Dunmar Moving and Storage - Richmond Movers - FAQ
Dunmar FAQs from Professional Movers in Richmond!
How do I book a move with Dunmar Moving or Allied Van Lines?
There are several ways to plan and book a move with Dunmar Moving or Allied Van Lines:
- Click here to begin your quote.
- Schedule your move survey.
- Complete the move survey and select your services.
- Receive your moving quote and plan your move!
If you decide to move with Dunmar Moving and Allied Van Lines, a move coordinator will be assigned to you. This person will help you select moving services (if needed) and answer any questions you may have throughout the entire process.
What is involved with an estimate?
During an in-home or virtual estimate, a Moving Consultant will visit your home and estimate the weight and size of all of your belongings that you will be moving. They’ll also discuss move details such as dates, packing services, package pricing, etc., and address any questions you may have. At the end of the visit, your Move Consultant will customize a written estimate for your review.
What is a Moving Broker?
To put it simply, brokers are salespeople who manage your move by hiring a moving company to accomplish the job. Brokers don’t have moving trucks and they don’t hire staff; their job is to act as a go-between between you and a moving company. They make money by keeping the difference between what they charge you and what the moving company they choose charges them to complete the move. As a result, brokers don’t assume responsibility for the items the moving company transports. After you submit your information, the broker takes it and offers a rough estimate via phone or email of what they believe the job will cost. Brokers typically offer you a low price and then it slowly increases as you provide them with more details. Then, they negotiate the deal with moving companies around your move’s origin. On the day of your move, the moving company selected by the broker will arrive and perform the job. Make sure you are aware of who the moving company is so you can identify and communicate with them upon arrival.
- No physical moving services:
They do not perform the actual moving themselves, instead, they connect customers with companies or trucks who will handle the transportation. Many times they will put your move out online for individuals or companies to bid on. Many times these companies or truckers don’t actually have experience with moving they are just looking for jobs to keep their trucks moving.
- Quote comparison:
Many times online brokers will provide an estimate that is based on the space your items take up in the truck and not off industry standards of weight. Pay close attention to the wording in the estimate as many times they will provide Binding quotes but have in the fine print the ability to take on additional charges on a per items basis or if your shipment takes up more space on the truck.
- Potential cost:
Most online brokers will present a low price many times thousands of dollars less than major Van Lines in the hope of getting customers to book due to the price savings however at the time a delivery the broker or company/trucker that is providing the work will demand additional funds before actually delivering your items actually holding your items hostage until payment is received. The Department of Transportation has tried to combat this issue but there is still a large gap in enforcement as most local law enforcement are not knowledgeable to know how to handle this and the customer is left with either paying or not getting their items. We recommend you do your research on the company you plan to hire and don’t get fooled by an extremely low price.
- Important to verify legitimacy:
As with any service, it is crucial to research and verify the legitimacy of a moving broker before utilizing their services. User online reviews, research their physical location or warehouse and refer to the Department of Transportation website.
When is the best time to move?
The busiest times for moving companies are during the summer months, May 15 – September 15. The volume of shipments is extremely heavy at the end of these months. . This is the case for all professional moving companies.
Take all the factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for you to move. If you have flexibility in your schedule, provide the moving company with a five-day window for loading your shipment. This will allow the individuals who schedule the drivers and crew members greater flexibility when scheduling your move. If possible, be flexible with your destination timeframe as well.
If you are moving from state to state, you are most likely not the only shipment on the truck. Depending on the weight of your shipment, you will receive a delivery date spread.
How do I select which moving companies will provide me with a moving estimate?
Ask your neighbors, friends, coworkers and family members if they can make recommendations. Investigate each of the movers you select and confirm they have a physical location and warehouse. This can be done by doing a simple Google Maps search to ensure the mover has a warehouse and trucks and equipment on their lot. Many online brokers may have a space within an office park with no real warehouse, be very cautious of this and ask more questions. You may also reference the Department of Transportation website and look up how many trucks a mover has registered ( https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot)
Better Business Bureau, Google, and Facebook are good resources as well, take the time to read the reviews to ensure they appear to be real customers and see if the company is responding to them
Are there any extra fees I need to be aware of?
