Answers

Signature Moving offers an extensive range of services from packing and crating, to moving, transport & delivery. To determine what service you need, contact customer service at 770-643-6005

Since households vary in size, the time needed to pack and load will vary. A typical household of about 2500-3000 square feet usually requires two days to pack and one day to load. Smaller homes and apartments can often be done with only one day of packing and one day of loading. Sometimes a very large home can take as long as four days. Factors such as long carriers, shuttles, and bad weather may cause a move to run slightly longer than expected.

A typical work day will begin around 9:00AM and finish around 6:00PM. However, circumstances vary from move to move and factors such as traffic and weather occasionally alter these times. We require onsite GPS check ins/outs from our crews at the start and finish of every job.

The single most important thing you can do is to be as organized as possible before the movers arrive. You should: Clearly mark "Do Not Move" on all items which are to be moved by you while traveling, and place them in an out of the way area. Place all items that you prefer to have packaged together in the same general area. Fully defrost and dry out refrigerators and or freezers. Empty all gasoline from lawnmowers and similar equipment. (exception: riding mowers should have about 1/8 of a tank left). All propane tanks from grills, camper, etc. (Propane tanks should never be loaded on your shipment). Reduce gas tanks to 1/2 of a tank or less, for all cars to be transported. Dismantle any items' which, when removed, could leave damage to a wall (screw holes, nail holes, glue marks, etc.).

Normally, two to four people will pack your home. However, the exact number may vary depending on the size of your house and the size of the crew you select.

When showing the packers around your home for the first time, make sure to let them know how you would like each room to be labeled. When packing, they will label the boxes as asked and will also include a general listing as to the contents of each carton.

An adult 18+ will need to be present to let the movers in and to show them around. Because moving is often a hectic time, 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 a majority of the move.

Hazardous materials; items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive. Examples include:

• Acids
• Aerosols
• Ammonia
• Ammunition
• Car Batteries
• Charcoal
• Charcoal Lighter Fluid
• Chemistry Sets
• Cleaning Solvents
• Darkroom Chemicals
• Fertilizer Fire Extinguisher
• Fireworks
• Gasoline
• Household Batteries
• Kerosene
• Lamp Oil
• Liquid Bleach
• Loaded Guns
• Matches
• Motor Oil
• Nail Polish Nail Polish Remover
• Paint Thinner
• Paints
• Pesticides
• Poisons
• Pool Chemicals
• Propane Tanks
• Reloading Supplies
• Scuba Tanks
• Sterno
• Weed Killer

If original cartons are left near the objects for which they were designed and all the original packing (styrofoam, cardboard cutouts, etc.) is still in the box, then the packers will try to use them. If the use of the original box entails the disassembly of an object (pressboard furniture, large toys, etc.), then the movers will try to find an alternative means of protecting the object. Small boxes for fragile items such as figurines, glassware and dolls come in very handy but due to their small nature, it is suggested that you pack these items yourself and have the packers repack them in a larger carton.

Boxes packed by customers will be labeled as so. Signature Moving will not be responsible for boxes packed by customer for damages caused by improper packing. You will be responsible for boxes that you pack or boxes that you ask to leave opened.

Any move involving storage or which crosses state lines will be inventoried. Intrastate moves charged by the hour are not normally inventoried; however, if you specifically request it, we will be happy to inventory your shipment. 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 colored stickers with them and each sticker on the roll will have a different number on it. Every item in your home will have a sticker placed on it (with care being used to avoid damaging finished surfaces). As each item is tagged, it will be recorded on the inventory sheet next to the number which is on the sticker. Notes will also be made regarding any current wear or tear on the objects. Before leaving your home, our crew will supply you with a copy of your inventory.

Yes. All upholstered furniture (sofas, recliners, etc.) may be wrapped in padded paper prior to being wrapped in moving pads. If you feel there are certain objects that need to be paper padded, please make our customer service representative aware and also point these items out to the crew-chief when Signature Moving arrives at your home. Keep in mind that there is an additional charge for this service.

Our teams primarily use a type of newsprint paper. It is similar to everyday newspaper, but contains no inks or dyes. They also use a padded paper for pictures, lamps, mirrors, and various other delicate items, and a form of bubble wrap may be used for valuable breakables.

Absolutely. It is entirely possible for you and your family to remain in the house and sleep in your beds throughout the entire move. When showing the movers around your home, make sure you let them know that you will be staying. Point out any beds that you need left undisturbed. Also make sure to separate any items which you will be using while the move is taking place. You should pack a bag just as if you were going away for the night. Place the items you will be using either on your bed or in an out of the way area and make sure they are marked "Do Not Pack Until Last Day Of The Move".

