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Frequently Asked Questions When You Plan a Move


It is sometimes said that moving is life's third greatest source of stress, behind only divorce or the death of a loved one. That's a pretty weighty undertaking. When you plan a move with Mr. Small Move, you will find that this doesn't have to be the case.

At Mr. Small Move, our 25 years of moving experience and our professional, diligent approach reduces the stress of moving. Naturally, customers have many questions about the move process. If the questions below do not address a concern that you have, please contact us directly - we're happy to answers any and all questions about a move. We find that the most common moving questions are related to:

Moving Expenses

  • Q: Why should I hire a Professional Mover?

    A: 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 20 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 are professionals and have the equipment and know how to move your belongings safely. To request a free moving estimate talk to one of our experienced sales professionals at 866-770-2689

  • Q: How much will my move cost?

    A: We base an estimate for a local move on an hourly rate, which includes the drive time from your original home, then to your destination. One hour travel time is added to each move for traveling from the moving company to your original home and then from your destination home back again to the moving company.

    Pricing for a long distance move that is within the state of Florida is based on a flat rate, fixed price. Once we have taken an inventory of your furniture and other belongings, and identified a timeframe for delivery, we are happy to provide a price for your move. If you prefer, we can also price a long distance move by weight.

    Pricing for a long distance move that is an interstate move is based on the weight of the items being shipped. Once we have taken an inventory of your furniture and other belongings, and identified a timeframe for delivery we are happy to provide you a price based on the weight of your move. If you prefer, we can also price small interstate moves with a flat rate.

  • Q: Is moving labor the only moving expense I should expect?

    A: Moving labor represents the majority of the moving expense. However, you should also budget for professional packing service or if doing your own packing you should budget for packing supplies, such as moving boxes and tape, and for additional valuation (moving insurance) as needed. Mr. Small Move takes special precautions with delicate or oversized items, such as flat screen televisions, grandfather clocks, glass/stone table tops and chandeliers. These items often require a custom wooden crate, which will incur an additional fee.

  • Q: Will Mr. Small Move pack all of the items in my home prior to moving?

    A: Mr. Small Move Moving Company offers a full range of packing and unpacking services for your move. Our professional packing services can be customized to meet the needs of any move, large or small. We find that underestimating the time and energy required to pack for a move is very common and it can be one of the most stressful aspects of planning for a move. Whether we pack a few boxes or your entire home the stress level of your move will be reduced when you hire our professional packers to pack your belongings.

  • Q: How accurate will the moving estimate be?

    A: With over 50 years of combined experience, our sales team prides themselves on providing the most accurate moving estimates in the industry. We work closely with every customer to fully understand his/her moving needs and to provide a moving estimate 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 almost always results in unexpected costs for the customer.

  • Q: Should I tip my movers?

    A: 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 $4-6 per man, per hour, it is customary to tip the lead mover a little more than the other movers. If you feel that your movers went above and beyond in their efforts, you may want to increase the amount accordingly.

  • Q: Is valuation (moving insurance) necessary?

    A: Although Mr. Small Move will take every necessary precaution on your move, unexpected issues could 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.

Moving Preparation

  • Q: How far in advance should I schedule my move?

    A: 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.

  • Q: What day/date is best for a move?

    A: Because complex events, such as a home closure or completion of construction, can be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances, we don't recommend scheduling your move for the same day. Save yourself the stress of rescheduling and plan your move date for several days after your closing date.

    Demand for moving services is generally at its lowest during the middle of the month and, in particular, the middle of the week. If your schedule allows for a move on one of these days, Movers often offer their most competitive rates during those times.

  • Q: I want to do some packing and moving before the movers arrive. What areas would be most helpful?

    A: 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 supplies go to our Packing Supplies resource area and for packing tips go to our Packing Tips for Moving section.

  • Q: I have some items that I'd like to keep, but they won't fit in my new home. Should I store them?

    A: Yes! Mr. Small Move offers full service storage facilities in addition to our high quality moving services. If your items do not fit in your new home, but you are living there for a finite period and then have plans to move to a larger home or you would like to hold on to the items for family and friends, use of our storage facilities is a convenient, safe option. Ask your move adviser for more detail on this service.

