim to be trustworthy, but you can’t just take their word for it. Instead, you have to look toward past customers and the experts.
To learn how much you can trust movers, you can look at their Google Reviews. Be sure to check out the average score, the total number of reviews, and look individually at what some reviews are saying. You can also keep an eye on how the moving company responds to negative reviews.
Be sure to check out what the experts have to say too! To do this, look for badges on the site. For example, our site has a #1 rating from Great Guys Moving, an award for Best Business from ThreeBestRated, and a Screen and Approved badge from HomeAdvisor.

Q. Can I Store My Items During a Move?

A. Yes! Your moving company will be happy to take your items to off-site storage. To make storing your belongings easy, look for a full-service moving company that provides warehouse storage with climate-control and 24/7 surveillance.
With warehouse storage, your movers will pack up your items, load them up in their truck, store them in their warehouse, then deliver it to your new home when you’re ready. In fact, storage can be even easier with On-Demand Storage options.

Q. When Is the Best Time of Year to Move?

A. There isn’t a true answer to this. There are distinct seasons, but you have to decide which is best for you.
The first is summer. This is the busiest season. But, there’s a reason it’s so busy. For families with kids, this is when school is out and you have more time. For everyone else, this is when the weather is at its best. There also aren’t any major holidays to work around.

While summer is a great time to move, it’s difficult. You’ll have to schedule your move in advance and the price could be higher. Planning for a winter move means a simpler moving process.

Q. What if I have a Unique Item or Need a Unique Service?

A. Your best bet is to find a truly full-service mover that trains their crew for specialty moves. Good moving companies will ensure that they are capable of a wide-variety of specialty moving services, so that you don’t have to worry. These can include antique moving, estate cleanout, pool table moving, piano moving, gun safe moving, and more! Always be sure to speak with your movers early in the process about what your move entails.

Have any other questions?

Everyone has a unique moving experience and unique moving needs. That means that it’s very possible that you have questions that aren’t answered here. With John Ferguson, there’s no need to worry. For any questions that you have, big or small, there is a friendly representative who is just an email or call away. All you have to do is call (915) 975-5730 or fill out this online contact form.