How much will my move cost?
The final cost of your move will depend on factors such as the services you wish Oz Moving & Storage to provide, the services you are willing and able to do yourself (i.e. packing), whether you will provide your own boxes or wish to purchase clean, unused boxes from Oz Moving & Storage, the volume of goods being moved, whether there are stairs involved, and the distance you will be moving.
Long distance moves are charged based on the volume of goods being moved. All accessorial services, including packing and unpacking are executed at our standard hourly rate. If you want to keep your costs down, the more you accomplish prior to the movers arrival, the less time required, and therefore the lower your move will inevitably cost. Having all the loose items packed up and ready to go will help expedite the move.
It is very important for your project manager to know about any factors that may impede the delivery, including narrow/dirt/poorly paved roads, and bridges, any factor that would prevent a tractor trailer from pulling up in front of the destination. Also, long carries (over 75 feet from the point where the truck may park and the door to the destination), long carries in the freight entrance of the building (from the door to the elevator) or difficult delivery conditions. Certain conditions that require additional labor or a “shuttle truck” (a smaller vehicle required to shuttle the goods from the tractor trailer to the destination if a tractor trailer cannot make the delivery) will increase the cost of the move. Please bring any concerns and information to the attention of your project manager.
How far in advance should I book my move?
As early as you can! Most long distance moves require an onsite estimate. The more time you allow yourself, the more prepared you will be and the less likely you are to experience added stress because of it. We normally recommend two weeks notice for the pick up date, however, sometimes we are booked for particular days/weeks in advance. Also, you will want to make sure you have ample time to get estimates and have some time to review them before you make your decision. So, ideally, starting at least one month prior to your anticipated move day is a good idea. That will give you enough time to research companies, set appointments for on-site estimates, collect and compare estimates, make a decision and book your move.
Will your movers “pack” my furniture?
We at Oz Moving & Storage consider packing the act of placing loose items in cartons. Books, linens, clothing, dishes, pots and pans are packed in boxes. Furniture is prepped and made ready for transport. Wrapping furniture, shrink wrapping mattresses, crating glass & marble are examples of how Oz Moving & Storage prepares your furniture for safe transport. The service of prepping is considered an element of the moving service. Blankets and tape used to wrap and secure your goods are provided at no charge.
My building requires a certificate of insurance. Can you provide one, and is there a charge?
A “certificate of insurance” is generally documentation of General Liability, Automobile Liability and Workers Compensation insurance. Most elevator buildings in Manhattan require documentation of such coverage in the form of a certificate; many as well have minimum limits of liability requirements. Oz Moving & Storage carries in excess of $5,000,000 coverage, allowing us access to every residential building in New York. There is no charge for the certificate of insurance. The certificate of insurance does not provide coverage for your goods; additional valuation or insurance must be purchased separately.
When should I start packing?
Too early is better than too late when it comes to packing. Packing is sometimes more time consuming than you think. Bear in mind your “packing style” – do you try to get it all done in one day or weekend, or would you prefer to spread it out over a few weeks packing a few boxes every day. You will likely want to sort through, and toss/donate unwanted things. How much free time do you have? If your free time is limited, try starting early and packing a little at a time. Start with the things you absolutely will not need, and work your way towards the essentials.
If I hire a good, reputable moving company, why do I need insurance?
For the same reason excellent drivers still need to have car insurance – because regardless of how careful you are, the possibility of damage still exists. Movers are people, human beings, and there exists the chance of error and damage.
If you wish to take out additional coverage for your belongings being moved nationwide, we suggest utilizing a nationwide insurance company. We recommend both Moving Insurance.com (www.movinginsurance.com) and Baker International Insurance (www.bakerintl.com). Not only do both companies specialize in moving insurance, they offer the very best full replacement coverage available, and have claims representatives all over the country.
When will my goods be delivered?
Depending on where you are going, long distance shipments are generally delivered between one and three weeks. Speak to your project manager for further details.
I need to move out of my current apartment earlier than my new one will be ready – do you offer short term storage?
Of course! Oz Moving & Storage maintains two storage locations and offers long and short term storage. There is no minimum or long term obligation. If you need more time than you anticipated, that’s fine too.
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