We are Great Movers
New York and New Jersey’s Most Trusted Moving Company
Get Your Free Moving Quote
Affordable moving & storage services. Guaranteed all-inclusive quote within minutes.
Call Us (855) 965-6683
Frequently Asked Questions
General
How long have you been in business?
Great Movers has been around since 2011 and we continue to provide top-notch service at affordable prices.
Do you subcontract? Are you a broker?
No and no. All our movers are our employees. We vet each for professionalism, reliability, and trustworthiness. So when you hire us, you know you’re getting quality service.
What information must NYC Great Movers provide to me?
Once you receive the estimate and prior to the execution of the order for service we will supply you with: A copy of the estimate, A copy of the Department of Transportation publication “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”, Neutral dispute settlement/arbitration program information, Our contact information
What is an order for service?
This document authorizes NYC Great Movers to ship your goods. While it’s not a contract, it does provide the estimated charge of the move as well as any other services you request as well as the pickup and delivery dates.
What precautions are you taking to make sure your movers are COVID-19 free?
We monitor our movers’ temperature every morning before they leave for work. If they have a fever, we send them home. We also sanitize our trucks on a daily basis. Our movers also all are required to wear masks and gloves and maintain a safe distance from our clients. You can learn more about our COVID-19 response here. Please note that we will not be held liable for any damages if a customer or member of the community gets sick, from COVID-19. You use our business at your own risk, and we will not be held liable for any illness, injury, or death.
What is the best day of the week to move?
We don’t charge extra regardless of whether it’s during the workday or weekend unlike other moving companies so it really depends on what you want. In general, the best time to move is on a Sunday as there’s less traffic. However, many doorman buildings do not allow weekend moves. In these cases, you should try to aim for the middle of the week as many people do not move on these days, thus giving you more options for elevator times. Plus, if anything goes wrong it will be easy to contact our offices during the work week!
How far in advance should I plan and book my move?
As we work on a first come, first serve basis the earlier you can book your move the better your chances that we will be available. We generally recommend booking at least one month in advance. With that said, we have worked with people who needed to move within a week or even a day so it’s always a good idea to fill out our online form to get an estimate. We will get back to you as soon as possible to let you know if we can help or not.
Will inclement weather affect the moving process?
Bad weather can affect the delivery window as roads might be blocked in severe weather conditions. For everything else, weather should not affect your move.
Are there things you won’t move?
While professional movers should be able to handle most items, there are a few they do not handle for safety purposes including: Pets, Plants, Firearms and ammunition, Explosives, Fuel, Medication, Aerosols Harsh chemicals (bleach, nail polish remover, etc.)
What is a full-service move?
A full-service move is just what it sounds like. You get everything from packing to disassembling to the actual moving. Naturally, this will cost you more as the movers have to spend more time doing everything for you! However, if you don’t have the time to pack yourself and you have the money, it’s a great option as you’ll know everything is being packed properly.
What are my responsibilities as a customer for a move?
While a moving company can handle a lot for you, there are some things that you need to manage on your own. This includes: Reading all moving documents, Being available or finding a representative at the time of pickup and delivery of you belongings, Making payment for the required amount, Notifying the movers promptly if something has changed about your move, Filing claims for loss, damage, or delays if necessary
How do I organize my move?
There’s a lot of moving parts when it comes to moving so it is important to stay organized. Here are a few things you can do to make your move easier: Keep all important moving documents in one place such as your lease, moving quotes, photos related to the move, etc. Start decluttering your belongings at least 4-8 weeks before your move so you have time to donate and/or sell items you no longer need, Consider and compare moving insurance if you have a lot of expensive items, Research and choose a moving company in your area, Get in touch with doctors, child’s school, etc. to make sure you have the necessary paperwork for your new location, Request the appropriate moving paperwork from your new and old location, Schedule the utility cut off in your old place and turn on in your new location.
During & After The Move
Do you provide a flat rate or are your rates hourly?
We provide an hourly rate that is broken down into 30-minute increments. So if your move will take 2 hours and 45 minutes, we will round up to 3 hours. Please note that the price quote that we provide to you is our minimum charge and not the actual cost of the move. The minimum price will always be charged even if the move is completed faster than the estimated hours. Please note that even if you reduce or add a couple of items to the move it will not impact the rate. With that said, if you add enough items to impact how long the move will take, this will affect the final cost so it’s always best to be as accurate as possible when providing details of your move.
What is a bill of lading?
The bill of lading is a contract between you and NYC Great Movers. We will provide it to you before we load your belongings onto your truck. Make sure to thoroughly read the bill of lading before you sign and go over any issues you might have. This is an important document so after signing, make sure you don’t lose it.
What is the travel time included in my estimate?
Travel time is added to cover the time spent traveling between the mover’s warehouse to your old apartment and then back to the warehouse from your new apartment. This fee is already included in your estimate as Travel Time. This is a flat fee so you don’t have to worry about it changing in the final invoice.
Are there any other fees I need to worry about?
We generally charge between $10-20 stair fee per flight of stairs. We do NOT have a long-carry charge.
What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with your professional NYC mover. The price quoted is the amount you pay on moving day UNLESS you add on services that you did not mention to the movers ahead of time such as packing or storage. A non-binding estimate, on the other hand, projects the cost of your move, but doesn’t have a guaranteed price so they can’t tell you the total cost until everything is completed on moving day. While the price is not guaranteed, professional movers cannot charge you more than 110% of the total estimate on delivery.
How long is the estimate valid for?
We work on a first-come, first-serve basis. The estimate is valid for as long as we have moving slots available for the day of your move. In order to lock down the detailed quote, you will need to confirm the date and pay a $100 deposit.
What is included in my move?
We provide basic disassembly/assembly of furniture items such as bed frames, dining tables, etc. We do NOT assemble/disassemble items such as murphy beds, IKEA wardrobes, couches, or other pieces of furniture that require specialized tools. We will also wrap all of your furniture items in blankets to prevent damage, dismount your TV, uninstall your AC unit, cover your mattress in a plastic mattress cover, provide three wardrobe boxes to you on a rental basis, and will provide the necessary equipment like tape, tools, and dollies. Even if you decline these complementary services, it will not affect your total cost so you might as well take advantage of them! Any packing materials required beyond what we provide such as masonite boards, wall protection, and floor protection will incur an extra charge. While you can pack these, we suggest you keep all legal documents, jewelry, and currency on your person to ensure they don’t get lost or damaged.
What is NOT included in the move?
We do not install any items (AC unit, TV) in the new destination for safety reasons. We also will not take off curtain rods. While we can disassemble L shaped couches, we do not disassemble 2 or 3 seater couches. We also do not assemble cribs for safety reasons. While we can pack and move your plants, we do not take any responsibility if they are damaged during the move so we highly suggest that you pack and move them yourself for safety reasons.
Why is the material charge an estimate?
The material charge listed on your quote is an estimate as it can not be calculated until the movers have arrived at your location. The charges can be applied to things like packing your delicate items like TVs, mirrors, lamps, etc. It also depends on the boxes that we will have to use and customize to suit your belongings. The material charges can go up or down depending on usage.
When will I be charged for the move?
Once you have paid the deposit, you will be charged the remaining balance after the move has been completed.
I have a small moving budget, how can I save money?
Your estimate depends on multiple things. If you’re moving locally, you are paying by the hour, so the less the movers have to do, the more money you will save. A few things you can do to save time and money include: 1. Packing everything yourself. 2. Disassembling your furniture and bed frame. 3. Moving boxes near the door 4. Reducing the amount of items you are moving
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash or credit card. We do not accept Venmo, PayPal, or checks. Please note that paying by credit card will result in a 5% merchant fee that will be added to your bill.
Should I tip the moving crew?
Yes! The tip is not included in the final quote. In general, we recommend tipping the crew 15-20 percent of the total cost of the move. You can pay the tip in cash or with your credit card.
If I’m paying cash, who do I give the money to?
Please provide any cash payments to the Foreman/Lead movers. You will be given an itemized receipt of your cash payment for your records.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel my move?
Please cancel or reschedule at least 3-days before the scheduled date of your move. If you cancel within that time frame, we will refund your deposit. While we do understand that things happen, any rescheduling or cancellation that happens less than 3-days before your move will incur a 100 percent penalty as per the estimate.
Pricing
Is NYC Great Movers Licensed and Insured?
Yes. You can look us up via the US Department of Transportation by entering in license 2180117 or with our New York State Department of Transportation license 39493/MC 919428 When you move with us, you’re also protected from liability. We have general liability coverage, worker’s compensation, automobile liability, and umbrella liability.
Can you provide a COI?
Absolutely. Please make sure to request a sample COI from the appropriate building to make sure we have all the necessary coverage and boxes filled in to make the move as seamless as possible. We charge $50 for a single building and $80 for two buildings. You can get more info about COI here: https://nycgreatmovers.com/blog/certificate-of-insurance-for-moving-coi/
What kind of protection do you offer me should my belongings get damaged?
Our customers are protected by the federal default released valuation coverage of $0.60/lb per item ($0.30/lb per item in New York State). Our liability only extends to items that are damaged while under our care, control, and custody. If you would like additional coverage for your belongings, you can use our partners: Moving Insurance or Baker International.
How much time do I have to file a claim if something does get damaged during the move?
You have nine months after your delivery date to file your claim.
