Welcome to A. Arnold's Answer Center

At A. Arnold, we're here to answer your questions throughout every step of your move. To get you started, we've prepared these Frequently Asked Questions, organized to address the different stages of our moving service. They even include questions for our international transferees.

You can also find helpful information in our Moving Tips, which gives advice on some efficient packing methods, as well as the Leading Up to Your Move page, which details preparation guidelines from 4 weeks before your move, all the way up to the day your goods are delivered to your destination. Both are very helpful pre-move resources. And, if you're still determining which moving company to use for your relocation services, make sure to read the 10 Ways to Find a Moving Company You Can Trust. These tips will point you toward valuable resources that will help ensure your protection and satisfaction with your moving services.

Please examine the links below to find the answers you're looking for. If you cannot find the question or answer you need here, please don't hesitate to contact one of our Sales Representatives by visiting our Contact Us page, or by Requesting a Free Quote. We'll be happy to discuss your concerns right away!

Pre-Move Planning:

When should I call a moving company?
The sooner, the better. Though the actual van assignment may not be made until a few days before your move, to assure availability it is wise to give A. Arnold four to six weeks advanced notice, if possible. The more lead-time you can give, the more likely we will be able to meet your preferred dates. The heaviest demands are placed on vans, equipment and personnel during the summer months (June through mid-September). A. Arnold understands that there are many factors that influence your choice of moving company. We will help you design a move that will accommodate your busy schedule.

How long does it take to move?
That depends on many factors, including the time of year, weather conditions, the time required to load and unload, and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling. A. Arnold will make a pre-move survey of your household goods to be transported. With this, you will be able to budget your moving costs, and A. Arnold can develop the best operational plan to meet your moving service needs.

How much will my move cost?
Basic transportation charges depend on the weight of your goods and the distance they will travel. The total cost will include these transportation expenses, any charges for transit coverage, plus charges for any additional relocation services, such as packing, unpacking, stair carries, etc. Local moves are typically charged based on time and materials.

How and when should I pay the moving company?
Specific regulations require that all charges be paid in cash, credit card, money order, cashier's check or traveler's check before your shipment is unloaded at your destination. In cases where the charges are being paid by an organization, billing arrangements can be made in advance with proper authorization.

Can my possessions be stored temporarily?
If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence, your belongings can be stored at a reasonable cost in a local warehouse. A. Arnold operates and contracts with state-of-the-art storage facilities throughout the world to provide you with safe storage solutions. You must request storage service, and you are responsible for the storage charges, as well as warehouse handling and final delivery charges. We will attempt to accommodate your desires if you'd like the same crew to deliver your belongings out of storage, but please remember that complex scheduling can make this difficult.

Moving Day Know-How:

What is the schedule for packing my items before the move?
A typical household of about 2,500 — 3,000 square feet usually requires two days to pack and one day to load. Smaller homes and apartments can often be done in less time. Very large homes can take as many as four days to pack and load. When possible, our moving teams will begin their work at approximately 8:30 a.m. and will finish around 5:30 p.m. Given the size of the move and the packing and loading schedules, our crews may continue their work outside of these hours to avoid any larger delays in your relocation.

Will the movers work on weekends?
Yes. A. Arnold will work on the weekends when required. Keep in mind that there is an additional cost associated with weekend work. Many companies will not authorize this additional cost, so ask your Move Coordinator if your move can be authorized for weekend scheduling.

If a certain driver was recommended to me, can I request him for my move?
A significant portion of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals. Because of this, we are very accustomed to special driver requests. Whenever possible we try to accommodate your driver preferences. The sooner you make us aware of a driver request, the better the chances are that we can schedule him/her for your move.

Do I need to be present during the packing and loading phase?
Someone will need to be present to the let the movers in and to show them around. Because moving is often a hectic event, we understand that you may need to run out for a short time. However, we have found that packing goes best when someone familiar with the move is available for the majority of the move.

If I already have items boxed up from a previous move, will the movers repack them?
The packers will look at each previously packed carton to determine whether it requires repacking. If a box is worn, then it will require repacking. Remember that you will be held responsible for boxes you ask us to leave unopened and which you do not want repacked.

Will your moving company inventory my move, and if so, how?
Any move involving storage or which crosses state lines will be inventoried. Intrastate moves charged by the hour can also be inventoried at your request. The inventory process will usually take place just after packing and prior to the loading of the truck. The person doing the inventory will bring a roll of numbered colored stickers with them. Every item in your home will have a sticker placed on it (with care being used to avoid damaging delicate surfaces) and will be recorded on the inventory sheet. Notes will be made regarding any current wear or tear on the objects, and before leaving your home, our crew will supply you with a copy of your inventory. It is your responsibility to check off your copy of the inventory sheet, and it should always be done while the delivery is in progress.

