Welcome to Pacific West Moving, LLC's FAQ page! Please browse the topics below to get answers to the most frequent questions.

How Much Does Moving Labor Cost?
The current rates for moving labor can vary by season and are updated often. To see the most current rates for our crews please go to the rates section.

Can Pacific West Moving Rent Trucks?
Pacific West Moving is now a Budget Truck dealer! We can reserve trucks directly from our Gaithersburg office. Our truck rental staff can give you fantastic rates without compromising the incredible service our customers have come to expect.

What Methods of Payment Does Pacific West Moving Accept?
At this time Pacific West Moving accepts Visa, Master card, Discover and cash. For those technically inclined we also accept Paypal and Google Checkout. Checks can be accepted if it has been pre-arranged with a moving coordinator.

Is Pacific West Moving Licensed & Insured?
Pacific West Moving, LLC is fully documented with all local and federal governments. However, at this time there is no license requirement for moving labor in Maryland, we are an approved limited liability corporation and we abide fully by all laws. At this time Pacific West Moving provides released liability insurance at $0.60/lb per item as required by law.

Are You a Member of the BBB?
Unfortunately the BBB does not allow us to inform clients of our BBB status via the web. Please go to the BBB site directly or call us at 301.466.7226 to find out if we are a member!

Is There a Cancellation Fee?
Pacific West Moving, LLC allows cancellations three hours or more prior to your move with no penalty. If a cancellation occurs once the crew has been dispatched there is a two hour show up fee ($150) you will be responsible for. When we are providing the truck and the labor, there is a minimum twenty-four hour notice required. If notice is received in less than twenty-four hours there will be a $250 cancellation fee.

What is the Weather Policy?
Pacific West Moving strives to work through most inclement weather situations however this is not always possible. During rain without lightning the choice is usually left up to the client whether or not they wish to proceed. When lightning we cannot continue and must either wait it out or continue the following day. During the winter if the public schools are closed we will not provide service on that day. Please note that road conditions vary throughout the DC area and some crews may be delayed due to those conditions.

Does Your Insurance Cover Damage Within the Home?
While Pacific West Moving, LLC is licensed and insured we do not cover damage to the interior of the home. Our insurance covers handled goods (items that we move) and does not cover flooring, drywall or scratches. While we make every attempt to leave the interior of your home in perfect condition this cannot be avoided at times.

Can I order a Crew With a Truck?
Pacific West Moving has always offered this service in one form or another. Due to DOT restrictions we can provide crews with a truck for local in state moves only. Currently a 16' truck is $110 an hour with a two man crew and a 4 hour minimum. A 24-26' truck is $120 an hour for a two man crew with a 4 hour minimum. Mileage, insurance, blankets and dollies are inclusive. As of November 15th 2007 there are full charges assessed based on your location, to view the charges please go to our rates section.

What Are Your Hours of Operation?
A moving specialist is available to take your calls Monday - Friday from 8am-6pm, Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm and Sunday 9:00am-1:00pm. We do provide moving labor outside of normal office hours if requested.

Does Pacific West Moving Take Same Day Reservations?
This truly depends on the day, if we have some slots available we will do everything we can to get you serviced same day.

What Areas Does Pacific West Moving Service?
Pacific West Moving currently services the entire Washington DC Metro including Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia. We have an additional branch open in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area.

Do I Need Furniture Pads?
Pacific West Moving highly recommends that all clients have furniture blankets for their move. Unless we are providing the truck our crews do not bring furniture pads. Almost every major mobile storage company and truck rental company will rent furniture pads to you for your use. If furniture pads are not provided our crews will use any available padding including blankets, towels and rugs. Please note that we do not insure items if there are no furniture pads as they are necessary in preventing damage.

Does Pacific West Moving Move Pianos?
Pacific West Moving does move standard upright and oversized upright pianos. We will not move baby grand's or grand pianos, we recommend that those pianos be crated prior to any move. We require at least two men be available to handle the standard upright pianos if they are on the first floor with no stairs. If stairs are present we require three men to move a standard upright. Oversized uprights require four men at all times regardless of location.

What Items Will Pacific West NOT Move?
As stated above, we do not move baby grand or grand pianos. Additionally we do not move tanning beds or any item with a value over $5,000. If you are using a mobile storage unit, freight or rental truck, hazardous material (gasoline, propane, etc) are not allowed to be transported and we will not load these items. If you have a question regarding a specific item please feel free to contact us, we will answer your question promptly.

What About Plasma TVs, LCDs and DLPs?
Effective October 15th 2007 Pacific West Moving will no longer load these types of televisions without the proper precautions in place. LCDs, plasmas and DLPs are very sensitive and as per our policy must be packed into a box, preferably the original manufacturers. Any television which is not packed correctly will be excluded from Pacific West Moving coverage.

Can You Recommend Other Firms in the United States?
Pacific West Moving works closely with many other licensed and insured firms throughout the United States. Regardless of the city you are moving to we can set you up with a firm there. Please use our new nationwide order form for this service.

I Am Renting a PODS Unit, Do You Recommend Service Times?
Congratulations on choosing PODS, one of the most efficient and effective methods for your upcoming moves. Because PODS has such a large quantity of containers, locations and clients they generally give you a three hour window of delivery the night before. If you have a same day delivery and pickup you will likely be delivered earlier in the day to accommodate loading times. We generally recommend that you schedule service for your load or unload after 1pm in case of delays.

If you have not yet booked your PODS unit, use promo code R005 to get a 5% discount courtesy of Pacific West Moving!

How Can We Contact Pacific West Moving?
To contact Pacific West Moving online please use the contact us form. To make a reservation please go to the reservation form. To contact us by phone please dial 301.466.7226 or 866.208.5040 and by fax at 301.560.4975. We currently service many clients so if we do not answer please leave a message and we will return your call promptly.

How Do We File An Insurance Claim?
Please print out our online claim form and fax to 301.560.4975

Does Pacific West Moving Carry G/L Insurance?
Yes! If your building requires general liability insurance please contact us and we will fax over the certificate.

How Do I Receive A Receipt?
If you have received service from Pacific West Moving and did not receive a receipt please contact us and we will have one sent over to you immediately.

Is it Okay to Tip the Movers?
It is certainly okay however it is not required. Our crews appreciate gratuity especially after a long or abnormally hard job.

Do the Movers Take Breaks?
Our crews generally do not take breaks unless requested by the client or if the job is expected to be 8+ hours. If a break comes as per the movers request we do not bill for the break time, however if the break is at the clients request the time is billable.

Do the Movers Supply Tools, Dollies and Blankets?
Our crews generally will bring the basic tools which are able to complete most jobs. These consist of screwdrivers, pliers, and measuring tape. Some jobs may require allen wrenches which are generally not part of our basic tools. Dollies are provided as they are needed, some jobs simply do not need dollies. If a long carry or heavy furniture is present then we will make sure dollies accompany the movers. Furniture blankets are the most important part of any move, but we do not provide blankets unless we are also providing the truck. If you are utilizing mobile storage or a rental truck please order your blankets through these companies as they will be needed for our crews to successfully complete the job.

Does Pacific West Moving, LLC Bundle Services?
As of Summer 2007 Pacific West Moving can bundle moving labor services with portable storage companies like PODS, Smart Move and Pack Rat. We take the hassle out of dealing with multiple firms by combining and billing for all services. Because of our working relationships with these companies we can secure discounts that the general public are not able to obtain. Would you like a quote for service? Please contact us and we will respond promptly!