How do I reduce the cost of my move?
Beltway focuses on overall efficiency in local moving and it charges to the nearest quarter hour. Anything you do that will save us time will save you money. It can be anything as simple as unplugging the television to moving all of your cartons out of the attic for quicker access. For more cost saving tips go to our cost cutter move tips
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How can I ensure I get an accurate move estimate?
A company should be able to supply in writing:
- the estimated move size in cubic feet or pounds
- the size of crew required
- an itemized furniture list with estimated number of cartons
- a detailed explanation of additional services requested including packing of mirrors , lamps and pictures.
- an itemized estimate of total cost.
You will then have a basis from which to compare cost and services,
not just hourly rates. Visit selecting a mover for additional tips.
Any tips on packing?
It's all a matter of time and materials. First of all allow yourself enough time. Plan on packing 2-3 cartons per evening. It takes 20-30 minutes per box for a nonprofessional to pack. If you pack 40-50 boxes that will add up to 25 hours of packing! This formula is one you should keep in mind when considering whether or not to have your movers do the packing for you. Secondly make sure you have enough cartons and the right materials for the safety of your items. The average person will use 5-10 cartons per room. We have several resources for packing. Visit our carton calculator to determine type of cartons needed and cost. Visit packing tips if you want insight into how the professionals do it and visit to pack or not to pack if you are reconsidering doing it yourself.
Download "Packing Basics" in the following formats:
Download "To Pack Or Not To Pack" in the following formats:
What do I need to know about storage?
Professional movers have the most cost effective means for household goods storage. It requires move planning to take advantage of this savings by knowing the items you want stored and how long you anticipate the items being in storage. If frequent access to your stored goods will be a requirement consider a self-storage facility.
Download "Storage Plans" in the following formats:
Why don't movers offer insurance?
Movers can not sell insurance, however, reputable movers can offer you protection called "additional liability". Learn how this confusing but necessary coverage is determined by visiting understanding valuation coverage. Never be satisfied until you know exactly what to expect from your mover in case of a mishap.
Download "Understanding Valuation Coverage" in the following formats:
What can I expect to happen on move day?
Great question! We don't expect all our customer's to be relocation experts. We have provided a list of Beltway move day expectations so that you can be better prepared and we can work together to make your move day more of a joy that a job.
Download "Move Day Expectations" in the following formats:
Download "Planning For A Successful Move Day" in the following formats:
What are the best questions I should ask when shopping for a mover?
All movers are not created equal and price is not everything. Beltway is committed to being the best value in the industry. Visit selecting a mover to learn how to discern the signs of a reputable company.
Download "Selecting A Mover" in the following formats:
Does it make any difference that my building has an elevator?
You can expect to pay more when long hallways must be transversed to get to the service elevator. You can minimize charges of this kind by selecting a company that has the proper equipment and training. Only a moving specialist can achieve the desired efficiency and safety on an elevator move. Visit ups and downs of elevator moving for insights to selecting the right company for the job and to obtain information that will ensure move day is more of a joy than a job for both you and your building manager.
Download "The Ups And Downs Of Elevator Moves" in the following formats:
What if something gets broken?
Relax, we've got you covered. We'll resolve the problem to your satisfaction within the confines of the type of liability coverage you elected for your move. For information on what is the best type of coverage for you visit understanding valuation coverage and if you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
What do you do if it rains or snows?
Good weather is certainly more pleasant and cost effective for moving but not mandatory. As long as our crews are not at risk we keep moving. We will cover your furniture with moving pads and/or shrink-wrap and use floor runners to protect your floors. If rescheduling is an option for you we will do our best to accommodate. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
Do you use pick up help?
No, our guiding hiring principle is that we wouldn't allow anyone in your home that we wouldn't want in our home. Our uniformed crews are employees of the company that have undergone hiring scrutiny including background checks. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ or are interested in a career with Beltway movers visit job descriptions & applications.
Do you have minimum charges?
Unlike many moving companies we do not have minimum charges. We charge only to the nearest quarter hour. This would include the time it takes to travel to and from our office. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
Do you charge extra for pianos?
Every van is has the equipment necessary and our crews are trained and experienced to move most types of pianos. The cost of moving your piano would be part of the hourly charges included in your estimate. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
What is SmartPack®?
The SmartPack® move system was developed by Beltway to lower the cost, hasten your move and reduce the hassles. As part of the standard SmartPack® move system we offer shelved vans, crushproof cartons, blue reusable plastic carriers, shrink wrapping of your upholstered furniture and floor runners. Visit SmartPack® to watch us move.
How do I pack my mirrors and pictures?
The best way to handle these items is to let us handle them for you! Beltway provides crushproof cartons as part of its SmartPack® move system. It will cost you less that the old fashion paper and box system and is safer for your items. Visit SmartPack® to watch us move.
