FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is valuation ("moving insurance") necessary?Although 8LENE Moving & Cleaning will take every necessary precaution on your move, unexpected damage can occur; and it is important to make sure that your possessions are protected. We are able to offer valuation (“moving insurance”) to our customers at a very fair price due to the very low number of claims we file.
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Do I need an estimate?Usually, a sales representative will be able to give you a good idea of a price range over the phone. But for the most accurate estimate, 8LENE Moving & Cleaning recommends an on-site appointment to review details of your move.
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Why should I hire a professional mover?Hiring a professional mover will result in a less stress and an easier, safer move all around. Moving can be both emotionally and physically draining, and handling delicate or bulky items with care requires specific moving skills and experience. Moving safely and successfully requires specialized equipment and experience, not unlike other trades.
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Is moving labor the only moving expense I should expect?Moving labor represents the majority of the moving expense. However, you should also budget for packing supplies, such as moving boxes and tape, and for additional valuation (moving “insurance”) as needed. 8LENE Moving & Cleaning takes special precautions with delicate or oversized items, such as flat screen televisions and chandeliers.
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How can I keep costs down during my move?Keep in mind that moving is both a science and an art, and each move is different. The best way to keep costs down is to be as prepared as possible for when the movers arrive, which will reduce or eliminate unexpected/unnecessary time. Moving boxes is one of the most time consuming areas of a move, yet are some of the lightest things to move. Another time saver, if we are not packing for you, is for you to use the same size boxes and be sure they are taped closed and labeled correctly for the movers. Stack them up, so the movers can just place them on the dolly and go. Also, while the movers will be happy to do so, disassembly of furniture takes up time as well. You can try to disassemble any beds, desks, etc to cut down on time. In short anything that you can do yourself or anything that can help the movers move faster will cut down on your cost.
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How will the movers know what items to take and what to leave behind?When the movers first arrive, they will do a walkthrough of your current home with you, confirming which items are going and which are not.
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What if I haven’t finished packing by my scheduled moving day?If your moving day is rapidly approaching and it becomes clear that you will not be fully packed, it is critical that you inform your move coordinator as soon as possible. He/she can work with you to make the best possible “Plan B” for packing. This may mean having the movers finish your packing. Alternatively, if we have the availability, there may be an option to push back your move date to give you more time to pack. If you have only a small quantity of items left to pack, your movers can often complete this on moving day; however, it is important to understand that this will add time to the job and, therefore, add to the total cost of the move.
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Can I keep moving expenses down by having a family member or friend help on moving day?On moving day, the professional movers should handle the job entirely. They are highly trained and the best suited to carry the weight and negotiate the loading of the truck. Generally speaking, having non-professionals work alongside the movers slows things down and costs you more in the long run. Your friends and family can be most helpful in preparing for the move – packing moving boxes or caring for your pets or children.
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Can I ride in the cab of the moving truck with the movers?Unfortunately, professional moving companies cannot transport customers in the moving truck for liability reasons.
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Can my movers clean my home on moving day?While professional moving companies may vary, at 8LENE Moving & Cleaning we clean up any clutter we create during the moving process. We also provide professional cleaning services at an additional rate. Please contact us to find out more!
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Can the movers arrange the furniture to my liking in my new home?Absolutely! When we deliver your items to your new home, the movers will work closely with you to make sure all furniture and boxes arrive in the correct rooms.
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Is it possible to move during inclement weather?It is possible, but not recommended. We keep a keen eye on the weather and if it isn’t safe to put our crews or your belongings in harms way, we will notify you of our change of plans. Our motto is “no one gets hurt”. Remember: it’s not only the 1st stop that needs to be clear of snow and/or ice but also the 2nd or any additional stops along the way that has to have walkways and driveways cleared before we can begin the move.
