FAQ’S FROM DISCOUNT MOVERS CUSTOMERS
If you have a question about your move we have your answer belowTHE TOP 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions
THE REST OF THE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Will you take apart my bed frame apart before moving:
Please let your moving consultant know if any items need to be disassembled prior to moving and we will make sure to have the proper tools needed on your moving day.. You will want to have all the small, loose items already packed in boxes that are taped up, stackable (if you don’t want to pack we can send packers the day prior to your move for an additional charge) and ready to go. We will provide free wardrobe boxes for all clothes on hangars. Please let our phone representative know how many wardrobe boxes you will need for your move.
How can labeling my boxes save me money on the cost of my move?
Labeling boxes saves you money with local San Diego moving companies because there is no delay. When your movers arrive to your new home, they can unload boxes in all the correct rooms without having to ask you. Imagine five minutes for each box and having to open up boxes to see where they should be placed. It literally could add hours to a move.
What can I do to save time unpacking?
Label your moving boxes with the room you want each box to be placed in. Not only does this save you money, but it will save you hours and hour of time unpacking. If boxes are not labeled, you will end up with all of your boxes stacked up in your main room. You will have to open up each box one by one and transport them to the proper room, often even going upstairs. Instead, let our professional San Diego movers do this work for you. With Discount Movers services and labeled boxes, you will unpack quickly.
Do I need to be present for the entire move?
It is highly recommended. You will need to sign the paperwork prior to your movers starting as well as when your team is finished moving all your household items. If you are not able to stay throughout the move, we are flexible and can make this work.
Please note, it is best practice to be there the entire time you are moving for a variety of reasons. The movers may have questions regarding certain items being moved particularly if you are not moving everything. In addition, you want to do a walkthrough once the movers finish loading all your items into our truck to make sure everything you wanted moved has been loaded into our truck.
Can I have multiple pickups and/or drop-offs for my move?
Yes. We often will stop at storage units, other people’s homes, or anywhere where you need furniture and belongings transported. Additional costs will be incurred as we have an hourly charge. This must be scheduled in advance with your moving consultant over the phone.
How often are your total move costs higher than the estimated cost that was given over the phone?
With over 20 years of experience, we have a very solid track record of giving accurate phone estimates. However, we are moving by the hour and there are variables outside of our control. If the inventory we are given over the phone is quite a bit different than what we move, this will increase time. If our customer isn’t packed and we are slowed down, this will increase the time. If our customers give us an accurate inventory and are totally packed before we arrive, our estimates are very accurate.
Do you have the insurance requirements needed to move within my condo or business location?
Yes, we have 1 million dollar coverage per move which is typically more than enough to move within any condo association or business building. In fact, we are preferred movers for almost all of the larger condo associations in San Diego. Please clarify with your association or building their insurance requirements and make sure they have all the insurance paperwork needed from us prior to your move.
Do you charge more if I have stairs or elevators?
No we don’t charge more for this but we do charge by the hour. The longer it takes to move your belongings the more you will be charged. With a lot of stairs or elevators, often more movers are needed. When there are a lot of stairs or elevators and we recommend more movers, this will save you money and protect your valuables. They will be faster and will be able to do the job properly and more efficiently.
How far in advance do I need to schedule my move?
We recommend scheduling your move 2 weeks prior to your move date. You can schedule with less notice (sometimes even the day before your move) but you have a much better chance of securing your desired moving date and time scheduling 2 weeks in advance.
Do I need to put a deposit down payment to schedule a move?
No, payment is due the day of the move. We do ask as a courtesy though if your moving date changes that you let us know ideally, at least, 48 hours in advance. If we are not given sufficient notice we may not be able to schedule another move for the movers so please be courteous.
I don’t have a vehicle, can I ride in the truck with the movers?
For insurance purposes, we cannot allow anyone not employed by the company to be in our trucks. If you do not have a motor vehicle please make arrangement prior to your move date to have transportation the day of your move.
Do you move plants?
No. Do to PUC regulations we are not allowed to move plants.
If details of my move change do I need to call Discount Movers?
Yes. It is very important to let us know if your amount of items being moved, locations, or any other pertinent information has changed. The time allotted for your price estimate, truck size, and the number of movers being utilized are all based on the information you give to our phone representatives when you schedule the move.
I don’t need a moving truck, do you offer a service to just load or unload my household items from a rental truck or storage container?
Yes, we can load or unload your rental truck or portable storage container based on the number of household items and the logistics of the move.
Does your moving crew know how to properly load a San Diego Pod or portable storage unit?
Yes. There are many best practice tips on properly loading a portable storage unit so things don’t move or compress on other valuables. We provide this service daily and will properly load your items.
Are the movers who are moving my household items your employees or are they independent contractors?
We do not and will not use independent contractors. The majority of our movers have been with the company for many years. They are our employees and we are quite proud of them. We like to hire people who can effectively communicate with our customers. Many of our San Diego movers have made a career working at Discount Movers and we take good care of our team.
Will you disconnect my oven, washer, or dryer?
