A Arnold understands that there are many factors that influence your choice of when you move. We will help you design a move that will accommodate your busy schedule.

How long does it take to move?

That depends on many factors, including the time of year, weather conditions, time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling. With the help of a centralized dispatch system, pickup and delivery dates are scheduled according to your needs with the safety always taking top priority.  

Is a moving company "Licensed"?

It would be more accurate to say that a moving company is "certificated". This means that a company which has been issued a certificate and has the authority to move household goods. A Arnold’s certificate entitles us to move household goods between any of the 50 states.

When moving, you will receive and sign two important documents - the "Order for Service" and "Bill of Lading". Each of these will clearly identify on whose operating authority (certificate) your shipment is being moved.

Do I need an estimate?

A Arnold will make a pre-move survey of your household goods to be transported. In this way you will be able to budget your move cost and A Arnold can develop the best operational plan to meet your needs.

How much will my move cost?

Basic transportation charges depend on the weight of your goods and the distance they will travel. The total cost will include these transportation costs, any charges for transit coverage, plus charges for any additional services such as packing, unpacking, stair carries, etc. These charges are based on tariff rate schedules.  Local moves are typically charged based on time and materials.

What is a Tariff?

This is the "price list" used by moving companies who provide interstate transportation of household goods. The list includes all of the various services offered by the company.

How and when should I pay the moving company?

Tariff regulations require that all charges be paid in cash, credit card, money order, cashier's check or traveler's check before your shipment is unloaded at destination.  In cases where the charges are being paid by an organization, billing arrangements can be made in advance with proper authorization.

Am I protected against loss or damage?

Under the terms of the Uniform Household Goods Bill of Lading (the receipt for your goods and part of the transportation documentation given to you by the moving company), you may choose from several different types of transit coverage.  An A Arnold representative will provide you specific details regarding transit related coverage.

Can my possessions be stored temporarily?

If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored at a reasonable cost in a local warehouse.  A Arnold operates and contracts with state of the art storage facilities throughout the world to provide you with safe storage solutions. You must specifically request storage service, however. You are responsible for the storage charges, as well as warehouse handling and final delivery charges.  

How long can I expect the movers to take when packing and loading my belongings?

Since households vary in size, the time needed to pack and load will vary. A typical household of about 2500-3000 square feet usually requires two days to pack and one day to load. Smaller homes and apartments can often be done with only one day of packing and one day of loading. Sometimes a very large home can take as long as four days. Factors such as long carriers, shuttles, and bad weather may cause a move to run slightly longer than expected.  

When will the movers arrive, and when can I expect them to leave?

When possible, a work day will begin around 8:30AM and finish around 5:30PM. Factors such as traffic and weather occasionally alter these times. While small moves will often dictate shorter days, a large move may require longer ones. Keep in mind that your move is scheduled to be completed in a given span of time and our crews may need to continue working later into the evening to ensure that these deadlines are met. 

I realize A Arnold offers a full service move, but is there anything I should do before the movers arrive?

The single most important thing you can do is to be as organized as possible before the movers arrive. You should:

 1. Have a garage sale to get rid of everything you don’t want to take with you. Use the money you make to buy something nice for your new home!

2. Create an inventory list of your possessions. You might want to include the room each item belongs in, the year of purchase, the original cost, and the current value.

3. Be sure to drain water from hoses, refrigerators, and washers, and gasoline from garden equipment before moving them.

4. After you’ve completely cleaned out your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee or baking soda in a nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior fresh.

5. Pack a few boxes with things you will need when you first arrive at your new home, and mark them "Unpack first." Remember to include basic tools, cleaning supplies, towels, toilet paper, light bulbs, a first aid kit, paper plates and cups, and snack foods.

6. Take your current phone book with you – you may need to make calls to residents or businesses in your former town.

7. When moving plants to your new home in the car, be sure not to let the foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch.

8. Once you arrive at your new home, you might consider hooking up the TV and VCR first to occupy the kids while the rest of the truck is being unloaded.

9. When moving in electronic appliances, such as PCs, be sure to let them acclimate to room temperature before plugging them in.

10. If you need to store some of your belongings, it’s a good idea to tour the warehouse you are planning to use. Look for cleanliness, organization, and security.

How many people will pack my items? Will the same people who pack my goods load them onto the van?

Normally, two to four people will pack your home. However, the exact number may vary depending on the size of your house.  A Arnold is a pack & haul carrier, which means the same crew that packs, will also load and deliver your goods.

How will the movers label the boxes after they are packed?

