(925)849-6035 TheHandyMovers@aol.com
Frequently Asked Moving Questions
Why should I hire professional movers?

Hiring professional movers 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 many years of experience in the moving industry, 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.

Are you licensed and insured?

Yes, In addition to our business license, we also hold a household good carrier permit through the Bureau of Household Goods and Services; our number is Cal T- 190859. As required by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services, we carry the following types of coverage: Liability, Cargo, and Worker’s Compensation. In addition, we also have General Liability Coverage.

What do the hourly rates include?
  • Professional, experienced, and uniformed movers
  • Truck (this will be determined by us based on the contents and access)
  • Moving equipment, including the following:
  • Moving blankets
  • Shrink wrap (to secure moving blankets to furniture)
  • Tape (to secure moving blankets to furniture)
  • Dollies
  • Hand trucks
  • 4-wheel dollies
  • Floor protection (as needed, in high traffic areas)
  • Movers providing the service of dis/re-assembling furniture
  • Free use of wardrobe boxes for the duration of your move
Can I tip my movers?, what is a fair amount?

Although the professional movers industry does not have a set standard or requirement. Tips are welcomed and always appreciated. We recognize that service is the most important aspect of your move experience, so we would recommend using the following rule of thumb- Like with any other type of service, base your tip amount on the service you received. Our experience shows us that under normal circumstances, our customers have tipped an average of around 10% of the bill, which is split amongst the crew.

Is full replacement valuation (moving insurance) necessary?

Already included in the rates is protection against possible loss or complete damage at 60 cents per pound per article. Basic coverage insures recovery at 60 cents multiplied by the weight of the item or the carton it’s packed in. This protection is included in our rate, provided at no additional cost.

You may choose to purchase additional protection and set the value on your belongings for an amount that makes you comfortable.

Although The Handy Movers will take every necessary precaution on your move, unexpected damage can occur and it is important to make sure that your possessions are protected. We recommend movinginsurance.com, who offers different types of full replacement valuation (moving insurance) at a cost, please call the office for more information about the options available.

The insurance must be set up and in place at least 4 days prior to your move date.

PREPARING TO MOVE How far in advance should I schedule my move?

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 professional movers no later than three to four 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.

What day/date is best for a move?

Because complex events, such as a home escrow closing date 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 professional movers 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, you will have more dates available to choose from.

We do not perform moves on Sundays.

How do I schedule my move date?

In order to reserve your move, we do request a $50.00 reservation/cancellation fee. This fee reserves your date and time on our calendar. If you cancel your move for any reason, we keep this fee. It will otherwise be refunded within two business days after your move.

RESCHEDULING POLICY: We are flexible, and can change your move date as many times as needed, it is based on our availability.

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

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 and packing supplies, check out our “moving tips” page.

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

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.

Can you move my Flat Panel TV?

If you would like us to move your flat panel TV. Please leave your TV plugged in. The movers will verify it’s working condition, pack it into a box, and relocate it. Please note: If we cannot verify that it is in working condition, we will not be held liable for its condition at the destination. Flat Panel TV Boxes are available for purchase at $14.00 each.

Do I need to empty out my filing cabinets?

For file cabinets made of metal or plastic, 2-drawer file cabinets can remain full. The top three drawers of a vertical 4-drawer file cabinet should be emptied. We recommend that all drawers of lateral and wood file cabinets be completely emptied.

Can I leave clothing in my dresser drawers?

As a rule of thumb, it is generally fine to leave your clothing in your dresser drawers during the move, if the following applies; solid wood, 6 drawers or less, nothing breakable inside. Be sure to remove small loose articles from the drawers that may shift around during transport, as this can cause damage. If the dresser is particularly large (a triple dresser or part of a large armoire), it is best to empty it. If you have a pressed wood/particle board dresser, it is best to empty it. Please note: If pressed wood/particle board dressers are not emptied, they are likely to fall apart from the weight of the contents. We are not responsible for damage caused to pressed wood/particle board furniture.

Do you move pool tables?

No, unfortunately, we do not move pool tables. Some may think moving a pool table is as simple as taking off the legs and carrying it out the door. A pool table typically weighs 600-900 pounds. Moving the table like this can damage crucial components of your pool table. There are necessary procedures to follow in order to move a pool table. This is why we recommend you call a licensed and experienced pool table mover. If you need a recommendation, please call the office.

Do you move bulky items, such as pianos or safes?

We move upright pianos, small organs, and safes, (we do not move baby grand, grand pianos, or extra large safes. If you need a piano/safe mover recommendation, please call the office) There is an additional fee for pianos and safes. Please call the office for a price quote.

