Moving can be a very stressful experience. Our job, as we see it, is to make your move as easy, trouble-free and simple as possible.
We know you probably have lots of questions. If you don’t see yours below, feel free to contact us by phone (718-745-3400, 516-594-8700, 212-369-2985 or toll-free 800-545-6683) or email for answers to your questions.
- How do I know which moving company to hire?
- What will the moving company’s representative need to know in order to provide an estimate?
- How far in advance should I contact a moving company?
- What’s the best time of the year to move?
- How and when is payment expected?
- What happens if some of my belongings are lost or damaged in transit?
- What if I want a piece of furniture dropped off at a different location?
- Is there an extra charge for moving large items such as pianos?
- How about stairs?
- Is it okay if I leave clothes and other items inside furniture during the move?
- Can you supply cartons and packing material?
- Is it okay if I pack my own china, crystal and glassware?
- I have some really large live plants. Can you move them?
- What about jewelry and other valuables—can I have you move them too?
- What items am I not permitted to send in the moving van?
- I need to vacate my current home but can’t take possession of my new one yet. Do you provide any kind of storage service?
- We need storage for business records that we rarely refer to. Do you offer this kind of service?
Q: How do I know which moving company to hire?
A: There are lots of moving companies, and many are reputable and trustworthy—but not all. It’s best to start out by asking friends and associates about their personal experiences with movers, and whether or not they recommend the company they used. You might want to check with the Better Business Bureau on a particular company’s reputation. We recommend that you go with a moving company that belongs to the American Moving and Storage Association, a national trade association for the moving industry, or the Long Island Moving & Storage Association. Or—better yet—one that belongs to both. (By the way, A-1 First Class is a member of the Better Business Bureau, the American Moving and Storage Association and the Long Island Moving & Storage Association.)
Once you’ve assembled a list of potential movers, contact each one of them and let them know your destination and your time schedule. Ask about the full range of services they offer. Then, set up an appointment for an on-site consultation. Most reputable companies will make on-site visits at no charge. Any cost estimate that’s given to you by a mover who hasn’t made an on-site visit should not be trusted! That’s why A-1 First Class offers free in-home consultations and written estimates.
Before making a decision and hiring a mover, make sure you understand:
- The rates and charges that apply
- The mover’s liability for your belongings
- How pick-up and delivery will be handled
- What claims protection you receive
Q: What will the moving company’s representative need to know in order to provide an estimate?
A: The charge for an interstate move is based on the weight of your shipment, the distance you’re moving, and any other services that you might want to use the movers for, such as packing, short-term storage, etc. For local or regional moves within the same state, the charge is based on the number of hours the move will actually take. In either case, it’s wise to get written estimates from at least three different companies so that you can compare services and prices.
The moving consultant will need to be shown every single item—literally everything—that you want moved. Don’t forget all those items you’ve got in your basement, attic, garage, garden shed and closets. You’ll need to make a decision about the amount of packing and other services you are interested in having the movers perform on your behalf. Remember—anything left out of this estimate but later included in the job is sure to increase the cost.
Most movers offer several types of estimates: non-binding, binding and price protection. A non-binding estimate is a rough estimate of the cost based on the mover’s review of all items to be moved, with the final cost confirmed after the shipment is weighed. Since a non-binding estimate is based on the actual weight of your shipment (rather than the estimated weight), the price will usually be lower than a binding estimate.
You should be aware that, with a non-binding estimate, there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate. However, a mover cannot legally charge you more than 10 percent in excess of the original estimate. You are obligated to pay any remaining charges for additional services that you requested or that had to be performed in order to accomplish your move above and beyond the 110 percent amount within 30 days after your shipment is delivered—if the services or quantities were not included in your estimate.
Most movers will also provide a binding estimate, meaning you are legally obligated to pay the price stipulated in the binding estimate—even if the shipment weighs more or less than the estimated amount. Once again, a binding estimate covers only the goods and services included in the original estimate. If you add items or have additional services performed, the moving company can revise the estimate before your shipment is loaded. Or, if you request additional services once your shipment is in transit, the mover will bill you for these added services 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate.
