Everything About Moving to Dallas
Thank you for choosing Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage for your move in Dallas. We’re excited to help you with your upcoming relocation. In preparation for your move, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions to help you out. If you have any additional questions or concerns, our knowledgeable moving consultants are available to assist you. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any further information or clarification on any topic covered below.
What Can I Do To Help Facilitate My Move?
To ensure a smooth move, it’s essential to be prepared. This means boxing and sealing loose items and breaking down furniture like beds, mirrors, or multi-piece items. We cannot break down or assemble cribs under any circumstance. If you haven’t broken items down, the crew can help, but they can’t break down or assemble cribs. It’s helpful to have a plan for where everything will go in your new home and to have access to keys. While you can bring items to the truck, you can’t enter the cargo box or use the ramp or liftgate. Being prepared will speed up your move.
Do I Need to Empty the Chest of Drawers, Dressers, or Refrigerators?
While we prefer them to be empty, furniture such as dressers and chests of drawers generally do not need to be emptied, provided they contain clothes, linens, towels, and the like. Be aware that dressers and chests of drawers will have to be tipped and sometimes stand upright. Therefore, the contents will be subject to shifting. Items such as nightstands, desks, and cabinets should be emptied of all items, especially items that can spill or break. Refrigerators and freezers should be cleaned out as well.
What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?
When you receive a non-binding estimate, keep in mind that it is subject to change. However, these estimates are usually reliable and give you a rough estimate of the cost of your move. Usually, a mover will visit your home to inspect your belongings and give you an estimate. If you add extra items or ask for additional services, the estimate may be revised or voided by the mover. It’s important to remember that the non-binding estimate must be in writing and clearly state that it is non-binding.
A binding estimate is a fixed, non-negotiable price that we guarantee will not change. You may still add additional services from us, but the cost for those services will be due at delivery. Binding agreements are always delivered in writing.
What is a Bill of Lading?
The bill of lading serves as a formal agreement between you and your moving company. It should be provided to you before the movers begin to load your belongings. It is crucial to review the document carefully before signing it, and if there are any errors, discuss them with your movers. Keep the bill of lading in a safe place until your move is complete, all charges are paid, and any claims are resolved. It’s essential to hold onto it as it is a critical document for your move.
What Are the Most Common Types of Insurance For Movers?
Movers usually offer three types of protection plans for your belongings in case of loss or damage during the move.
The first is limited liability, which is mandatory by law and free of charge. The mover is responsible for up to 60 cents per pound per item for an interstate move.
The second type is added valuation, which enables you to claim the amount based on the current replacement value of the item, less depreciation. The fee for this protection is based on the value you declare for your goods.
The third and most comprehensive coverage is full value, which guarantees the actual cost of replacing or repairing an item without any deduction for depreciation. Before purchasing coverage from the moving company, check your homeowner’s insurance policy to see if it covers your goods during a move, and compare plans.
Are Movers Still Responsible for Broken Items if I Packed the Items Myself?
Yes. It is possible for movers to repack boxes or cartons that they believe are improperly packed or pose a risk to the rest of the shipment. If loss or damage occurs during transit, the mover is usually responsible. However, the mover may not be liable if the loss or damage was caused by an act of nature, the shipper’s act or omission, public enemy or public authority, inherent vice, or improper packing. Improper packing is considered an act or omission, and any contributory damage caused by the mover would void the common law defense, making the mover responsible.
Damage Compensation, Insurance, and Worker’s Comp Coverage:
Firefighting’s Finest has policies regarding the release of sensitive company information. We meet the State of Texas standard for compensation for loss or damage, which is $0.60 per pound, per item. This is not insurance, even though some companies may tell you so. We offer Full Value Protection, which carries a higher level of liability. Company policy strictly prohibits the release of our exact insurance coverage, policies, and amounts to a limited number of parties. We can only release this information to building management companies and authorized vendors. Rest assured that Firefighting’s Finest Moving & Storage meets or exceeds all State of Texas standards and requirements for a moving company.
Do You Provide Full-Service Packing Services?
Yes. We offer expert packing and securing of your belongings at an affordable price for local or long-distance moves. Our goal is to make your move stress-free and ensure your belongings are handled with care. Whether you’re moving from a small apartment, a large house, or an office building, our team has the necessary equipment and expertise to pack your belongings securely and efficiently. However, our moving crews cannot do any packing on the day of the move.
