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Frequently Asked Questions about Moving
Q: How will I know that the movers will arrive on time?
A: You will receive a phone call from your Crew Leader upon dispatch. If there is any anticipation of tardiness, we will inform you in advance.
Q: How long does it take to move?
A: This depends on factors such as weather conditions, size of your move, time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your goods are traveling. Additionally, access for our trucks greatly factors in to your move time, so be sure to discuss access with your Move Coordinator.
Q: Is anything a no-go area?
A: Well, mainly those things you might expect. Per TDOT rules, we cannot transport plants and animals, drugs, alcohol, weapons, or ammunition. Shipping certain high value items may require you to purchase extra coverage.
Q: Can my possessions be stored temporarily?
A: Should you need 6th Man Movers to store your items on the truck for 1-2 nights, be sure to call well in advance to book your move. There is a flat fee per night for this service, so be sure to ask your Move Coordinator or Account Manager about it when you call. At this point in time we do not have the means to store your belongings for more than a few nights.
Q: Will my furniture remain clean?
A: All furniture is padded, which is included in your service/travel fee. However, we highly recommend purchasing mattress bags to keep your mattresses clean during the move. Ask your Move Coordinator about them when you call to book your move! If you forget, we also keep a supply on each truck, so you can just ask your Crew Leader.
Q: Can I still move if it is raining or snowing?
A: 6th Man Movers will move in rain, sleet, or snow. We have done it all! Since all furniture is padded and shrink-wrapped when we move you, there really is no cause for concern. However, if you would prefer not to move in inclement weather, please be sure to keep an eye on the forecast the week of your move in order to reschedule.
Q: Do the movers take time off for lunch? Do I need to provide lunch for them?
A: Depending on how long the move is, the movers might take a 30 minute break for lunch, during which you will not be charged. Although it is certainly not required, providing lunch for the crew is very much appreciated and might make for a shorter day because the movers will not need to leave the job site for food.
Q: Can I help during the move?
A: Yes, of course! We work at your pace. If you would like to help out and keep things moving, then more power to you! There are a few restrictions on where the customer may go (the truck and ramp are off limits for safety and liability reasons), but we have no problem with you jumping in to help otherwise. If you just want to get a lawn chair, a beverage, and point your finger, we are cool with that too!
Q: Do you move on weekends/holidays/odd times?
A: With the exception of major national holidays, we are willing to move you. We schedule moves Monday through Saturday during the day but can make exceptions on a case-by-case basis according to our availability.
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General Questions
Q: Can the movers transport my pets?
A: It’s illegal, per TDOT rules, to transport anything alive – pets, plants, etc. They cannot ride in the cab for insurance reasons, and the box of the truck is inappropriate because of the lack of climate control and potentially shifting items. We love animals, but since moving day is traumatic enough for pets, 6th Man Movers recommends keeping them safely at a neighbor’s house, kennel, or friend’s home for the day.
Q: Can the movers transport my plants?
A: In obedience with Department of Transportation law, 6th Man Movers cannot transport plants. You can use your personal vehicle and have us load/unload the plants for you, but we are not allowed to transport anything living.
Q: If I want to get a head start on packing and moving, what areas would be the most helpful?
A: Anything you want to do yourself or can prepare ahead of time is helpful in making your move go more smoothly. If we are packing for you, the most helpful packing areas for you to concentrate on would be your sentimental items and fragile items. Take the extra time to pack them well; this will ensure they arrive safely and alleviate some stress by knowing that you packed your most valuable items. We even recommend transporting those items yourself if you can. As far as moving is concerned, the moves go the most quickly for your crew if boxes are already packed/sealed and furniture is disassembled. If you’re looking to save time/money, you can start moving boxes and smaller items yourself in your personal vehicle and just leave the big furniture items for us. Of course, if you prefer not to lift a finger, we can absolutely do all the packing and moving for you!
Q: What should I do with hazardous items?
A: By law, we cannot move flammables, firearms, chemicals, paint, alcohol, etc. You will have to take care of the transport and/or disposal of these items yourself. Be sure to empty the gas out of gas-operated items such as lawn mowers and weed-eaters if you would like for us to move them. If there is a riding mower, please make sure to mention this; we would need to send a specific truck to complete this task.
Q: How can I ensure that my belongings will end up in the correct room?
A: Make sure to label your boxes clearly and explain your labeling system to your movers. You can color code each room or use consistent shorthand (such as DR for dining room and MBR for master bedroom) We recommend having a floor-plan for the new location. 6th Man Movers is happy to arrange your furniture at your request in each room. This process is much faster if you know exactly where each piece goes.
Q: Do I need to empty my drawers?
A: Non-breakable and non-perishable items can remain in dressers, chests, and desks. Please understand filing cabinets are moved from their side and documents are liable to shift, but they can be moved full.
Q: What do I need to do to prepare my appliances for the move?
A: 6th Man Movers is happy to unhook and hook up your appliances such as the refrigerator, freezer, washer, and dryer. However, movers are not licensed to disconnect gas nor are they licensed plumbers/electricians. We do not accept any liability for these connections.
Q: Can my refrigerator and freezer be moved with food in them?
A: No, all refrigerators and freezers must be empty in order to move them. Defrost and clean them 24 hours prior to your move.
Q: Should I pack my breakables?
A: Remember that a moving company’s insurance will not cover damage from boxes that are not packed by the movers. While 6th Man Movers are professionals and would be happy to move any of these items, you might want to consider moving any heirlooms or precious items in your car to ensure their safety. Should you choose to have the movers move these items, be sure to point them out so they will take extra-special care of them.
Q: Do you move pianos or safes?
A: Yes, although we do have additional handling fees for pianos and safes. We cannot move grand pianos or safes over 750 lbs.
Q: Do you move pool tables?
A: We will not disassemble pool tables; these are exceptional items in which a professional is needed. We can only move your pool table if it is professionally crated, if you would like for us to be liable.
Q: Can the moving company dispose of any trash or unwanted items?
A: For a removal fee, we can take away any unwanted furniture. We do not take trash/broken/damaged items.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Pricing
Q: Do I need a survey?
A: Most bookings for places under 1500 sq ft can be handled 100% over the phone. After getting some information about the items being moved and your locations, we can provide you with the appropriate hourly rate and service charge. If your place is over 1500 sq ft, we will most likely have an Account Manager give you a virtual or on-site survey to get your estimate.
Q: How is the cost determined for my move?
A: We have ZERO hidden fees. For local moves, 6th Man Movers charges a flat service/travel fee and an hourly labor rate. There are no charges other than in special circumstances (overnight storage, piano handling, safe handling, etc.) or if you need any packing materials for your move. For long distance moves, you will be provided with a flat rate.
Q: How long does it take to move?
A: There is a multitude of factors that can affect the length of your move. Some logistics factors: the distance between your two locations, how close the truck can be parked, and the number of stairs. Preparation factors: disassembling furniture, packing and clearly labeling boxes with their contents and location within your new home, and having a map of where you want furniture in your new location.
Q: How can I keep costs down during my move?
A: Keep in mind that moving is not an exact science and that each move is different, but a good way to keep costs down is to be as prepared as possible for when the movers arrive to cut down on using any unnecessary time. Moving boxes is one of the most time consuming areas of a move, yet are some of the lightest things to move. Try to use the same size boxes and be sure they are taped up and labeled correctly for the movers. Stack them up, so the movers can just place them on the dolly and go. While the movers will be happy to do so, disassembly of furniture takes up time as well. Anything that you can do yourself or prepare in advance will help lower your move total.
Q: Are there any unexpected costs I should be aware of?
A: While we do have some fees for storing on trucks overnight, moving pianos and safes, and moving after hours, you will be made aware of any of these fees prior to your move. The day of the move the only additional expenses you would incur would be for packing materials.
