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Planning a local move can bring up a lot of questions. To help ease your mind, we sat down with Austin Ducello, a knowledgeable salesman at Bailey's Moving and Storage and a Denver local moving expert. Austin shared some of the most frequent questions he hears from clients just like you.
Let's dive into the answers and shed some light on the local moving process.
Q: How much do I need to pack myself?
Austin: One of the best things about a local move is how customizable it is. You have complete control over how much or how little you want us to handle. Feel like packing up all your books and clothes yourself? Go for it. Only want us to tackle the kitchen cabinets? We can do that too. The more you pack and have ready to go on moving day, the less our crew needs to do, and ultimately, the less it will cost you.
Q: When do I need to pay, and is a deposit required?
Austin: This is a crucial question. You should never have to pay a deposit for a local move with a reputable company. We don't charge a deposit. Payment is due upon completion of the move. Steer clear of any moving company that demands money upfront, as this could be a scam. For more info on common moving scams, check out this blog post.
Q: What kind of items can you move?
Austin: Essentially, if you have it, we can figure out how to move it safely. Whether it's bulky furniture, delicate antiques, or heavy items like safes, gym equipment, or hot tubs, our experienced team is equipped to handle it.
Q: How will I be charged for my local move?
Austin: Transparency is key. For local moves, we bill based on an hourly rate for our crew's time. We'll come out to your home and provide you with a thorough estimate, but the final bill will reflect the actual time spent completing your move.
Q: What if the final cost is much higher than the estimate?
Austin: We understand that cost is a major concern. Our goal is to provide an accurate estimate and keep you informed throughout the process. I'd much rather give you some money back at the end than have the final cost be significantly higher than expected and leave you surprised. In fact, with local moves, clients almost always end up paying less than the initial estimate.
Q: How long will my local move take?
Austin: The size of your shipment is the main factor in determining the timeframe. On average, our crew can typically load and unload around 15,000 to 16,000 pounds in a single day, which is generally the contents of a 3–4-bedroom house. We prioritize setting correct expectations upfront, unlike some other companies that might leave you in the dark.
Q: What if I need to store my belongings temporarily?
Austin: We have a military-certified warehouse right here. If you need short-term storage, we can load your belongings one day and deliver them at a later date. Our warehouse provides a secure place to house your items.
Q: Are there any items you can't move?
Austin: Yes, for safety reasons, there are certain items we cannot transport. These generally include cleaning liquids, aerosol cans, anything flammable or explosive, and perishable items. If a liquid has its original seal and the seal isn't broken, we can usually move it. Movers can move items like firearms, but we cannot move ammunition. If you have specific questions, your sales manager or move coordinator will be able to advise you on what we can and can’t move.
Q: Since local moves are "non-binding," could you charge me any amount you want? How do you come up with the estimate?
Austin: While local moves are technically non-binding in the same way long-distance moves have specific regulations, our reputation is everything. We pride ourselves on fair and transparent pricing. To create an estimate, we consider the volume of your belongings and the estimated time it will take our crew. A good rule of thumb is that one person can typically load around 500 pounds per hour and unload about 750 pounds per hour, averaging around 650 pounds per person per hour.
Q: What time will the moving crew arrive?
Austin: We almost always aim to have our crew arrive between 8 and 9 in the morning. However, our dispatcher will always call you beforehand to give you a more precise arrival window.
Q: Who will be my point of contact throughout the move?
Austin: We understand how frustrating it can be to be passed around to different people. When you work with me, I'll be your main point of contact for any changes or additions you want to make. Additionally, you'll be assigned a dedicated move coordinator who will walk you through the entire logistical process, including scheduling crew arrival times and tracking your belongings.
Q: What about insurance for my belongings?
Austin: It's important to understand your valuation coverage options. The basic coverage, often included, ensures your goods at a rate of 60 cents per pound. We also offer valuation coverage, which isn't technically insurance but provides full replacement value for your items. For local moves, this valuation coverage typically doesn't involve a deductible and is always based on the total weight of your shipment.
Q: What happens if there's bad weather on my moving day?
Austin: We are usually able to complete local moves even in inclement weather. It's very, very unlikely that we would have to reschedule due to weather.
Q: How is packing handled and charged? What's the best way to save money on packing?
Austin: Packing services are not charged hourly. Instead, there's a set cost for the cartons themselves and a separate, fixed cost for our team to pack them. The easiest way to save money on your quote is to do the packing yourself. Additionally, having your boxes ready in the garage, being well-organized, and purging any unwanted items beforehand can significantly reduce the overall time and cost.
Q: Do your local moving rates change throughout the year?
Austin: For local moves, our rates remain consistent year-round. Our winter rates for local moves are the same as our yearly rates.
Q: Do you handle minor disassembly and reassembly of furniture?
Austin: Yes, our crew can certainly handle minor disassembly and reassembly, such as taking apart and putting back together sofas and beds.
Q: Is it customary to tip the movers?
Austin: Tipping is definitely not required, but it is certainly appreciated by our hardworking crews. It's a gesture of gratitude for their efforts.
We hope these frequently asked local moving questions have provided you with valuable insights into the local moving process. If you have any further questions or are ready to plan your Denver-area move, click here to get in touch with our team and start your custom local moving quote.
