FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If you have inquiries about moving, the Pristine Van Lines USA FAQ Moving Checklist is a valuable resource. We’ve compiled and addressed the frequently asked moving questions to assist you in navigating the moving process.
Pristine Van Lines USA Moving FAQ: Pre-Move
When is the Best Time to Move?
Moving companies experience their highest demand during the summer months, typically spanning from May 15th to September 15th. Towards the beginning and end of this period, the volume of shipments surges, which is a common trend for all professional relocation and moving service providers.
Choosing the ideal time for your move necessitates considering various factors. If your schedule permits, providing the moving company with a five-day window for loading your belongings can be highly advantageous. This flexibility empowers the team responsible for scheduling your drivers and moving crew, enhancing their ability to plan your move efficiently.
Additionally, if you can be flexible with your anticipated arrival timeframe, it’s worth noting that the moving truck might be transporting other shipments concurrently. Offering a flexible arrival window can significantly streamline your entire moving process.
How to Choose Moving Companies for Free Moving Estimates
Choosing a moving company that offers free moving estimates requires careful consideration. Here are the steps to help you make the right choice:
- Determine Your Needs: The first step is to decide if you require a full-service moving company or just specific moving services.
- Research Options: Conduct thorough research on local, national, and long-distance moving companies. Seek recommendations from neighbors, friends, coworkers, and family members who may have had positive experiences with movers.
- Check with the Better Business Bureau: Verify the reputation and reliability of the moving companies you shortlist by checking their ratings and reviews with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A good service history is a reliable indicator of a reputable mover.
Remember, exceptional service is the primary indicator of a reliable and proficient moving company.
What Takes Place When a Relocation Consultant Visits Your Home?
The relocation consultant will come to your residence to conduct a visual assessment of your belongings. Following this, they will determine the weight, packing expenses, and any additional charges associated with your move. The relocation consultant must have a clear view of all items you plan to move in order to provide an accurate estimate. Ensure your home is organized before the relocation consultant arrives, as concealed spaces like crawl spaces, attics, and cluttered closets can be misleading.
It’s normal for the relocation consultant to inspect all your cabinets and closets and even check under beds and on top of cabinets. This thorough examination is necessary to assess what requires packing and moving. If you’re aware of items that are not immediately visible, make sure to bring them to the attention of the relocation consultant. Similarly, if you intend to leave out certain items, inform the consultant accordingly.
A crucial tip to ensure a smooth loading day is to declutter and remove any items you don’t intend to move. Please do so to ensure adequate space for your shipment. While minor oversights won’t cause significant issues, removing larger items or entire bedroom sets is essential to avoid potential conflicts with the agreed-upon estimate and to ensure sufficient space for your belongings.
Pristine Van Lines USA Moving FAQ: Pricing and Paperwork
What does a binding estimate entail?
A binding estimate is a formal agreement that outlines the exact moving cost determined in advance, considering the requested or necessary services during the estimation. Any additional moving services needed or requested at the origin or destination will lead to an increase in the overall cost.
What does a non-binding estimate entail??
A non-binding estimate calculates your charges based on the actual weight of your shipment and the cost of any performed moving services. You will still undergo the estimation process to determine an approximate cost for your shipment.
To confirm the weight of your shipment, the driver will weigh their trailer before loading your items. After your shipment is loaded, the driver will reweigh the trailer. All other moving expenses will be computed at your initial location. If there are any additional charges incurred during the delivery, the driver will communicate the extra costs to you. Although such situations are rare, they can occur in specific circumstances.
How is pricing determined for a time-based move?
The pricing for a local move is calculated based on the duration taken by the movers to load and deliver your belongings. The hourly rate is determined by the number of movers and trucks designated for your move. Striking the right balance in crew size is crucial—having too many movers is inefficient, and having too few movers can lead to inefficiency. Our objective is to operate within standard business hours while ensuring the movers do not experience excessive fatigue.
Once we determine the appropriate crew size for your move, the timing commences upon the start of loading and concludes upon the completion of delivery. For multi-day moves, we aggregate the time over the working days. Additionally, a predetermined travel allowance is factored into account for the crew’s travel time from our location to your origin address and back at the end of the workday Regarding packing a few cartons during a time-based move, the cost is based on the time taken to pack and the cost of materials used. However, for full packing, we do not charge based on time but instead utilize a per-box pricing structure. Typically, full packing is conducted the day prior to your move. Your Pristine Van Lines USA representative will collaborate with you closely to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective plan is implemented for a successful move and a positive experience overall.
How is pricing determined for a move based on weight?
The cost for this particular type of move is calculated based on the precise weight of your furniture and boxes, as well as the distance to your new residence. Weight-based moving is the standard for moves exceeding 100 miles. The actual weight is ascertained by weighing the truck both before and after your belongings have been loaded onto it. The disparity between these two weights constitutes your shipping weight.
Your representative from Pristine Van Lines USA will evaluate and recommend the most cost-effective pricing method for your move. Rest assured, all furniture will be meticulously prepared for the move using quilted moving pads and paper/stretch wrapping on all upholstered furniture to ensure utmost care.
What does the Order for Service entail?
Every mover must create an Order for Service prior to transporting your shipment. The Order for Service furnishes written confirmation of the services you requested to be carried out in connection with your shipment. It itemizes the agreed-upon dates for picking up and delivering your shipment, the requested valuation amount, any special services you ordered, and a location with a telephone number where the mover can reach you during the move.
