Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve Got Moving & Packing Questions, Find Answers Below or Contact Us for More Information
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers…we hope you will find them helpful in planning your move!
- As much notice as possible… 4 – 6 weeks is not too soon in scheduling a move date. We are always as accommodating as the schedule permits.
- We can handle “last minute” and “same day moves”, but again, as long as our schedule permits. The rule of thumb: the more notice – the better. The summer months (April – September) are the busiest moving months of the year.
- Yes, we can; however, the amount of packing and the size of the job determine the best plan. It is sometimes recommended to pack one day and move on a separate day. Long-distance moves are primarily loaded on one day and delivery is based on a “delivery spread”.
- No problem! Magic Moving & Storage, Inc. offers the most modern, up-to-date, economical storage available. Our storage facility is safe and clean, well-maintained, and secured.
- The best advice to eliminate stress and damage is by emptying ANY furniture item. You can, however, leave light clothing in dresser drawers … remove fragile, breakable items and heavy clothing.
- You can leave smaller 2-drawer file cabinets full; however, you should lock drawers. We recommend that lateral file and wood cabinets be emptied. Empty 3 of 5-drawer uprights.
- Proper packing ultimately determines how successful your move will be. It is your decision, but understand – you are responsible for your own packing; valuation coverage will not compensate for non-carrier packed boxes. In addition, the misconception that you will save a lot of money is simply not true. Movers are extremely efficient … usually packing several boxes at once. We are also equipped with specialized and all necessary-sized boxes and packing material.
- Unpacking: this is called “maid service” and we are happy to assist you in this effort; the advantage being that you save on time and we can take your boxes back immediately.
Valuation is not Insurance, but protection of your goods during shipment. We offer different levels of liability protection, should damage occur while your shipment is in transit and/or in storage.
1) BASIC VALUATION: This level of protection is offered at no charge. It pays out based on .60 cents per pound per article.
2) FULL VALUE PROTECTION: Under this option, if articles are lost, damaged, or destroyed, they will be either repaired or replaced with like items. This level of protection allows for compensation of current market replacement value … this is the highest level of protection.
- Make sure your home is ready and follow all guidelines provided in your packet or on our web page. Do not have contractors scheduled on move day. Make sure there is adequate parking and all walk-ways are clear of all obstructions. Separate prohibited items (food, chemicals, plants, etc.) and prepare appliances. Be on-site and available during the move.
- Yes, we are in constant contact with our drivers at all times and can provide you with an update on when your goods will arrive.
- Yes, it is! Adequate parking and proper access is essential … this can determine the difficulty of work and also dictate pricing. If Permits are required by individual cities, you must prepare and provide – prior to our arrival. If you are moving out of an assisted living or apartment complex, reservation of elevators and coordination with property managers is sometimes required: check with your managers.
- If you are moving 100 miles or less, it is usually calculated by the hour. If you are moving long-distance or cross-country, it is calculated based on the weight of your shipment and mileage. These are referred to as transportation charges. There are a variety of supplemental charges which could be assessed; i.e. packing, crating, valuation, bulky article charge, extra labor, and shuttles. Again, it’s a good idea to discuss full-scope of work with your moving consultant.
- Tariff provision requires all charges be paid in full before your shipment is unloaded at destination. Payments can be made by using cash, certified check or money order. Other payment options such as credit cards or checks must be authorized, prior to your move.
- Most moving companies will not take your plants. The stress and heat of being in a closed trailer can cause them to die. They create a mess and do not move well. In addition, many states do not allow entry of plants, while other states do – under certain conditions. Discuss with options with your mover consultant.
- Washers, dryers, and refrigerators must be disconnected. Refrigerators need to be emptied and dried out for transport…freezers ‘De-iced’ and ‘De-frosted’. Washers must have a stabilizer installed. Front load washers must be secured by stabilizer bolts; (contact your local distributor if you do not have the manufacturer issued bolts). Sometimes your utility provider must be called out to disconnect gas hookups.
- Water beds need to be drained completely; sometimes allowing a couple of days to dry completely. Fiber-filled water beds need to be vacuumed/drained in advance of your moving day.