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What day/date is best for a move?Because complex events, such as a home closure or completion of construction, can be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, we don’t recommend scheduling your move for the same day. Save yourself the stress of rescheduling and plan your move date for several days after your closing date. Demand for moving services is generally at its lowest during the middle of the month and, in particular, the middle of the week. If your schedule allows for a move on one of these days, movers often offer their most competitive rates during those times.
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Are there any items that you cannot move?8LENE Moving & Cleaning, as well as all other licensed movers, will not move hazardous or combustible items such as propane tanks, firearms, paint, and aerosols, as the temperature in the truck could cause these items to explode or ignite.
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What can I do to ensure that my belongings end up in the correct room during the move?Choose a simple labeling system (i.e. MBR for Master Bedroom) and make sure that all of your boxes are clearly marked. Boxes should be labeled on the top and 3 sides. Your movers will work closely with you at the destination to make sure everything ends up where you want it.
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How far in advance should I schedule my move?We recommend scheduling your move as far in advance as possible. The farther out you can plan your move, the greater the availability you will have in choosing a date and time that is convenient for you. A general rule of thumb is to contact us no later than two weeks in advance of your desired move date. We realize advance planning is not always possible, and do our best to accommodate last minute customers as well.
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Can I leave clothing in my dresser drawers?It is generally fine to leave clothing in dresser drawers during the move. Be sure to remove anything from the drawers than may roll around or shift during transport, as this can cause damage. If the dresser is particularly large (a triple dresser or part of a large armoire), it is best to at least partially empty it.
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I want to do some packing and moving before the movers arrive. What areas would be most helpful?Focus on packing, instead of moving. Smaller items and moving boxes can be moved very quickly by professional movers. Don’t spend time trying to move these items yourself. Rather, focus on packing boxes, so when the movers arrive, you are 100% ready. For more information on packing and packing supplies check out our Packing page and tips.
2 MONTHS BEFORE
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Sort through the contents of closets, drawers, and cupboards to weed out what you don’t want or need. Hold a yard sale, or donate unwanted items to charity.
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Inventory everything of value you plan to move and determine replacement values for insurance purposes.
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Obtain estimates from several moving companies and choose one.
6 WEEKS BEFORE
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Finalize real estate or rental needs.
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If moving out of town, make travel arrangements.
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Notify your children’s schools of the move and contact new schools for enrollment information.
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Obtain copies of school records, or have them sent to new schools.
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Obtain copies of medical records for each family member.
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Ask doctors to recommend doctors in your new community.
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Consult insurance agents to find out if changes to policies are necessary.
1 MONTH BEFORE
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Alert utility companies to disconnect services the day after you move and to have new service activated several days before you arrive at your new house. Contact the chamber of commerce in your new town for information on utility services.
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If necessary, arrange for storage in your new community.
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If you’re packing your house yourself, order supplies and start packing boxes.
1 WEEK BEFORE
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If you’re packing your house yourself, finish packing boxes.
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Confirm travel arrangements, if needed.
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Arrange payment or deposit for movers.
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Write directions to your new home for the moving company, confirm delivery date, and give the company your itinerary and cell phone number.
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Complete change-of-address forms at the post office, and send notices to magazine subscriptions, creditors, friends and relatives, alumni organizations, credit cards, banks, and any other necessary companies and organizations.
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Cancel newspaper subscriptions.
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Notify your employers — new and old — of your new contact information.
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Clean rugs and have them packed for moving.
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Obtain health certificates from your vet for pets traveling by air.
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Pack your first-night box: spare bed sheets, clothes for your first night and next day, toiletries, shower towel, medications, and important financial records and documents.
MOVING DAY
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If inventory of your belongings is required, once complete, review the entire inventory and conditions report with your mover.
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Review and sign off on the paperwork with your mover – be sure to double-check that the addresses and phone numbers are correct.
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Lock windows, turn off lights, close doors, and take a final tour after the movers have finished to be certain nothing is left behind. At your destination, check the truck before the movers leave to ensure everything made it into your new home.
