Bannister Moving & Storage is an Agent for National Van Lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.When Is the best time to move and when should I
call?
2. Is your storage air conditioned?
3. How long will my in home survey take?
4. How long does it take before I get my belongings?
5. What type of insurance do you offer?
6. Will my shipment be the only one on the driver’s
van?
7. Can I take plants? If no then what do I do with
them?
8. Can you take my car in the van with the HHG’S?
9. Can My Possessions Be Stored Temporarily?
10. Do you give free estimates?
11. Do you move locally?
12. Can I put anything in the drawers of my dressers?
13. Who can I call if I have questions while my belongings
are being shipped?
14. What is a load spread?
15. Will my belongings ever be transferred from one
van to another?
16. Should anything be done to my appliances to prepare
them for moving?
17. Do I have to be there when the movers come?
18. Can I pay with personal check?
19. What should I do to prepare to move my waterbed?
20. I have white carpet, what will be done to prevent
soiling?
21. How will National Van Lines protect my upholstered furniture?
22. How long will it take the packers to pack our
items into cartons?
23. Can I Move Jewelry And Other Valuables?
24. Is there anything that I can’t have moved?
25. What are my charges based on?
26. How can I obtain an estimate of moving costs?
27. What is the difference between a binding and
non-binding estimate?
1. When Is The Best Time To Move and when should I call?
If there is a choice, we suggest you select a time other than
summer, the end of the month or the end-of-year holidays. The heaviest
demands are placed on vans, equipment and personnel during these
periods.
If the move can be scheduled for a time when vans and trained personnel
are more readily available, we'll be better able to meet your preferred
delivery schedule.
The earlier, the better. Although the actual van assignment may
not be made until a few days before your move, it's wise to give
your moving company from four to six weeks' notice, if possible.
The more lead time you can give, the more likely we will be able
to meet your delivery schedule.
2. Is your storage air conditioned?
We also have air conditioned storage available at our Glendale warehouse that is kept at a constant temperature of 79 degrees.
Some other warehouses at other National Van Lines facilities throughout the world are climate controlled, depending upon the location. Talk to your moving counselor for specific locations.
3. How long will my in home survey take?
The in home survey can last anywhere from one half hour to two and one half hours. This will depend upon the size of your home, the parameters of your move, as well as the number of questions that you may have of us. We suggest that you allow an ample amount of time, as the more and better information that we have about your move, the better service we will be able to provide.
4. How long does it take before I get my belongings?
This depends on many factors, such as the time of year, weather
conditions, size of your shipment, time required to load and unload,
and the direction and distance your shipment is traveling.
Because the furnishings of the average household will not fill
a van, it is often necessary for two or more shipments to be loaded
on the same van. Each shipment is carefully sectioned off from
the others.
When your move is first booked, it is difficult to estimate exactly
when the driver will arrive at your home. We will give you a range
of between 1 to 4 days during which the driver will arrive. You
will receive notification one day in advance of the day that the
driver will arrive at your home to load your belongings.
Before your belongings are loaded on the truck, you and your moving
counselor should have agreed on a delivery spread of anywhere from
1 to 10 days (depending upon the distance of your move and the
size of your shipment. You will receive notification of delivery
one day prior to delivery. You, or someone you have designated
on your National Van Lines paperwork to take your place, must be present
to accept delivery and pay all charges. In the event that no one
is available, your shipment could be placed in storage at an additional
charge. Be sure that you give your moving counselor telephone numbers
where you can be reached throughout the move.
5. What type of insurance do you offer?
Occasionally, some minor damage occurs during shipping. We have several options to protect your belongings. Review the coverage plans with your moving counselor to select the plan that best fits your needs. A valuation of 60 cents per pound is provided at no charge, but we recommend that a higher valuation be declared to adequately cover your belongings in the event of damage. As an example, suppose your new television purchased for $500, weighing 50 pounds, is damaged beyond repair. Minimum coverage of 60 cents per pound would entitle you to $30. National Van Lines does offer additional protection plans that will more adequately fit your needs. Ask your moving counselor about Declared Value Protection and Extra Care Protection/Customer Transit Protection.
