Moving FAQ – Things to Know Before You Move | Mighty Men Moving

Question 1

How do you charge for a move?

Accepted Answer

We charge hourly in quarter-hour increments with a minimum 1-hour travel charge and a three-hour minimum for all moves. Example: a move from Arlington to Arlington that begins at 9:00 AM and ends at 12:00 PM = 4 hours (3 hours moving + 1 hour travel).

Question 2

What is the travel/trip fee?

Accepted Answer

Travel time is the drive from our office to your origin and back to our office when the move is completed. It is charged in addition to loading/transport/unloading time. Minimum travel charge is 60 minutes. Metro DC: 60 min for Annandale, Arlington, Alexandria, Falls Church, Oakton, Reston, Herndon, Centreville, Springfield, etc. 1–1.5 hours for Chantilly, South Riding, Gainesville, Sterling, Woodbridge, Manassas, DC, and MD. South Florida: 60 min for Hobe Sound, North Palm, Wellington, Lake Worth, Boynton, Delray, etc. 1–1.5 hours for Jensen Beach, Boca, Pompano, Deerfield, Coral Springs, etc.

Question 3

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

Unless otherwise arranged in advance, payment is expected before or upon receipt of your goods. We accept cash, check, credit card, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, and Zelle. We charge an additional 5% fee for credit card payments and offer a 5% discount for cash payments. Gratuity is suggested and should reflect the quality and professionalism of service.

Question 4

Are there surcharges for large or specialty items?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There is an automatic $25 per mover surcharge for pianos and large or bulky items. Hoisting events typically carry an additional $50–$100 charge per event. TV box rental is $40 for TVs larger than 55".

Question 5

What types of moves do you handle?

Accepted Answer

We handle residential moves (studios, apartments, townhouses, houses), commercial/office moves, interstate and intrastate moves, POD/ABF/rental truck loading and unloading (labor only), storage unit moves, box packing only, and piano moves. We do not move concert grand pianos.

Question 6

Do you offer long-distance or interstate moves?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are licensed for interstate moves (MC #540078). We require an on-site survey to provide a quote and inventory for long-distance moves, and a 25% deposit to secure crew and truck. Contact us at quote@mightymenmoving.com to set up a survey.

Question 7

Do you provide packing services?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer professional packing as part of a move or as a standalone service — charged at hourly rate plus materials. We can also deliver packing materials to scheduled customers (60-box minimum, free delivery available several days a week). Payment for materials is due at move completion.

Question 8

Do you move pianos?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We have years of piano moving experience and welcome spinets, full uprights, and parlor grands. We do not move concert grand pianos. Please email us a picture of your piano before scheduling. There is an automatic $25 per mover surcharge for piano moves.

Question 9

Can you help with POD, ABF, or rental truck loading?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer labor-only services for customers using storage containers or rental trucks. Note that we are not liable for damage after the container or rental truck is in transport, or for damage to items that shifted during transport at the offload destination.

Question 10

What areas do you serve?

Accepted Answer

We serve all of Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun County, Prince William County), the greater DC metro area, and Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland. We also serve South Florida through our Palm Beach Gardens location.

Question 11

How far in advance should I book?

Accepted Answer

We recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend moves or peak season (May–September). We do our best to accommodate last-minute requests — give us a call.

Question 12

Do I need to be present during the move?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A customer or representative must always be present. We need your guidance, and it is your responsibility to do a final walk-through to ensure all items are loaded/unloaded. Our time runs continuously until all tools and equipment are back in the truck and payment is completed.

Question 13

What happens in bad weather?

Accepted Answer

We reserve the right to reschedule moves without liability in the event of inclement weather (heavy/freezing rain, snow emergency, hurricane warning, travel ban, etc.). You will be rescheduled to our next available day. If you agree to proceed on a day with inclement weather, you accept any additional time charges incurred.

Question 14

What about parking for the truck?

Accepted Answer

Allow 40–50 feet per truck (our trucks are 33 ft bumper to bumper, plus walk ramps). If parking will be limited or double-parking may be required, advise us before moving day. In dense areas like Adams Morgan, Georgetown, or Old Town Alexandria, we recommend obtaining Emergency No Parking signs from your local police precinct at least 4 days in advance. You can also use d.TOPS (tops.ddot.dc.gov) or Permit Puller (movingpermits.com).