Bear in mind that all movers reserve the right to charge for services necessary to accomplish delivery, even if those services have not been requested by the customer. This might include a situation where you cannot accept delivery and the shipment must be placed in storage, or if your destination street is too narrow to accommodate the truck and a smaller one must be used to deliver your goods to the house. You will be billed for these services within 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate.
The third type of estimate commonly used is the price protection estimate, also known as the guaranteed price or not-to-exceed estimate. This is an estimate based on a binding estimate or on actual cost—whichever is lower. The binding estimate dollar figure becomes the maximum amount you will be required to pay for the services listed on the estimate. Like a binding estimate, a price protection estimate must be provided in writing and is binding on the carrier.
If you would like a general idea of the cost, feel free to submit some basic information and we’ll get you a ball-park estimate.
Q: How far in advance should I contact a moving company?
A: The sooner the better. The more lead time you give, the better the chance that the movers will be able to meet your preferred schedule. So we suggest you start the process at least four to six weeks prior to your anticipated move.
All moving companies require alternate pick-up and delivery dates but we’ll do our best to stick to the schedule. At A-1 First Class your Certified Moving Consultant will stay in touch with you as the date of the move approaches. We understand how upsetting and stressful this time can be for you, so we’ll be sure to let you know well in advance what the loading date will be and the estimated date of arrival.
Q: What’s the best time of the year to move?
A: Naturally you should move when it’s most convenient for you. Job demands, children’s school terms are just two of the issues that will impact your move schedule. But if you can make the move during a timeframe when our moving vans and technicians are more readily available—in other words, NOT during the summer, the beginning or end of the month or during the winter holidays—we will be able to accommodate your preferred schedule.
Q: How and when is payment expected?
A: A-1 First Class, like most moving companies, accepts payment by major credit card, cash, certified check or money order. We do not accept personal checks. Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your belongings are unloaded at their final destination location unless other arrangements have been made.
Q: What happens if some of my belongings are lost or damaged in transit?
A: A-1 First Class assumes liability for the value of all goods that are entrusted to us. However, there are different levels of liability, and you should be aware of the amount of protection provided and the charge for each option. The two different levels of liability that movers are required to offer are explained below and in the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet that your mover will provide to you. Be sure to read this information carefully and follow the instructions in order to declare an accurate value on your shipment.
Full (replacement) value protection is the most comprehensive plan for protection of your property. With this plan, damaged, lost or destroyed items are—at the moving company’s option—repaired or replaced with similar items. Another option—again, the mover’s decision—is that A-1 First Class will make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair, or for the current market replacement value, no matter what the age or condition of the lost or damaged item. The advantage of this type of plan is that depreciation of the lost or damaged item is not considered a factor in determining replacement value.
Under this option, movers are permitted to curtail their liability for lost or damaged articles of extraordinary value—unless the customer specifically lists these articles on the shipping documents. An article of extraordinary value is one whose value exceeds $100 per pound, like antiques, fine art, jewelry, silverware, china, furs and computer software. Ask your mover for a complete explanation of this limitation before your move. It is your responsibility to study this provision carefully and to make the necessary declaration.
Released value is the most economical protection but this no-added-cost option provides only minimal protection. Under this option, A-1 First Class assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. Claims for loss or damage are settled based on the poundage of the article times 60 cents. So, if a 10-pound electronics component, valued at $1,000, is lost or destroyed, we’re liable for no more than $6.00 (10 pounds x 60 cents). There is no extra charge for this minimal protection, but you should think carefully before accepting such an arrangement. You will have to sign a specific statement on the bill of lading acknowledging your acceptance of these terms.
In addition to these options, some movers may also offer to sell you, or procure for you, separate added liability insurance if you release your shipment for transportation at a value of 60 cents per pound per article. This is considered optional insurance, and is regulated by state law. If you decide to purchase this type of coverage, in the event of loss or damage that is the mover’s responsibility, the mover is liable only for 60 cents per pound per article. The balance of the loss is recoverable from the insurance company—up to the amount of insurance purchased. If you do purchase this separate liability insurance from or through your mover, remember to get a copy of the policy or whatever paperwork has been issued at the time of purchase.