  • Q: What can I do to ensure that my belongings end up in the correct room during the move?

    A: Choose a simple labeling system (i.e. MBR for Master Bedroom) and make sure that all of your boxes are clearly marked. Boxes should be labeled on the top and 3 sides. Your movers will work closely with you at the destination to make sure everything ends up where you want it.

  • Q: Do I need to empty out my filing cabinets?

    A: When the 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.

  • Q: Can I leave clothing in my dresser drawers?

    A: It is generally fine to leave your clothing in your dresser drawers during the move. Be sure to remove anything from the drawers than may roll around or shift during transport, as this can cause damage. If the dresser is particularly large (a triple dresser or part of a large armoire)or there is stairs involved in your move, it is best to at least partially empty it.

  • Q: What do I need to do to prepare my appliances for the move?

    A: 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. Most importantly, movers are not licensed to disconnect gas, which powers many dryers and ovens.

  • Q: Are there any items that you cannot move?

    A: Mr. Small Move, as well as all Licensed Movers, will not move hazardous or combustible items such as propane tanks, firearms, paint, and aerosols, as the temperature in the truck could cause these items to explode or ignite.

Moving Day

  • Q: How will the movers know what items to take and what to leave behind?

    A: When the movers first arrive, they will do a walk through of your current home, confirming which items are going and which are not.

  • Q: What if I haven't finished packing by my scheduled moving day?

    A: If your moving day is rapidly approaching and it becomes clear that you will not be fully packed, it is critical that you inform your move adviser as soon as possible. He/she can work with you to make the best possible "plan b" for packing. This may mean having the movers finish your packing or, if you have the flexibility and we have the availability, pushing back your moving day in order to allow more time to pack. If you have only a small quantity of items left to pack, your movers can often complete this on moving day; however, it is important to understand that this will add time and materials to the job and, therefore, add to the total cost of the move.

  • Q: Can the movers arrange the furniture to my liking in my new home?

    A: Absolutely. When we deliver your items to your new home the movers will work closely with you to make sure all furniture and boxes arrive in the correct rooms, and we are happy to arrange and rearrange the furniture exactly as you would like it.

  • Q: I have a few prized possessions that I need treated with extra care.

    A: 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. If additional packing or crating is necessary your movers will let you know. It is important to have items properly packed in order to assure a trouble free move.

  • Q: Can I keep moving expenses down by having a family member or friend help on moving day?

    A: 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.

  • Q: Can the movers transport my pets?

    A: Unfortunately, there is no safe place in the moving truck for pets to ride. They can not be transported in the cab of the moving truck for liability reasons and the back of the moving truck is inappropriate due to lack of climate control and the danger posed by potential shifting of heavy objects.

  • Q: Can I ride in the cab of the moving truck with the movers?

    A: Unfortunately, professional moving companies can not transport customers in the moving truck for liability reasons. You may wish to arrange a ride with a friend or a cab service on move day.

  • Q: Do the movers take time off for lunch? Do I need to provide lunch for them?

    A: Moving is a physically taxing job and the Movers need time to eat during the day. 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 welcomed (and appreciated) refreshment!

  • Q: Can the movers dispose of trash on moving day?

    A: No. We are not equipped to dispose of trash. However, if you wish to have something transported to a waste disposal location, we are able to transport it at the hourly rate plus any fee imposed by the disposal facility. If possible, talk to your move advisor prior to moving day to make these arrangements.

  • Q: Can my movers clean my home on moving day?

    A: While professional moving companies may vary, at Mr. Small Move we clean up any clutter we make during the moving process, but we do not do general house cleaning. We recommend asking your friends, family, and neighbors for a referral for this type of service.

  • Q: Is it possible to move during inclement weather?

    A: Yes. Our professional movers and moving trucks are prepared to move even when raining. They come equipped with supplies to keep your belongings safe from the elements. However, it does take more time to move during inclement weather because of the special care needed to properly protect your belongings. This may add time and expense to your move.

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