Do you charge travel time?
Yes, we do. When creating your move estimate our consultant estimated the time it would take for the moving van to travel from our nearest office to your home and the return time from your new residence to the office. We have found this method not only fair to our customers but it also allows fair compensation to our crews and helps maintain our high quality of drivers and moving personnel. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
Do you have your own storage facility?
Professional movers have the most cost effective means for household goods storage. We have storage facilities at all five of our locations. Visit office locations and directions for the facility nearest you or if you are trying to determine the best storage option for you visit storage plans move tips for additional information.
Why do I need to give a deposit?
When you reserve a move date we commit resources such as drivers, vans, crewmembers and materials specifically to you. Our strict control of scheduling is what has prevented us from ever missing a move. The non-refundable deposit is a mutual guarantee but not meant to be inconvenient. If your move date(s) change, we simply apply your deposit to the new date. . If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
What are your carton sizes and prices?
Beltway has new and used cartons available for pick up at all five of our locations or you may make arrangements to for a carton delivery. Our carton calculator will help you determine the size of cartons you might need and their cost.
What should I do with my plants?
We cannot guarantee live plants but we will do our best to move them safely. For local metropolitan moves your smaller plants (less than 18") may be placed in our blue plastic reusable carriers and larger plants positioned in the van strategically toward the end of loading. The alternative is to move them yourself. Naturally factors such as size of the plant, weather temperature and time between addresses should be considered in your decision. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
What time will the crew be here?
Beltway has never stood up a customer in our 43+ years of business. All of us who live in the Washington Metro area understand its traffic issues. These unforeseen gridlocks will on occasion make us late, however, be assured that they will be there!. Our consultants noted an approximate arrival time on your written estimate. You will receive a call from our dispatcher on the day before your move to confirm the arrival time, introduce you to the crew and discuss any last minute details. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
What about the things in my refrigerator/freezer?
A legitimate concern and one that can be easily handled on a local move. To prepare your freezer--pack all of the contents in small cartons and then return them to the freezer. On move day, the movers can then temporarily remove the boxes while handling the freezer and reload it when it is safely on board the van. This way you are able to use the freezer like a portable cooler without risk of damage. Refrigerator items should be moved in separate containers due to their sometimes fragile and spillable nature. If you do not have your own cooler(s) simply request us to bring extra blue plastic totes for your temporary use on move day. We will load these items last and unload first so they can be transferred to the working refrigerator at the destination. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
How do I pack my computer, I don't have the original boxes?
You are not alone. Most people don't have the room to keep large bulky boxes around. We handle the problem by working together with you. To save time and money and ensure the safety of your data you may want to first back up your data, disconnect cords and load them along with discs and peripherals into a well-labeled carton. On move day we'll wrap your cpu, monitor and printer in pads and transfer them safely in our large canvas lined bins. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
Do I need to pack/box my televisions?
No, that is not necessary. Utilizing our exclusive SmartPack® move system Beltway is able to transport your television wrapped in moving pads and placed in large canvas lined bins. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
What do I do about the items in my entertainment system?
Most of your items will fit in standard move cartons. Visit our carton calculator for size and cost. We might suggest that in preparation for your move that you diagram your set up, make some notes and then disconnect all the cords before the movers arrive. This will save time and money for you in the long run. Loose components are never left in cabinets during the move process. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
When do I pay for the balance of my move? Do I pay you or the driver?
About thirty minutes prior to completion of unloading, the crew foreman will alert you so that you can inspect each room to ensure that items are placed to your satisfaction. You can then request any changes. At this time the crew will begin assembling beds and placing mirrors on dressers, etc. You will be asked to inspect the van to ensure that all items have been unloaded. You have exclusive van rights on local moves so there will be nothing left on the van(s) except Beltway's equipment. The crewforeman will total the charges and answer any questions you may have about the move. Don't forget to complete our customer comment card while the crewforeman is doing the math. The last thing you need to do is pay the crewforeman with pre-arranged credit card or certified check. We have provided a list of Beltway move day expectations so that you can be better prepared and we can work together to make your move day more of a joy that a job.
Why are you calling me from a different office from the one I scheduled my move?
We schedule and dispatch moves from several different locations based on resources and call volume. Be rest assured your move will be accomplished by the branch most advantageous for you. Visit office locations and directions for all office phone numbers.
Is my job a flat rate or hourly?