Q: What if I want a piece of furniture dropped off at a different location?
A: We can easily arrange to make multiple drop-offs. If yours is a local move the only additional charge is the actual time involved. In the case of out-of-state moves, there will be specific charges for additional drop-off locations based on the distance of these stops out of the planned travel route.
Q: Is there an extra charge for moving large items such as pianos?
A: You’ll be glad to know that A-1 First Class does not charge any additional fees for moving pianos or really heavy furniture. We charge the same way for heavy and/or cumbersome furnishings as we do for the rest of your possessions: either by the hour or by a weight/mileage basis.
Q: How about stairs?
A: Again, A-1 First Class applies no extra charges for our movers negotiating staircases—either in your current location or your destination location.
Q: Is it okay if I leave clothes and other items inside furniture during the move?
A: Not really. We expect all items to be removed from furniture and packed in the appropriate containers. The contents of desks, dressers, side tables, armoires, credenzas should be taken out also, as this minimizes wear and tear on your furniture and also protects your belongings during the move.
Q: Can you supply cartons and packing material?
A: Certainly. You can purchase these items directly from this website by going to Order Moving Supplies Here. For a limited time we are offering a FREE "Getting Started" Kit, consisting of three linen boxes, three book boxes, two dish boxes; a 10’ x 12" roll of bubble wrap and sealing tape, when you hire us for any of our services.
But, please, if you’re going to pack your own belongings, don’t pick up cardboard boxes from your local grocery or supermarket. These boxes are usually not very sturdy and often have insects because of the foodstuffs they contained. And keep in mind that you should be using double corrugated boxes—not single. The sturdier the cartons you use, the better the chance your belongings will come through the move safely.
Q: Is it okay if I pack my china, glass and crystal?
A: Yes, but we find that most of our clients prefer to have their belongings, especially fragile items like glassware and china, packed by our experienced professionals. If you do decide to pack these items on your own, be very careful to wrap each item separately, with lots of cushioning and then place them in a sturdy lidded container with a firm pack. Include a cushion of two to three inches of crushed paper in the bottom of the carton. Be sure to place the heaviest items on the bottom, more fragile or empty ones on the top, filling in space with crushed paper. Note that plates should be packed on their edges and glassware on its rims—for maximum protection. Then seal the cartons with tape, and clearly mark the carton with the words "Fragile" and a listing of the contents.
Q: I have some really large live plants. Can you move them?
A: Sorry but A-1 First Class can’t accept responsibility for live plants. We can’t guarantee conditions like water, light and temperature changes while they’re in the van.
Q: What about jewelry and other valuables—can I have you move them too?
A: We will accept responsibility for moving items of exceptional value such as jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections as long as you notify us— before packing or moving day—that these items are to be moved by us. In our opinion, though, it’s best if you carry one-of-a-kind, expensive items with you, or make other arrangements for moving them.
Q: What items am I not permitted to send in the moving van?
A: Click on this link—Non-Allowables—for a description of items that we will not transport.
Q: I need to vacate my current home but can’t take possession of my new one yet. Do you provide any kind of storage service?
A: Yes. A-1 First Class offers full-service warehousing in our own secure, temperature-controlled facility. Whether you need long or short-term storage we can handle the whole operation. Our experienced professionals create a complete inventory of your possessions with a detailed description of the condition of each. Once in our warehouse they’re carefully packed in your labeled container. You can feel confident knowing that your possessions are safe and sound until your new house is ready!
Q: We need storage for business records that we rarely refer to. Do you offer this kind of service?
A: Our affiliate, South Shore Records Management, provides full-service document storage and management programs. They offer file indexing and cataloging, customized reporting, data entry and back up. Our state-of-the-art document tracking software means that you’ll always have quick, reliable access to your records anytime you need them. And you can rest easy that your records—whether they’re files, medical records, x-rays, blue prints, computer discs or any other type of business records—are safe and secure in our temperature-controlled, fully alarmed, fire and intrusion-proof facility.
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