Frequently Asked Questions About Moving
As you prepare for your move, you probably have "a million things on your mind." To minimize your stress at this hectic time, we've put together a list of frequently asked questions, along with their answers. Some of the questions require more specific information, in which case your Allied moving counselor is the person to ask. Make sure that your moving counselor answers these and any other questions you may have.
- Who can I call if I have questions while my belongings are being shipped?
- Is there anything I should keep with me and NOT load on the truck?
- Can I transport my car?
- Does Allied provide motorcycle transportation?
- Is there anything that I can't have moved?
- Once I get to my new home, whom can I contact in the local area? Who do I call for unpacking services?
- Can I pack anything in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
- What should I do to prepare to move my waterbed?
- Should anything be done to my appliances to prepare them for the move?
- How will Allied protect my upholstered furniture?
- What are my charges based on?
- How can I obtain an estimate of moving costs?
- What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
- Will there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?
- What if the truck can't park up close to the house?
- What payment options are available?
- What if something is damaged while it is being shipped?
- What is Extra Care Protection/Customer Transit Protection?
Who can I call if I have questions while my belongings are being shipped?
Throughout your move, your primary contact is the moving counselor who helped plan your move. Your moving counselor should have given you the name and telephone number of an Allied agent near your new home to contact upon your arrival there. But, at any time during your move you can always contact Allied's Customer Resource Center at 1-800-470-2851. You may also check on the status of your shipment online through our Shipment Tracking System.
Is there anything I should keep with me and NOT load on the truck?
Be sure to carry enough clothing, medications, toiletries, etc. to last from the load date until the last day of the delivery spread. We do suggest that you keep small valuables such as jewelry and family photographs and videos with you during the move.
It is possible to transport your automobile with the rest of your belongings--provided there's enough room. Please consult your moving counselor for more information.
Does Allied provide motorcycle transportation?
We can arrange uncrated motorcycle transportation.
Is there anything that I can't have moved?
Plants and pets for obvious reasons can't be loaded on the truck. There are several household items that are considered hazardous materials and cannot be moved with your other belongings. These include aerosols, gas cans, paints, varnish, corrosives, batteries, matches, nail polish and remover, ammunition, explosives, cleaning fluids and detergents. Please consult your moving counselor if you think you have anything else that may not be safe to transport on the truck.
Your moving counselor will provide you with the name of the Allied agent who has been assigned as your "destination agent." You should have the name of the agency and their phone number.
PACKING/PREPARATION
Can I pack anything in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent damage during transport. Non-fragile, light-weight items such as clothing and linens can be left in dresser drawers.
What should I do to prepare to move my waterbed?
Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fiber-filled waterbeds need to be professionally vacuum-drained in advance of your move date. Your moving counselor can refer you to a professional to perform these services.
Should anything be done to my appliances to prepare them for the move?
Appliances such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Again, your moving counselor can refer you to an appropriate professional to perform these services.
How will Allied protect my upholstered furniture?
Allied uses a special procedure called StretchWrap. It is a heavy, clear plastic wrap that protects your furniture from being soiled.
COST
For an interstate move, your charges are based on the weight of your shipment, together with the mileage between origin and destination. At the time of your estimate, your moving counselor will be happy to explain the itemized charges on your estimate, which would include any packing, crating, uncrating and transit protection.
How can I obtain an estimate of moving costs?
To receive an estimate, fill out the on-line Request for Information form and your local Allied agent will contact you to set up an appointment. For a ballpark estimate of moving costs, check out our Self estimate form.
What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate requires you to pay based on the actual weight of your shipment and the actual services performed. There is no limit. A binding estimate is a price guaranteed not to be exceeded unless additional services are performed that are not specifically listed on your paperwork. You must complete additional paperwork for any items to be added to your shipment or to have additional service provided.
Will there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?
Stair carry and long carry charges no longer apply. However, if there is an excessive number of stairs or distances to carry, an additional labor charge may apply. Your moving counselor will let you know if the situation at your current home will require these charges. Since your moving counselor does not visit your new home, you will have to let him/her know about the layout there.
What if the truck can't park up close to the house?
If we are not able to park the truck close to an entrance to your new home, you may be charged for a shuttle. If a shuttle is not possible, extra labor charges may apply. Often tree branches grow low over roadways not allowing for the height of a truck. Narrow streets and driveways can restrict accessibility to your home, making it necessary for the driver and helpers to carry your belongings a longer-than-normal distance. If the distance from your home to the truck is too great for the driver and helpers to carry your belongings, we may need to load your belongings on a smaller "shuttle" truck before placing them on the actual moving van. Use of a shuttle truck is also an additional charge.
What payment options are available?
Most moves require payment upon delivery by either cash, certified check or money order. Other payment options such as credit card may be pre-arranged. Discuss these options with your moving counselor to select the one that works best for you. In the event that your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice. Whatever payment option best meets your needs, be sure that all the arrangements are made before your belongings are packed and loaded.
TRANSIT PROTECTION
What if something is damaged while it is being shipped?
Occasionally, some minor damage occurs during shipping. We have several options to protect your belongings. Review the coverage plans with your moving counselor to select the plan that best fits your needs. A valuation of 60 cents per pound is provided at no charge, but we recommend that a higher valuation be declared to adequately cover your belongings in the event of damage. As an example, suppose your new television purchased for $500, weighing 50 pounds, is damaged beyond repair. Minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would entitle you to $30. Allied does offer Extra Care Protection/Customer Transit Protection. If you need to file a claim, you can call 1-800-470-2851.
What is Extra Care Protection/Customer Transit Protection?
Extra Care Protection (ECP), in the U.S., or Customer Transit Protection in Canada, provides for the full cost of repair, or the full cost of replacement of any household item that may be damaged or lost during your move, up to the amount that you declare to be the total value of your belongings. Minimum valuation under this plan is $5.00 times the weight of your shipment. Replacement, if necessary, is at today's prices, not at depreciated cost. This full replacement protection includes many matched sets and pairs, such as candlesticks, lamps and chairs.
For more about coverage options for your move, read Determining the Right Coverage for Your Move.