Some moving companies will charge for things such as : strangely shaped or awkward items; a residence not easily accessible for a large moving truck or van and requires shuttle service; condos or high-rises with elevator and load restrictions; and loads that need to be hand carried over a certain distance. You may also be expected to pay fuel surcharges or transportation surcharges. If your items need to be stored, additional fees like warehouse handling charges may apply. Find out in advance so you can be prepared and avoid any surprises.
When should I begin contacting moving companies for estimates?
Provide the moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the busy season (May 15-September 15). Six weeks from the actual move date is not too early for estimators to visit your a home to complete what they refer to as a “visual survey of your household goods.” Add even more time to make a decision if you are obligated by your employer to submit estimates for approval. Try to decide which mover you will use four weeks from your actual load day. Call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This timeframe can be shortened in the off-peak season which is September 15 through May 15.
What happens when a move consultant comes to my home?
The relocation consultant will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey of your items. Once the survey is completed, the relocation consultant will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charges related to your move. Remember the move consultant must clearly see what you are moving to provide you with an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics, and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so organize your house before the relocation consultant arrives.
Don’t be alarmed if the move consultant goes through all your cabinets and closets or looks under beds and on top of cabinets. He or she must be able to see what is moving and possibly needs packing. If you know of items that are out of view, be certain to point them out to the relocation consultant. If there are items you will be eliminating, be sure to point them out as well.
How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
Local Moves: Local moves are any move under a 30 mile radius to your origin address. Charges for local moves are calculated on an hourly basis dependent upon how many movers are estimated for your move. Payments accepted on Local moves may be in the form of personal check or credit card.
Intra-State moves: An intra-State move is a relocation over 30 miles from the origin within the state of Virginia. Intrastate moving prices are calculated by the Virginia Movers and Warehousemen Association tariff filed with the Virginia DMV based on the weight of your shipment and the distance your shipment is traveling. Payments accepted on intrastate moves may be in the form of personal checks or credit card.
Interstate Move: An Interstate move is any move that crosses state lines. The charges are based on the weight of your shipment and mileage. These are referred to as the transportation charges. Payments accepted on interstate moves may be in the form of cashiers or bank check or credit card.
Additional charges that may appear on any of the above estimates may include packing, crating, valuation (Insurance), bulky article charge for oversized items and extra labor. Again, be certain you understand these charges so that you can accurately compare the estimates you receive.
**If your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice**
Types of Estimates
- Binding: A binding estimate is a contract that specifies, in advance, the precise cost of the move based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the estimate. If additional services are requested or required at either origin or destination, the total cost will increase.
- Non-Binding: A non-binding estimate charges you according to the actual weight of your shipment or time it takes to complete and the actual cost of the services that are performed. You will still go through the estimating process to determine what your shipment may cost.
- Guaranteed Not-to-Exceed: Specifies the MAXIMUM charge applicable to your move. Should the actual weight and services be less than the estimate you pay the lesser amount. Again, your guarantee is based on the items listed in the inventory and the services outlined on the estimate.
To verify the weight of your shipment, the driver will weigh his trailer prior to loading your shipment. Once your shipment is on board, the driver will weigh his trailer again. All other charges will be calculated at your origin address. If there are any additional charges that are incurred during the delivery process, Dunmar Moving will provide you with the additional cost. This is a rare event, but it may occur.
What can you tell me about your workers?
Quality movers will have extensive coverage for workers compensation, so you don’t have to worry about being sued if a worker gets hurt while on the job. Also, choose a company that performs background checks on its workers – after all, you’re letting them into your home. This is a preemptive measure taken to ensure only the most reputable, professional workers enter your home, including packers, drivers, movers, coordinators and other staff.