When showing the packers around your home for the first time, make sure to let them know how you would like each room to be labeled. When packing, they will label the boxes as asked and will also include a general listing as to the contents of each carton.

Do I, or someone in my family need to be present while they are packing my home?

Someone will need to be present to let the movers in and to show them around. Because moving is often a hectic time, we understand that you may need to run out for a short time. However, we have found that packing goes best when someone familiar with the move is available for a majority of the move.

Are there any items that A Arnold will not pack?

Household Goods movers are prevented from packing the following:

·                                 Aerosol can, such as hairspray.

·                                 Flammables of any sort such as gasoline, kerosene propane.

·                                 Perishable foods (canned and boxed foods are fine).

·                                 Paints, thinners, bleaches, or other toxic materials.

·                                 Explosive, such as ammunition, firecrackers, and matches.

·     These items should be removed from your home prior to the packers' arrival.

Will the packers use any of my original cartons when packing?

If original cartons are left near the objects for which they were designed and all the original packing (Styrofoam, cardboard cutouts, etc.) is still in the box, then the packers will try to use them. If the use of the original box entails the disassembly of an object (pressboard furniture, large toys, etc.), then the movers will try to find an alternative means of protecting the object. Small boxes for fragile items such as figurines, glassware and dolls come in very handy but due to their small nature, it is suggested that you pack these items yourself and have the packers repack them in a larger carton.

If I already have items boxed up from a previous move will the movers repack them so that I am covered for damages?

The packers will look at each previously packed carton to determine whether it requires repacking. If a box is worn, then it will require repacking. Remember that you will be held responsible for boxes you ask us to leave unopened and which you do not want repacked.

Will the movers inventory my move, and if so, how?

Any move involving storage or which crosses state lines will be inventoried. Intrastate moves charged by the hour are not normally inventoried; however, if you specifically request it, we will be happy to inventory your shipment. The inventory process will usually take place just after packing and prior to the loading of the truck. The person doing the inventory will bring a roll of colored stickers with them and each sticker on the roll will have a different number on it. Every item in your home will have a sticker placed on it (with care being used to avoid damaging finished surfaces). As each item is tagged, it will be recorded on the inventory sheet next to the number which is on the sticker. Notes will also be made regarding any current wear or tear on the objects. Before leaving your home, our crew will supply you with a copy of your inventory.

Is any care taken to protect the fabric on my furniture?

Yes. All light colored, overstuffed furniture (sofas, dining room chairs, recliners, etc.) may be wrapped in padded paper prior to being wrapped in moving pads. If you feel there are certain objects that need to be paper padded, point these items out to the team when they arrive at your home. Keep in mind that there is an additional charge for this service and prior authorization from your company's relocation representative may be required.

What kind of packing materials do the packing crews use?

Our teams use white paper similar to everyday newspaper, but it contains no inks or dyes. They also use a padded paper for pictures, lamps, mirrors, and various other delicate items, and a form of bubble wrap may be used for valuable breakables.

Can I continue to stay at my home throughout the packing and loading process?

Yes. It is entirely possible for you and your family to remain in the house and sleep in your beds throughout the entire move. When showing the movers around your home, make sure you let them know that you will be staying. Point out any beds that you need left undisturbed. Also make sure to separate any items you will be using while the move is taking place. You should pack a bag just as if you were going away for the night. Place the items you will be using either on your bed or in an out of the way area and make sure they are marked "Do Not Pack Until Last Day Of The Move".

Will the interior of my home be protected during the loading of the truck?

Yes. We always provide full premise protection at both origin and destination. This protection entails using carpet runners, padding the railings and banisters, and placing protective coverings on hardwood and tile floors.  We will to do the best possible job of protecting your home. 

Will there be someone on the job to supervise the crew?

Yes, most of our teams consist of a driver and 1-3 helpers. The head driver is responsible for his crew and should oversee the entire move. If for some reason you need to notify someone about a problem, you should always speak to the lead driver. Should you need to notify someone else of a problem, our move Customer Service Hotline is available 24/7. 

Will they disassemble any items before loading them onto the truck?

Items will only be disassembled if they cannot be easily handled or if they are less prone to damage when apart. Normally, all beds are disassembled and table legs are removed if possible. 

How will my furniture be protected during the move?

Since most scratches and nicks occur while carrying objects through the home, we feel it is very important that every piece of furniture be fully padded and protected inside the home. This helps in reducing damage to both the furniture and the walls during the loading process.

If my belongings go into storage will I have the same crew deliver my belongings out of storage?

Typically scheduling makes it difficult to schedule the same crew. However, we will attempt to accommodate your wishes. The sooner you notify us that you would prefer the same crew, the better the chance that we can schedule them for the second half of your move.

