Please take a moment to review our most frequently asked questions.
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How Can I Get An Estimate For Moving?

To Estimate your move we encourage you to fill out our Free Estimate form. This form is quite detailed and will remind you to include those lawn chairs or bike in the garage that you forgot to think about. Alternatively – and at any time of your communication with us – you can give us a call. If you live in the area we will visit your place to evaluate the amount of inventory and pacing work needed. This visit is FREE of charge as part of our detailed service package. If you are outside the Greater Houston Area, we will speak with you in detail over the phone – and get all the information on your inventory and other important details to provide you with the quote.

Can Clothes And Other Items Be Left Inside The Furniture During the Move?

We recommend that all clothes and items be removed from inside the furniture. This includes all desks, dressers, armoires…etc. This makes the furniture much lighter and easier to move. It also limits wear and tear to your furniture during the move. Generally the only items of furniture that can be safely moved with items still in them are small light pieces of furniture containing very light belongings inside (sweaters, shirts, blouses, lingerie). Be careful NOT to leave fragile items and anything that might spill or leak.

Do I tip the Movers?

Like all over service businesses, tipping is not required. A tip is a reward for a job well done. Do not feel obligated to give a tip if you feel it was not desired.

Do You Charge Extra For Moving Large Items Such As Pianos?

VIP Moving Service has no additional charges for moving pianos. Piano moves and any other extraordinarily heavy furniture are charged the same way that regular moves are charged. We have professional movers that have 5+ years of piano moving experience.

What Happens When It Rains?

We at VIP Moving Service will always honor our moving commitments regardless of the weather. Unpredictable weather might slow down the job but weather is unavoidable. If your move occurs on a day where that weather is acting up our movers will take precautions to protect the floors and carpeting from excess dirt and soil. Of course, we also give the option of a “rain check” in which you can reschedule for another day.

Do Movers Supply Cartons?

Most if not all movers carry a large assortment of boxes and materials to pack the contents of your home. These boxes are not free. Movers pay for them and will usually charge you a discounted rate should you decide to move with them. V. I. P. provides boxes free of charge during your move to protect fragile items. However, is you want to pack your stuff before the move, you can order some packing materials here. We do not recommend getting boxes from your local grocery store. These boxes are often flimsy and many times carry insects because foodstuff surrounds them. Always use double corrugated boxes, not single. The stronger your boxes, the better chance your goods have of surviving any mishaps, should they occur.

When Is The Best Time To Move?

If there is a choice, most moving companies suggest you avoid the summer, beginning or end of the month or winter holidays. The heaviest demands are placed on equipment and personnel during these periods.

However, you should move when it’s most convenient for you. Factors involved in the decision may include:

• Whether the move must be made immediately.
  
• Transferring children during the school term.
  
• Separation of the family while the move is under way.

If the move can be scheduled for a time when vans and trained personnel are most readily available, we’ll be better equipped to meet your preferred moving schedule.

Can I Pack My China, Glass & Crystal?

Most people prefer to have their household possessions, especially fragile items, professionally packed by a moving company. However, if you decide to pack these items yourself, remember that the basic principles of good packing include wrapping the items individually, providing plenty of cushioning and making sure of a firm pack. Be sure to select a sturdy container with a lid. Place a 2 or 3 inch layer of crushed paper on the bottom of the carton as a cushion. Wrap each item individually with a soft material to provide a safe, protective “padded nest.” Pack the heaviest ones on the bottom; empty ones next, filing in empty spaces with crushed paper. Place plates on the edge and glassware on the rims for maximum protection. Mark the carton “Fragile” and list the contents on the outside. Be sure to seal the carton with tape. Cartons, paper, tape and other packing materials may be purchased here for a very modest cost.

Can I Move My Plants?

VIP cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants because they may suffer from lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van. You may prefer to transport your plants in the family car.

Can I move My Pet?

Pets cannot be carried on the moving van. Dogs, cats, canaries and parakeets can usually be transported in the family car. If this isn’t convenient, VIP Moving Services will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely.

Can I Move Jewelry And Other Valuables?

Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, antiques, and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided you notify VIP Moving Service of these items before packing or moving day. However, we strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport.

How And When Should I Pay?

Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination (unless prior arrangements have been made for later billing). Payment for your move can be made by one of the following methods: cash or cashier’s check. In addition, the Visa or MasterCard can be used also (with advance approval). Personal checks are not accepted.

When Should I Call A Moving Company?

The earlier, the better. It is wise to give your moving company from 4 to 6 weeks notice, if possible. The more lead-time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your moving schedule. If your pickup and delivery dates are critical due to such factors as lease expiration or a real estate closing, you may choose a preferred service which will enable us to accommodate a reasonable schedule based on your specific needs. You should discuss your specific pickup and delivery requirements with your relocation counselor, who can advise you of the types and costs of services available.

What Items Are Not allowed to Move?

Before your possessions are packed and loaded, it is important that you understand which items cannot be shipped because they represent a hazard or are perishable. Listed below are some common non-allowable items that you will need to address prior to your pack and load dates:

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS – items that are flammable, corrosive, or explosive.

Examples include: Aerosols, Fireworks, Nail Polish, Ammonia, Gasoline, Batteries, Paint, Kerosene, Lamp Oil, Pesticides, Lighter Fluid, Loaded Guns, Motor Oil.

Will You Charge Me The Estimate You Quoted Or Will It Be More?

We will stand by our quote: given that the information received from you is accurate, the price we charge you will be within the quote (or lower if possible).

Is There A Way to Get A Moving Estimate?

Yes, our just call us here at VIP Moving Service and have the following basic info:

When you supply us with this information we can best determine the rate of your move.
Our Local moves are based on an hourly rate (two hour minimum), with a one-time trip charge. Extra stops are free and we don’t surprise you with extra charges.

For nationwide moves you will need to provide fore mentioned information in addition to a full inventory of the items you will need transported. These rates are determined by the amount of items to be relocated and the travel distance that we will have to transport them. We will adjust the cost for you if you have to include or remove any items before the move date. And we can give you a flat rate of the move.

What Determines The Hourly Rate and Trip Charge?

The amount of time that our crews work is what you can expect charges for. The moves go according the following: