Frequently Asked Questions When Moving or Contacting Puget Sound Moving

We have compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to address any concerns you may have about your move.

Moving Expenses
Preparing to Move
Moving Day

Don’t see your question? Please feel free to contact us.

Moving Expenses

Why should I hire a professional mover?

Moving can be both emotionally and physically draining, and handling delicate or bulky items with care requires specific moving skills. We highly recommend turning to professionals for this, as you would for many of your households needs such as plumbing and electricity.

We have over 30 years of experience in local and long distance moving and our team of highly trained movers can accomplish your move, whether  move large or small. With every move, you can trust that we will treat you like our own friends and family– only, we come with a guarantee!

Puget Sound Moving delivers exceptional value for a service that is well worth the money. Moving is one of the most stressful life events– so why not leave the stressful part to someone else? Someone who you can trust has the experience and expertise to perform a safe and successful move.

How much will my move cost?
We base an estimate for a local move on an hourly rate, which includes the drive time for each leg of the move: from the moving company to your original home, then to your destination, and back again to the moving company.

Pricing for a long distance move is based on a flat rate, fixed price. Once we have taken an inventory of your furniture and other belongings, and identified a time frame for delivery, we are happy to provide a binding price for your move. If you prefer, we can also price a long distance move by weight.

Is moving labor the only moving expense I should expect?
Moving labor represents the majority of the moving expense. However, you should also budget for packing supplies, such as moving boxes and tape, and for additional valuation (moving insurance) as needed. Puget Sound Moving takes special precautions with delicate or oversized items, such as flat screen televisions and chandeliers. These items often require a custom wooden crate, which will incur an additional fee.

How accurate will the moving estimate be?
With over 50 (combined) years of experience, our sales team prides themselves on providing the most accurate moving estimates in the industry. Our proprietary sales system ensures that we work closely with every customer to fully understand his/her moving needs and to provide a moving estimate that reflects those needs. Be sure to offer as much information as possible at the time of the estimate – this includes reviewing the inventory for accuracy. Neglecting to mention additional items, or difficult areas of access, at the time of the moving estimate almost always results in unexpected costs for the customer.

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 amount, we suggest a tip based on your satisfaction with your crew and the overall move; with a broad guideline of $4-6 per man, per hour. If you feel that your movers went above and beyond in their efforts, you may want to increase the amount accordingly.

Is valuation (moving insurance) necessary?
Although Puget Sound Moving will take every necessary precaution on your move, unexpected damage can occur and it is important to make sure that your possessions are protected. We are able to offer valuation (moving insurance) to our customers at a very fair price due to the very low number of claims we file.

Preparing to Move

How far in advance should I schedule my move?

We recommend scheduling your move as far in advance as you can. The farther out you can plan your move, the greater the availability you will have in choosing a date and time that is convenient for you. A general rule of thumb is to contact us no later than two weeks in advance of your desired move date. We realize advance planning is not always possible, and do our best to accommodate last minute customers as well.

What day/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. If your schedule allows for a move on one of these days, Movers often offer their most competitive rates during those times.

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 are 100% ready. For more information on packing and packing supplies check out our Pack like the Pros video series.

I have some items that I’d like to keep, but they won’t fit in my new home. Should I store them?
Yes! Puget Sound Moving offers storage vaults 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 and then have plans to move to a larger home or you would like to hold on to the items for family and friends, use of our storage facilities is a convenient, safe option. Ask your move coordinator for more detail on 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 that all of your boxes are clearly marked. Boxes should be labeled on the top and 3 sides. Your movers will work closely with you at the destination to make sure everything ends up where you want it.

Do I need to empty out my filing cabinets?
When the cabinets are made of metal or plastic, 2-drawer filing cabinets can be left full. The top two drawers of a 4-drawer cabinet need to be emptied. All lateral file cabinets need to be completely emptied. All drawers need to be emptied in wooden cabinets.

Can I leave clothing in my dresser drawers?
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.

What do I need to do to prepare my appliances for the move?
You should make certain that your dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer are empty. Additionally, movers are not trained electricians or plumbers – you need to arrange for the appropriate professional to disconnect your washer, lighting/chandeliers, and refrigerator from any electric and/or water connection. Most importantly, movers are not licensed to disconnect gas, which power many dryers and ovens.

Will you move my plants?
Such items can be moved on local moves if properly packed/prepared, but we cannot guarantee the safe transport of live plants, which can be traumatized by motion or temperature extremes inside the moving truck.

Are there any items you cannot move?
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.

Moving Day

[toggle open=”true” title=”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. He/she can work with you to make the best possible “plan b” for packing. 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 a 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 to the job and, therefore, add to the total cost of the move.

How will the movers know what items to take and what to leave behind?
When the movers first arrive, they will do a walkthrough of your current home, confirming which items are going and which are not.

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 and rearrange the furniture exactly as you would like it.

I have a few prized possessions that I need treated with extra care. How can I guarantee this?
For your own peace of mind, you may want to consider moving jewelry and other small valuables yourself in your personal vehicle. As for larger items – such as art, antiques, musical instruments, special collections, or other items of great personal meaning and value – point these items out to your movers at the start of moving day so that they can take the necessary steps to ensure for their proper care.

Can the movers transport my pets?
Unfortunately, there is no safe place in the moving truck for pets to ride. They cannot be transported in the cab of the moving truck for liability reasons and the back of the moving truck is inappropriate due to lack of climate control and the danger posed by potential shifting of heavy objects.

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. You may wish to arrange a ride with a friend or a cab service on move day.

Do the movers take time off for lunch? Do I need to provide lunch for them?
Moving is a physically taxing job and the Movers need time to eat during the day. On a local move, any time that the movers spend eating lunch will be deducted from your hourly bill. As for providing lunch, it is not required, as the movers often bring lunch or will find somewhere to eat along the way. However, water and/or sports drinks for the movers are always a welcome (and appreciated) refreshment!

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 waste disposal location, we are able to transport it at the hourly rate plus any fee imposed by the disposal facility. If possible, talk to your move coordinator prior to moving day to make these arrangements.

Can my movers clean my home on moving day?
While professional moving companies may vary, at Puget Sound Moving we clean up any clutter we make during the moving process, but we do not do general house cleaning. We recommend asking your friends, family, and neighbors for a referral for this type of service. We can pick up the boxes after you are unpacked.

Is it possible to move during inclement weather?
Yes. Our professional movers and moving trucks are prepared to move during rain, sleet, or snow. They come equipped with supplies to keep your belongings safe from the elements. However, in order to keep costs down, we recommend that you shovel, rake, or otherwise clear the access ways in preparation for their arrival.