Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Property Be Insured During The Move?
We offer damage insurance for all items that we personally move. The moving specialist that handles your move will be able to detail the coverage amount and what will be covered during your move.
What Should I Keep With Me While I Move?
We recommend that you keep anything that you think you or your family will need on the day of your move – such as a laptop, phone, and phone charger, snacks, a change of clothes, toothpaste and a toothbrush, favorite kids’ toys, and/or pet toys, and other essentials.
You may also want to keep valuables like important paperwork (Social Security cards and birth certificates) and other things like jewelry, checkbooks, medications, and other essential items with you. Place all of your essentials in a bag or a box that you’ll be able to keep with you on the day of your move.
What Is Full-Service Moving?
Full-service moving is exactly what it sounds like! In this type of moving, a team of movers with a truck from Gulf Moving Systems will come to your home or business and pack up all of your stuff, room-by-room – packing smaller items into boxes, disassembling and moving furniture, and making sure all of your stuff is properly packed for the move.
Then, your stuff will be loaded and moved to your new home, where your moving team will unpack it in each room, based on your instructions and moving plan. You won’t have to lift a finger – which is why this is called “full-service” moving.
Full-service moving is very convenient, but it is quite a bit more expensive than packing on your own. If you are short on time, it’s a great option – but you can definitely save some cash if you’re willing to pack on your own.
When Should I Start Packing Up My Stuff?
We recommend that you start packing up about a month before your moving date, starting with the rooms that you use the least. Your attic or basement, for example, can be packed well in advance, while you likely won’t want to pack your bedroom or kitchen until a few days before your moving day.
Packing up room-by-room helps you stay organized while you pack up your stuff. We recommend packing for a few hours at a time so that you don’t get burned out. Spreading the process out over a few weeks is the best way to eliminate stress.
Don’t have time? Full-service moving may be a good option. You can let Gulf Moving Systems pack up all of your stuff for you – making your moving day much simpler and easier.
What Factors Can Affect The Cost Of Moving?
- Distance Of Move
- Total Weight Or Volume Of Items Moved
- Access Issues (Lots Of Stairs, Lack Of Freight Elevator, Etc.)
- The Total Time It Takes To Load And Unload Your Truck
- Time Of Year (Summer Tends To Be More Expensive)
- Special And Hard-To-Move Items Like Pianos, Antiques, Safes, Etc.
- Full-Service Vs. Self-Pack Moving
- Cost Of Moving Supplies
Because there are so many factors that affect your job, the cost of two different moves will rarely be the same. Contact Gulf Moving Systems right away to get a quote over the phone or in-person, and see how much you can expect to pay.
How Can I Choose The Right Mover?
First, we recommend asking for recommendations from friends, family members, and colleagues in the area. Then, you can look into online reviews for the recommended services, and learn a bit more about what they do.
We also recommend that you look at their website to make sure that they are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Some moving companies that offer cheap moving rates may not be fully regulated and could be operating illegally – which could put your stuff at risk.
Not sure how to get started? Contact Gulf Moving Systems. We offer fantastic service at industry-leading rates, and we’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured for your peace of mind.
Do I Need An In-Home Moving Estimate?
In most cases, moving companies like Gulf Moving Systems can give you a quote for your move over the phone. However, there are some circumstances in which you may need an in-home quote to ensure we give you the proper price.
We may need to come to your home for an in-person estimate if you have a large (1,500 square foot or larger) home, or if you have bulky or fragile items like antiques, pianos, safes, and other difficult-to-move items.
In addition, we may need to see your home if you have problems like narrow hallways and doors, tight stairways that may not fit your furniture, a long-distance between your front door and a parking area, or other issues that make the logistics of moving your items more complex.
We also typically provide in-home quotes for long-distance moves, since the total volume and weight of your items has a much larger effect on the cost of long-distance moving. To find out if you need an in-home quote, the best option is to give us a call – if we think someone should visit your home, we’ll let you know, and we’ll send a moving professional to you right away.
Where Do I Get Packing Supplies & Materials?
If you’ve hired Gulf Moving Systems for full-service moving, you won’t have to buy any packing supplies or materials ahead of time – they will all be included with your service. Your movers will show up with boxes, tape, moving blankets, and everything else that may be needed to move your items safely and securely.
If you’re moving on your own, though, you have a few other options for getting moving and packing supplies. Truck rental services like U-Haul and Penske typically sell moving boxes, packing tape, packing materials like air pillows and packing peanuts, and other basics.
Another option is to do some Googling for used boxes and packing materials in your area. You may be able to find offers for gently-used boxes on websites like Craigslist, and pick up what you need for a low price.
You may also be able to save some money by asking local businesses for their used cardboard boxes. Grocery stores, for example, often have a surplus of strong cardboard boxes from shipping eggs, milk, and other essentials, and typically are willing to let you have them for free.