Question 15

What about elevators and loading docks?

Accepted Answer

Some building managements require you to reserve the elevator and/or loading dock in advance, and many do not permit moves on weekends, before 9 AM, or using primary tenant elevators. An elevator key or independent-use setting is highly recommended. Please advise us of your reserved schedule.

Question 16

Are you licensed and insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Mighty Men Moving is fully licensed and insured. USDOT #1253675 · MC #540078 · Virginia Mover Certificate #588 · Florida Mover Registration #IM3201. We carry cargo, commercial liability, general liability, and workers' compensation policies — the minimum coverage required by law, provided free of charge.

Question 17

What insurance or valuation is included with my move?

Accepted Answer

Every move includes industry-standard coverage at no charge. For items of extremely high value, a separate individual insurance rider ("valuation") may be available at additional cost. Certificates of insurance are available upon request — please notify us in advance if your building requires one, including the certificate holder, additional insureds, and contact information.

Question 18

What items are you not liable for?

Accepted Answer

We are not liable for loss or damage to accounts, bills, checks, passports, documents, securities, currency, jewelry, precious stones, paintings, statuary, or other valuables. All valuables must be secured off-premises before moving day. We are also not liable for: particle board/engineered wood furniture damage due to its inherent fragility; antiques and brittle items; items not packed by us (unless exterior is obviously damaged); flat-screen TVs with no visible external damage; live plants; or items in self-storage after we have completed the move.

Question 19

What is your policy on particle board and engineered wood furniture?

Accepted Answer

Particle board, pressboard, and engineered wood (PBEW) furniture is not designed to withstand the normal stress of a move. Chips and dents are usually not repairable. Customers will be asked to sign a release of liability for PBEW furniture damage due to its inherent susceptibility.

Question 20

What should I do to prepare for moving day?

Accepted Answer

Label boxes clearly with a marker (avoid stickers — they fall off). Write "fragile" on multiple sides of fragile boxes. Empty desks, dressers, and file cabinets. Disassemble beds, cribs, and large furniture if possible. Secure all valuables off-premises. Defrost and empty refrigerators/freezers. Disconnect washer/dryer couplings (or request this in advance). Tape brooms and mops together. The more thoroughly items are packed and consolidated in moderate-weight sealed boxes, the quicker and easier your move will be.

Question 21

What packing materials do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Question 22

How should I pack dishes and fragile items?

Accepted Answer

Pad the bottom of boxes with 3 inches of wadded packing paper. Wrap all breakables individually. Use the "tuck and roll" method for cups and glasses. Stack plates vertically on their edges. Do not overstuff boxes. Use book boxes for dense fragile items (crystal, china) and larger boxes for light pots and pans. Mark all fragile boxes on multiple sides. Kitchens take the longest to pack — start early and finish before moving day.

Question 23

What items should NOT be in the moving truck?

Accepted Answer

We cannot transport: propane tanks attached to grills, flammables, cleaning solvents, liquids (wine bottles can break and stain), firearms or ammunition (please empty gun safes before they are moved), loose potting soil, firewood, or yard supplies. We are not licensed to move these items.

Question 24

How do you handle flat-screen TVs?

Accepted Answer

Flat-screen TVs are susceptible to damage from temperature changes, bumps, and altitude. Original packaging is best. We require a $40 TV box rental for TVs larger than 55". For smaller TVs, two or three blanket layers are sufficient. Note: in the absence of visible external damage, we are not responsible for TVs that do not function after delivery.

Question 25

Can you disassemble and reassemble furniture?

Accepted Answer

We can disassemble and reassemble beds, cribs, and most standard furniture as a normal part of any move. We attempt to carry the necessary tools for basic disassembly. If you have items requiring special tools or extensive disassembly, let us know in advance — unexpected disassembly can add substantial time. We cannot disassemble treadmills, ellipticals, Pelotons, or cable gym systems; we recommend a fitness equipment specialist for those.

Things to Know (FAQ)

Rates & Payment

Services

Scheduling & Move Day

Insurance & Liability

Packing & Preparation

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Things to Know (FAQ) – Mighty Men Moving