Declared Value Protection (DVP) provides for reimbursement for
any lost or destroyed item at its depreciated value, up to the
dollar amount you declare as the total value of your possessions.
Minimum valuation under this plan is $1.25 times the weight of
the shipment. Here, if your belongings were damaged beyond repair,
you would receive actual cash (depreciated) value for each item,
up to the total amount declared as the value of your shipment.
Extra Care Protection (ECP), provides for the full cost of repair,
or the full cost of replacement of any household item that may
be damaged or lost during your move, up to the amount that you
declare to be the total value of your belongings. Minimum valuation
under this plan is $4.00 times the weight of your shipment. Replacement,
if necessary, is at today’s prices, not at depreciated cost. This
full replacement protection includes many matched sets and pairs,
such as candlesticks, lamps and chairs.
6. Will my shipment be the only one on the driver’s van?
On local and intrastate moves, your belongings will almost always be the only goods on the van. For interstate (state to state) moves, there will be between one and five families’ goods on the van, depending upon the size of the moves.
7. Can I take plants? If no then what do I do with them?
We cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants, because, chances are, they will suffer from a lack of water and light as well as probable temperature changes while in the van. They may also contain items that could contaminate the rest of your shipment.
You may want to transport your houseplants in the family car or ship them by plane. Some states prohibit the entry of all plants, while other states will admit plants under certain conditions; still others have no plant regulations. Be sure to check the regulations of the state to which you're moving.
8. Can you take my car in the van with the HHG’S?
It is possible to transport your automobile with the rest of your belongings -- provided there's enough room. Please consult your moving counselor for more information.
9. Can My Possessions Be Stored Temporarily?
If you are unable to take immediate possession of your new residence,
your belongings can be stored in a local National Van Lines agent's warehouse.
National Van Lines agents throughout the world provide safe storage facilities
for holding your goods until you're ready for them. However, you
are responsible for the storage charges, as well as warehouse handling
and final delivery charges from the warehouse.
If your goods are placed in storage, there will also be an additional
charge for the valuation or insurance coverage provided for your
shipment. The type of coverage and cost will depend upon whether
the shipment is held in storage-in-transit (temporary) or in permanent
(long-term) storage.
10. Do you give free estimates?
Yes! As long as we have an National Van Lines office the same area as your home, we will be happy to provide you with a free written estimate. In most cases, we will give you a guaranteed price.
Yes. We can move you locally, within the same state, interstate (among states) and internationally.
12. Can I put anything in the drawers of my dressers?
All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent damage during transport. Non-fragile, light-weight items such as clothing and linens can be left in dresser drawers.
13. Who can I call if I have questions while my belongings are being shipped?
We suggest that you call your moving coordinator at any time throughout your move. They can answer any questions or at least get the answers to any questions that you may have. We will have an average of 30 people at Bannister and National Van Lines involved during the course of your move, so this single source communication is the best route to go.
A load spread is the predetermined span or choice of days that we need to load your belongings. Because there are normally multiple families belongings on the van, we need a range of days to ensure that we can directly load and unload your goods. The same applies for delivery spreads.
15. Will my belongings ever be transferred from one van to another?
Normally, your belongings are not handled on more than one van. This is time consuming and increases the likelihood for damage. There are occasionally times, however, that we are unable to service your date requirements by direct loading. Because we have made a commitment to service your particular dates, we will have our local agent pick up your belongings and hold them for the van that will directly deliver your goods.
16. Should anything be done to my appliances to prepare them for moving?
Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Again, your moving counselor can refer you to an appropriate professional to perform these services.
17. Do I have to be there when the movers come?
You must be at your residence at the beginning of your move and also at the end to ensure that all services are performed and that the paperwork is properly filled out. We do not require you to present throughout the whole move, but suggest that you are there as much as possible, as questions can arise at any time. If you can not be present at either end of the move, you may appoint your agent to sign on your behalf. This must be done in writing.
18. Can I pay with personal check?
Most moves require payment upon delivery by either cash, certified check or money order. Other payment options such as credit card. Discuss these options with your moving counselor to select the one that works best for you. In the event that your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange be billed via invoice. Whatever payment option best meets your needs, be sure that all the arrangements are made before your belongings are packed and loaded.