Can I Store Some Of My Items With A Moving Service?
Yes! If you’re downsizing your home and you don’t have enough room for your stuff, but you haven’t been able to determine what you want to keep and what you want to get rid of, Gulf Moving Systems can help.
We can assist in arranging for the rental of a storage unit if you do not have one, and move your selected items into your storage unit. Or, we can bring some of your stuff to an existing storage unit that you have already rented out. The choice is yours.
Can Gulf Moving Systems Move My Piano?
Yes. At Gulf Moving Systems, we can move pianos as well as other bulky and difficult-to-move items like safes. However, there are additional fees and costs involved with this, since it requires more movers, specialized equipment, and challenging logistics, particularly if stairs or steep inclines/declines are involved. When calling us for a moving quote, let us know if you have any special items like a piano – we will bear this in mind when we provide you with the initial quote for your moving project.
Can I Cancel My Moving Appointment & Get A Refund?
This depends on your job, how soon before your moving day you’re canceling, and a few other factors. In some cases, you may get a full refund, but in others, Gulf Moving Systems may keep your deposit as non-refundable.
For more specifics, refer to the contract you signed for your moving services, or feel free to contact our customer service team with further inquiries.
How Much Should I Tip My Movers?
Whatever you think is appropriate. It’s common to tip movers for a job well done, but our movers will never ask for a tip or hint that they deserve additional compensation. You may tip as much as you feel is appropriate for the work performed – it’s a great way to show your appreciation for their hard work!
What Happens If Some Of My Stuff Is Damaged While Moving?
We will always do our best to avoid damage to any of your items when moving, but accidents can still happen. If your items are damaged, you will need to file a claim with Gulf Moving Systems. We carry insurance for this situation, and our team can guide you through the process of resolving your claim and getting compensation for your damaged stuff.
How Do I Pay For Moving Service At Gulf Moving Systems?
We accept all major credit and debit cards. In some cases, cash and checks may be accepted. Your moving team will inform you about your available payment options when payment is due before your moving date.
When should I begin to contact companies about estimates for my upcoming move?
It is a good idea to contact the moving companies you are considering for your move with as much notice as possible. It is ideal to have companies provide an estimate five to six weeks prior to your desired move date. Try to select the moving company four weeks before your moving date. Be sure to sign the Estimate/Order for Service and confirm your packing, pick-up, and delivery dates.
What are the different types of estimates?
Non-binding estimate. A non-binding estimate is the agent’s approximation of the cost, based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. The final cost will be based upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and the tariff provisions in effect. To verify the weight of your shipment, the driver will weigh his trailer prior to loading your shipment and then reweigh his trailer once your shipment has been loaded.
Firm-binding estimate. A firm-binding estimate is an agreement between the agent and the customer that the cost of the move will be a specific dollar amount based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the specific services requested. If the actual weight of the shipment is different than the agent anticipated, the price of the move does not change. However, adding items not surveyed by the agent at the time of the estimate or adding services not discussed at the time of the estimate could increase the cost of the move.
Option-binding estimate. An option-binding estimate (also known as a not-to-exceed estimate) is an agreement between the agent and the customer that the cost of the move will be no more than a specific dollar amount based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the specific services requested. If the anticipated weight of the shipment is less than estimated, then the customer’s bill is reduced by the amount of the cost associated with the weight difference between the estimated and actual weight. The customer will not pay more than the cost associated with the estimated weight, even if the actual weight exceeds the estimate. However, adding items not surveyed by the agent at the time of the estimate or adding services not discussed at the time of the estimate could increase the cost of the move.
What are the methods of payment Gulf Moving Systems accepts for my move?
The tariff provisions require that the charges be paid in full, prior to your shipment being unloaded at destination. You can pay for your move at the time of delivery with cash, money order, traveler’s check, certified check or cashier’s check. Or, with prior credit approval, you can charge the cost of your move to your personal credit card. Bekins gladly accepts the following credit cards: MasterCard, Visa, Discover and American Express.
What is an Order for Service?
An Order for Service is a signed written agreement made in advance with the moving company, authorizing the company to move your goods.
What are my rights and responsibilities when I move?
All moving companies are required by federal law to provide each customer a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities: "https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Rights-and-Responsibilities-2013.pdf" when you move.
Your primary responsibility as outlined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is to select a reputable household goods carrier, ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of the contract, and understand and pursue the remedies that are available to you in case problems arise. You should talk to your mover if you have further questions. The moving company will also furnish you with additional information describing its procedure for handling your questions and complaints, and a telephone number you can call to obtain additional information about your move.
When is the best time to move?
The best time to move is when it’s right for you. However, there are some times of the year that are busier for the moving industry than others. The summer months (May – September) and the end of each month are periods of heavier demand.