Will my furniture and the interior of my home be protected during the loading of the truck?
Yes, we take every precaution to prevent scratches and nicks from occurring while your furniture is being moved. We protect your hardwood floors and carpets. Furniture is protected with moving pads and upholstered furniture can be shrink-wrapped upon request prior to being padded. Most of our moving service teams consist of a driver and one to three helpers. The head driver is responsible for his crew and should oversee the entire move. If for some reason you need to notify someone about a problem, you should always speak to the head driver. Should you need to notify someone else of a problem, our move Customer Service Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Are your movers qualified to disassemble and/or assemble items such as grandfather clocks and pool tables?
While our movers have the knowledge and ability to disassemble more common items like bed frames and table legs, we will occasionally use a third-party company for any situations that require a high degree of expertise. This ensures that the job is always done properly and allows our crews to devote more time and effort to the move itself. Some of the more intricate disassemblies that may require third-party service include grandfather clocks, pool tables, large exercise machines, outdoor playgrounds, and unusually large or intricate furniture items. They are also often called upon to disconnect icemakers, gas dryers, water softeners and light fixtures.

Will A. Arnold move high-value items such as a stamp or coin collection?
A. Arnold is capable of moving certain high-value items, such as silverware and artwork. However, please do not leave items such as money, fine jewelry, coin collections, etc. to be packed by the packers. These monetary items cannot be covered for loss or damage by transit insurances and should be transported by you, your family or a trusted friend. Your carrier cannot accept responsibility for these items, and we ask that they are not among the items to be packed. For a more complete list of these high-value items, please review our Moving Tips or Contact Us today.

How does bad weather affect the moving day?
The moving crew will attempt to wait out any bad weather, such as heavy rain or snow. A light drizzle or snow will not hamper the move process since all furniture is fully protected before being removed from your house. If weather conditions persist for the majority of the day, your move may have to be rescheduled for the following day.

Destination Arrival:

What happens if I find that one or more of my items didn't arrive?
Don't panic. There is a good chance that the item isn't gone but is merely misplaced. As soon as you notice a missing item, immediately notify the driver (if he/she is still at your residence) or call your Move Coordinator and make him/her aware of the missing item.

Will the movers unpack my boxes, and if so, what does the unpacking entail?
If your move was authorized for unpacking, then the movers will be happy to unpack any boxes that they packed for your move. When unpacking a box, each item in the box is removed and unwrapped and placed neatly on a nearby surface. The main advantage to unpacking is the removal of the packing materials. If you will require a full unpack, please notify your Move Coordinator prior to your move and make him/her aware of this need.

If I unpack myself, will you remove the cartons at a later date?
As long as your move is authorized for a carton pickup, we will be happy to schedule the removal of the packing materials. As with most requests, please notify your Move Coordinator prior to the scheduling of your move.

Additional Questions for International Moves:

How is my shipment packed and how does it get there?
Your personal effects are carefully wrapped and packed into specially designed cartons. Each piece of furniture is wrapped in protective materials. Then, depending on the overall size of your shipment, it is loaded into large wooden crates or steel sea containers. The sea containers are loaded onto a container ship and sent to your destination port, where they are off-loaded and cleared through customs. We then deliver your shipment to your new residence, unwrap and set up the furniture, unpack your cartons and remove the debris.

How much do relocation services for an overseas move cost?
The price is based mainly on the volume and weight of your shipment. Our invoice will be based on actual costs of packing, loading, shipping, clearing and delivering your shipment. There are ways to determine an estimated cost in advance. For small shipments we can determine an estimated cost by analyzing your list of items to be packed and shipped. The more details you can supply, the more precise we can be with our estimate. For larger shipments we will perform a free survey of your shipment to determine your shipping requirements and the size of your shipment. Get A Free Quote today to submit your request by e-mail.

How long will it take for my shipment to get to its destination?
Generally, surface shipments from the U.S. can arrive at most destinations in 4 to 6 weeks. Shipments to the Far East can take a week or two longer. Shipments to Australia or New Zealand will take about 10 weeks. Air shipments can be cleared and delivered to your door in 10 to 20 days or less. There are various levels of service, allowing for faster or slower transit times. Even though natural weather events can affect delivery schedules, we are flexible and work very closely with our customers to provide the schedules that fit their relocation service requirements.

Are there duties and taxes to pay, and how much will they be?
Many countries allow used household goods and personal effects to enter without duties or taxes. Others are less lenient. Our Customer Service Department will provide general guidelines regarding duties and taxes.

Should I buy insurance coverage?
Replacement value, all risk insurance is available with various deductibles. It is wise to insure a shipment for the cost to replace it in the country of destination. Additionally, it is possible to insure for the cost of re-shipping a lost or damaged item. A Sales Representatives at Sterling International will assist you with more details about insuring your shipment.

Can I ship my car?
Automobiles can be shipped to any country that allows importation. Many developed countries make importation easy and inexpensive. Some countries discourage importation by assigning high taxes and duties. You will need to provide your original title, as well as the year, make, model, color and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the vehicle. Our Sales Representatives can help you determine the cost and requirements for this moving service. Request A Free Quote today, and we'll be happy to explain more!

Can I ship my pets?
Yes, but it is discouraged because long distance moving for pets is complicated and expensive. It is also a lonely and traumatic experience for your pet. However, it is a service we provide with pride.