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

You should make certain that your dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer are empty. The movers will assist with dis-connection of washers, dryers, refrigerators. The movers will place the gas appliances into the desired location at your destination. but they are unable to re-connect gas appliances. Please note: movers are not licensed to disconnect gas, which power many dryers and ovens. If you opt to have them assist with the dis-connection, it will be at your own risk.

For proper re-connection, we recommend that you call a licensed contractor or your local gas utility company to arrange a service appointment.

Will you move my plants?

LIVE PLANT POLICY: As a general rule, we prefer not to transport live potted plants. Our main concern is for the well-being of the household/office furniture that we transport. In order for us to maintain a standard of cleanliness on our trucks, we cannot relocate live potted plants, as many plants pose a threat of pests, insects, parasites, etc. The only exception is if the pots are empty and clear of soil. We recommend that you call a local Gardener or Landscaper to make arrangements for the relocation of your plants. THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE, PLEASE CALL THE OFFICE TO INQUIRE.

Are there any items that you cannot move?

The Handy Movers, 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: How will the movers know what items to take and what to leave behind?

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

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

If your moving day is rapidly approaching and it becomes clear that you will not be fully packed, we recommend you call the office, so we can work with you to make the best possible “plan b” for packing. This may mean having the movers finish your packing or, adding additional man power on move day, scheduling a pack crew to come out the day prior to move day, 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 a small quantity of items left to pack, your professional movers can often complete this on moving day; however, it is important to understand that this will add time to the job and, therefore, add additional cost to the move.

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

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.

I have a few prized possessions that I need treated with extra care. How can I guarantee this?

For your own peace of mind, you may want to consider moving jewelry, coins, money, credit cards, small electronics, 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 extra precautions and the necessary steps to ensure for their proper care. This may require boxing the items, at an additional cost.

Will you protect my wood/marble/carpet floors and stairs?

Yes, the movers will lay floor protection, in all high traffic areas. Different types of flooring call for different kinds of protection. When protecting floors, the goal is to create pathways for the movers to walk on, roll dollies on, move furniture etc. We will also lay floor protection on your stairs. Depending on whether the stairs are carpeted or a hard surface, determines what protection is used.

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

Although we do not mind the help of family and friends, on moving day, there are some points to mention. Allowing our movers to handle the job entirely on move day – will ensure a fast and efficient, and cost saving move. The movers 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. The best way for your friends and family to be most helpful in preparing for the move – is to help with packing of boxes or caring for your children and pets.

Can the movers transport my pets?

Unfortunately, there is no safe place in the moving truck for pets to ride. They cannot 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.

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

Unfortunately, professional moving companies cannot transport customers in the moving truck for liability reasons. You may wish to arrange a ride with a friend or a car service, such as a cab, uber or lift on move day.

On move day, can the movers dispose of unwanted household items?

Yes. If you wish to have something disposed of, we are able to transport it for a set fee, the cost is based on the amount to be disposed of. If possible, talk to the office prior to moving day to make these arrangements.

Is it possible to move during inclement weather?

Yes. Our professional movers and moving trucks are prepared to move during rainy weather. They come equipped with supplies to keep your belongings safe from the elements.

What types of payment do you accept?

We accept cash, debit or credit cards including Visa, Master Card, and Discover. We do not accept personal checks.

Tell me more about the wardrobe boxes that will be brought out on move day?

We do provide free use of our wardrobe boxes on move day. These will be placed by the closets so you can load and unload them at your leisure.

What is double-drive time?

Double-drive time is state regulated. This means that the time it takes to drive from the origin address to destination address is doubled. For example; it takes approximately 15 minutes to travel from Walnut Creek to Danville (15 + 15 = 30 minutes total) Please note- There is only double drive time for moves that are within 100 miles.

Do you have any referrals?

Yes, to read reviews about our company, please visit yelp.com or angieslist.com, type our company name in the search box, and you can read candid reviews and detailed stories from actual customers about our services.

We are pleased to announce that we meet the standards of accreditation for professional movers with the Better Business Bureau, for more information go to: BBB.com

Do you provide free in-home estimates?

We do not perform in-home estimates. We only perform moves on an hourly basis.

Questions? Call: 925-849-6035 or email: thehandymovers@aol.com


The Handy Movers
11 Viking Drive
Pleasant Hill, CA. 94523
(925)849-6035
TheHandyMovers@aol.com
U.S. DOT No. 2706401 | CAL T-190859

“Highly recommend this company. They are friendly, hardworking, extremely careful, attentive, courteous, respectful, have a great attitude and willing to get the work done efficiently. Our movers were Mark, Gerardo & Mario! Would not think twice about hiring them again if need be. Thumbs up! They deserve more than five stars.”
-Monique, San Francisco, CA