Frequently Asked Questions About Moving
No two moves are exactly alike, and it’s natural to have questions before the big day. Whether you’re relocating across town, heading out of state, or placing items into storage, we want you to feel fully prepared. At Georgetown Moving and Storage Company, we’ve gathered answers to the most common questions our customers ask so you’ll know what to expect every step of the way.
If you have other questions, feel free to call us at (703) 889-8899 to speak to one of our moving experts.
Licensing & Insurance
Are you fully licensed, bonded, and insured?
Yes. We are a licensed and bonded moving company with full insurance coverage, meeting all state and federal regulations.
What type of insurance coverage do you provide—basic or extended (e.g., Full Value Protection)?
We include Basic Valuation Protection with coverage of $0.60 per pound free of charge with all moves. We also offer Full Valuation Protection and Depreciation Value Protection at a reasonable cost.
Is my property insured during the move?
Yes. Your belongings are covered under our standard liability protection, with the option to purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind.
Can you issue a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for building management if required?
Yes. We provide Proof of Insurance with the specific requirements requested by the building. This service is offered at no extra cost.
What happens if an item is lost or damaged during the move?
We handle your belongings with care, but if something is lost or damaged, your move includes basic coverage, and you can purchase additional protection for full value.
Moving Services
What types of moving services do you provide (local, long-distance, out-of-state)?
We offer a full range of moving services, including:
Do you provide long-distance, out-of-state moving services?
Yes. We are a direct moving company (not a subcontractor). Our crews handle your long-distance move from start to finish.
How long does long-distance delivery typically take?
Most long-distance moves are delivered within 1 to 3 business days, depending on the destination, size of the shipment, and schedule.
How soon can you complete a move from Washington, DC to New York City?
We offer next-day guaranteed delivery to NYC with pickup in the DC metro area the day before.
Do you provide moving services for seniors?
Yes, we offer careful and reliable moving services tailored to seniors, making the process smooth and stress-free.
How much notice do you need to book a move?
It’s best to book 2–3 weeks ahead, especially in summer, but we’ll do our best to handle last-minute moves too.
Do you handle office or commercial relocations?
Yes. We provide full-service office and commercial moving, including packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and secure transport to minimize downtime for your business.
Do your services include disassembly and reassembly of furniture?
Yes. All large furniture, such as bed frames, large tables, and bookcases, will be disassembled at the origin and reassembled at the destination.
Can you remove and remount a wall-mounted TV?
We can remove a TV from the wall, but we do not install TV mounts at the destination.
Do you offer specialty moving services such as piano moving, hoisting, or handling fragile items?
Yes. We move pianos as single items and also offer hoisting services when needed.
Can I hire your team only for loading or unloading my rental truck?
Yes. We offer labor-only services for loading and unloading.
Do you provide moving services on Sundays?
No. Our services are available Monday through Saturday out of respect for our employees’ day off.
Do you offer same-day or next-day moving service?
Yes. While advance booking is recommended, we often accommodate same-day or next-day moves based on crew and truck availability.
Can you move items into storage units, basements, or attics?
Yes. Our crews can move your belongings into storage units, basements, or attics as long as the space is safe and accessible.
What is your minimum labor time for a move?
Our minimum is 2 hours of labor plus 1 hour of travel time within the DMV area.
Packing & Protection
What packing services do you offer?
Hand over the packing responsibilities to Georgetown Moving and Storage Company. We offer:
How do you protect furniture and fragile items during the move?
Our movers carefully pad, wrap, and secure your items using blankets, shrink wrap, and protective materials to ensure everything arrives safely.
Do you provide professional packing and unpacking services?
Yes. We provide both packing and unpacking services.
Can I hire you only for packing services?
Yes. You may hire us solely for packing if needed.
Do you deliver boxes and packing materials before the move?
Yes. We offer free delivery of ordered boxes, tape, and packing materials prior to your move.
Do you charge for moving blankets or other protective materials?
No. Moving blankets are provided free of charge.
What are “material charges” and what do they cover?
Material charges apply when we supply packing items such as boxes, tape, shrink wrap, or specialty cartons. You’ll only pay for what you use.
Can I pack my own boxes, or do you require professional packing?
You’re welcome to pack your own boxes. Our team can also provide full or partial packing services if you’d like extra help or added protection for fragile items.
Do you provide wardrobe boxes or specialty boxes (e.g., for dishes, artwork)?
Yes. We offer wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes as well as specialty boxes designed to protect dishes, artwork, and other fragile items during your move.
How are electronics and appliances handled (disconnecting/reconnecting)?
We’ll carefully pad and transport your electronics and appliances, but disconnecting and reconnecting items like washers, dryers, or TVs is typically the customer’s responsibility. If needed, we can recommend trusted professionals for installation.
Storage Solutions
What storage services do you offer?
We take pride in our storage options, which are affordable and economical thanks to our vault system of storing your possessions. Choose from these options:
Where are your storage facilities located?
All goods are stored locally in our Alexandria warehouse.
Do you offer short-term storage between moves?
Yes. We provide Short-term storage or Storage-In-Transit (SIT) for a few days, or overnight storage in the truck if needed.
Do you offer long-term storage options?
Yes. Long-term storage is available at our logistics center, designed for customers with extended storage needs, including deployed military and diplomatic personnel.
Do you provide affordable storage options for students (e.g., summer storage)?
Yes. We work closely with campuses and students from GMU, GWU, American University, Howard, JMU, and Marymount, providing affordable and reliable student storage solutions for the summer.
Is your storage secure?
Yes. Our Alexandria faciliti is monitored and secure, with professional staff overseeing all stored goods.
Do you offer climate-controlled storage options?