If I pack myself, are the movers liable for damage to my items?
While most movers do have a tariff provision that allows them to reback boxes or cartons if they are improperly packed, they won’t necessarily know that’s the case unless they look in the box. While movers are usually held liable for any loss or damage caused during transit, they might be able to dispute your claim if it falls under one of the following defenses: An act of nature, An act or omission by the shipper, An act of public enemy, An act of public authority and Inherent vice. Improper packing falls under an act or omission so pack carefully!
What happens if your company gets a parking ticket during the move?
You don’t have to worry about it, unless it is your car who got the ticket.
Can I ride in the truck with the movers?
No, you will have to travel to the new location in your own car or via public transportation for safety and liability reasons.
How do I spot fake movers?
It can sometimes be hard to spot fake movers, but generally speaking they will be very cagey when you start asking too many questions. This is especially true if you ask for their Department of Transportation number and/or insurance information. Many will also try to pressure you into paying a large deposit upfront. If you notice these red flags, run!
How will you protect my furniture?
We will wrap your furniture in moving blankets to avoid damage.
What happens if you damage the buildings when you move?
Our foreman will contact the building management to let them know and then work out a payment.
How will you protect my fragile items?
We highly suggest you label any boxes or items as fragile so that we know to handle them with care. We will then make sure to load it properly in our truck to ensure nothing gets crushed.
How do I pack my boxes so nothing gets damaged?
Here are a few guidelines: 1. Keep similar items in the same box. 2. Pack by room and mark boxes so you and the movers know where they should be placed. 3. Use small boxes for heavy items like books. 4. Use medium boxes for fragile items and electronics. 5. Use large boxes for linens, sheets, and clothes. 6. Your box weight should not exceed 50 pounds
Protection & Insurance
How do I confirm my reservation?
Once you have looked over the quote and read the contract, you can eSign the estimate. In order to book your date, you will have to provide a $100 deposit. After the payment is received, we will send a confirmation email detailing all of the information such as moving date, addresses, total cost, etc.
What time will the movers arrive?
This will be determined by the customer service/dispatch department. We will let you know when the movers will arrive at least 48 hours prior to the move date.
What is a delivery window?
A delivery window is a window of time when we will move all of your belongings from your old place to your new one and is dependent on the size and distance of your move. You or someone else needs to present to accept the move to your new home.
What items should I leave for the movers to pack?
You should avoid packing odd-shaped items like lamps, glass tabletops, marble tops, etc. Just note that this will lead to a material charge.
I don’t have a box for my picture frames, artwork, mirrors, etc. How should I pack them?
We can customize the boxes you already have to wrap these items. A material charge for the boxes will be added to your final bill.
I need to store my belongings, do you have storage options?
Yes, we do. You can request an estimate for packing and moving here: https://nycgreatmovers.com/request-a-quote/
Who do I contact after the move if I have any issues?
You can call us: 718-407-4137 or email us info@nycgreatmovers.com.
I have other questions not answered here.
Please call us: 718-407-4137 or email us at info@nycgreatmovers.com and we will answer your questions.
Local Moves
What parts of New York do you provide your services
We service the entire state as well as the NY-NJ-CT area.
Do I need to stay with movers while they work?
You or someone on your behalf (provide the name and contact information to us beforehand) will have to be there to meet the foreman and crew.
What time will the movers arrive?
This will be determined by the customer service/dispatch department.We will let you know at least 48 hours prior to the move date.
Long Distance
How do I move cross-country?
Moving cross-country requires a lot more planning and foresight than a standard local move. When hiring professional moving services, always check to make sure they are licensed by the Department of Transportation and look them up on Yelp and the Better Business Bureau. After that, follow these steps: 2. Keep a detailed inventory of all of your items. 2. Prioritize the items that you need when you just move into your new home. 3. Properly label all boxes and include your name. 4. Pack all boxes even more securely (doubly so for fragile items) as the longer it’s on the road, the higher the risk of damage.
How much does a long-distance move cost?
The cost depends on quite a lot of things, but it’s mainly calculated by the distance you need to move as well as the volume and/or weight of the move. So the more you move, the more you need to pay. To keep your costs to a minimum you should try to avoid moving large items such as furniture and opt for the consolidated shipping option. Each truck used for consolidated shipping is shared between a few clients. Of course, all of the items are labeled and tracked to avoid potential mix ups. While cheaper, you also need to be available during a delivery window of a few days.
How long does it take for my items to arrive?
It depends on the length of the trip. We try to get everything delivered ASAP and within your delivery window.
Hire NYC Local Movers Now!
Give us a call or email and we’ll give you a free estimate for your local NYC move. We’re sure you’ll be happy with our service and we have the reviews to back us up!