Unless you specify your need for a flat rate priced move we work on a time and material basis. We have found that most local move customers are better served if they have flexibility of changing services requested. This means they are not "locked into" a specific number of cartons or committed to moving the fragile items because they "thought" they would have the time before move day or conversely if some unexpected family assistance got all the boxes moved or finally picked up that bedroom set you gave them. Our move estimates are accurate and most frequently well within 10%. Our customers are provided an honest hours work charged to the nearest quarter hour with no minimum. If a flat price is preferred we will provide that service also. Please understand that flat price or contract priced moves are binding on the services requested. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
Do I have insurance on my move?
This is an easily misunderstood move requirement. Movers must have various insurances such as for their vans and workman's compensation simply to be in business. The term "limits of liability" is what matters to you the customer. These limit should be clearly discussed in the movers contract or bill of lading. There are industry guidelines for setting limits of liability but the customer must make the final decision. Make sure you are well informed of the cost associated with additional liability. It should be noted in your estimate and move contract. Visit understanding valuation coverage and if you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
Is your storage climate controlled?
Our warehouses employ the household good standard called "palletized" storage. This system allows air circulation and prevents moisture and condensation. The warehouse temperatures do not reach outside extremes and change at a very slow rate. "Climate controlled" is a more recent concept designed for more climate sensitive items such as fine art and some electronics that require constant humidity and temperature. For more information on storage visit storage plans move tips.
What are the payment options?
Your consultant will help you with your move day budget when estimating your move cost. Our move estimates are accurate and most frequently well within 10%. Our customers are provided an honest hours work charged to the nearest quarter hour with no minimum. We will ask for a non refundable deposit in order to secure your preferred move date and time and at that time you will let us know if you plan to use a credit card or certified funds to pay the balance. This arrangement will be documented on your estimate and will be verified by the dispatcher the day before the move and your crew foreman on the day of the move. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
What do companies mean when they say they are bonded and insured?
This type of language can have various implications and can be confusing to the customer. Some questions that might better serve you when selecting a mover is to ask if a company can offer additional liability and what are their hiring policies. Feel free to call us and ask about the type of additional liability we can offer for the handling and relocation of your belongings and how we will ensure that our uniformed employees will be the type of people we would want in your home and ours.
Are materials included in the estimate?
Generally we work on a time and material basis. Your written estimate will show the number of hours that we have determined it will take to travel to your residence, the amount of time for loading and unloading and the travel time back to our office. Products such as our crushproof cartons, blue plastic reusable containers, large canvas lined bins, rental cartons and the sale of used cartons will greatly reduce the cost of your materials. Our exclusive SmartPack® Move system, at no additional cost to you, will provide you with floor runners, shrink wrapping of your sofa and a two tiered loading system that will lower the cost, hasten your move and reduce the hassles. Visit selecting a mover and planning for a successful move day for additional tips.
What happens if there is an accident on the beltway? Do I get charged for the delay in travel?
All of us who live in the Washington Metro area understand its traffic issues. These unforeseen gridlocks will on occasion make us late, however, be assured that we will be there! Our company policy is to charge customers for travel to and from the office to the nearest quarter hour. If an extreme traffic situation occurs our upper management staff will do their best to ensure that your move experience was a positive one. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
How late in the day are you willing to start a move?
During our 40 years of business we have found that it best serves your families and ours to begin moves between 7am to 9 am or 12 to 1. In order to make your move day more of a joy than a job we will work with you to determine the best time to begin based on the size of your move, services needed and your families needs. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
How much notice is required to schedule a move?
That all depends on when you ask this question! Washington Metropolitan customers generally want to move in the summer or during the first five days or last five days of a month. If this sounds like you than you may want to secure your move date with a deposit as soon as you can. On the other hand, the less desirable winter months and cancellations might afford you the opportunity to schedule one day before your move date. One thing you can be sure of is that by utilizing our centralized sales and dispatch system Beltway has never stood a customer up in our 40 years of business. Visit selecting a mover and planning for a successful move day for additional tips.
Do I have to be there during the move?
We advise that you get your best value by being present on move day. Communication is not compromised and flexibility is increased. If it is not possible to be there throughout your move please advise your consultant so that your individual circumstances can be addressed. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
Will you disassemble and reassemble my furniture?
We provide usual and customary disassembly of headboards, footboards and dresser mirrors. Some furniture items such as large wall units or light bridge headboards require a more complex process and may require more time. Please discuss this type of item with your consultant. We will advise you of the additional time and or expense and possibly the need for a third party specialist. If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ and move day expectations.
Do you handle long distance moves?
We regularly move up to 200 miles and can assist moves anywhere in the world. Long distance versus interstate moves can be confusing depending on state lines, commercial zones and your perceptions. Our consultants will be happy to clarify and suggest your best service options. Generally speaking, if you are moving within commuting distance of Washington DC, Beltway Movers is your best value. . If you have more move day questions visit our FAQ.
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Cost Cutter Ideas (PDF)
Cost Cutter Ideas (Word)
