Frequently Asked Questions

General

Do you disassemble and reassemble furniture?

We have all the necessary tools to disassemble and reassemble your furniture in order to take it out/in your housing and prevent damage. There is no additional charge for this type of service, it’s just a matter of more labor. The only item we don’t disassemble and reassemble will be a crib as it is a liability issue on our end so we would recommend having that taken apart prior to movers arrival.

Should I remove the contents of my drawers before the move?

It is recommended to remove the contents of all your drawers and pack them in boxes. We know that might require a little bit of extra packing, however it’s safer for the furniture when it’s getting moved to be completely empty avoiding this way contents falling off the drawers or the furniture becoming wobbly due to the extra weight.

Can the movers arrange the furniture as I need it?

Absolutely. When we deliver your items to your new home, the movers will work closely with you to make sure all furniture and boxes arrive in the correct rooms. We are happy to arrange and rearrange the furniture exactly as you would like it until you are completely satisfied.

Who should secure parking permits for the moving truck?

Movers will be using street parking/loading docks but if that is a challenge, the only option will be to get a parking permit.The customer must secure all necessary permits prior to the move to ensure that our moving trucks can park as close to the front door as possible without any issues. We can assist in obtaining parking permits only in Boston for an additional charge EXCEPT for moves that are scheduled in August and September 1st. Please inform your move coordinator at least 5 business days prior to your move about your parking situation so we can better assist you.

How far in advance should I hire movers in Boston?

If you’re moving in Boston during May-September, a minimum of 4-5 weeks in advance is highly recommended, keeping in mind that weekends, the first and the last week of every month fills up first. Please make sure that there is a minimum of 40 feet available to park each truck and 40 feet minimum permits should be filed when required. If our movers arrive with no parking available, the customer will be charged for the additional time that it takes to find suitable parking. Please be aware that if our movers are forced to park farther away from the front door than necessary, this will extend the moving time, which will result in additional expense to the customer. Any moving truck parking tickets or fees received during the move will be the customer’s financial responsibility and will be added to the final bill.

Can I ride in the cab of the moving truck with the movers?

Unfortunately, professional moving companies cannot transport customers in the moving truck for liability reasons. It is recommended to arrange a ride with a friend or a cab service on your moving day.

What can I do to ensure my belongings will end up in the correct room during the move?

Use a simple labeling system (i.e. MBR for Master Bedroom) and make sure all of your boxes are clearly marked. Boxes should be labeled on the top and three sides. Your movers will work closely with you at the destination to make sure everything ends up where you want it.

Do you offer furniture disposal on the moving day?

No, we do not offer furniture disposal services. However, if you wish to have something transported to a donation center or a waste disposal location, we are able to transport it at the hourly rate, plus any fee imposed by the disposal facility. If possible, talk to your move coordinator prior to moving day to make these arrangements.

How far in advance should I schedule my move?

We recommend scheduling your move as far in advance as possible. The farther out you can plan your move, the greater the availability you will have in choosing a date and time convenient for you. We realize advanced planning is not always possible but we will do our best to accommodate last minute customers as well.

How will the movers know what items to take and what to leave behind?

When the movers first arrive, they will do a walkthrough of your current home, confirming which items are going and which are not. Using labels for items that are going with you and what’s staying is an option as well.

Is it possible to move during inclement weather?

Yes. Our professional movers and moving trucks are prepared to move during rain, sleet, or snow. They come equipped with supplies to keep your belongings safe from the elements. However, in order to keep costs down, we recommend you shovel, rake, or otherwise clear the access ways in preparation for their arrival.

Do you offer any extra moving services to assist with my move in Boston?

Our Boston movers offer a wide range of moving services, residential, commercial, local and long distance, full packing, unpacking and storage solutions.

What if I haven’t finished packing by my scheduled moving day?