Q: How and when should I pay?
A: You will pay a deposit by card over the phone to reserve your move time. After your move is completed, you will settle the remaining balance with your Crew Leader. Cash or check is preferred but we understand that not everyone can do that. If you wish to pay the remaining balance with a card, you can tell your Crew Leader you’d like to use the card we have on file or you may give information for a different card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Our billing department will process your payment on the next business day.
Q: Should I tip my movers?
A: Like any service, a tip is definitely appreciated(!) but not expected. A good tipping guideline is $5-10 per hour per man.
Q: I’m on a budget for my move, so which part of the move should I hire movers for?
A: 6th Man Movers will be happy to help you move the items that might be difficult for you to move on your own, such as beds, desks, tables, and couches. If you can take care of the boxes and smaller items, we’ll handle the big stuff.
Q: What if the actual time is longer or shorter than the estimate?
A: If you are provided with an hourly rate, the time frame is just an estimate. The hourly rate will be charged according to how long the move actually takes, whether that’s longer or shorter than the estimate.
Q: In calculating the bill, when does the move time start and end?
A: The move time starts when our movers arrive at the first address and start your walk-through. The move time ends after the truck has been unloaded at your final destination and everything is in place to your satisfaction.
Q: Should I get more than one estimate?
A: Usually when your company is paying for your move, they require at least 3 estimates; we encourage this approach. But remember cheaper estimates aren’t always the most cost efficient. Here at 6th Man, we would much rather over estimate the time so that you have an idea of what your move could possibly cost. Be aware that some less reputable companies will give you an hourly rate and then purposefully low-ball the time length estimate in order to hook you on the front end. Also know that even though 3-man crews cost more per hour, they will make your move much faster which means that the total cost is usually cheaper than a move with a 2-man crew.
Q: Do you have an hourly minimum?
A: Yes, we operate on a 2-hour minimum.
Q: Do you provide a receipt?
A: Yes, a carbon copy is proved by the crew leader upon the close of the move. An emailed copy from our biling department is available upon request.
Q: What are your deposit/cancellation fees?
A: Your deposit can range from $100-$500 (hourly rate move) or 10% of the total move cost (long distance flat rate move). The deposit is then applied toward your total move cost, so you’d just settle the remaining balance with your Crew Leader after your move is completed. As long as you give us at least a 72-hour notice prior to your booked time, you can change the date or cancel altogether without forfeiting your deposit.
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Best Packing Practices
Q: How full should I pack my boxes?
A: With most items it is recommended that you pack your items to the top of the rim so that the lid can shut just over top of your items. While packing up liquids such as cooking oils or household cleaners it is recommended that you leave the box open and show the box to your Crew Leader. Depending on the type of liquids, you may be required to transport them in your own vehicle. TDOT regulations restrict us from moving liquids such as flammables, liqour, paint, gasoline, etc.
Q: Can I leave my boxes open?
A: Your move will go much more smoothly (quickly, saving you money) if you have all boxes packed, sealed, and ready to go.
Q: How should I pack my kitchen items?
A: A good principal to keep in mind is that fragile dishes and glass should be packed in smaller boxes with plenty of wrapping paper in between. Larger less breakable kitchen items such as pots and pans can be put in medium to large boxes. When packing plates it is recommended that they are packed vertically like records with paper or cushion in between.
Q: How should I pack my books?
A: Books should be packaged in small or medium boxes. This will insure that the workers will be able to stack the boxes on dollies or carry them up the stairs. It’s a struggle to move large boxes packed with books.
Q: How should I pack my clothes?
A: Clothes can be packaged in larger boxes or in wardrobe boxes. In most cases you can leave your clothes in the drawers of your dresser. It is recommended that you take your clothes out of your dresser only if your dresser is unstable.
Q: Should I label my boxes?
A: Having a clear labeling system for boxes is always a good idea. This will ensure that your boxes go to the correct room. Labeling systems can include anything from writing “kitchen” on boxes to a color coded system.
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