19. What should I do to prepare to move my waterbed?
Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fiber-filled waterbeds need to be professionally vacuum-drained in advance of your move date. Your moving counselor can refer you to a professional to perform these services.
20. I have white carpet, what will be done to prevent soiling?
We will make arrangements to have the carpet covered with rug runners to prevent soiling. Be sure to mention this to your moving counselor.
21. How will National Van Lines protect my upholstered furniture?
National Van Lines uses a special procedure called StretchWrap. It is a heavy, clear plastic wrap that protects your furniture from being soiled.
22. How long will it take the packers to pack our items into cartons?
This depends upon the size of your move. Normally, allow one full day for packing. Then, allow one full day for the loading of the van.
23. Can I Move Jewelry And Other Valuables?
Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided you notify us of thesetem sbefore packing or moving day. However, we strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport.
In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to be articles of "extraordinary" value. To be assured that a claim involving these articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form and sign the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading. If no articles of extraordinary value are included in your shipment, simply write "none" on the High-Value Inventory form and sign it.
24. Is there anything that I can’t have moved?
Plants and pets for obvious reasons, can’t be loaded on the truck. There are several household items that are considered hazardous materials and cannot be moved with your other belongings. These include aerosols, gas cans, paints, varnish, corrosives, batteries, matches, nail polish and remover, ammunition, explosives, cleaning fluids and detergents. Please consult your moving counselor if you think you have anything else that may not be safe to transporton the truck.
Be sure to carry enough clothing, medications, toiletries, etc. to last from the load date until the last day of the delivery spread. We do suggest that you keep small valuables such as jewelry and family photographs and videos with you during the move. National Van Lines also recommends that you pack a survival box.
25. What are my charges based on?
For an interstate move, your charges are based on the weight of your shipment, together with the mileage between origin and destination. At the time of your estimate, your moving counselor will be happy to explain the itemized charges on your estimate, which would include any packing, crating, uncrating and coverage.
On a local move, charges are based upon the time required to perform your move. Charges are normally quoted by the hour for “one van and two men” or the appropriate number of vans and men required. Packing of cartons is normally charged by the carton.
26. How can I obtain an estimate of moving costs?
To receive an estimate, fill out the on-line form and we will contact you to set up an appointment. For a ballpark estimate of moving costs, check out our Moving Calculator.
27. What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate requires you to pay based on the actual weight of your shipment and the actual services performed. There is no limit. A binding estimate is a price that is guaranteed unless additional services are performed that are not specifically listed on your paperwork. You must complete additional paperwork for any items to be added to your shipment or to have additional services provided.
1. Where do "extra charges" come from?
Do you have an attic, crawl space or storage shed? Often these storage areas are forgotten when working up an estimate and remembered only when it is time to load the truck. The cost of moving these additional items would have to be added to the estimate. To avoid this situation, be sure you have shown all of these areas to your moving counselor at the time of the estimate.
There are other services that may come up that may not have been anticipated at the time of the estimate, such as excessive distance from the van to your residence, flights of stairs or unpacking of boxes that weren’t initially anticipated.
2. Will there be extra charges if I am moving into or out of a multilevel building?
If you live on the second or third floor of a building, we may have to charge for "stair carries". This charge also applies to single-family homes with more than seven (7) stairs leading to the entrance of the home. Your moving counselor will let you know if the situation at your current home will require these charges. Since your moving counselor does not visit your new home, you will have to let him/her know about the layout there.
3. What if the truck can’t park up close to the house?
If we are not able to park the truck close to an entrance to your home, you may be charged for a "long carry". Often tree branches grow low over roadways not allowing for the height of a truck. Narrow streets and driveways can restrict accessibility to your home, making it necessary for the driver and helpers to carry your belongings a longer-than-normal distance. If the distance from your home to the truck is too great for the driver and helpers to carry your belongings, we may need to load your belongings on a smaller "shuttle" truck before placing them on the actual moving van. Use of a shuttle truck is also an additional charge.