Element Moving and Storage in Dallas, Texas, addresses the most common questions to ask moving companies, such as optimal moving times, how to best prepare for your move, and details that pertain specifically to local and long-distance moves to ensure a smother, more informed relocation experience. Below, we cover different aspects to consider like tipping, payment methods, and minimum service hours along with how to pack your personal items, handling valuable possessions and managing your pets or plants during the moving process.
When is the best time to move?
Anytime… with Element Moving the time of moving doesn’t matter. We’re ready anytime and our team can handle your move with the utmost care. Our busiest months are between May and October. You may be able to get better pricing on off months.
When should I call a moving company?
The earlier, the better. We suggest calling four to six weeks before your move date. The more lead time you can give, the more likely the company will be able to meet your preferred delivery schedule.
How long does it take to move?
For local moves, the time depends on the amount of items you are moving and the distance between the destinations. For long distance moves, there are many factors, such as the time of year, weather, size of your shipment, time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling.
My move date changed. What should I do?
Contact your move coordinator as soon as you can if your move dates have changed. He/she can process any changes to your plan and discuss updates.
How do I select which moving companies will provide me with a free moving estimate?
Your first step is determining if you need a full service moving company. It’s a good idea to research local, national, and long distance moving companies— ask people you know for recommendations. Investigate each of the movers you select with the Better Business Bureau.
Make sure the companies you choose are licensed and insured and have proper workers compensation for the movers. For local moves, the companies will need to be licensed by the TXDOT and for interstate moves, the companies need USDOT authorization.
Both can be found here. Please do yourself a favor and research carefully: https://apps.txdmv.gov/apps/mccs/truckstop/
Should I tip my movers?
As with other service industries, you may wish to thank your movers for a job well done by offering a gratuity.
While the movers do not expect a set tip amount, we suggest a tip based on your satisfaction with your crew and the overall move.
If you feel that your movers went above and beyond in their efforts, you may want to increase the amount accordingly.
Is there a minimum amount of hours for the moving service?
For local moves, there is a minimum amount of hours for the moving service. The minimum amount is three hours unless otherwise stated on the contract, even if your move takes less time than three hours, you still pay for the minimum amount of hours listed on your Order for Service. If your move takes longer, for example, three hours and 15 minutes, the amount is prorated and you pay by 15-minute increment. For long distance moves there is a minimum amount of cubic feet charged.
How should I pay for moving and what are the payment methods for moving?
For interstate moves, tariff provisions require that all moving charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at the destination. Payments can be made using cash or postal money order. Other payment options, such as a credit card, can be arranged prior to delivery. Discuss these options with the relocation specialist and/or the customer service representative assigned to your shipment. Usually there is an initial charge (moving deposit) when you book your move. Beware of companies that require big deposits in advance, they are usually brokers.
Can I pack anything in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
It is generally fine to leave your clothing in your 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.
Will the driver load all the boxes that I packed?
Yes, as long as the driver deems them safe for transport.
How do I prepare my home and myself for move day?
Make sure your home is ready for the crew. Move anything off the porch and walkways that may obstruct movement of your goods out of the home. Take doors off the hinges if you know certain items will not fit through. Remove all small throw rugs from traffic areas that could cause the driver or crew to trip or slip.
Offering water or other refreshments on hand to the driver and movers, especially on a hot summer day, is a wonderful gesture and, although our movers come prepared, they will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.
Our movers will prepare the home with runners, door jamb protectors, and railing protectors if applicable.
Can I pack and move my plants?
Plants can be moved on local moves if properly packed and prepared, but we cannot guarantee the safe transport of live plants, which can be traumatized by motion or temperature extremes inside the moving truck. We cannot transport live plants on long distance moves.
What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
It is strongly recommended that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make alternate arrangements for their transport.
What type of packing/unpacking services do you offer?
At the time of your booking, you can choose to pack as much or as little as you want. We can pack the entire shipment, pack only a portion of your belongings or you can pack everything yourself. Element Moving is here to personalize your move process and make this transition as smooth as possible.
If you’re interested in our packing services, you can discuss options with your relocation consultant. Element Moving offers different packing services to fit all types of moves and budgets.
Can I move my pet(s)?
