Q: How long does a typical move take?
A: A standard local move generally takes between 4 to 6 hours. However, the actual time depends on several variables, including:
- The overall size and volume of the move.
- How efficiently items are packed prior to our arrival.
- The distance between the pickup and delivery locations.
- Logistical factors such as flights of stairs, long carries, or multiple stops.
- Furniture assembly or disassembly requirements.
- Weather conditions on moving day.
Q: How do you charge for your services?
A: Our pricing structure depends on the type of move:
- Local Moves: Billed either by a competitive hourly rate or a flat rate.
- Long-Distance / Out-of-State Moves (Over 100 miles): Priced based on total distance, required truck size, and loading/unloading time.
ℹ️ Important Note: SC Moving enforces a 4-hour minimum charge for all moving and packing services. Billable time runs port-to-port, starting when our truck leaves our office and ending upon its return.
Q: Are your trucks clean and fully equipped?
A: Absolutely. We take great pride in our equipment. Our trucks are swept clean after every single move and undergo a thorough pressure washing twice a year. Every truck comes fully stocked with heavy-duty moving blankets, dollies, and straps to protect your belongings.
Q: Can I leave my clothes inside chest or dresser drawers?
A: No, please empty all drawers. To minimize the risk of damage to the furniture itself, as well as your walls and hallways, we require dressers and bureaus to be completely empty. Our movers will wrap the empty dressers with protective pads and shrink-wrap them with the drawers securely in place for transport.
Q: When should I book my move?
A: We recommend booking as soon as you have a confirmed moving date. Demand is exceptionally high during the summer months and at the end of each month.
While advanced booking is ideal, last-minute requests are always welcome! In most cases, we can accommodate same-day or next-day bookings depending on availability.
Q: Are you insured?
A: Yes, we are fully insured and registered. If you or your building management require a Certificate of Insurance (COI), simply call or email us and we will gladly issue one to you.
- Standard Coverage: We provide standard Carrier’s Liability (Cargo Coverage) at $0.60 per pound, per article.
- Example: If a 150 lb. dresser is damaged, maximum coverage is $90 ($0.60 × 150 lbs.), regardless of the item’s actual financial value.
- Upgraded Coverage: If you prefer full-value protection, you can purchase upgraded insurance directly through our partners at www.movinginsurance.com.
Q: Do I need an estimate?
A: An estimate is an excellent tool for budgeting your moving costs.
- Over-the-Phone Estimates: To ensure accuracy, please provide a complete inventory of everything being moved. You will need to estimate the number of boxes per room and flag any specialty items (e.g., pianos, gun safes, elliptical machines, or antiques).
- In-Person Estimates: We offer free visual estimates for customers located within a 20-mile radius of Portland, ME.
Q: What items should I move myself?
A: For safety and security reasons, there are certain items we cannot transport. Please plan to move the following independently:
- High-Value Items: Jewelry, laptop computers, cash, checkbooks, financial documents, and car titles.
- Perishables: All frozen foods and perishable items.
- Prescriptions: Necessary medications.
- Hazardous Materials: Aerosol cans, ammonia, ammunition, loaded firearms, car/household batteries, charcoal/lighter fluid, chemistry sets, cleaning solvents, darkroom chemicals, fertilizer, fire extinguishers, fireworks, fuels/oils, kerosene, liquid bleach, matches, nail polish, paint thinners, paints/varnishes, pesticides, poisons, pool chemicals, and propane tanks.
- Living Things: House plants.
Q: Does your company require a deposit?
A: Yes. A deposit is required to firmly secure your moving date and time slot:
- Local Hourly Moves: The standard deposit is equal to 2 hours × your hourly rate.
- Flat Rate Moves: The deposit is $450.00 or 25% of the total quote, whichever is greater.
- Short-Notice Bookings: Any move booked within 7 days of the requested move date requires an upfront deposit equal to 4 hours × your hourly rate.
Disclaimer: All FAQs, policies, and pricing guidelines are subject to change without notice.