If your moving day is rapidly approaching and it becomes clear that you will not be fully packed, it is critical that you inform your move coordinator as soon as possible. They can work with you to make the best possible “plan b” for packing. This may mean having the movers finish your packing or if you have the flexibility and we have the availability, pushing back your moving day in order to allow more time to pack. If you have only a small quantity of items left to pack, your movers can often complete this on moving day; however, it is important to understand that this will add time and packing supplies to the job and, therefore, add to the total cost of the move.

Do I need to empty my filing cabinets when I move?

All file cabinets must be completely emptied and packed. All drawers need to be emptied in wooden cabinets.

What do I need to do in order to get my appliances moved?

You will have to empty your dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, washing machine, and dryer prior to the mover’s arrival. Additionally, movers are not trained electricians or plumbers – you need to arrange for the appropriate professional to disconnect your washer, lighting and chandeliers, and refrigerator from any electric and/or water connection.

Can the movers transport my pets?

Unfortunately, there is no safe place in the moving truck for pets to ride. They cannot be transported in the cab of the moving truck for liability reasons and the back of the moving truck is inappropriate due to lack of climate control and the danger posed by the potential shifting of heavy objects like boxes or furniture.

Pricing

Can I keep moving expenses down by having a family member or friend help on moving day?

On moving day, you should let the professional movers handle the job entirely. They are highly trained and best suited to carry the weight and load the truck. There is also a liability issue if something happens during the move. Generally speaking, having non-professionals work alongside the movers slows things down and costs you more in the long run. Your friends and family can be most helpful in preparing for the move by helping you with packing moving boxes or caring for your pets or children.

Do you charge for traffic delays?

You won’t be charged more than whatever is normal (according to Google maps) for a commercial truck to travel between our warehouse and your pickup location and back from the drop-off location back to your warehouse located in Charlestown. The time we travel between pickup and drop-off location is considered a working time since the moving truck is loaded therefore it can not be controlled. Also, keep in mind that on some routes, trucks are not allowed so we must use the ones that a commercial moving truck is not prohibited.

Are deposits refundable?

Unfortunately, the deposit paid at the time of booking is non -refundable regardless of reason or notice of cancellation. If for some reason, you have 2 moves scheduled for 2 different dates and one needs to be canceled, the deposit for the move that will be canceled cannot be transferred to the reservation that is still active.

How much do you tip Boston movers?

Our Boston movers don’t ask for tip. But if you are happy with the service,It’s recommended that you tip your movers individually anywhere between $3 to $6 per hour. For example, if a team of three Boston movers spends 3-4 hours on your Job, tip each Boston mover with around $25. Some people tip between 10% to 15% of their total bill for small moves in Boston and 15% to 20% for larger moves in Boston.

Packing & Storage

Do you have storage available?

Stairhopper Movers offer storage for short and long-term storage. Our storage facility is climate-controlled, alarmed, and under surveillance 24/7. Ask your move coordinator for more details about this service.

Do you guys offer packing services for fragile items?

Yes, we offer packing services for all your belongings, fragile or not. For more information, please call our office at 857-928-0876 at your earliest convenience.

Protection & Insurance

How do you handle items of high value?

We strongly recommend for your own peace of mind, to consider moving jewelry, documents, family photos, keys, etc., and other small valuables yourself in your personal vehicle. As for larger items such as art, antiques, musical instruments, special collections, or other items of great personal meaning and value, point these items out to your movers at the start of moving day so they can take the necessary steps to ensure their proper care.

How do movers in Boston protect my furniture during the move?

When I used Stairhoppers they came with tons of moving blankets and ratchet straps to keep everything secure. They wrapped everything while still in my apartment before taking it downstairs to the truck. We didn’t have anything get damaged at all!

Long Distance Moving

How can I get a quote for my move from Boston to New York?

Getting a quote from our Boston movers is very easy! Simply give us a call at 857-928-0876 or fill out the free estimate form on our website https://stairhoppers.com/boston-office/

Can your Boston movers handle long-distance moves as well?

Absolutely, we offer local and long-distance moves. Whether you’re moving within Boston or across state lines, our team is here to assist you.
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