Yes. We offer secure, climate-controlled storage for short-term or long-term needs.
Can I access my items while they’re in storage?
Yes. You can schedule an appointment to access your belongings in our secure storage facility during business hours.
What size storage vaults or units do you provide?
We offer secure wooden storage vaults, each about 7 feet tall by 5 feet wide by 7 feet deep—large enough to hold approximately one to one-and-a-half rooms of household goods. For bigger storage needs, multiple vaults can be used. Learn more on our storage services page
Pricing & Payments
What are your moving rates?
We charge by the hour. Once you reach the two-hour minimum, we bill in 15-minute increments to keep your move affordable. We also charge a travel fee, which includes travel time to and from our warehouse to each job site, with a one-hour minimum on all moves. For more details about our moving rates, please call us!
Do you require a deposit to reserve a move date?
No deposit is required to secure your moving date.
Are your rates higher on weekends or peak days?
Yes. Rates can be higher on weekends, holidays, and at the beginning or end of the month due to higher demand. Booking early helps lock in the best availability and pricing.
Do you offer binding or flat-rate estimates, or are all moves billed hourly?
Most local moves are billed hourly, while long-distance moves are typically offered at a flat or binding rate based on weight and mileage.
Do you charge a processing fee for credit card payments?
No. We do not charge any fees for using a credit or debit card.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We ask that you make your payment by cash, credit card (VISA, MasterCard, or Discover), money order, or cashier’s check. We don’t accept American Express or personal checks at this time.
Do you offer discounts?
Yes. We provide discounts for military members and repeat customers.
Are there any hidden or additional fees I should be aware of?
No. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Any potential extra charges—such as long carries, stair carries, or specialty items—are explained upfront before your move begins.
Scheduling & Logistics
How do I schedule my move with Georgetown Moving and Storage Company?
You can call us or contact us online to request a free quote and begin the moving process!
What should I do if I need to reschedule my move?
We know life throws you curveballs sometimes. If you need to change the date you set with us, simply call at least 72 hours before your move or pack date and we’ll accommodate you as best we can. Be aware that your estimate may change based on the new day you select.
Can you hold my items overnight before delivery?
Yes. We can securely hold your belongings in our storage facility overnight (or longer, if needed) before completing delivery.
Do you secure off-street parking in Washington, DC on behalf of customers?
No. Parking permits in Washington, DC must be reserved directly by the tenant or homeowner through the local police precinct to obtain a valid parking space reservation.
Do I need a permit for a portable storage container?
Many counties and cities, including those in the Washington DC Metro area, require a permit to place a portable storage container or PODS-like storage unit in a private or public right of way. To prevent hitting snags on moving day, it’s important to secure the necessary permit in advance. Learn more about your county’s permit requirements before you make arrangements with Georgetown Moving and Storage Company.
How far in advance should I reserve parking permits for my building or street?
We recommend arranging parking permits at least 3–5 business days in advance (longer in busy city areas) to ensure truck access on moving day.
What happens if my building has an elevator reservation window?
We’ll schedule your move to fit within your building’s elevator reservation window and coordinate with management if needed. Please let us know the time restrictions in advance so we can plan accordingly.
Can you coordinate delivery with my building’s move-in schedule?
Yes. We can align your delivery with your building’s approved move-in times and coordinate with management for elevator/loading dock reservations and any required Certificates of Insurance—just share the building’s rules and time window in advance.
Preparation & Tips
Do I need to disassemble my bed or other large furniture before moving day?
Not necessarily. Our movers can disassemble and reassemble beds, tables, and other large pieces as part of the service.
Do I need to empty dresser drawers before moving?
You dressers and generally all the furniture pieces should be empty before your move, in order to secure safe and and proper transport of a same. If you upgraded your moving quote with us and requested full packing service – please leave this part of the job to our moving crew!
Should I label my boxes before moving day?
Yes. Labeling your boxes with their contents and destination room makes unloading faster and ensures items are placed where you want them in your new home.
Do you move plants or perishable items?
No. For safety and regulatory reasons, we cannot move live plants, perishable food, or hazardous materials. We recommend transporting those items yourself.
Are there items you cannot move (hazardous materials, flammables, etc.)?
Yes. For safety reasons, we cannot transport hazardous or flammable items such as propane tanks, gasoline, paint, aerosols, fireworks, or chemicals. Please consult us in advance if you’re unsure about a specific item.
What’s the best way to prepare appliances (refrigerator, washer, dryer) before the movers arrive?
Unplug and empty all appliances in advance. Refrigerators and freezers should be defrosted and dried, washers should be disconnected and drained, and dryers should have vents unhooked. This helps protect your appliances and ensures a smooth moving day.
When is the best time to schedule a move?
Summer is when most people like to move because the weather is warm and the kids are between school years. Still, fall, winter, and spring moves are totally doable. Just be aware that we retain the right to cancel or postpone your move in the event of inclement weather.
How should I prepare for moving day?
Moving is stressful, so you might be wondering how to prepare for the big day. Reference our moving checklist for help getting a handle on everything you must do.
How much should I tip the movers?
Tipping is optional, but a common guideline is 5–10% of the total move cost, or about $5–$10 per mover per hour, depending on service quality.
Do I need to tip movers for local moves?
Tipping is never required, but it’s a nice way to show appreciation. For local moves, many customers tip about $5–$10 per mover per hour, or 5–10% of the total cost, depending on service quality.
How do I choose a reliable local moving company?
Look for movers that are fully licensed and insured, with strong customer reviews and clear pricing policies. A reliable company will provide a written estimate, explain services and fees upfront, and handle your belongings with care. At Georgetown Moving and Storage Company, we meet all licensing requirements, maintain an excellent safety record, and are proud of our reputation for dependable service.
