Question 1

What are your hours of operation?

Accepted Answer

Our office is open from 9am to 5pm Monday thru Friday, 9am to 12pm Saturday & Sunday. If you have any non-immediate questions, we also check our email often. Generally, our moves take place between 8am and 8pm, but we are willing to move any time of day or night, including weeknights and weekends.

Question 2

How does your scheduling work?

Accepted Answer

Every crew typically performs two moves a day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. The morning move starts around 8am or 9am and ends when the last item in our truck is placed in the destination address. We try to estimate this time as best as possible, but it difficult to predict the exact duration of a move. Thus, our afternoon and evening moves do not have fixed start times. The start times vary depending on when the morning move finishes. We kindly ask afternoon clients to be prepared to start their moves anytime between 1pm and 5pm.

Question 3

What are your rates?

Accepted Answer

We charge a competitive hourly rate that depends on several factors, including the number of men needed to execute your move, travel distance between your initial and final destinations, and other considerations. We regularly conduct market research to guarantee that our rates stay competitive.

Question 4

Do you have an hourly minimum?

Accepted Answer

We do have a 2 hour minimum for all residential jobs. The hourly labor rate is pro-rated in 15 minute increments for any time over our 2 hour minimum.

Question 5

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We wish we could get paid in gold... At present, we ONLY accept cash and all major credit cards.

Question 6

Do you provide a receipt?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will provide you with a bill of lading via email.

Question 7

How far in advance do I need to book my move?

Accepted Answer

The end of the month is by far the busiest time to schedule a move, so please contact us in advance to make sure that we have availability. That said, we are happy to accommodate last-minute moves for instance, when other moving companies don’t show up when our schedule allows. Please note, we operate on a first come, first serve basis and our availability is constantly changing. Our availability may change at anytime and your slot is not secured until you receive a confirmation email from us.

Question 8

What about deposits/cancellation fees?

Accepted Answer

We do not require deposits. To avoid a cancellation fee, we require a 72 hour notice prior to the day of your move via email or phone.

Question 9

What are your Terms of Service?

Accepted Answer

We thought you’d never ask! Here are our Terms of Service.

Question 10

Are you licensed, bonded and insured?

Accepted Answer

You betcha!

Question 11

What is “valuation”?

Accepted Answer

You declare the total value of your shipment before the move begins. If an item is damaged during your move, Move-tastic! will seek a professional repair. If a repair is not possible, we’ll pay to replace that item, less depreciation. Move-tastic! offers valuation coverage at a rate of $100 per each $5,000 of released or declared value. Declaring a released value for goods is not the same as purchasing an insurance policy.

Question 12

How do I determine the value of my shipment?

Accepted Answer

The Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association suggests that checking the contents coverage and amounts of your homeowners’ insurance or renter’s insurance can serve as a good guide to determining the value of your shipment.

Question 13

How do you calculate depreciated value?

Accepted Answer

The depreciated value is calculated using industry-wide depreciation guides that provide a formula based on the useful life of an item. EXAMPLE: A table lamp is determined to have a 10-year useful lifespan and therefore depreciates at a rate of 10% per year. A 5-year old lamp would have a depreciated value of 50% of the original purchase price. The depreciated value does not include the cost of shipping or tax.

Question 14

Who coordinates the repair?

Accepted Answer

It’s always our goal to minimize any further inconvenience by facilitating the repair process as much as possible. We work closely with highly vetted service providers but we’ll also work with clients’ preferred vendors as long as estimates are found to be competitive within the industry. Any estimates require approval by Move-tastic! prior to starting repairs. If an item must be taken off-site for a repair, we may also coordinate the pick up and delivery of the item.

Question 15

What if I don’t want a repair?

Accepted Answer

Under the terms of declared valuation, the first step that all movers must take is to seek professional repairs for any damaged items. If a professional furniture repair company estimates the cost of a repair to be $150 for a damaged item and a client declines to have the item repaired, the maximum compensation for that damaged item would be equal to the estimated repair cost of $150.

Question 16

What if I don’t have the original receipt or remember the purchase price?

Accepted Answer

In the absence of an original receipt, we first work to determine the value based on the available information of the make and model of the item. If make and model are not available, then fair market value would be established based on available items of similar make and quality.

Question 17

Is full value protection the same as insurance?

Accepted Answer

No, moving coverage (also known as valuation coverage) helps protect your belongings in case they are damaged, lost, or stolen during the move. It’s not technically insurance, but it determines the maximum mover’s liability for your entire shipment. If you want actual insurance (which will cover items and situations that valuation coverage doesn't), you may need to purchase a separate moving insurance policy from a third-party provider.

Question 18

What are “high value items” and why is it important to disclose them?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule of thumb, items that cost more than $100 per pound are considered to be high-value items. If you have any high-value items (e.g., fine art, jewelry, heirlooms, collectibles, antiques, or expensive electronics), you must declare these separately in writing during the reservation process and we must accept responsibility in writing for those items in order to ensure full coverage. We reserve the right to decline to transport or accept liability for certain high value items. As a best practice, we do strongly recommend that clients transport their high value items and items of extreme sentimental value themselves whenever reasonably possible.

Question 19

Are there any items that can’t be transported?

Accepted Answer

Movers are restricted from transporting hazardous and flammable items or liquids. Additionally, we will not transport weapons or explosives. Lastly, any perishable items or living animals should never be included in your shipment.

Question 20

What isn’t covered by moving coverage?