How do you pack fragile or high-value items?
Fragile items should be those defined by you to be breakable or high-value (such as dishes, glassware, artwork, fragile furniture, mirrors, etc.). Ensure that all the items in your home are packed by experts using the most up-to-date packing methods and materials in the industry.
How do I prepare my appliances for moving?
Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed by you or a third-party service. Again, your estimator will educate you on how these items are serviced. All local moving companies have business relationships with local service providers that handle this type of service. Be sure you know who your mover will be using as you will need to let them into your home to provide the service.
How will my upholstered furniture be protected?
Dunmar uses a special procedure called stretch-wrap. It is a heavy, clear plastic wrap that protects your furniture from being soiled.
What if I want to pack myself? I need some advice on how to pack my belongings. Can Dunmar Moving help?
You can certainly pack yourself. Visit our packing tips for advice on how to pack dishes, clothes, shoes and other items. You can also view our packing videos for tips on how to pack specific rooms (living room, bedroom, kitchen, etc.) in your home. If we have any used boxes available, we can provide them at no cost for pickup at our office. Our inventory of changes daily and if we don’t have any we can offer, new boxes are available for purchase at a reduced cost.
Does Dunmar Moving require deposits to book a move?
When booking your move, Dunmar Moving requires a 10% deposit. This is used to “reserve” the truck for your move. If you have any mover that requests much more than 10% that should be a red flag as they are a possible broker.
Dunmar Moving and Allied Van Lines do require prepayment for certain moves such as auto shipping and Express/Small Moves Program. This will be discussed with your move consultant during your estimate.
How should I pay and what are the payment methods?
Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at the destination. Payments can be made using certified check or money order. Find out what other payment options are available, such as a credit card. If your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice. Just be sure to have this all worked out prior to packing and loading. If the method of payment is not established prior to load day, it will cause problems on delivery day.
How can I prepare for my move?
- Declutter every room in your house.
- Unplug, disconnect, and remove ink cartridges from all electronics and appliances.
- Hand fold all clothes, packers won’t do this.
- Read the Moving Guides to see what you cannot ship
- There are many items under current DOT regulations, Dunmar (and other professional movers), is not permitted to transport and must be properly disposed of including Liquid Cleaners/ Petroleum Products/ Gasoline/ Kerosene/ Lighter Fluid
- Lawn Chemicals/ Lighters/Matches/ Opened Fireworks
- Acids/Solvents/Antifreeze
- Alcohol/ Ammonia/ Bleach/ Cleaners/ Disinfectants
- Batteries/ Charcoal Briquettes/ Fire Extinguishers
- Polishes/ Propane Tanks/Scuba Tanks/ Shellac & Varnishes/Paints/ welding tanks
- Adhesives of any kind/ Aerosol Cans/ Ammunition
As you pack up your current home, keep in mind that if you have anything that needs to go into storage, you need to let our Richmond movers know about these items before they get started. This will allow them to pack these items and load them separately from the rest of your belongings. Doing this will make it easier for the movers to find them while they are in our storage facility.
Two Days Before Moving Day
This is the time to clear everything from the walls of your home, including any window treatments such as curtains and blinds. Even the most careful packer could inadvertently cause damage as they work at a fast pace.
Keep These Items Where You Can Easily Find Them on Moving Day
- Mug, plate, fork, knife, spoon for each member of the family
- First aid kit/Flashlight/candles/matches/ Garbage bags
- Kitchen knife/ can opener/saucepan/Toaster
- Breakfast bars, protein bars/ Coffee, coffee filters and coffee maker
- Dish soap, dish towels, and paper towels/Toilet paper
What Should I Do About My Valuable Items?