If a certain driver was recommended to me, can I request him for my move?

A significant portion of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals.  Because of this, we are very accustomed to special driver request.  Whenever possible we try to accommodate your driver preferences. The sooner you make us aware of a driver request, the better the chances are that we can schedule him/her for your move.  Fortunately, when we are unable to meet a specific driver request our clients end up being just as satisfied with the alternate driver assignment. 

When delivering my furniture, will they assemble those items which were taken apart at my former home?

Yes. Any items that our movers altered in order to safely transport them will be restored to the original condition during unloading. These items often include beds, large wardrobes, desks, tables, and shelving units. If you prefer to leave certain items disassembled in your new home, just let the movers know prior to unloading.

Are your movers qualified to disassemble and/or assemble items such as my grandfather clock and pool table?

While many of our drivers possess the knowledge to perform these services, we will occasionally use a third party company for any situations that require a high degree of expertise. This ensures that the job is always done properly and allows our crews to devote more time and effort to the move itself.

Which items can I expect a third party company to handle?

Third party companies will often be used to disassemble and reassemble grandfather clocks, pool tables, large exercise machines, outdoor playgrounds, and unusually large or intricate furniture items. Also, they are often called upon to disconnect icemakers, gas dryers, water softeners, and light fixtures.

Will A Arnold move high value items such as stamp and coin collections?

No, we recommend you move such items on your own. Transit insurances will not cover these items for loss or damage.

Do I really need to check off my inventory sheet?

Yes. This is your responsibility and it should always be done while the delivery is in progress.

What happens if I find that one or more of my items didn't arrive?

Don't panic. There is a good chance that the item isn't gone, but merely misplaced. As soon as you notice an item is missing, immediately notify the driver (if he is still at residence) or call your Move Coordinator and make him/her aware of the missing item.

What types of items are crated? How does crating take place, and can I request crating?

The main function of wooden crates is to add more protection for items that may not be fully protected in corrugated containers. Crates are mainly used for large, flat breakable items that are not in a protective frame. Often these consist of large glass tabletops, marble tops, intricately framed pictures/ mirrors and large unframed mirrors. Also large grandfather clocks are sometimes crated depending on their delicacy. Valuable paintings, statues, and chandeliers with fragile extremities are also crated. The distance of the move also plays an important role in whether an item will be crated. Obviously, the greater the distance, the more likely an item will require crating. Our estimators are trained to recognize which items can most benefit from crating. If you feel that an item needs to be crated let your estimator know and if possible we will try to accommodate you.

What happens if the truck cannot get near my home due to physical restrictions?

Sometimes, due to steep and winding driveways or rural roads, a tractor-trailer cannot get close (within 100 yards) to the home. When this occurs, the crew will often make use of a shuttle van. This requires the use of a smaller truck to transport items between the residence and the moving van. Although not always possible to determine, our estimator usually will be able to recognize if a shuttle van is required. Sometimes this cannot be determined until an attempt is made when the moving van arrives. Due to the nature of a shuttle, extra time and extra labor will be needed to complete your move. If you feel that for any reason the moving van will not be able to get close to your new home, please make sure your move estimator and/or Move Coordinator are aware of this.

Will the movers work on weekends?

Yes. A Arnold will work on the weekends when required. Keep in mind that there is an additional cost associated with weekend work. Many companies will not authorize this additional cost, so ask your Move Coordinator if your move can be authorized for weekend scheduling.

Will the movers unpack my boxes, and if so, what does the unpacking entail?

If your move was authorized for unpacking, then the movers will be happy to unpack any boxes that they packed for your move. When unpacking a box, each item in the box is removed and unwrapped and placed neatly on a nearby flat surface. The main advantage to unpacking is the removal of the packing materials. If you will require a full unpack, please notify your Move Coordinator prior to your move and make him/her aware of this need.

If I unpack myself will you remove the cartons at a later date?

As long as your move is authorized for a carton pickup, we will be happy to schedule the removal of the packing materials. As with most requests, please notify your Move Coordinator prior to the scheduling of your move.

What happens if the weather is poor on the moving day?

The moving crew will attempt to wait out any bad weather such as heavy rain or snow. A light drizzle or snow will not hamper the move process since all furniture is fully protected before being removed from your house. If weather conditions persist for the majority of the day, your move may have to be rescheduled for the following day. 

IMPORTANT: You are responsible for making sure that your driveway and walkways are clear of leaves, mud, snow, ice, and other hazards prior to the arrival of the moving crew.

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© 2003 A. Arnold World Class Relocation

USDOT# 007953