Accepted Answer

Moving coverage does not cover damage from natural disasters, items packed by the owner (PBO) if improperly packed, perishable goods and certain high-value items unless declared in writing and accepted by the mover in advance of the move.

Question 21

How is the cost of full value protection (FVP) determined?

Accepted Answer

FVP is usually based on the total weight of the shipment multiplied by a dollar amount per pound, with options for higher declared values at increased cost.

Question 22

What should I do if something is lost or damaged during the move?

Accepted Answer

In the event of loss or damage, it’s important that you notify us as soon as possible. A complete claims submission is required in writing no later than 9 months after the date of delivery. In order to submit a claims form, please email claims@move-tastic.com or else contact our office at 773-715-3227. As you should also be prepared to document the damage with photos and item descriptions, we strongly advise clients to create a complete inventory with photos prior to their move.

Question 23

What size move can you accommodate?

Accepted Answer

Our box trucks range between 16 and 26 feet and can typically accommodate a 1-3 bedroom apartment. For single family homes and larger moves, multiple trucks are required.

Question 24

What geographical area do you service? Do you provide long-distance moves?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide moving services throughout the entire state of Illinois, as well as to other destinations within the midwest and surrounding area. Not sure if your destination is within our service area? Just drop us a line!

Question 25

I am moving in from out-of-state. Can you help me unload my truck when I arrive?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We do truck loads and unloads, pod loads and unloads, and other labor that requires heavy lifting.

Question 26

Do you move pianos and other large, unruly items?

Accepted Answer

We move upright and spinet pianos, as well as a variety of other oversized items. Special handling fees may apply. Although we don’t move grand and baby grand pianos ourselves, we have worked with specialty vendors, so please call for more info. We strongly suggest that you call or email us to obtain more specific information about moving pianos or other large cumbersome items.

Question 27

Do you move at odd times (holidays, evenings, weekends, early mornings)?

Accepted Answer

With the exception of major national holidays (when we’re off duty), we are willing to move you. We try our best to schedule moves during the day, but make exceptions on a case-per-case based on our availability.

Question 28

Do you provide blankets and shrink-wrap?

Accepted Answer

When using our trucks, of course! We provide shrink-wrap for a small materials fee. This is a one-time fee--not pay-by-the-item, and we are generous with our materials! You should always be sure to factor in the cost of materials when comparing estimates, they can make for an unfortunate surprise when paying by the item.

Question 29

What about blankets and shrink-wrap for moves that don’t use a Move-tastic! truck?

Accepted Answer

We charge a lower materials fee for moves that do not require a truck, that covers unlimited use of shrink-wrap. The blankets we use every day are designed to be extremely durable and cost a pretty penny. Instead of charging you for these professional blankets, we offer warehouse pads ($10 each), which offer great protection for a much lower cost!

Question 30

Do you provide moving supplies: wardrobe boxes, mattress bags, etc.?

Accepted Answer

We gladly offer additional materials such as wardrobe boxes, mattress bags (fit up to a King), adjustable TV boxes (fit up to a 70" flat screen). All these goodies can be added to your reservation once you start the booking process!

Question 31

How will you transport my belongings?

Accepted Answer

We have a fleet of box trucks ranging from 16 to 26 feet.

Question 32

Is tipping customary, and what is the standard tip?

Accepted Answer

It’s no secret that movers love tips. Our crew hustles as much as possible in part to obtain a tip adequate to the effort exerted. So while tipping is not necessary, it is customary, and moreover is greatly appreciated if you are satisfied with our service. The amount is totally up to you. As a general guideline, however, good tips typically amount to an extra $5 per hour per mover, great tips to approximately $10 per hour per mover, and fantastic tips anywhere beyond $10 per hour per mover.

Question 33

What if something gets damaged during the move?

Accepted Answer

Our primary goal is your satisfaction, and we will do everything possible to prevent damages. Every move we do is covered by carrier liability, but we highly recommend that you purchase valuation coverage when booking your move with us. Please refer to our Claims and Coverage section for more information.

Question 34

I have really nice carpets/wooden floors! Can the movers take off their shoes?

Accepted Answer

We care about your floors too! Unfortunately, it’s a huge safety hazard to move without wearing shoes. However, every truck is equipped with hardwood and carpet floor coverings that can be purchased for a nominal fee.

Question 35

What if the actual time is longer or shorter than the estimate?

Accepted Answer

An estimate is just that and while our estimates are typically very accurate, there are sometimes unforeseeable events that can lengthen a move (traffic, more stuff than anticipated, bad weather--rare in Chicago...). Clearly, we do our best to hit or beat our targets. If when we arrive we notice a longer move than expected, we will adjust our estimate on the scene.

Question 36

Can I help during the move?

Accepted Answer

Our moving crews are a well-oiled machine and the guys are used to working with each other. We have code words and highly sophisticated moving techniques so, believe it or not, sometimes your help actually slows us down! You’re allowed to contribute as much or as little as you’d like on move day, but you hired us for a reason, so why not kick back and let us do the heavy lifting? Additionally, movers are prohibited from doing any multiple-person carries with clients, so while you can run boxes and single person items, we can’t have any movers carry any items with you.

Dwelling size	Average	Typical range
Studio	$650	$450 - $750
1-bedroom	$850	$650 - $1,000
2-bedroom	$1,050	$725 - $1,500
3-bedroom	$1,350	$1,000 - $2,000
4-bedroom+	$2,500	$1,500 - $3,500

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