Ask your moving team for a “High-Value” items inventory sheet. Use it to list anything worth $1000 or more. If you have items of extreme value, be sure to have them appraised and provide our driver with a copy of the appraisal. This will make filing a claim for loss or damage easier and it lets the packers and movers know you have items of value that must be carefully packed.
If a different team is unloading your belongings into your new home ensure they also have a copy of the inventory. This way should anything come up missing or damaged, the detailed inventory will make it far easier for our movers in Richmond to try and locate the items or pay for their repair or replacement.
Are There Any Items That Your Protection Policy Does Not Cover?
- Coin/Stamp/ Card Collections/ Currency/Money
- Appraisals/ Deeds/Legal Documents/ Manuscripts/ Passports
- Computer Backup Disks/ Software Licenses
- Negotiable Instruments/ Receipts/ Stocks/Bonds/ Tax Records
- Jewelry/ Precious Stones/ Medications
Are There Things We Can Do to Help Keep Our Moving Costs Down?
- Decluttering, if you don’t use it or it’s broken get rid of it.
- Heavy furniture like pool tables and pianos should be sold, offered as part of your home sale, or offered to the new owner.
- Check to see if you can get a refund on any unused portion of your homeowners’ insurance or see if the balance can be transferred to your new house.
- Use garage sales, family, friends, and charities to dispose of usable items.
- Never ship things like lumber, wood, lawn and garden supplies, paints, any types of chemicals, or gasoline. Most are on the Do Not Ship list and the rest are just more dead weight.
- If it won’t fit in your new home, why ship it and pay for storage?
- Copy CDs/DVDs onto your computers and sell them.
- Don’t ship heavy garage/shop furniture.
- Use large planters to pack small things.
- Any deposits you are owed should be collected before you move. Same for any club memberships or dues.
Can I Deduct the Cost of Moving On My Taxes?
As the top movers in Richmond, we recommend you talk to a tax accountant or specialist to confirm what you may or may not be able to deduct. However, there are a few common costs that can be deducted in most instances such as:
- Packing, shipping/transportation, and unpacking
- Shipping your car
- Hotel expenses during the trip to your new home
- Moving your pets
Many other deductions will be based on the reason you are moving, including:
- You are moving to start a new job.
- You will be employed full-time for at least 39 weeks during your first year in your new home.
- Moving because you are in the military or you are moving to another country because of work.
- Self-employed must work at least 39 weeks of year one and a total of 72 weeks during the first two years.
- Your new job must be at least fifty miles away from your old home and closer to your new one.
Are There Things I Need to Take Care of Before Moving Day Arrives?
- Unhook and disconnect all appliances and electronics, mark cables for ease of reassembly.
- Clean and dry dishes to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
- Remove ink/toner cartridges to prevent leaks (this type of damage is not covered).
- Backup your computer files onto discs, the cloud, or an external hard drive.
- Clean and dry all appliances, water can freeze and cause serious damage.
- Remove any CDs or DVDs from electronics to prevent warpage that can lead to damage.
- Hang and fold your clothes, the packers won’t do this.
Are There Any Reservations I Need to Make?
If you are moving out of an apartment building, you may need to:
- Make sure there is room in the parking lot as many local moving companies use a truck that measures 75 feet long.
- If parking permits are needed, you may need to be the one to secure them.
- Reserving the freight elevator if there is one, or the main one if not to make things easier for the movers.
What Should I Leave Until the Last Minute Before my Movers Arrive?
- Clean all perishables from the fridge and freezer, your grill, garbage cans, and unhook garden hoses.
- Get rid of anything you don’t plan to ship so you are paying to ship these items.
- Remove bedding from all mattresses.
- Remove loose items, liquids, and anything fragile from dresser drawers.
- Strip the walls of paintings, photos, mirrors, and window treatments.
- Pack your travel suitcases and keep them in a separate place to avoid the local moving companies putting them in boxes and on the truck.
- Leave all boxes you have packed unsealed for the movers to verify you aren’t shipping anything you shouldn’t be.