Q & A

With hundreds of years of combined experience, we know we are second to none

When should I call All American Van Lines?

If you need to move on short notice, call us and we will try to accommodate you, however at least one week notice is appreciated.

Do you provide on site estimates?

Yes. On site estimates are the most accurate way to plan and price a move and we highly recommend it.

Are there items that I cannot move?

Yes. Flammable items, ammunition, currency and jewelry, as well as liquid and perishable food items and are generally not included on the move.

Do you provide packing services?

Yes we do. We recommend arranging a packing crew one day prior to your move. Of course, we can do last minute packing on move day if it is needed.

Can I leave things in the dressers and cabinets?

It depends on the type of furniture and what’s in it. To play it safe, it’s always better to empty furniture prior to moving as some drawers rails or bottoms break when lifted with additional weight in them. If you have to leave items in dresser drawers, do not leave anything heavier than light socks or underwear. Never leave bottles or glass items in drawers.

Can you provide my building with a certificate of insurance?

Yes. At least 24 hours notice is required.

Are your movers full time employees ?

Yes. As a company policy, we do not hire temporary help.

Is your equipment reliable?

Yes. Our fleet of trucks is new, well maintained, and covered by a nationwide service contract should a problem arise.

How will you protect my furniture?

Most furniture can be wrapped with moving pads, which are provided free of charge. Some items such as mirror, marble, glass, artwork and electronic items may require custom crating which will be provided at an additional charge. We offer a full line of wrapping and crating materials.

What if it rains or snows on my moving day?

If the roads are open, we’ll be there. We will use extra care to ensure the safety of your goods.

Avoid choosing the wrong moving company

Do your homework. Call the Department of Transportation and other Consumer Organizations. Make sure the company you're dealing with is legitimate and does not have a history of complaints.

Get it in writing. Insist that your estimator put their quote in writing. Ask for a binding estimate and not an open-ended deal. Read the paperwork carefully, make sure there are
no hidden costs and check that the inventory list of items to be moved is correct.

Make sure the moving company is not a fly by night. Check last year’s yellow pages and look for the company. Find out how many years the company has been in business. Fly-by-nights usually change their company name frequently. If you have the time, visit the place of business. You can learn a lot by seeing the office for yourself and getting a sense of what kind of an organization you're dealing with.

What about insurance. Make sure that the moving company has general liability and worker compensation insurance. All licensed companies are required to carry this coverage. A company without this coverage is not only breaking the law, but is also putting you and their employees in jeopardy. Make sure that you understand the different insurance options available for your household contents and choose the one that suits your needs best. The free basic liability coverage is in many cases not enough.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of coupons mailed to you and high-pressure telemarketing representatives. Promises like 50% off your moving cost and low hourly rates are in often traps that end up costing you a lot more in the end. Don't believe stories - check it for yourself.

Moving Tips

Give notification. Make sure you notify schools, old and new. Notify the utility companies and if you are moving out of town, remember to obtain your medical and dental records. It's also a good idea to send change of address cards to your friends and relatives.

Items not to be moved. Decide which items you don't want to move and either arrange a garage sale or give them to a charity of your choice. A lot of items you no longer need might be helpful to friends and family.

One last look. When you're finished packing, take a last look. Check all your closets, your basement, garages and sheds. On such a busy day, it's easy to leave things behind. Make sure you have everything.

Open first. Pack one or two bags to take with you and mark the one or two boxes you will need immediately in your new home “open first”. This way, upon arriving at your destination you will know where to find everything you need.
OOPS! It's very easy to make this common mistake and pack away items such as your keys, your plane tickets, directions to your new house etc. While packing, make sure you know where all these items are.

Move Planner

Two to Three Months Before Moving

Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might be applicable to you.
Check schools, and start enrollment and placement testing for your children (if possible)
Start to investigate moving companies (See Avoid Choosing the wrong moving company)
Make sure that you have a lease on your new apartment, or confirm the details of the closing of your new home.

One Month Before Moving

Get estimates from the moving companies you have chosen. When you have all the estimates, call the moving company you have selected. Give them the date for your move if you have it, or advise them that you will give them the date when you are able to.
Fill out change of address order form for post office.
Fill out an IRS change of address form.
Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations.
If you are moving out of state, obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
Set up a checking account in your new city.
Make arrangements for transporting pets.
Start using up food items, so that there is less left to pack and possibly spoil.

One To Two Weeks Before Moving

Switch utility services to new address. Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and cable companies of your move.
If you have not yet set up your move date, call your mover to arrange it.
Confirm travel reservations.
Reserve the elevator if moving from an apartment, and find out if your building has any certificate of insurance requirements.
Plan ahead for special needs of infants.
Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed.
Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move. If you require additional insurance through your mover, call and make arrangements for this at least 1 week in advance.
Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

On Moving Day

Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty. Make sure that you go through every room, closet basement and garage before movers leave your home.
Make sure you have your keys and directions to your new home
After Arriving At New Home

If moving out of state…

Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
Shop around for new insurance policies, especially auto coverage.
Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.

All American Van Lines wishes you luck in your new home!