Pets cannot be carried in the moving truck. Dogs, cats, and birds can usually be transported in the family car.
Are there any items that you can not move?
Element Moving Company, as well as all 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.
How will the movers know what items to take and what to leave behind?
When the movers first arrive, they will do a walk through of your current home, confirming which items are going and which are not.
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. They can work with you to discuss packing options. This may mean having the movers finish your packing or, if you have the flexibility and we have the availability, pushing back your moving day in order to allow 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 and packing material costs to the job.
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, and we are happy to arrange the furniture exactly as you would like it.
In addition to arranging furniture how you want, we also offer a furniture receiving and delivery service in the even that new furniture arrives before your new home or office is available. Element Moving & Storage receives your furniture deliveries, stores them until your desired delivery date, then delivers to your home or office for final placement.
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.
Can the movers dispose of trash on moving day?
No. We are not equipped to dispose of trash. However, if you wish to have something transported to a the dump, we are able to do so with a debris removal fee. Please speak to your relocation specialist about cost of debris removal.
What happens when a relocation specialist comes to my home?
The relocation specialist will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey of your items. Once this is completed, he or she will calculate the volume, packing cost and any other charge related to your move—please remember that the relocation specialist must clearly see what you are moving in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics, and cluttered closets can often be deceptive, so organize your house well before the relocation specialist arrives.
Don’t be alarmed—it is normal for a relocation specialist goes through all of your cabinets and closets, or even looks under beds and on top of cabinets. They must be able to completely see what is moving and possibly needs packing. If you know of items that are out of view, be sure to point them out to the relocation specialist. In addition to this, if there are items you will be eliminating, be sure to point them out as well.
How do I prepare my appliances for moving?
Appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizing bolts installed. Element can handle this service for you, please let your representative know that you will need this service. Please note that there is an additional fee for disconnecting and reconnecting appliances.
Am I protected against loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you depends upon the valuation coverage you selected. This can be one of the most confusing aspects to moving but it is important that you understand what is being provided to you.
The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the carrier. The liability of a carrier for loss or damage is based upon the carrier’s tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations that have certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance. This is important to understand. It is the liability of the moving company. Check with the provider of your homeowner’s insurance to find out if you are covered for moving. Often you will find that you are.
Released Value – This is the most economical as there is no additional cost. However, this option provides only minimal protection and is not sufficient coverage for most shipments. It will pay you $.60 per pound per article if lost or damaged while moving. That means a piece of furniture weighing 75 lbs would receive a settlement of $45.00. You will be asked to initial the bill of lading if you select this coverage. The only place this is applicable is if your insurance policy covers your goods for their entire value and this would be considered supplemental coverage for your move.
Full Maximum Value Protection – This is your most comprehensive coverage. You may hear it referred to as “full replacement value” as well as “full value protection” by other companies. If you elect to purchase full value protection, articles that are lost, damaged, or destroyed will be either repaired or replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged item. Depreciation of the lost or damaged item is not a factor in determining replacement value when the shipment is moved under full value protection.
The cost of full value protection may be subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost. Ask your relocation specialist for the details of their specific plan.
What day of the week/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.
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 will be 100% ready.
I have some items that I’d like to keep, but they won’t fit in my new home. Should I store them?
Yes! Element Moving offers full service storage facilities in addition to our high quality moving services. If your items do not fit in your new home, but you are only living there only for a finite period of time and have plans to move to a larger home, use of our storage facilities is a convenient, safe option. Ask your relocation specialist for more details about this service.
What can I do to ensure that my belongings end up in the correct room during the move?
Choose a simple labeling system and make sure all of your boxes are clearly marked. Boxes should be labeled on the top and three sides. Your movers will work closely with you at the destination to make sure everything ends up where you want it.
Can I keep moving expenses down by having a family member or friend help on moving day?
On moving day, you should let the professional movers 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 by helping you with packing moving boxes or caring for your pets or children.
Are Employees Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
This may not seem to be a concern of yours but in case the moving company doesn’t provide proper insurance or workers’ compensation, you may have to pay for injuries if any occur on your property. All crewmembers of Element Moving are covered with Full Workers Compensation Insurance.
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