Local Moving Tips: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Start by verifying each company’s licensing, insurance, and experience. Read reviews from trusted platforms and ask questions about how they handle estimates, specialty items, and last-minute requests. Look for movers who are transparent, professional, and communicative.

Want a full breakdown of what to look for? You can read our guide on choosing a reliable moving company.

To avoid moving scams, only work with licensed and insured companies. Be wary of requests for large deposits, vague pricing, and companies without an address that cannot be verified. Always get your estimate in writing and avoid movers who won’t explain their process or credentials.

A good contract should list all the included services. It should state if the estimate is binding or non-binding. It must include payment terms and any extra charges and also cover the companies liability and insurance.

If you would like additional coverage for your valuables, we recommend getting full-value protection including comprehensive coverage with our moving valuation. Unlike traditional insurance, moving valuation focuses on the carrier’s responsibility for your goods. You can also seek third-party insurance for your valuables.

Never sign a blank or confusing contract, as clarity is key.

Ask for detailed estimates from at least two companies so you can compare pricing and services side by side. Understand what is included in the agreement and whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. Be cautious of suspiciously low quotes, as they may leave out important costs or services.

Book your movers three to four weeks in advance. For peak times, such as summer or the start of the school year, aim to book even earlier to lock in availability and rates.

If you are looking for the cheapest ways to move locally, there are some small things you can do that can save you large amounts of money. For example, you can do some of the work yourself, like packing and disassembling furniture. Heroes includes the disassembling beds as part of our service. However, other furniture items can incur additional costs for disassembly. Moving fewer items and being flexible with dates also helps reduce costs.

Reduce how many items you move by donating or selling unused things. To save more money, you can do your own packing, when possible, and try to schedule your move on a weekday. Request a free detailed estimate from a trustworthy company to avoid hidden costs.

The moving process begins with deciding what you actually want to bring. Declutter your home, donate or sell unwanted items, and organize key belongings. Create a moving plan and secure your moving company as soon as you confirm your date.

Have your belongings packed, labeled, and disassembled before the movers arrive. Clear pathways, disassemble beds if possible, and group boxes by room to make loading faster and more efficient.

First, pack the items you use the least, such as seasonal décor, spare linens, or backup kitchenware. Packing non-essentials first helps maintain your daily routine while staying ahead of schedule.

Use sturdy boxes, group items by room, and label everything clearly. Never pack in previously used cardboard boxes, as this can affect the integrity of the box. Pack heavier items like books in smaller boxes or containers. Fragile items should be padded and marked. Additionally, labeling saves time during the unloading process.

We recommend that you do not pack your jewelry or other small valuables with your belongings on the moving truck. To ensure you know the status of their location, it is best to transport these items yourself.

You can pack your own boxes, or we offer professional packing services and we also sell various packing supplies. With Heroes doing the packing, you can let our experienced team handle it for you. If doing the packing yourself, seal and clearly label all boxes to ensure they are ready to go on moving day.

Because unsealed boxes can make loading and unloading more difficult and may lead to damage, all boxes must be sealed to prevent items from spilling during transit. In addition to taped cardboard boxes, plastic bins and totes with locking lids can be used.

Though you can pack your own fragile tableware, we strongly recommend using proper moving supplies and packing materials like dish packs, bubble wrap, and dividers. If you prefer, our team can professionally pack your fragile items to ensure they stay safe in transit.

Before moving, we require that you remove all contents from dressers and drawers. The only exception is two-drawer filing cabinets do not need to be emptied. Having the drawers emptied helps prevent damage during transport and makes the furniture easier to carry and maneuver.

Label each box with the room it belongs in and a brief description of its contents. You can write descriptions such as “Kitchen: Pots and Pans” or “Bedroom: Winter Clothes.” Labeling speeds up unloading and helps you find items faster when you’re unpacking.

We recommend using a plastic or fabric mattress cover to keep your mattress clean and protected. If you are unable to find one, let us know. We can provide one for a minimal fee.

Though we move TVs, they must be packed properly. Ideally, use the original boxes the televisions came in. If these boxes are not available, let us know in advance. We can help with proper packing and safe handling of your TVs.

We cannot transport live plants because of temperature fluctuations in the truck that could harm them. For their safety, you will need to make alternate arrangements for transporting plants.

We cannot move items that are hazardous, flammable, perishable, or illegal. Basically, we are unable to relocate anything that poses a safety risk or is more susceptible to spoilage. These items can include, but are not limited to, propane tanks, paint thinner, live animals, and fresh produce. Though we specialize in moving gun safes, we cannot transport firearms or ammunition.

Common mistakes include underestimating how long packing takes, not reserving parking for the truck, and forgetting to keep essentials like medications or chargers with you. Plan ahead and keep communication open with your movers.

At Heroes, we always provide an estimated arrival time prior to move day. You’ll also receive a confirmation call or message that will let you know when the crew is on the way.

Yes, you need to be present when the movers get to your location, or you can have someone you trust there. If you will not be the person the movers will be working with, please let us know in advance. That way, you can answer any questions, confirm details, and oversee where items are placed at your new location.

For safety reasons, customers are not allowed to ride in the moving truck. Please arrange separate transportation to your destination.

We move in most weather conditions, including when it’s raining or lightly snowing. In extreme weather events like hurricanes or ice storms, we may need to reschedule for safety reasons. If we anticipate this happening, we’ll keep you informed.

Tipping is not required but is always appreciated. If you’re satisfied with the job the movers did, feel free to provide a cash tip. You can also add a tip via card by coordinating with our dispatcher after the move.

We take every precaution to ensure your items are transported safely. However, items can accidentally be damaged during the relocation process. Please notify your crew lead right away if you find something is damaged. Next, contact your move coordinator, who will provide you with a claim form. We take these matters seriously and will work quickly to resolve them.

To efficiently unpack, start with your essentials box, then work room by room in order of priority. Most people first unpack their kitchen, then their bathroom items, and then they move on to the bedrooms. Save décor and non-essentials for last. Staying organized, such as by labeling all of your boxes before you move, will make this step easier.

Whether you would like to provide a gratuity during or after your move is fine, but most customers prefer to tip after the move is complete. That way, you can base your tip on the level of service. Tips are always appreciated but never expected.

Yes! Heroes offers two types of unpacking services for customers who prefer extra support settling in. Regular unpacking includes Heroes removing items from a box and placing them on flat surfaces. You can then place the items where they belong. We also offer White Glove Unpacking service, which includes us unpacking and placing items exactly where you would like them. Just let us know in advance if you’d like help with unpacking and which type of unpacking service you prefer, and we’ll include the appropriate pricing in your estimate.

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