Frequently Asked Questions - Residential Moves

1. When is the best time to move?

The best time to move is when it is right for you and your family.  There are times during the year that are busier for the moving industry.  The summer months (June to mid September) and end of the months are particularly busy. 

2. When should we call the moving company for an in-home estimate?

The earlier, the better.  The more lead time you give us, the more likely we will be able to meet your preferred schedule.  It is best to call Andrews Moving 4 to 6 weeks before the move, if possible. 

3. Is it necessary to have a survey done?

The in-home survey is the best way to get the most accurate estimate for your move.  An Andrews Moving relocation consultant will visit your home, complete the visual survey, discuss options, and prepare the Estimate/ Order for Service.  Your moving estimate is based on a wide variety of factors, the two main ones being weight of the shipment and distance travelled. 

4. Is Andrews Moving insured and do they background check the employees?

Yes, Andrews Moving is fully insured and bonded.  For the well being of our customers and as best business practices, all employees are background checked and drug screened before hiring and periodically throughout their employment. 

5. Does Andrews Moving own their own trucks and vehicles?

Yes, Andrews owns or leases the majority of trucks used to move the contents of your household.  We share resources across the country and throughout the United family of agents.  Our drivers are exclusive to the United agents.

6. Are my items protected against loss and damage during the move? (Valuation)

United Van Lines and Andrews Moving offers two types of coverage:

• Basic (Released Rate Liability) - This is the basic liability level provided at no charge. The maximum liability for loss or damage to any article in the shipment is 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the article. For example, if an article weighs 50 pounds at $.60 per pound, the reimbursement would be $30.00.   
• Full Value Protection - .  Under this protection plan, if your articles are lost or damaged while in United's care, they either will be repaired or replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the item.  Multiple plans and deductibles are available.  For more information, contact your Andrews Move Coordinator and ask for United’s booklet “Protecting Your Belongings”. 

7. To what extent are my valuables covered during the move?  (High Value Inventory)

In the moving industry, items having a value of more than $100 per pound are known as articles of extraordinary value and must be listed on the High-Value Inventory form.  For more information, please contact your Andrews Move Coordinator or Relocation Consultant.   For a complete list of items in this classification, ask for the United booklet “Protecting Your Belongings”.

8. Do we need to be present for all phases of the moving process?

Yes, because you are the most important participant in the move.  You will need to be present during all phases of the move – pre-move survey, packing, loading, and unloading – to assure that all items which you intend to move are surveyed, packed, loaded, and delivered.  You will need to sign all paperwork before, during, and after the move. 

 

9. What are my payment options for the move?

For your convenience, we accept a number of different methods of payment: cash, traveler’s checks, cashier’s check, money order and personal credit card (American Express, Visa, and MasterCard with advanced prior approval).  Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at the new residence or storage.  Personal checks are accepted for local moves.

10. What items cannot be moved in the van?

Any flammables or combustibles cannot be transported in the moving van due to their hazardous nature.  Examples are: aerosols, batteries (car and household), bleach, charcoal, chemicals, cleaning solvents, fertilizer, fireworks, fuels (gasoline, kerosene, propane, sterno), matches, motor oil, paints, pesticides, poisons, propane tanks, etc.  Ask for the booklet “Doing Your Own Packing” for a complete list.

11. Who disconnects appliances?

Most refrigerators, washers, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Gas appliances need to be serviced and disconnected prior to your move. It is the owner's responsibility to arrange for appliances to be serviced for shipment before they are loaded on the van. Upon request, and for an additional charge, we will have schedule an authorized service company to perform this service.  For more information on servicing and cleaning appliances for moving, ask your Andrews’ Move Coordinator or Relocation Consultant for the booklet "Moving Appliances & Other home Furnishings”

12. Can plants be moved in the van?

Typically, it is not advisable to move plants long distance in the van.   Changes in temperature, lack of water, and difficulty packing and securing larger plants can impact the condition of the plants.  Check with you Andrews’ representative about moving your plants locally (within 75 miles) and for a copy of the booklet "Moving with House Plants."   You may prefer to transport your house plants in the family car.

13. What is the best way to move our large flat screen TV?

Plasma monitors and TVs should remain in the upright position.  If the original packaging is not available, plasma monitors and TVs should be wrapped and crated for maximum protection.  Ask your Andrews’ Relocation Consultant if there are special containers available (depending on the size of the screen). If you need assistance with disconnecting and reconnecting the cables and wires, please ask about our third party services.

14. Can “put together” furniture be moved in the van?  (Particle board furniture)

Most particle board based furniture is NOT designed to be moved once assembled and placed in the home. They typically do not have extra wood structural pieces to adequately brace the unit for movement. In order to move the pieces, you or a third party service firm should disassemble before moving day.  Contact your Andrews’ Move Coordinator for assistance.

15. Can my possessions be stored temporarily?

If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored in a local United agent's warehouse. United agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities for holding your goods until you're ready for them. However, you are responsible for the storage charges, warehouse valuation coverage and final delivery charges from the warehouse. Please ask your Andrews’ Move Coordinator for information regarding storage arrangements

16. What if something gets damaged during shipment?

Andrews Moving personnel are trained in the best practices to protect you belongings during loading, transport, and delivery.  If there should be an item damaged during the move, please contact your Move Coordinator for a claim form.  Send the completed claim form to the Andrews Claims Adjuster for review and processing.

17. For long distance moves, when will my belongings arrive?

Your Andrews Move Coordinator will give you a range of number of days after the pickup date for the delivery.  Many factors are involved in the delivery including what route the truck will take, what other households are in the van to be delivered and other households to be picked up along the route.