Not marketing copy — 100 genuine questions with concise, helpful answers. Whether you're planning a local move in Dallas or a long-distance relocation, these are the questions people ask most before booking movers.
Pricing & Estimates
1. How much do movers cost?
Most local moves in Dallas–Fort Worth are billed hourly based on crew size and truck. Long-distance and specialty moves are priced based on scope. Ask for a written estimate before booking.
2. Are moving estimates free?
Yes. Reputable movers, including Stonebriar, provide free estimates by phone, chat, or in-home walkthrough.
3. What's the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate locks the price for the scope quoted. Non-binding estimates can change based on actual time or weight.
4. Why do movers charge a travel fee?
Travel fees cover the drive time to and from your home, plus fuel and truck expenses.
5. Are there hidden fees I should watch for?
Ask about fuel surcharges, stair fees, long-carry fees, packing materials, and minimum hours before you book.
6. Do I need to pay a deposit?
Many quality movers require a small deposit to reserve your date, especially for larger homes and peak season.
7. Can I get a same-day quote?
Yes. David can gather your details and produce a quote quickly, day or night.
8. What forms of payment do movers accept?
Most accept credit cards, debit, and sometimes ACH or check. Confirm accepted methods before moving day.
9. Should I tip movers?
Tipping is appreciated but not required. Many customers tip 10–20% of the labor cost or a flat amount per mover based on the difficulty of the job.
10. Is my move price guaranteed?
It's guaranteed when the scope you provided matches the actual move. Added stops, extra items, or new locations can change the total.
Scheduling & Timing
11. How early should I book movers?
Two to four weeks is typical. During spring and summer, book earlier — schedules fill quickly.
12. What's the busiest moving season?
May through August is peak season, followed by end-of-month weekends year-round.
13. How long does a move take?
A studio can take 3–4 hours. A four-bedroom home often runs 8–10+ hours. Distance and stairs add time.
14. Can movers work on weekends?
Yes. Weekends are the most requested days — book early.
15. Can movers work on holidays?
Some do. Availability is limited, so plan ahead.
16. What time do movers usually arrive?
Morning starts (7–9 AM) are most common. Afternoon starts depend on the day's schedule.
17. What if I need to reschedule?
Most companies allow rescheduling with advance notice. Deposits may transfer to the new date.
18. Can movers do a same-day move?
Sometimes, depending on crew availability. Larger homes usually require more notice.
19. How long before moving day should I start packing?
Start decluttering 4–6 weeks out. Packing begins 1–2 weeks before move day for most homes.
20. What if the movers run late?
A professional company will call, update your ETA, and adjust the plan. Ask about their communication policy up front.
Packing & Supplies
21. Do movers pack for you?
Yes. Full-service and partial packing are common add-ons.
22. Do movers unpack too?
Yes. Unpacking service is available if you'd like the crew to set your home up.
23. How many boxes do I need for a three-bedroom house?
Typically 60–100 assorted boxes depending on how much you own.
24. Do you provide moving supplies?
Yes. Boxes, tape, paper, wardrobe boxes, mattress bags, and specialty containers.
25. Can I pack my own kitchen?
Yes, but professional packers protect fragile items faster and typically reduce breakage.
26. How do I pack dishes and glassware?
Wrap each piece in packing paper, stack plates on edge, and use dish-pack boxes with dividers.
27. How do I pack a TV for a move?
Use the original box when possible, or a professional TV box with foam corners. Never lay a flat-screen face down.
28. How do I pack artwork?
Use picture boxes, corner protectors, and glassine or bubble wrap. Custom crating is best for high-value pieces.
29. How do I pack a mattress?
Use a mattress bag to keep it clean and dry during transport.
30. Do I need to empty my dresser drawers?
Empty drawers reduce weight and prevent damage. Some crews will wrap light drawers and move them full.
Furniture & Specialty Items
31. Do movers disassemble furniture?
Yes. Beds, dining tables, sectionals, and desks are commonly disassembled and reassembled.
32. Do movers reassemble furniture at the new home?
Yes. Reassembly is typically included when we disassembled it.
33. Can movers disconnect my washer and dryer?
Basic disconnect is often available. Some crews will not reconnect gas lines — a plumber handles that.
34. Can movers disconnect appliances like refrigerators?
Yes, water lines and standard connections. Empty and defrost the fridge 24 hours ahead.
35. Will movers move plants?
Local moves, sometimes. Long-distance moves — usually no, due to interstate rules and heat damage.
36. Can movers move a piano?
Yes. Uprights and grands both require the proper board, straps, and crew size.
37. Can movers move a gun safe?
Yes. Weight, stairs, and door width determine the crew and equipment needed.
38. Can movers move a pool table?
Yes. Slate pool tables should be disassembled by a specialist and re-leveled after installation.
39. Can movers move a hot tub?
Some do. Hot tubs require specialty equipment, a large crew, and clear access.
40. Can movers move exercise equipment?
Yes. Treadmills and racks may need partial disassembly.
Apartments, High-Rises & COIs
41. Do I need a COI for my apartment?
Most luxury apartments and high-rises require a Certificate of Insurance from your mover before move day.
42. What is a COI?
A Certificate of Insurance verifies the mover's liability coverage. Buildings often specify exact wording.
43. How do I request a COI?
Send your building's requirements to your mover. Most can issue a COI within a business day.
44. Do I need to reserve the freight elevator?
Yes, in most high-rises. Book it as soon as your move date is set.
45. What are loading dock hours?
Most buildings allow moves during business hours only. Weekends may be restricted.
46. Can movers handle long carries from the truck?
Yes. Long-carry fees may apply if the truck can't park close to the entrance.
47. What if the elevator breaks on moving day?
The crew will pivot to stairs when possible. Building management should be notified immediately.