The Order for Service also outlines the charges you will incur for your move. If you are moving under a non-binding estimate, the Order for Service will detail the estimated non-binding charges, the payment method for these charges, and, in case the actual charges exceed the non-binding estimate, the maximum amount you must pay upon delivery to take possession of your shipment (you have 30 days post-delivery to settle the remaining charges). If you are moving under a binding estimate, the Order for Service will display the charges due upon delivery, based on the binding estimate and the stipulated payment terms. Both you and your mover must sign the Order for Service.
What does a Bill of Lading entail?
Every moving company must generate a bill of lading for each transported shipment. The bill of lading serves as both a receipt for your items and the contract between you and your mover for their transportation. The driver responsible for loading your shipment is obliged to provide you with a copy of the bill of lading.
It is your duty to carefully review and comprehend the details presented on the bill of lading before affixing your signature. The bill of lading identifies the mover and stipulates the transportation schedule. Additionally, it outlines the terms and conditions for the total charges and the maximum payment due upon delivery if your move is based on a non-binding estimate. Information pertaining to the valuation of your shipment and the mover’s liability in the event of loss or damage is also specified.
Pristine Van Lines USA Moving FAQ: Packing
Can I store items in the drawers of my dresser or desk?
All loose items should be packed into boxes to mitigate the risk of loss or damage. It is advisable to pack all belongings and keep the drawers empty.
What's the recommended way to pack a waterbed?
Waterbeds should be completely drained. For fiber-filled waterbeds, professional vacuum draining is necessary before your scheduled move date.
How should I handle my valuable items, including jewelry?
Valuables like jewelry, cash, antiques, and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, but it’s essential to inform your local moving representative beforehand. It’s strongly recommended to personally carry irreplaceable and expensive items or arrange for specialized transportation.
In the moving industry, items valued at over $100 per pound are categorized as “extraordinary” value. To ensure a claim involving these items isn’t limited to minimal liability, complete and sign the mover’s high-value inventory form. Additionally, sign the “Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration” on the Bill of Lading.
Different movers have slightly varying procedures for handling high-value items. Request your relocation consultant to explain their specific process. This task can be complex but is crucial, so ensure a clear understanding of the rules before the day of loading.
How do I prepare my appliances for the move?
Appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators must be disconnected, and washers should have a stabilizer installed. Your estimator can guide you on how to handle these items. Local moving companies have established relationships with local service providers for such services. Know who your mover will utilize for these services, as you will need to grant them access to your home for servicing.
Pristine Van Lines USA Moving FAQ: Valuation of Coverage
Do I have protection against loss or damage during transit?
Yes, your level of protection and its cost depends on the valuation coverage you have chosen. Understanding what is being provided to you is crucial, although this can be one of the most confusing aspects of moving.
The valuation coverage you select determines the basis for adjusting any claim and the carrier’s maximum liability. The carrier’s liability for loss or damage is in line with their tariffs, federal laws, and regulations, which have specific limitations and exclusions. It’s important to note that valuation is not coverage; rather, it signifies the moving company’s liability. Check with your homeowners’ coverage provider to determine if you have moving coverage, as you might already be covered.
Pristine Van Lines USA Moving FAQ: The Move
How do I prepare my home and myself for moving day?
Your mover might request you to designate a range of consecutive days for the potential loading of your goods. The duration, known as a “load spread,” is contingent on your shipment’s size and the time of the year when it’s loaded. During the busy moving season, maintaining flexibility by allowing an additional three to five days on your load spread can increase the likelihood of securing a truck and driver for loading your shipment.
A customer service representative and/or the driver will reach out to you at least 24 hours before the load day to inform you of the estimated arrival time. Ensure you inform them of any changes that may affect the loading day. For instance, if the street in front of your home is under construction, hindering access for a large over-the-road truck, or if unexpected events have delayed your packing, notify your mover promptly. This way, they can dispatch professional packers to complete the job.
Prepare your home for the crew by removing any items that could obstruct the movement of your goods out of the home from the porch and walkways. If you know certain items won’t fit through, consider taking doors off the hinges. Additionally, remove small throw rugs from high-traffic areas to avoid any tripping or slipping hazards for the crew or driver.
Offering refreshments like water, Gatorade, or other soft drinks, especially on a hot day, is a thoughtful gesture appreciated by the driver and crew, despite them being prepared. The driver will take precautions to protect your home during the loading process by using runners, door jamb protectors, and railing protectors if applicable, minimizing potential knocks.
How will I track the location of my shipment once it departs my home?
Pristine Van Lines USA satellite tracking capabilities enable you to monitor your shipment and driver’s whereabouts via the Internet. Request details on shipment tracking from your relocation specialist.
How will I know the delivery date of my shipment?
The driver will contact you 24 hours prior to delivery. The moving company will assign a customer service representative as your primary contact, who can track your shipment and provide updates on the expected arrival date.
Ensure you provide the driver with all your contact information. The phone number at your new home is useful only if someone is available to answer the call. If you can be reached at work, a hotel, a temporary residence, or by email, inform the driver accordingly. In case you are not easily reachable, consider arranging for a friend or family member to act as a liaison between you and the driver and provide the driver with their contact information.
Pristine Van Lines USA Moving FAQ: Claims
How do I initiate and obtain compensation for my claim?
Dealing with claims is never a pleasant experience, as nobody wishes to encounter problems or damages. However, unfortunate incidents can happen, leading to claims. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the claims settlement process before the move. Understanding your coverage and knowing the steps for the claims procedure is crucial.
Claims adjusters carry out a challenging role. It’s advisable to approach them with a courteous demeanor rather than expressing frustration. Make sure you comprehend your coverage and ensure you possess the necessary documentation, such as a detailed inventory noting the damages.
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