Discount Movers will transport your washer and dryer. However, we recommend that you have the gas company or a home maintenance company take care of any appliance connections or disconnections. If you do this incorrectly, it becomes a safety issue and/or could potentially damage your appliances. Our moving services do not include this service. If you have gas appliances, there could be fire hazards and gas leaks if not done properly. Also if your washer and dryer are under warranty, some policies require that they disconnect and reconnect to keep warranty valid. It is recommended to have them disconnect and reconnect at your new house. Sometimes during a move, things can be shaken and it is a good idea to have both services.
How do I prepare to move a dishwasher?
Discount Movers will transport your dishwasher. Be sure that in advance you and/or a maintenance technician disconnects and drains all hoses. Make sure the washer is totally clean too in order to prevent mildew. It is also a good idea to leave the door open after it is disconnected to make sure the inside is totally dry before you move. Wrap hoses in newspaper or packing paper and place inside the unit for our movers to transport. You want to do this days in advance before your movers arrive.
What do I need to do to prepare my refrigerator or freezer to be moved?
Defrost the refrigerator or freezer at least a day prior to your move. Remove all items within the refrigerator including trays and shelves. Have your refrigerator serviced before the move (the motor may have to be bolted down). Lastly, make sure the refrigerator and/or freezer are completely dry so there is no water that could damage your other household items while in transit.
How do I prepare to move my washing machine?
Make sure all cords are unhooked and unplugged. Drain all hoses out and check with manufacturer guidelines if anything needs to be secured within the washing machine prior to your move.
What needs to be done prior to moving my gas dryer?
The gas line should be shut off by a professional and the dryer should be completely disconnected. Gas leaks can create fires and other hazards.
Do I need to empty my dressers, bookcases, entertainment centers or any other large household items?
Yes. All small, loose items should be completely taken out of large furniture pieces. You do not need to take the drawers out but want to have all the contents within them removed. All the loose items should be packed in a box.
What items can Discount Movers not move?
We typically do not move items over 300 lbs. So any large, heavy safes, pool tables, spa’s, pianos larger than an upright, commercial appliances, etc. over 300 lbs. usually will not be able to be moved. There are specialty companies designed for these services.
In addition, we don’t move plants, anything with oil and/or gas in it (motorcycles, mopeds, etc.), food items, flammable items, heavy-duty equipment, any small loose items that need to be in a box, and liquids.
Can the movers move my boxes that are not sealed?
No we cannot. Loose items can get broken and fly out of the box while the truck is moving. All loose items need to be in a box that is taped up and stackable. If you do not have the ability to properly pack your items our packers can come the day before to pack you properly for an additional charge.
Do I need to label my boxes?
If all of the boxes are going into the same location, like a garage or storage than you do not need to label them. If, at some point, you will need to know what room the boxes need to be moved into than the boxes will need to be labeled on the top and side of each box.
How much do I tip the movers?
First of all, tipping is not required, but it is greatly appreciated. Moving is hard and the guys work hard hoping they will get some additional money for a job well done. It is common that tips can range around $20 of the total bill, or $20-40 per man depending on the difficulty of the move. You can tip one mover more than another if you felt their service was extra special. Overall, tipping is completely up to you.
How does 60 cents per pound insurance work?
Your move automatically includes insurance protections at 60 cents per pound. For example, if you have a 100 lb. dresser that gets damaged during your move you would receive $60 from the insurance.
My elder parent needs to move and I am located in another state. How can you help?
You need to have someone who can sign the necessary paperwork and have them let the movers know what needs to be moved, etc. Once you make the necessary arrangements we can take care of the rest and get them moved into their new location.
I am getting divorced and we need the police to be there while I move. How do you handle this?
We will move your furniture as we do with all our moves. However, there can be delays as to what we are able to take from the premises due to certain circumstances of the divorce decree. It is ideal to have arrangements made with your spouse or on the divorce decree given to the police officer prior as to what can be taken by the movers so as to save time and money.
I need to move a piano, what do you recommend?
We are able to move upright piano’s or smaller as long as there are no stairs involved. We do charge an additional fee for piano’s. For piano’s larger than an upright, you should contact a licensed piano moving company that specializes in only moving piano’s.
My dog will be there during the move, is that an issue?
Yes. There should be no dogs present during the move as it is not safe for the movers or the dog. If you are unable to relocate your dog during the move it needs to be secured in an area away from where the movers are working.
My cat will be there during the move, is that an issue?
Yes. There should be no cats present during the move as it is not safe for the movers or the cat. If you are unable to relocate your cat during the move it needs to be secured in an area away from where the movers are working.
Do you offer other moving insurance for San Diego moves?
We are preferred movers for MovingInsurance.com and Bakers Insurance. You can find the links to both on our website.
Do you move into senior homes in San Diego?
We do a lot of senior moving. Even though our movers are extremely fast, they are very patient and considerate with our customers. We are recommended by several senior housing centers.
Do you offer San Diego long distance moving services?
We only move within the greater Southern California area.
Can I ask for the same movers that I had last time?
Absolutely, we have movers that have been with the company for over a decade and have moved the same people several times. Our movers take pride in being requested to move past customers.
How should I move a treadmill or move an exercise bike?