48. Do movers protect building floors and walls?
Yes. Floor runners, corner guards, and doorway pads are standard on professional moves.
49. Can I move into an apartment on a weekend?
Depends on the building. Confirm with your leasing office first.
50. What if my building requires a certain move-in window?
Share the window with your mover so the crew size and start time are set correctly.
Trucks, Crews & Logistics
51. How many movers do I need?
A studio may only need 2. Larger homes often need 4–6 or more, depending on stairs, walk distance, and specialty items.
52. What size truck do I need?
Studios: 16 ft. 2–3 bedrooms: 20–26 ft. Larger homes may require multiple trucks.
53. Can I ride with the movers in the truck?
Usually no, for insurance reasons. Follow behind in your car instead.
54. Do movers provide fuel and mileage?
Yes. Fuel and travel are typically included in the quoted rate or a flat travel fee.
55. Do movers wear uniforms?
Professional companies dress their crews in branded uniforms.
56. Are movers background checked?
Reputable companies run background checks on their crews. Ask your mover to confirm.
57. Are the movers employees or day laborers?
Full-time, trained employees provide more consistent service than day-labor crews.
58. What if something doesn't fit through the door?
The crew will attempt hoisting, disassembly, or an alternate route. Some items require a specialist.
59. Can movers move items into storage instead of the new home?
Yes. Multiple drop-offs can be planned in advance.
60. Can movers handle multiple pickups or stops?
Yes, with advance notice so we can plan crew and truck time.
Weather, Safety & Protection
61. What happens if it rains on moving day?
Crews wrap items in plastic, use floor runners, and continue safely. Only severe storms typically pause a move.
62. What about extreme heat in Texas summers?
Crews take water breaks and start early. Sensitive items like candles and electronics are prioritized.
63. Can movers work in the snow or ice?
Safety comes first. Rare North Texas ice storms can delay a move.
64. Are my belongings insured during the move?
Basic valuation coverage is included by default. Full-value protection is available for added cost.
65. What if something gets damaged?
Report damage immediately. A written claim process should be shared with you at booking.
66. Should I take pictures of my furniture before the move?
Yes. Photos help document condition for any potential claim.
67. Are movers licensed and insured?
They should be. Ask for USDOT and Texas TxDMV numbers, plus liability and workers' comp coverage.
68. How do movers protect hardwood floors?
Floor runners, Masonite where needed, and careful furniture handling.
69. How do movers protect doorways?
Corner guards and door jamb pads.
70. Do movers wear shoe covers indoors?
On request, yes. Ask your crew during the walkthrough.
Long-Distance & Commercial Moves
71. Do you handle long-distance moves out of Texas?
Yes. Ask about timelines and pricing structure for interstate moves.
72. How long does a long-distance move take?
Delivery windows vary by distance and route — typically 2–10 days for cross-country.
73. Can you move me to another state?
Yes, with the proper interstate authority.
74. Do you offer office and commercial moves?
Yes. Residential, commercial, executive, and apartment moves are all supported.
75. Can you move a small business over a weekend?
Yes. Weekend commercial moves minimize downtime.
76. Do you offer storage?
Yes. Short-term and long-term storage options are available.
77. What is a packout?
A packout is a full-home inventory and pack after damage — typically for insurance claims like water, fire, or smoke.
78. Do you handle insurance packouts?
Yes. We work with adjusters and homeowners for water, fire, and mold packouts.
79. Do you handle estate moves?
Yes. Downsizing, senior transitions, and estate cleanouts are common.
80. Can you deliver staging furniture for a Realtor?
Yes. We regularly partner with stagers and agents.
Move Day & Prep
81. What should I do the night before my move?
Finish packing, charge phones, set aside essentials, and confirm parking.
82. What should I pack in an essentials bag?
Medications, chargers, a change of clothes, important documents, and toiletries.
83. Should I be home during the move?
Yes, or have an authorized adult present to answer questions and sign paperwork.
84. What should I do with pets on moving day?
Keep pets in a quiet room or with a friend to reduce stress and prevent escapes.
85. Should I feed the movers?
Not required. Cold water is always appreciated, especially in summer.
86. What if I'm not finished packing when movers arrive?
The crew can pack the remainder for an additional fee. Communicate ahead of time when possible.
87. Can I add items on the day of the move?
Usually yes, though it may affect timing and total.
88. What if I have items I don't want moved?
Label them clearly and set them aside in one area.
89. How do I prepare my kids for moving day?
Explain the day, pack their favorite items last, and consider a sitter for younger children.
90. Can movers help with donation drop-offs?
Some do, with advance arrangement. Ask before move day.
After the Move
91. How do I inspect items after delivery?
Walk through with the crew lead, check big items, and note any concerns on the paperwork.
92. How long do I have to file a damage claim?
Timelines vary by mover. Ask at booking — many require notice within 30–90 days.
93. Can movers set up beds and re-hang mirrors?
Bed reassembly is standard. Mirror hanging is offered on some jobs — ask ahead.
94. Do movers remove boxes and debris after unpacking?
Yes, if unpacking service is included.
95. What do I do with the leftover boxes?
Save some for future moves, recycle, or ask about box pickup.
96. How do I leave a review?
Google is the most impactful. Reviews help small businesses grow and help future customers.
97. Can I request the same crew for a future move?
Yes, subject to availability. Note your favorite crew lead's name.
98. What's the best way to refer friends?
Send them our number or ask us about a referral thank-you.
99. Do you offer a satisfaction guarantee?
Ask your mover directly. Reputable companies stand behind their work.
100. How do I know I hired the right movers?
Clear communication, on-time arrival, careful handling, and no surprise charges — those are the signs of a professional move.
Have a question we didn't answer? Ask David or explore our guide to choosing a Dallas moving company.