Moving FAQ Library
Straight answers to the questions people ask us most about pricing, booking, packing, and moving day.
Pricing & Quotes
- How does WeMove.ai calculate my moving price?
- WeMove.ai combines your home size, distance, service level, and the current season to produce an instant, transparent estimate. You can then compare full-service moving, truck rental, containers, labor-only help, and storage side by side.
- Are the quotes I see guaranteed?
- Local full-service estimates are based on your inputs and confirmed before booking. Long-distance quotes are guaranteed based on the inventory you provide through photos and your itemized list.
Booking & Scheduling
- How far in advance can I book my move?
- You can book weeks in advance to lock in your preferred date. For long-distance and summer moves, earlier booking secures better pricing and availability.
Packing & Preparation
- When should I start packing for my move?
- Begin packing rarely used items about three to four weeks before moving day and work toward everyday essentials, which you pack last. Spreading the work over several weeks avoids a stressful final scramble.
- How many boxes will I need to move?
- As a rough guide, a studio needs about 10–15 boxes, a two-bedroom home about 30–50, and a four-bedroom home 60 or more. The exact number depends on how much you own and how well you declutter first.
- How do I pack fragile items safely?
- Wrap each fragile item individually in packing paper or bubble wrap, pack plates vertically on their edge, and fill all empty space so nothing shifts. Cushion the box on all sides and label it fragile.
- What items can movers not transport?
- Movers generally cannot transport hazardous materials such as propane, gasoline, paint, aerosols, fireworks, and other flammables or corrosives. Plants, perishables, and irreplaceable valuables like documents and jewelry are also best moved yourself.
- Where can I find free moving boxes?
- Grocery, liquor, and bookstores often give away sturdy boxes, and community groups frequently list free moving boxes from recent movers. Reusing boxes and using towels or linens as padding keeps supply costs low.
Long-Distance Moves
- How is a long-distance move priced?
- Long-distance moves are typically priced by the weight or cubic volume of your shipment plus the mileage between origin and destination. Add-ons like packing, stairs, shuttle service, and storage can also affect the total.
- How long does delivery take on a long-distance move?
- Most cross-country moves deliver within a window of several days to a few weeks, depending on distance and whether the truck carries multiple households. Ask your mover for a written delivery window.
- What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
- A binding estimate locks in the price for the inventory you provide, while a non-binding estimate can change based on the actual weight at delivery. A not-to-exceed estimate caps the price so you never pay more than quoted.
- Should I buy full value protection for a long-distance move?
- Interstate movers must offer basic released value, which pays only cents per pound, and full value protection, which covers repair or replacement. Full value protection costs more but is worth it if you are shipping valuable belongings.
- How do moves to Alaska or Hawaii work?
- Moves to or from Alaska and Hawaii combine truck transport with ocean freight or barge and sometimes air legs, so transit times are longer and require more lead time. Book early and confirm which items can ship by sea or air.
Storage
- When should I use storage during a move?
- Storage helps when your move-out and move-in dates do not line up, when you are downsizing, or when a home sale or lease timing leaves a gap. Short-term storage bridges the schedule while long-term storage handles extra belongings.
- What size storage unit do I need?
- A 5x5 unit fits a few boxes and small furniture, a 10x10 holds roughly a one- to two-bedroom home, and a 10x20 fits a larger multi-bedroom household. Choosing the right size avoids paying for unused space.
- What is the difference between self-storage and full-service storage?
- With self-storage you rent a unit and move items in and out yourself, while full-service storage has a company pick up, store, and redeliver your belongings. Self-storage offers more access; full-service saves you the labor.
- Should I use climate-controlled storage?
- Climate-controlled storage protects sensitive items like wood furniture, electronics, artwork, and documents from extreme heat, cold, and humidity. It costs more but is worth it for valuables or long-term storage in areas with weather swings.
- How can I keep stored items safe and organized?
- Use sturdy, labeled boxes, leave a walkway in the unit, keep frequently needed items near the front, and elevate boxes off the floor. Covering furniture and adding a good lock helps protect against dust and theft.
Moving Day
- What should I have ready before the movers arrive?
- Have all boxes packed and sealed, furniture disassembled where possible, and a clear path from the door to the truck. Set aside an essentials box and anything you plan to move yourself so it does not get loaded.
- Should I tip my movers?
- Tipping is customary but optional in the US. A common guideline is roughly 10–20% of the total split among the crew, or a flat amount per mover based on the length and difficulty of the job.
- What should be in my first-night essentials box?
- Pack a box with toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, phone chargers, basic tools, snacks, bedding, and any items you will need before you unpack. Keep it with you rather than on the truck.
- What should I do before the truck leaves?
- Walk through every room, closet, and cabinet to confirm nothing is left behind, check your inventory list against what was loaded, and note the condition of your items. Confirm the delivery details and contact information with the crew.
- What happens if something is damaged during the move?
- Note any damage on the inventory or delivery paperwork before the movers leave and photograph the affected items. File a claim with your mover promptly, following their process and the coverage level you selected.