Frequently
Asked Questions About Moving
As you prepare for your move, you probably have "a
million things on your mind." To minimize your stress at this hectic time, we’ve
put together a list of frequently asked questions, along with their answers. Some of the
questions require more specific information, in which case your Bertsch Moving &
Storage, moving counselor is the person to ask. Make sure that your moving counselor
answers these and any other questions you may have.
GENERAL
How does the moving process work?
For an explanation of the moving process with Bertsch Moving & Storage, Inc., , go to "How Long Distance Moving Operates". For a
step-by-step overview of your move, click here.
How do I locate Bertsch Moving &
Storage, Inc.?
Please visit the About Us page on this website for detailed
directions and information.
 Top
Who can I call if I have questions
while my belongings are being shipped?
Throughout your move, your primary contact is the moving counselor who helped plan your
move. Your moving counselor should have given you the name and telephone number of Bertsch
Moving & Storage, or if the move is out of state, the moving counselor will give you
the name and telephone number of an Allied agent near your new home to contact upon your
arrival there. But, at any time during your move you can always contact Bertsch Moving
& Storage.
 Click here for helpful moving tips!
Top
LOADING/DELIVERY
What is a "load spread"?
When your move is first booked, it is difficult to estimate exactly when the driver will
arrive at your home. Bertsch Moving & Storage will give you a range of 3-4 days during
which the driver will arrive. You will receive notification one day in advance of the day
that the driver will arrive at your home to load your belongings.
Is there anything I should keep with
me and NOT load on the truck?
Be sure to carry enough clothing, medications, toiletries, etc. to last from the load date
until the last day of the delivery spread. We do suggest that you keep small valuables
such as jewelry and family photographs and videos with you during the move. Bertsch Moving
& Storage also recommends that you pack a survival box.
Top
Can I transport my car?
It is possible to transport your automobile with the
rest of your belongings -- provided there's enough room. Please consult your moving
counselor for more information.
Does Bertsch Moving & Storage,
Inc. provide motorcycle transportation?
Bertsch Moving & Storage offers uncrated motorcycle transportation. Click here for more information.
Is there anything that I can’t
have moved?
Plants and pets
for obvious reasons can’t be loaded on the truck. There are several household items
that are considered hazardous materials and cannot be moved with your other belongings.
These include aerosols, gas cans, paints, varnish, corrosives, batteries, matches, nail
polish and remover, ammunition, explosives, cleaning fluids and detergents. Please consult
your moving counselor if you think you have anything else that may not be safe to
transport on the truck.
Top
When will my belongings be delivered?
Before your belongings are loaded on the truck, you and your moving counselor should have
agreed on a delivery spread of 3-4 days. You will receive notification of delivery one day
prior to delivery. You, or someone you have designated on your Bertsch Moving &
Storage paperwork to take your place, must be present to accept delivery and pay all
charges. In the event that no one is available, your shipment could be placed in storage
at an additional charge. Be sure that you give your moving counselor telephone numbers
where you can be reached throughout the move.
Once I get to my new home, whom can I
contact in the local area? Who do I call for unpacking services?
Your moving counselor will provide you with the name and number of the Bertsch Moving
& Storage, or an Allied agent who has been assigned as your "destination agent". You should have the name of the
agency and their phone number.
Top
PACKING/PREPARATION
Can I pack anything in
the drawers of my dresser or desk?
All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent damage during transport. Non-fragile,
light-weight items such as clothing and linens can be left in dresser drawers.
What should I do to
prepare to move my waterbed?
Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fiber-filled waterbeds need to be professionally
vacuum-drained in advance of your move date. Your moving counselor can refer you to a
professional to perform these services.
Should anything be done
to my appliances to prepare them for the move?
Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer
must have a stabilizer installed. Again, your moving counselor can refer you to an
appropriate professional to perform these services.
Top
How will Bertsch Moving
& Storage, Inc. protect my upholstered furniture?
Bertsch Moving & Storage uses a special procedure called StretchWrap. It is a heavy, clear plastic wrap that protects
your furniture from being soiled.
Click here for more
helpful packing tips!
