Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions that Mountain Moving & Storage has put up to answer the most common questions we encounter. As always feel free to call us at (253) 581-2414 we will be happy to answer all your moving and storage questions!
Why should I hire a moving company?
By hiring a professional moving company, like Mountain Moving & Storage, it can save you time and stress of having to worry about getting your items moved into your new home safely, and without loss of items or damage. Our professional moving team takes care of everything from start to finish, quickly and safely, plus we are fully-licensed and insured.
Back to TopWhat is the difference between a moving broker and moving company?
YA moving broker is someone who does not have trucks or movers of their own but instead arranges to book your move, and works with an actual moving company to carry out the job. A moving company has actual moving trucks and movers of their own and will work directly with you throughout the entire process.
Back to TopWhat is the Difference Between Local Moving and Long-Distance Moving?
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.
Back to TopDo Movers Pack for You?
This will depend on what you want. Any established, full-service moving company will offer both packing and unpacking services. While this will cost a little more money, you will save time while resting assured that your items are taken care of as they are packed by experts with all of the right packing supplies.
Be sure to ask if your moving company’s packing services are tailorable. It is good to have the option of having just some of your belongings packed, such as larger or more difficult to pack items. A reputable moving company works with you.
Back to TopAre there items you can’t move?
There are certain items that cannot moved in moving trucks. Those items include:
– Combustible Liquids (rubbing alcohol, antifreeze, cleaning materials, etc.)
– Corrosive Liquids (Acid, Bleach, etc.)
– Explosives (Fireworks, Ammunition, Dynamite, etc.)
– Flammables (Aerosol Cans, Gasoline, Kerosene, Ammonia, Propane, etc.)
– Food Items (Nothing perishable, subject to freezing, or sold in a bag or box)
– Plants (No live plants or soil)
Back to TopWhat should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
Any valuable items and important documents should be packed and moved by you personally. These items include:
– Important Documents (Birth Certificates, Social Security Cards, Passports, Mortgage Papers, etc.)
– Laptops and Portable Electronics
– Medications
– Jewelry
– Money
Back to TopWhere do I Get Packing Supplies?
From belts to bubble wrap to dollies, moving blankets, moving boxes, and totes, there’s a lot of packing supplies needed for a safe move. Be sure to start getting these items together early on if you are packing yourself.
First, check to see if your friends and family have any supplies left over from a recent move. After this, check in with your movers. They typically will sell all of the packing supplies you could need at a great price or will include them with your move.
Back to TopWhat is a Moving Valuation?
This is coverage for your belongings that financially protects them when lost or damaged. Most moving companies offer different levels of valuation and some offer separate liability coverage. All established 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 moving valuation, or insurance.
Back to TopHow Does Moving Valuation Work?
There are three levels of valuation. The basic plan is typically called “Release Rate Liability” and will pay you a certain amount of money per pound which is generally a fraction of what your item’s value is.
You can also get “Full-Value Coverage” which means that, if your belongings are lost or damaged, will be repaired, replaced with like items, or you get a cash settlement.
Lastly, you will be able to mark your items on a “High-Value Inventory” list. All items that are valued at over $100 per pound must be on this list. This can be anything from jewelry to art to antiques and more.
Back to TopIs There a Difference Between a Quote and Estimate?
Simply put, a quote is an exact price for a job set by the mover while an estimate is the mover’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.
Back to TopDo I Have to Get My Quote In Person?
No! As virtual options have become more popular, moving companies have followed suit. Any top moving company will allow remote options for your quote survey.
Now, when looking for virtual options, remember how important it is to have a good, thorough walk-through. There are some moving companies who will offer “instant quotes” or quotes over the phone. These should be considered as a “ballpark” estimate to be finished up later. Instead, look for an option over video chat where the moving representative sees your house and the items to be moved via their cell phone.
Back to TopHow Do I Know Which Movers are Trustworthy?
With how big the moving industry is, it can be pretty difficult to determine who the best moving company is for you. Here are some of the key things to look for when researching a moving company:
• Badges: Look to see if they have any certifications or if they are accredited by the BBB. These will also show you if they have won any awards for top service.
• Experience: You may want to avoid movers that are relatively new. Experience is key to a good move. This could be listed anywhere on the site, but the most surefire location is in their About Us page.
• Reviews: Find online reviews. If a moving company has less than a 4-star average rating on their Google Reviews, there is most likely an issue there.
• Family-Owned and Operated: This is always a big plus. Not only will this help you avoid shady moving companies, but it will also help you avoid ones that are too big to genuinely care about your move.The only way to know for sure is to do in-depth research. As you narrow down your list, look more and more into these aspects of the company to find the best one for you.
Back to TopIs your moving company properly licensed and insured?
Yes, our moving company is fully-licensed and insured. For example, our licensing numbers are US DOT 70719, MC 87113 and WUTC CC57070. We are also fully insured providing general liability and workers comp.
Back to TopCan I Store My Items During a Move?
Yes! Your moving company will be happy to take your items to their warehouse 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, for those with a full house, storage can be even easier with On-Demand Storage options.
Back to TopWhen Is the Best Time of Year to Move?
Yes, we have a two-hour deposit on all local moves (subject to our discretion) and a $200 deposit on intrastate moves, both of which are deducted from the final price of your move.
Back to TopHave any other questions?
Didn’t see the answer to your question or questions here? Here at Mountain Moving & Storage, we put our 15 years of experience into every move. All you have to do to reach a friendly representative who is eager to answer your questions is call (253) 581-2414 or fill out our quick contact form.
