FAQ
Local Moving FAQ
-
How much will my move cost?
-
How far in advance should I book my move?
-
Will the movers “pack” my furniture?
-
My building requires a certificate of insurance. Can you provide one, and is there a charge?
-
When should I start packing?
-
If I hire a good, reputable moving company, why do I need insurance?
-
Most of my stuff is junk, I just have a few nice pieces I want to insure.
-
What happens if you (Certified Van Lines) break something?
-
I need to move out of my current apartment earlier than my new one will be ready – do you offer short term storage?
Long Distance Moving FAQs
-
How much will my move cost?
-
When will my goods be delivered?
-
How far in advance should I book my move?
-
Will the movers “pack” my furniture?
-
My building requires a certificate of insurance. Can you provide one, and is there a charge?
-
When should I start packing?
-
If I hire a good, reputable moving company, why do I need insurance?
-
Most of my stuff is junk, I just have a few nice pieces I want to insure.
-
What happens if you (Certified National Van Lines) break something?
-
I need to move out of my current apartment earlier than my new one will be ready – do you offer short term storage?
Local Moving FAQs
How much will my move cost?
The final cost of your move will depend on a number of factors such as the services you wish us to provide, the services you are willing and able to do yourself (i.e. packing), whether you will provide your own boxes or wish to purchase clean, unused boxes from us, the volume of goods being moved, whether there are stairs involved, and the distance you are moving.
Certified Van Lines operates locally on an hourly rate (we consider New York to places such as Virginia and Maine “local”. Please speak to your project manager for further information). All services, including packing, unpacking and basic disassembly/re-assembly are executed at our standard hourly rate. If you want to keep your costs down, the more you accomplish prior to the movers arrival, the less time required, and therefore the lower your move will inevitably cost. Having all the loose items packed up and ready to go will help expedite the move. If you have packed up all your loose items, and are eager and handy, you may take the extra step and disassemble furniture items (like bed frames and cribs) that require disassemble in order to be moved. Please note will only reassemble items we have disassembled. Also, just because you bought it disassembled (i.e. table, desk), doesn’t mean that it needs to be disassembled in order to be moved. Ask your project manager if you are uncertain. We don’t want to create extra work for you!
Certified Van Lines does not charge extra for mileage, or stairs on local moves or moves that are based on a hourly rate (this depends on the size and distance of your move up to); however, a fifth floor walk up will take longer to unload than a move to an elevator building, and a move within the same neighborhood will take less time than a move to another county, so these factors do effect the time it takes to complete the move, and subsequently the cost.
top ^
How far in advance should I book my move?
As early as you can! Certified National Van Lines can usually handle last minute moves (even same day), and it is common for clients to book on short notice, however, the more time you allow yourself, the more prepared you will be and the less likely you are to experience added stress because of it. There are “busy” and “slow” times of the year and month. Generally, the busy months are April through September, and the busy days of the month are the end of the month from the 25th – 3rd. Most leases begin and end on or about the 1st or 15th of the month, and our schedule is therefore busier. We normally recommend two weeks notice, however, sometimes we are booked for particular days/weeks in advance. Also, you will want to make sure you have enough time to get estimates and have some time to review them before you make your final decision. So, ideally, starting at least one month prior to your anticipated move day is a good idea. That will give you enough time to research companies, set appointments for on-site estimates (if applicable), collect and compare estimates, make a decision and book your move.
top ^
Will the movers “pack” my furniture?
Certified Van Lines considers “packing” the act of placing loose items in cartons. Books, linens, clothing, dishes, pots and pans are “packed” in boxes. Furniture is “prepped” and made ready for transport. Wrapping furniture, shrink wrapping mattresses, crating glass and marble are examples of how Certified Van Lines prepares your furniture for safe transport. The service of prepping is considered an element of the moving service and is executed depending on the material we use. The blankets and tape we use to wrap and secure your goods are provided at no extra charge.
top ^
My building requires a certificate of insurance. Can you provide one, and is there a charge?
A “certificate of insurance” is generally documentation of General Liability, Automobile Liability and Workers Compensation insurance. Many large or commercial buildings require documentation of such coverage in the form of a certificate; many as well have minimum limits of liability requirements. Certified National Van Lines carries in excess of $1,000,000 coverage there’s is no charge for the certificate of insurance. The certificate of insurance does not provide coverage for your goods; additional valuation or insurance must be purchased separately.
top ^
When should I start packing?
Too early is better than too late when it comes to packing. It is sometimes more time consuming than you think. Bear in mind your “packing style” – do you try to get it all done in one day or weekend, or would you prefer to spread it out over a few weeks packing a few boxes every day. You will likely want to sort through, and toss/donate unwanted things. How much free time do you have? If your free time is limited, try starting early and packing a little at a time. Start with the things you absolutely will not need, and work your way towards the essentials.
top ^
If I hire a good, reputable moving company, why do I need insurance?
For the same reason excellent drivers still need to have car insurance – because regardless of how careful you are, the possibility of damage still exists. Movers are people, human beings, and there exists the chance of error and damage.
top ^
Most of my stuff is junk, I just have a few nice pieces I want to insure.
In New York State, if you take additional valuation you must declare a lump sum value for the entire shipment, junk and non-junk. In New Jersey the law is different and you may declare only particular pieces. If you move with Certified National Van Lines and have a total shipment valued over $50,000, or single item(s) valued at $5,000 or more, you may not purchase additional valuation on the day of the move and will need to make prior arrangements. Visit pafinsurance.com for further insurance options.
top ^
What happens if you (Certified National Van Lines) break something?