COST
What are my charges based
on?
For an interstate move, your charges are based on the weight of your shipment, together
with the mileage between origin and destination. At the time of your estimate, your moving
counselor will be happy to explain the itemized charges on your estimate, which would
include any packing, crating, uncrating and coverage. For more information on moving
charges, go to "How Moving Charges Are Determined".
How can I obtain an
estimate of moving costs?
To receive an estimate, fill out the on-line Quote Request and
your Bertsch Moving & Storage will contact you to set up an appointment.
Top
What is the difference
between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate requires you to pay based on the actual weight of your
shipment and the actual services performed. There is no limit. A binding estimate
is a price guaranteed not to be exceeded unless additional services are performed that are
not specifically listed on your paperwork. You must complete additional paperwork for any
items to be added to your shipment or to have additional services provided.
Where do "extra
charges" come from?
Do you have an attic, crawl space or storage shed? Often these storage areas are forgotten
when working up an estimate and remembered only when it is time to load the truck. The
cost of moving these additional items would have to be added to the estimate. To avoid
this situation, be sure you have shown all of these areas to your moving counselor at the
time of the estimate.
Top
Will there be extra
charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?
If you live on the second or third floor of a building, the driver may have to charge for
"stair carries". This charge also applies to single-family homes with more than
seven (7) stairs leading to the entrance of the home. Your moving counselor will let you
know if the situation at your current home will require these charges. Since your moving
counselor does not visit your new home, you will have to let him/her know about the layout
there.
What if the truck
can’t park up close to the house?
If we are not able to park the truck close to an entrance to your home, you may be charged
for a "long carry". Often tree branches grow low over roadways not allowing for
the height of a truck. Narrow streets and driveways can restrict accessibility to your
home, making it necessary for the driver and helpers to carry your belongings a
longer-than-normal distance. If the distance from your home to the truck is too great for
the driver and helpers to carry your belongings, we may need to load your belongings on a
smaller "shuttle" truck before placing them on the actual moving van. Use of a
shuttle truck is also an additional charge.
Top
What payment options are
available?
Most moves require payment upon delivery by either cash, certified check or money order.
Other payment options such as credit card and 90-days same as
cash may be pre-arranged. Discuss these options with your moving counselor to select the
one that works best for you. In the event that your employer is paying for the move, the
employer may pre-arrange be billed via invoice. Whatever payment option best meets your
needs, be sure that all the arrangements are made before your belongings are packed and
loaded.
TRANSIT
PROTECTION
What if something is
damaged while it is being shipped?
Occasionally, some minor damage occurs during shipping. We have several options to protect
your belongings. Review the coverage plans with your moving
counselor to select the plan that best fits your needs. A valuation of 60 cents per pound
is provided at no charge, but we recommend that a higher valuation be declared to
adequately cover your belongings in the event of damage. As an example, suppose your new
television purchased for $500, weighing 50 pounds, is damaged beyond repair. Minimum
coverage of 60 cents per pound would entitle you to $30. Bertsch Moving & Storage does
offer additional protection plans that will more adequately fit your needs. Ask your
moving counselor about Declared Value Protection and Extra Care Protection/Customer Transit Protection.
Top
What is Declared Value
Protection?
Declared Value Protection (DVP) provides for reimbursement for any lost or destroyed item
at its depreciated value, up to the dollar amount you declare as the total value of your
possessions. Minimum valuation under this plan is $1.25 times the weight of the shipment.
Here, if your belongings were damaged beyond repair, you would receive actual cash
(depreciated) value for each item, up to the total amount declared as the value of your
shipment.
What is Extra Care
Protection/Customer Transit Protection?
Extra Care Protection (ECP), in the U.S., or Customer Transit Protection in Canada,
provides for the full cost of repair, or the full cost of replacement of any household
item that may be damaged or lost during your move, up to the amount that you declare to be
the total value of your belongings. Minimum valuation under this plan is $4.00 times the
weight of your shipment. Replacement, if necessary, is at today’s prices, not at
depreciated cost. This full replacement protection includes many matched sets and pairs,
such as candlesticks, lamps and chairs.
Top |
