Residential Moving Questions
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Residential Moving Questions & Answers
If you are preparing to move, you may have questions about the process. We are here to help answer some of the most frequently asked residential moving questions that we hear from our customers below.
What are my rights and responsibilities when I move?
You need to understand your rights and responsibilities before your move:
- All moving companies are required by law to provide a complimentary, no-obligation in-home estimate. Never take an estimate over the phone.
- ODOT requires all movers to provide a pamphlet called General Information for Moving Household Goods in Oregon to customers during your in-home estimate. This contains information about your move. Customers will sign a mandatory receipt acknowledging they have and will read the pamphlet.
- Be cautious if you receive a very low estimate. Confirm all the services you need are accurate and part of the quote.
- Binding estimates or guarantees of actual pricing is illegal for all moves within the State of Oregon. Costs are based on time for local moving or your shipment’s weight for long-distance moves.
After discussing your move with the mover, if you need additional information or assistance, you may obtain help by contacting ODOT at 503-378-3715.
What can I expect when the Moving Consultant comes to my house?
A Lile moving consultant will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey of your items. Then, the moving consultant will calculate the weight, packing cost, and any other charges related to your move. Remember that the moving consultant must see what you are moving to provide an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics, and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so organize your house before the moving consultant arrives. They must be able to see what is moving and possibly needs packing. If you know of items out of view, point them out to the moving consultant. Our moving consultants can answer all your residential moving questions during your moving survey.
What are the other advantages offered by a full-service professional mover?
A moving company also makes other moving services available, such as valuation protection and disassembly/assembly. Professional movers are the best option, with options ranging from self-service to white-glove moving services. The stress, planning, and physical exertion involved in moving can tax your mind and body. By delegating your move to professional movers, you can have more time and energy to acclimate yourself and your family to your new environment.
Is the estimate guaranteed? There are two types of moving estimates:
- A binding estimate is a contract that specifies, in advance, the precise cost of moving based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the moving estimate. If you require additional moving services at either origin or destination, the total cost will increase.
- A non-binding estimate charges you according to the actual weight of your shipment, plus the cost of the moving services. You will still go through the estimating process to determine what your shipment may cost. To verify the weight of your shipment, the driver will weigh his trailer before loading your shipment. Once your shipment is on board, the driver will weigh his trailer again. All other moving charges will be calculated at your origin address. If there are any additional charges during the delivery process, the driver will provide you with the added costs. While this is a rare event, it can occur.
If my new home isn’t ready, can I store my belongings?
Sometimes, even local moving services must include storage. Although you may be relocating a short distance, you may require storage – whether a few extra boxes of summer clothes or an entire furniture set. Your Lile representative can help you with many storage options as part of our moving services.
How much does a move cost?
This is the most frequently asked question, and it has no definite answer. Weight, distance, length of time, and labor are the most significant factors determining moving costs. The best option is to contact your local Lile branch and request a FREE estimate.
How do I move my plants?
Lile is not able to move your plants. The stress and heat of being inside the moving trailer usually cause them to die. Many states do not allow the entry of plants, while other states will admit plants under certain conditions. Some states have no regulations at all. Your Lile representative will be able to advise you on the laws in your state before moving the plants in your vehicle.
How do I begin packing for a move?
Packing is one of the most important aspects of moving. Always use proper moving boxes. Lile offers three options for packing: full-service packing, fragile-only packing, and self-pack. If you choose to self-pack, we can provide you with the necessary moving supplies, such as moving boxes, barrels, and stretch wrap. Lile’s other moving services include the disassembly and assembly of furniture and appliances. Let us know if you want your moving boxes unpacked as part of your long-distance moving plan. Your Lile representative can also arrange for debris removal, storage, installation, and assembly assistance.
Does it cost more to use a full-service mover?
It may seem like doing it yourself is the most budget-friendly option when deciding to move. However, hiring professional movers may be the more cost-effective solution. Hiring professional movers saves you time, stress, and effort. Also, you are hiring highly trained professionals who can efficiently pack, load, unload and unpack your things. Heavy appliances, large furniture, and fragile items are difficult to load securely and unload without incurring damage. Skilled professional movers have the expertise to handle these more difficult belongings. The moving company is responsible for any damage incurred during moving or if the items are lost in transit. If you self-move, any repairs or replacements are your full responsibility.
Are there other items that can not go on the truck?
There are combustible items that we can not by law transport. And there are also solvents and chemicals that we do not carry because of practical or safety concerns. They can leak or explode in transit – damaging your belongings. See our Non-Transportable Items list for a complete list of items.
Are my belongings insured while they are in transit?
Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies do not cover your belongings while they are in transit. Your Lile representative can help you with Free Basic Liability Protection and Maximum Value Protection (programs that protect your goods during a move) – yet another reason to make Lile your moving company of choice.
How and when do I pay for the move?
Tariff provisions require that all moving charges be paid before unloading your shipment at the destination. Cash, check, or money order are the best options for paying for moving services. Talk with your moving service provider to see if you can use a credit card to make the payments. Discuss these options with your Relocation Consultant and the Customer Service Representative. If your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice. Whatever works for you. Just be sure to have this all worked out before packing and loading. If the payment method is not set up before load day, it can cause you problems on delivery day.
Are you looking for a trusted professional moving company?
If you are getting ready to move and need a trusted local moving company contact Lile Relocation Services. We are here to answer all of your commercial or residential moving questions. Call us at 888-507-6304 or fill out our simple online quote form.