Yes. We always provide full premise protection at both origin and destination. This protection entails using carpet runners, padding the railings and door frames, and placing protective coverings on hardwood and tile floors. Although we cannot cover every inch of a floor, we will to do the best possible job of protecting your home.

Yes, our teams consist of a crew-chief, co-driver, and any number of trained crew members. The crew-chief 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 speak first to the crew-chief as soon as possible. Should you need additional help, please call customer service at 770-643-6005.

Items will only be disassembled if they cannot be easily handled or if they are less prone to damage when apart. Normally, all beds are disassembled and table legs are removed if possible.

Since most scratches and nicks occur while carrying objects through the home, we feel it is very important that every piece of furniture be fully padded and protected inside the home. This helps in reducing damage to both the furniture and the walls during the loading process.

Outdoor plants cannot be transported under any circumstances. The moving of indoor plants, is a courtesy Signature Moving extends to its customers. We leave the final decision up to each driver as to whether or not your household plants will be transported. His decision will be based on the size and number of the plants, available truck space, and the condition of the plants. We suggest you make contingency plans just in case your plants cannot go. If your plants are to be moved, please keep in mind that you are required to inspect them for insects and will be held responsible for any infractions found at the inspection stations. At no time can Signature Moving ensure the plants survival and can not take responsibility should they not make the trip.

Typically scheduling makes it difficult to schedule the same crew. However, we will attempt to accommodate your wishes. The sooner you notify us that you would prefer the same crew, the better the chance that we can schedule them for the second half of your move.

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.

Yes. Any items that our movers altered in order to safely transport them will be restored to the original condition during unloading. These items often include beds, large wardrobes, desks, tables, and shelving units. If you prefer to leave certain items disassembled in your new home, just let the movers know prior to unloading.

While many of our drivers possess the knowledge to perform these services, our policy is to 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.

Third party companies will often be used to disassemble and reassemble grandfather clocks, pool tables, large exercise machines, outdoor playgrounds, and unusually large or intricate furniture items. Also, they are often called upon to disconnect icemakers, gas dryers, water softeners, and light fixtures. In most instances only those items which were handled by a third party service at origin will be authorized for third party service at destination. To find out which items are authorized for third party service, contact your customer service representative or your company's relocation manager.

No, we recommend you move such items on your own. Transit insurances will not cover these items for loss or damage.

Yes. This is your responsibility and it should always be done as soon as possible, especially if your belongings were in storage or shared the moving van with another customer. IMPORTANT: Special care should be taken to make sure that the item description matches the items as they are being brought into your home.

Don't panic. There is a good chance that the item isn't gone, but merely misplaced. As soon as you notice an item is missing, immediately notify the driver (if he is still at residence) or call your customer service representative and make him/her aware of the missing item.

The main function of wooden crates is to add more protection for items which may not be fully protected in corrugated containers. Crates are mainly used for large, flat breakable items that are not in a protective frame. Often these consist of large glass table tops, marble tops, intricately framed pictures/ mirrors and large unframed mirrors. Also large grandfather clocks are sometimes crated depending on their delicacy. Valuable paintings, statues, and chandeliers with fragile extremities are also crated. The distance of the move also plays an important role in whether an item will be crated. Obviously, the greater the distance, the more likely an item will require crating. Our estimators are trained to recognize which items can most benefit from crating. If you feel that an item needs to be crated let your estimator know and if possible we will try to accommodate you.

Sometimes, due to steep and winding driveways or rural roads, a tractor trailer cannot get close (within 100 yards) to the home. When this occurs, the crew will often make use of a shuttle van. This requires the use of a smaller truck to transport items between the residence and the moving van. Although not always possible to determine, our estimator usually will be able to recognize if a shuttle van is required. Sometimes this cannot be determined until an attempt is made when the moving van arrives. Due to the nature of a shuttle, extra time and extra labor will be needed to complete your move. If you feel that for any reason the moving van will not be able to get close to your new home, please make sure your move estimator and/or customer servive representative are aware of this.

Yes. Signature Moving is able to work on the weekends and offers the same rates seven days a week.

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 flat surface. The main advantage to unpacking is the removal of the packing materials. If you will require a full unpack, please notify your customer service representative prior to your move and make him/her aware of this need.

Yes. Please call us to schedule a pick-up. An additional charge applies for this service.

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. IMPORTANT: You are responsible for making sure that your driveway and walkways are clear of leaves, mud, snow, ice, and other hazards prior to the arrival of the moving crew.