Frequently Asked Moving & Storage Questions

When planning a move, understanding your estimate is crucial. Here's what you need to know about non-binding and binding moving estimates:

• Non-Binding Estimate: A non-binding estimate provides an approximate cost for your move and is not a guaranteed price. Movers typically calculate this after an in-person evaluation of your belongings. While it should be reasonably accurate, the actual cost may change if you add items or request additional services. Non-binding estimates must be in writing and clearly state that they are not binding.

• Binding Estimate: A binding estimate guarantees a set price for your move, based on the services and inventory agreed upon. This is a legal agreement that ensures your moving cost won’t exceed the specified amount unless you add services or items. Any additional charges for extra services must be paid upon delivery. Binding estimates must also be provided in writing.

By understanding the difference between these two types of moving estimates, you can better plan your move and avoid unexpected costs.

You will be able to choose between two different options of valuation. Option 1 is Full Value Protection. Option 2 is Basic Value Protection. The decision is a personal choice and we would be happy to help you with any questions.

Full Value Protection: “your mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment…This is the more comprehensive plan available for the protection of your belongings.” The cost of Full Value Protection varies by mover.

Basic Value Protection: “The most economical protection available is Released Value, since it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article.”

Understanding how your move will be billed depends on the type of move: local, intrastate, or interstate. In North Carolina, moves within the state are regulated by the North Carolina Utilities Commission, while moves across state lines are governed by the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT).

• Local Moves (Under 35 Miles): Local moves are billed hourly based on the time it takes to complete your move.
• Intrastate Moves (Over 35 Miles Within NC): Intrastate moves are billed using a combination of weight and distance, ensuring fair pricing for longer moves within the state.
• Interstate Moves (Crossing State Lines): For interstate moves, pricing is also based on weight and distance, but these are subject to each moving company’s tariff as per federal regulations.

When you schedule a free estimate with us, one of our experienced moving surveyors will visit your home to assess your move and determine whether it’s a local, intrastate, or interstate move. From there, we’ll provide a detailed explanation of your billing and ensure you have a clear understanding of your costs.

When hiring a moving company in North or South Carolina, it’s crucial to ensure they are properly licensed and authorized by the appropriate authorities. Check that the company is registered with the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Federal Department of Transportation. Many local movers may not be properly licensed, which puts you at risk of dealing with unprofessional services. Unlicensed movers often lack accountability and may not be available if issues arise during your move. Be cautious of "Craigslist movers" or unverified companies that don't have the necessary credentials to operate legally.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a growing number of complaints have been filed against movers lately – many of which are due to the “fraudulent practices… of rogue movers.” 

In North Carolina, intrastate movers must obtain a certificate from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) to legally operate. Similarly, in South Carolina, movers must be licensed by the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs to conduct intrastate moves. Both agencies maintain lists of certified movers. To avoid the risks of delayed moves, damaged goods, inflated charges, or even the loss of possessions, always hire a legal, certified moving company in either North Carolina or South Carolina.

It depends on the contents of your dresser. If there are fragile or breakable items, we recommend removing them to avoid damage during the move. However, if your dresser drawers only contain clothes and soft items, there's no need to empty them. Keeping soft items in place can help reduce the number of boxes you'll need for your move.

Tipping is never expected, but always appreciated

At Road Haugs, we prioritize a smooth, stress-free moving experience from start to finish. When a new customer reaches out to us through our office phone line, email, or website, we begin by scheduling a free, no-obligation in-home survey. This allows us to provide the most accurate moving estimate tailored to their needs. During this survey, we gather all essential information, ensuring that we understand the specifics of their move.

We use this appointment to educate our customers about the professional moving process, set clear expectations, and answer any questions they may have. Our goal is to ensure they feel confident and well-prepared for their move. We also take this opportunity to discuss our expectations and what the customer can expect from our team, ensuring a seamless experience every step of the way.

Before contacting a moving company, it's important for customers to consider their timeline and needs. We frequently receive calls from customers at either extreme: some need moving services urgently, while others reach out far too early.

If you're planning a move, we recommend contacting a moving company 6 to 2 weeks in advance. Waiting until the last minute—such as calling the day before or the same day of your move—may limit availability, as professional movers often have schedules planned well in advance. Moving services involve several steps: scheduling a survey, providing an accurate estimate, and confirming moving dates. We highly recommend reaching out early to allow enough time for this process.

On the other hand, contacting a moving company months in advance can lead to complications as your plans may change. We’ve encountered situations where estimates were provided too early, only to have customers revise their plans multiple times. This can lead to the need for additional visits and re-estimates.

The key takeaway: reach out within 6 to 2 weeks before your moving date to ensure a smoother process. Piano moves are the exception—our specialized piano moving team is available multiple times a week, regardless of booking timelines.

As my mother used to say: “where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” When you see multiple complaints from customers, take note! This often signals a red flag. Be sure to check the reviews of the company prior to booking.

My father operated in the industry his entire life. He taught me everything he knew in his time here and I was fortunate enough to be able to observe him and learn for myself everything he didn’t. That was enough to get my own foot in the door eighteen years ago. In that eighteen years I have been able to further my experience and knowledge in the industry through my owl trials and tribulations.

I am a second generation lifelong mover. I grew up in the sleeper of a straight truck traveling the country with my father moving families from coast to coast during summer breaks from school as a kid. My entire family is in the industry in some way, shape, or form. Fresh out of school I began sub-contracting for some of the major corporate relocation companies. I operated as an independent contractor for ten years before incorporating on my own six years ago. In this industry ‘experience is everything’ in more ways than one. Our years of professional moving experience is what allows us to provide our customers with the best possible moving experience!

We recently completed a seamless office relocation project for a business in Charlotte, NC. The move involved transporting 40 cubicles, computer equipment, and various office accessories. Our professional moving team, consisting of eight movers and two trucks, successfully completed the move over the course of two full days.

To ensure an organized and efficient move, we provided plastic bins to each employee, allowing them to pack their workspace belongings securely. We meticulously labeled each cubicle and the corresponding bins, enabling us to quickly and accurately place everything in its designated spot during delivery. This approach saved the client time and energy, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free relocation.

Additionally, the building’s previous tenant had left behind a significant amount of outdated office furniture, including 20 desks, several bookcases, and numerous file cabinets. We handled the removal of these items and coordinated the donation of the furniture to two local charities, giving back to the community.

We proudly serve a diverse range of clients, including families, military personnel, government officials, corporations, small businesses, and high-profile individuals such as NBA and NFL players, NASCAR drivers, and executives. Whether you're a single mom, bachelor, elderly person, or a young professional, we tailor our services to meet your needs. Additionally, we have experience handling sensitive moves, such as helping individuals navigate relocations during divorce proceedings. We respect our clients' privacy and always honor anonymity at their discretion.