Certified Van Lines has a dedicated claims manager and expert repairperson on staff. If you opted for additional valuation, and the item is repairable, it will be repaired. If it is deemed irreparable, you will be reimbursed for the depreciated value at the time of damage. If you opt for outside insurance coverage, all claims will be handled by the insurance company directly.
top ^
I need to move out of my current apartment earlier than my new one will be ready – do you offer short term storage?
Of course! Certified National Van Lines maintains self and full service storage location and offers long and short term storage. There is no minimum or long term obligation. If you need more time than you anticipated, those are fine too and ask our reps about the one free month.
top ^
Long Distance Moving FAQs
How much will my move cost?
The final cost of your move will depend on factors such as the services you wish to provide, the services you are willing and able to do yourself (i.e. packing), whether you will provide your own boxes or wish to purchase clean, and unused boxes from Certified National Van Lines, the volume of goods being moved, whether there are stairs involved, and the distance you will be moving.
Long distance moves are charged based on the volume of goods being moved. All accessorial services, including packing and unpacking are executed at our standard hourly rate. If you want to keep your costs down, the more you accomplish prior to the movers arrival, the less time required, and therefore the lower your move will inevitably cost. Having all the loose items packed up and ready to go will help expedite the move.
It is very important for your project manager to know about any factors that may impede the delivery, including narrow/dirt/poorly paved roads, and bridges, any factor that would prevent a tractor trailer from pulling up in front of the destination. Also, long carries (over 75 feet from the point where the truck may park and the door to the destination), long carries in the freight entrance of the building (from the door to the elevator) or difficult delivery conditions. Certain conditions that require additional labor or a “shuttle truck” (a smaller vehicle required to shuttle the goods from the tractor trailer to the destination if a tractor trailer cannot make the delivery) will increase the cost of the move. Please bring any concerns and information to the attention of your project manager.
top ^
When will my goods be delivered?
Depending on where you are going, long distance shipments are generally delivered between one and three weeks. Speak to your project manager for further details.
top ^
How far in advance should I book my move?
As early as you can! Certified National Van Lines can usually handle last minute moves (even same day), and it is common for clients to book on short notice, however, the more time you allow yourself, the more prepared you will be and the less likely you are to experience added stress because of it. There are “busy” and “slow” times of the year and month. Generally, the busy months are April through September, and the busy days of the month are the end of the month from the 25th – 3rd. Most leases begin and end on or about the 1st or 15th of the month, and our schedule is therefore busier. We normally recommend two weeks notice, however, sometimes we are booked for particular days/weeks in advance. Also, you will want to make sure you have enough time to get estimates and have some time to review them before you make your final decision. So, ideally, starting at least one month prior to your anticipated move day is a good idea. That will give you enough time to research companies, set appointments for on-site estimates (if applicable), collect and compare estimates, make a decision and book your move.
top ^
Will the movers “pack” my furniture?
Certified Van Lines considers “packing” the act of placing loose items in cartons. Books, linens, clothing, dishes, pots and pans are “packed” in boxes. Furniture is “prepped” and made ready for transport. Wrapping furniture, shrink wrapping mattresses, crating glass and marble are examples of how Certified Van Lines prepares your furniture for safe transport. The service of prepping is considered an element of the moving service and is executed depending on the material we use. The blankets and tape we use to wrap and secure your goods are provided at no extra charge.
top ^
My building requires a certificate of insurance. Can you provide one, and is there a charge?
A “certificate of insurance” is generally documentation of General Liability, Automobile Liability and Workers Compensation insurance. Many large or commercial buildings require documentation of such coverage in the form of a certificate; many as well have minimum limits of liability requirements. Certified National Van Lines carries in excess of $1,000,000 coverage there’s is no charge for the certificate of insurance. The certificate of insurance does not provide coverage for your goods; additional valuation or insurance must be purchased separately.
top ^
When should I start packing?
Too early is better than too late when it comes to packing. It is sometimes more time consuming than you think. Bear in mind your “packing style” – do you try to get it all done in one day or weekend, or would you prefer to spread it out over a few weeks packing a few boxes every day. You will likely want to sort through, and toss/donate unwanted things. How much free time do you have? If your free time is limited, try starting early and packing a little at a time. Start with the things you absolutely will not need, and work your way towards the essentials.
top ^
If I hire a good, reputable moving company, why do I need insurance?
For the same reason excellent drivers still need to have car insurance – because regardless of how careful you are, the possibility of damage still exists. Movers are people, human beings, and there exists the chance of error and damage.
top ^
Most of my stuff is junk, I just have a few nice pieces I want to insure.
In New York State, if you take additional valuation you must declare a lump sum value for the entire shipment, junk and non-junk. In New Jersey the law is different and you may declare only particular pieces. If you move with Certified National Van Lines and have a total shipment valued over $50,000, or single item(s) valued at $5,000 or more, you may not purchase additional valuation on the day of the move and will need to make prior arrangements. Visit pafinsurance.com for further insurance options.
top ^
What happens if you (Certified Van Lines) break something?
Certified Van Lines has a dedicated claims manager and expert repairperson on staff. If you opted for additional valuation, and the item is repairable, it will be repaired. If it is deemed irreparable, you will be reimbursed for the depreciated value at the time of damage. If you opt for outside insurance coverage, all claims will be handled by the insurance company directly.
top ^
I need to move out of my current apartment earlier than my new one will be ready – do you offer short term storage?
Of course! Certified National Van Lines maintains self and full service storage location and offers long and short term storage. There is no minimum or long term obligation. If you need more time than you anticipated, those are fine too and ask our reps about the one free month.
top ^
