Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why should I hire a TLC professional mover? 2. How much will my move cost? 3. Is moving labor the only moving expense I should expect? 4. How accurate will the moving estimate be? 5. Is valuation (moving insurance) necessary? 6. Should I tip my movers? 7. How far in advance should I schedule my move? 8. I want to do some packing and moving before the movers arrive. What areas would be most helpful? 9. Do I need to empty out my filing cabinets? 10. Can I leave clothing in my dresser drawers? 11. What do I need to do to prepare my appliances for the move? 12. Are there any items that you can not move? 13. I have a few prized possessions that I need treated with extra care. How can I guarantee this? 14. Can I keep moving expenses down by having a family member or friend help on moving day? 15. Do the movers take time off for lunch? Do I need to provide lunch for them? 16. Is it possible to move during inclement weather?

1. Why should I hire a TLC professional mover? Hiring a professional mover delivers exceptional value on a day that can be otherwise very stressful. Moving can be both emotionally and physically draining, and handling delicate or bulky items with care requires specific moving skills. We highly recommend turning to professionals for this, as you would for many of your households needs such as plumbing and electricity. With years of experience in local moving and long distance moving, our teams of highly trained movers can tackle moves of any size or complexity. We treat every move with the personal care that you would expect from friends and family. However, unlike friends and family, we guarantee satisfaction.

2. How much will my move cost? We base an estimate for a local move on an hourly rate, which includes the drive time for each leg of the move: from the moving company to your original home, then to your destination, and back again to the moving company. Pricing for a long distance move is based on a flat rate, fixed price. Once we have taken an inventory of your furniture and other belongings, and identified a time frame for delivery, we are happy to provide a binding price for your move. If you prefer, we can also price a long distance move by weight.

3. Is moving labor the only moving expense I should expect? Moving labor represents the majority of the moving expense. However, you should also budget for packing supplies, such as moving boxes and tape, and for additional valuation (moving insurance) as needed. TLC Moving takes special precautions with delicate or oversize items, such as flat screen televisions, pianos, antiques and chandeliers. These items often require a custom wooden crate, which will incur an additional fee. Pricing for a long distance move is based on a flat rate, fixed price. Once we have taken an inventory of your furniture and other belongings, and identified a time frame for delivery, we are happy to provide a binding price for your move. If you prefer, we can also price a long distance move by weight.

4. How accurate will the moving estimate be? Our sales team prides themselves on providing the most accurate moving estimate in the industry. We work closely with every customer to fully understand his/her moving needs and to provide a moving quote that reflects those needs. Be sure to offer as much information as possible at the time of the estimate – this includes reviewing the inventory for accuracy. Neglecting to mention additional items, or difficult areas of access, at the time of the moving estimate / in home survey almost always results in unexpected costs for the customer.

5. Is valuation (moving insurance) necessary? Although TLC Movers will take every necessary precaution on your move, unexpected damage can occur and it is important to make sure that your possessions are protected. We are able to offer valuation (moving insurance) to our customers at a very fair price due to the very low number of claims we file.

6. Should I tip my movers? As with other service industries, you may wish to thank your movers for a job well done by offering a gratuity. While the movers do not expect a set amount, we suggest a tip based on your satisfaction with your crew and the overall move; with a broad guideline of $5-7 per man, per hour. If you feel that your movers went above and beyond in their efforts, you may want to increase the amount accordingly.

7. How far in advance should I schedule my move? We recommend scheduling your move as far in advance as you can. The farther out you can plan your move, the greater the availability you will have in choosing a date and time that is convenient for you. A general rule of thumb is to contact us no later than two weeks in advance of your desired move date. We realize advance planning is not always possible, and do our best to accommodate last minute customers as well.

8. I want to do some packing and moving before the movers arrive. What areas would be most helpful? Focus on packing, instead of moving. Smaller items and moving boxes can be moved very quickly by professional movers. Don’t spend time trying to move these items yourself. Rather, focus on packing boxes, so when the movers arrive, you are 100% ready. For more information on packing and packing supplies check out our Moving advice and packing tips.

9. Do I need to empty out my filing cabinets? When the filing cabinets are made of metal or plastic, 2-drawer filing cabinets can be left full. The top two drawers of a 4-drawer cabinet need to be emptied. All lateral file cabinets need to be completely emptied. All drawers need to be emptied in wooden cabinets.

10. Can I leave clothing in my dresser drawers? It is generally fine to leave your clothing in your dresser drawers during the move. Be sure to remove anything from the drawers that may roll around or is breakable, as this can cause damage.

11. What do I need to do to prepare my appliances for the move? You should make certain that your dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer are empty. Additionally, movers are not trained electricians or plumbers – you need to arrange for the appropriate professional to disconnect your washer, lighting/chandeliers, and refrigerator from any electric and/or water connection.

12. Are there any items that you can not move? TLC Movers will not move hazardous or combustible items such as propane tanks, paint, and aerosols, as the temperature in the truck could cause these items to explode or ignite.

13. I have a few prized possessions that I need treated with extra care. How can I guarantee this? For your own peace of mind, you may want to consider moving jewelry and other small valuables yourself in your personal vehicle. As for larger items – such as art, antiques, musical instruments, special collections, or other items of great personal meaning and value – point these items out to your movers at the start of moving day so that they can take the necessary steps to ensure for their proper care.

14. Can I keep moving expenses down by having a family member or friend help on moving day? On moving day, you should let the professional movers handle the job entirely – they are highly trained and the best suited to carry the weight and negotiate the loading of the truck. Generally speaking, having non-professionals work alongside the movers slows things down and costs you more in the long run. Your friends and family can be most helpful in preparing for the move – packing moving boxes or caring for your pets or children.

15. Do the movers take time off for lunch? Do I need to provide lunch for them? Moving is a physically taxing job and the Movers need time to eat during the day. On a local move, any time that the movers spend eating lunch will be deducted from your hourly bill. As for providing lunch, it is not required, as the movers often bring lunch or will find somewhere to eat along the way. However, water and/or sports drinks for the movers are always a welcome (and appreciated) refreshment!

16. Is it possible to move during inclement weather? Yes. Our professional movers and moving trucks are prepared to move during rain, sleet, or snow. They come equipped with supplies to keep your belongings safe from the elements. However, in order to keep costs down, we recommend that you shovel, rake, or otherwise clear the access ways in preparation for their arrival.