Our packing and unpacking services include:
- Professional packers designated to your move
- Care and protection for your belongings and treat them as if they were ours
- Fast, efficient, and work around your schedule
- Provide boxes and packing supplies
Do You Have Boxes and/or Moving Supplies?
Yes. We offer a full selection of boxes and supplies. Please call our office for more information on boxes and other moving supplies.
What Kind of Payment Do You Accept?
We accept cash, check, cashier’s check, money orders, and all major credit cards. We reserve the right to require any type of move to be paid in cash only. All rates are generally given with a cash or check payment discount. If a credit card is used for payment, the rate will not have this discount applied. Please retain your completed copy of the contract for your records. Any requests for a copy of the contract or an invoice in another format will be subject to a $25 service fee. All returned checks will be charged a fee of $30.
Service Deposit: We request a service deposit at the time of booking. The amount of the deposit varies depending on the type of job (local or long distance) and the number of resources (trucks and manpower) dedicated for the service. Please contact us two days prior to the move, or we will contact you to confirm. Cancellation and/or date changes after confirmation will result in the forfeiture of the deposit, and a new deposit will be required to reschedule the service.
Planning The Moving Timeline: Will My Movers Be On Time?
If you are the first move of the day, your movers should arrive on time, barring some unforeseen complications. If there is a delay, the crew should notify you. Jobs that are given flex starts have approximate start times that are not guaranteed. The crew will generally arrive at some point during the time frame given to you.
Your crew should call once they arrive at their first job and are able to estimate how long the first move should take. Your crew will call you at least 30 minutes in advance to let you know they are on the way. Since moving jobs can go over or underestimated times, the second and third jobs on their schedules may get pushed back or moved up. It is best to be prepared to move at any time on the day of your scheduled move. If the crew cannot make their initial estimated time of arrival, they will call and update you on the new anticipated arrival time. We will do everything possible to have a crew arrive during the time frame initially given.
It is important that you know not to arrange important dates, meetings, or other events on your move date, just in case a job before you run over. Please allow plenty of open time on your move date to ensure that this does not create any problems for your personal or professional lives.
Should I Tip My Movers?
Tipping is not required but is greatly appreciated. Our professional movers work very hard to ensure your move is completed efficiently and damage-free. They greatly appreciate you recognizing their hard work with gratuity.
What If I Need To Cancel Or Change My Move Date?
If you need to change or cancel your move for any reason, please try to give us at least 48 hours notice.
Will I Be Charged Extra For Specialty Items?
There is an extra charge for certain specialty items, including but not limited to gun safes, pianos, TVs, and Tempur-Pedic mattresses. If you have any of these items or any items you are not sure about, please call us at 844-737-7800. All jobs are subject to either a fuel or travel fee depending on the total distance covered.
Can You Help Connect and Reconnect My Washer, Dryer, or Refrigerator?
No. Our professional moving crews cannot disconnect or reconnect any water or gas lines to any appliances. Additionally, our crews cannot change the power cord on dryers nor connect and/or reconnect gas lines on any appliance. If you have a front-loading washer, it is your responsibility to secure the drum beforehand with the manufacturer-provided hardware by an approved appliance service professional.
Moving Conditions, Truck Access, Elevators, Clearances, and Other Information
Firefighting’s Finest uses fully enclosed box trucks. Most trucks are 26 feet, and we also have some 28-foot trucks plus the cab. Trucks this large require overhead clearance of at least 13 feet across the entire width of the truck (at least 8 feet). Additionally, all driving and parking surfaces must be capable of holding 26,000 pounds without the truck sinking or getting stuck. If your facility has an elevator, please ensure that it can be used by our crews. If it is possible to lock out the elevator, please get any necessary equipment. If the elevator must be reserved, please coordinate with your moving Consultant on the time frame it should be reserved for.
Firefighting’s Finest reserves the right to refuse service in conditions that are not safe, sanitary, organized, or clean for work to be performed. Unsanitary or unsafe conditions, such as bed bugs, infestation, or hoarding, are examples of situations in which Firefighting’s Finest may determine that the move is not safe enough to be performed. In such cases, the move will be considered a cancellation, and the service deposit will be forfeited to Firefighting’s Finest.
