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FAQ Local Move

When is the best time to move? If there is a choice, it is best to avoid the summer months, the end-of-the-month, or the end-of-the-year holidays. Those are the busiest times for a moving company when the heaviest demands are placed trucks and personnel.

However, our approved vendors are equipped to work with any schedule and will set up your move when it is most convenient for you.

When should I call a moving company? The earlier, the better! We recommend at least four to six weeks’ notice, if possible. The more lead-time you can give, the more likely your mover will be able to meet your preferred schedule.

Do I need an estimate? Yes. A pre-move survey is needed to determine the approximate cost of a move and the amount of space your goods will occupy on the van. Bargain Relo customers can receive a free in-home survey, performed by a certified estimator, or for a ballpark estimate, visit our moving estimator.

Keep in mind that estimates (household goods surveys) are only guidelines. Total charges for your move are based on the actual services performed and time to perform them. Charges for local shipments are generally calculated on an hourly basis. There may be a minimum number of hours required.

Are movers obligated to move my goods for the estimate they quote? It depends on whether the estimate provided is a non-binding or a binding estimate. A mover is not required to provide an estimate to a shipper. However, if a shipper requests an estimate over the telephone or Internet, and the mover calls it an "estimate", it must be in writing. The mover may provide a non-binding or binding estimate and the estimate itself must clearly state whether it is non-binding or binding.

What kinds of ways can a mover charge me for my local move? There are basically three ways your mover can charge you for your local move:

Hourly, Flat Rate and by the Piece.

Hourly – there will be an hourly rate, which usually includes a certain number of laborers, truck, and equipment including pads.

Flat rate- this is based on your inventory or weight of shipment. Check to see if this is a BINDING or NON BINDING quote.

By the piece- some movers assign a price to each piece of furniture or box. Final price is based on exactly what is moved.

At Bargain Relo we recommend either hourly or flat rate movers. Our approved vendors work with you to give you an educated guess as to the cost of your move.

What is a Bill of Lading? The bill of lading is final order signed on the day of your move. The mover is required by law to prepare a bill of lading for every shipment it transports. The information on the bill of lading is required to be the same information shown on the order for service/contract. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading BEFORE loading your household goods. You must also sign the bill of lading. It is your responsibility to read the bill of lading BEFORE you sign it. If you do not agree with something, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it shows the service you want. The bill of lading requires the mover to provide the service you have requested, and you must pay the mover the charges for the service. The bill of lading is an important document so be careful not to lose or misplace your copy. Have it available until your shipment is delivered, all charges are paid and all claims, if any, are settled.

What information do you need to schedule my shipment? Your address (including zip code), phone numbers, and destination city and state are the primary items needed to get the moving process in motion. Other information, such as additional stops and unusual items to be shipped (cars, boats, tractors, etc.), also must be provided at this time.

If our schedule changes, who should be notified and when? Call your move coordinator as soon as possible, even if you do not know the revised move dates.

How much will my move cost? Unless you have been given a binding estimate, the exact cost of your move cannot be determined until your move is completed. If additional services are requested or become necessary, additional charges will be incurred. The total cost will include these transportation costs, any charges for Full-Value Coverage (see "Am I Protected Against Loss Or Damage While My Goods Are In Transit?"), plus charges for any "accessorial" services (such as shuttles, long walks, elevators, etc).

How and when should I pay? All charges are usually paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination (unless prior arrangements have been made for later billing).

Payment for your shipment is determined by your mover and can include : cash, traveler's check, money order or cashier's check or major credit cards

All payment forms apply to both binding and non-binding estimates.

Do I have to be present for all phases of the move process? Your should. You are the most important participant in the move. You will need to be present during all phases of the move - the pre-move survey, packing, loading, and unloading - to assure that all items which you intend to transport are surveyed, packed, loaded, and delivered.

• You will need to do a final walk-through at both origin and destination in order to:
• Make sure that everything has been loaded (origin)
• Make sure that there is no damage to the residence (origin or destination)
• Perform the inventory check-off, which ensures that all items are delivered.
• If there is damage, exceptions MUST be noted on the paperwork prior to the driver's or packing crew's departure, or the claim will be denied.
• You will need to sign all paperwork at both origin and destination.

Can I leave my clothes in a chest or dresser drawers? Here is the rule: anything you leave in the drawers is not covered by valuation, and any damage due to the items being left in them is not covered either. So, common sense says lightweight clothing - sweaters, shirts, blouses, and lingerie - may be left in the drawers. But do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful NOT to leave fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak. Check your contract for details.

What should I do in the event of a claim or damaged item? First, bring the damage to the driver's attention. Second, you should contact the move coordinator who is handling your move and make them aware of the problem. Notate damages on the paperwork, and file a claim according to your moving company’s policy.

“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 depend upon the "valuation" program you choose.
The valuation option you select determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and establishes the maximum liability. The liability for loss or damage is based upon tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor carrier liability.

Released Rate Liability - Basic Coverage
With this type of valuation, the maximum liability for loss or damage to any article in the shipment is .60 cents multiplied by the weight of the article. This is the basic liability level and is provided at no charge.

Full-Value Coverage
Under this protection plan, if your articles are lost or damaged while in our care, they will either be 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 item.

Items Of "Extraordinary Value"or High Value Items
"Articles of extraordinary value" refers to items having a value of more than $100 per pound. All "articles of extraordinary value" in your shipment must be listed on the High-Value Inventory form. Following is a partial list to help you identify items that might fall under this classification: jewelry, furs, art and coin collections, crystal, figurines, antiques, Oriental rugs, precious stones or gems, china and silverware. For a larger list, click here http://www.bargainrelo.com/articles/high_value_items.htm

What should I know about the pick-up of my furniture? Make certain that you are present to oversee the loading of your furniture. DO NOT LEAVE!