Refer to the owners manual for your exercise equipment when moving. We can typically move your exercise equipment but refer to your owners manual as some equipment needs to be transported by the manufacturer’s equipment representative in order to maintain the warranty.
How do I move my barbecue?
We can move your portable barbecue. You need to remove the propane tank if it has one and transport it in your vehicle. Also, if there is charcoal or wood chips you will need to empty it out prior to the movers loading it into our moving truck.
How do I protect my mattress?
We sell mattress bags for an additional cost. Please let our moving consultant know when you are scheduling the move that you would like to buy a mattress cover.
How do I move my fish and fish tank?
The fish tank will need to be completely emptied out. We will shrink wrap and pad the fish tank during transit. Once we arrive at the new location we’ll place it where you want it and then you can restock the fish tank with all the fish and accessories.
How do you move bikes?
Generally, it is best to take in your vehicle. If that is not an option we can take your bikes.
I have a lot of electronic tools, how should I move these?
You want to refer to your owners manual. Different electronic tools have different ways of being transported.
Can you move my lawn mower?
As long as it is completely drained of oil and gas we are able to take the lawn mower in our moving truck.
Do I need to do anything prior to moving my outdoor furniture?
No you don’t. We will treat your outdoor furniture the same way we handle your indoor furniture – with great care.
How do I pack skis?
Generally, skis are best to be taken in your vehicle. If that is not possible we can pad and transport your skis in our moving truck.
How do I pack a basketball hoop?
A basketball hoop takes up quite a bit of space. Depending on the amount of items you are moving we may be able to take the basketball hoop in its entirety. Most of the time, however, you will want to have it broken down so it will take up less room in the moving truck allowing us to move all of your household items.
Should I pack with bubble wrap or packing paper? What is the difference?
If done properly, either method is equally as effective.
Do you sell lamp boxes?
We do not sell boxes but MovingBoxDelivery.com is a great resource for all your moving supply needs.
Will shrink wrap hurt my leather furniture?
The short answer is yes. It is not a good idea to leave shrink wrap on your couch for an extended period as it can discolor and/or attach to the leather.
What is the difference between a local moving company and a long distance moving company in San Diego?
A local moving company like Discount Movers will move only within Greater Southern California whereby a long distance mover can move you anywhere in the country. The difference in price for a local move can be quite substantial when choosing between a long distance moving company and a local moving company.
Do you offer unpacking services?
We will remove pads and place your household furniture and boxes where you want them to be placed in your new residence. However, we do not open and unpack boxes.
How should I pack up computers and monitors so they are not damaged?
Monitors and computers should be properly packed into a box. Please refer to our packing tips. Computers and monitors should be taken in your vehicle along with any other sensitive electronic items.
I need to keep my belongings in storage for 6 months. Is there any special way to pack? What is not a good idea to store?
Shrink wrap and bubble wrap can adhere and change the coloring for certain fabrics over an extended period. It is best to consult with the manufacturer the proper way to store a specific item.
How do you help me not need as large of a storage unit?
We can work with you in order for you to maximize your storage unit. However, it is always best practice to consult with the storage unit manager on site as to the optimal storage size because ceiling heights vary per storage location.
How should I pack a water bed?
First of all the 90’s are over. All kidding aside, the water bed should be completely drained and dried out prior to moving. Refer to the owners manual as to how to properly pack the water bed prior to transit as different manufacturers have different ways of how the water bed should be transported.
Would your movers transport my fine jewelry?
All fine jewelry, gold bullion, Picasso’s, etc. should absolutely be transported in your vehicle.
How do your truck loading services work?
We will move your household goods into your rental truck or storage container the same way we would load the items into our truck with one exception. You will want to have pads and nylon rope or bungies to safely secure the items into your truck or storage container so items do not get damaged in transit.
We will be moving from out of state to San Diego. Can you just unload our truck once we arrive? How do I schedule this?
You will want to schedule a moving time with one of our moving consultants over the phone. We will arrive at your unloading location on the scheduled moving day with the proper amount of movers and moving equipment. We will then unload your rental truck or portable container into your new residence.
Will your guys drive our rental truck?
No. Do to insurance requirements we are not able to drive your rental truck. If you are moving locally we charge the same rate whether we move with your truck or ours and our trucks are fitted with all the necessary supplies and equipment.
Do your movers know how to pack a storage unit to maximize the space?
Absolutely, we have been in business for over 20 years and our movers have a tremendous amount of experience. We will completely maximize the storage space you are renting.
Why would I go with a portable storage or a regular storage unit?
The decision is based on the logistics of your move. Are you eventually moving out of state whereby it would be cheaper to have a portable storage that can be relocated for less than the cost of a long distance moving company? On the flip side, are you eventually moving locally and you want easy access to your unit and do not want it being moved by the portable storage company? There is no one size fits all answer but our moving consultants can help you navigate through the decision making process and help you pick the best option for your needs.
I have some super sentimental things that I don’t want anything to happen to. What do you recommend?
We treat all your items with care but if there are certain pieces of furniture that hold a special place with you please let our movers know and they will be sure to accommodate your wishes.