GOT QUESTIONS?
FAQ
Quick, honest answers to any question about moving. If you don’t see your question below, just call us at
We’ve gathered the most common moving and storage questions from customers in Atlanta and Lawrenceville, GA to help make your move smoother. If you didn’t find your question, please don’t hesitate to call us at . $cat ) :
Got moving and storage questions? We’ve got the answers.
‘general’,
‘title’ => ‘General Questions’,
‘items’ => [
[ ‘q’ => ‘How do I know your moving company is legitimate? Do you have insurance?’, ‘a’ => ‘Budget Moving Services is fully licensed by the FMCSA and the Georgia Department of Public Safety, and we hold Cargo, Motor Vehicle, Workers\’ Compensation, and General Liability Insurance. We are also active members of the Georgia Movers Association.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What is the size of your trucks?’, ‘a’ => ‘We have a fleet of moving box trucks to handle moves of all sizes. 18-foot trucks for studios or one-bedroom apartments, 20-foot trucks for two-bedroom apartments, and 26-foot trucks for larger moves like three-bedroom apartments or houses. We\’ll bring as many trucks as needed to keep your move efficient and secure.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do I have to pay extra for a moving truck?’, ‘a’ => ‘No — the moving truck, blankets, dollies, and basic tools are always included in the hourly rate.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How far in advance should I schedule my move?’, ‘a’ => ‘The earlier the better. 2–4 weeks is usually ideal, but if you\’re planning to move during peak times (summer, end of the month, or weekends) please call us 4–6 weeks before your planned date.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do you do out-of-state moves?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes! We are fully licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to transport household goods from Georgia to any state in the country.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Who are your typical customers?’, ‘a’ => ‘We provide moving services for both residential and commercial clients — from studio apartments and family homes to offices and corporate relocations across Atlanta and Lawrenceville, GA.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do I need an estimate to book a move?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes — the estimate is free and no obligation. We provide free video estimates and in-home estimates. Every move is different, so we need information about your home size, inventory, addresses, stairs, and any special items to give you an accurate price.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can my belongings be temporarily stored at your location?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes, we offer secure climate-controlled storage. Give us a call for current availability and pricing.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Are there any hidden fees?’, ‘a’ => ‘We strive for upfront pricing with no hidden costs. Standard industry charges include a one-time travel fee to cover crew transit time, packing materials beyond basic blankets, and an extra fee for items over 220 lbs (pianos, safes, gym equipment). Your moving consultant will assess your needs and provide a transparent, all-inclusive estimate.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What if there\’s bad weather on the day of the move — rain or snow?’, ‘a’ => ‘No worries — we\’re prepared for bad weather. We bring extra plastic covers to protect your belongings. It might take a little extra time, but everything stays safe and dry.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What is the best day of the week to move?’, ‘a’ => ‘Weekdays (Monday or Tuesday) are typically the best because weekends fill up quickly and may carry higher rates. Mid-month is also easier than end-of-month, when many leases turn over.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can you help with loading my truck or POD?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes — we offer labor-only moving services to load or unload your truck or POD, or to handle an inside-only move.’ ],
],
],
[
‘slug’ => ‘pricing’,
‘title’ => ‘Pricing for Local Moves’,
‘items’ => [
[ ‘q’ => ‘Are your local quotes binding or fixed?’, ‘a’ => ‘Our local quotes are non-binding hourly estimates that approximate the cost and time for your move. The final price is based on actual time worked.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do you require deposits?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes — a small deposit secures your move date. Local moves require a $100 deposit; long-distance moves require $500. Deposits are fully refundable if you cancel at least 48 hours before your move, and you can reschedule without any extra charge.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How is the cost of my move calculated?’, ‘a’ => ‘Local moves are based on an hourly rate billed in 15-minute increments, plus a one-time travel fee to and from your location, plus any materials or additional services used. The hourly rate starts when the movers arrive and ends when the move is done.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What is the Travel Time Fee and how is it calculated?’, ‘a’ => ‘The travel time fee covers the time and cost (gas and crew wages) for our team to get to your location and back. It\’s a fixed line item on your estimate and won\’t change during your move. The minimum charge for travel time is 30 minutes.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Does the hourly rate include boxes, packing supplies, and packing services?’, ‘a’ => ‘Moving blankets are always included and collected at the end of the move. Other packing materials — boxes, tape, shrink wrap, packing paper — are charged based on actual usage. You\’re also welcome to provide your own materials.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What if I have more things than I initially listed?’, ‘a’ => ‘No problem — we don\’t charge by item. Our trucks are big enough, but extra items can affect moving time and may require more movers or an extra truck. The foreman will assess on the day of the move; if you\’d rather not increase the cost, we can stick to the originally quoted inventory.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘If my move takes longer, will there be an extra charge?’, ‘a’ => ‘You\’re billed at the hourly rate in 15-minute increments after the 2-hour minimum.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What if my move takes less time than estimated?’, ‘a’ => ‘You only pay for the actual moving time. However, there is a minimum of 2 hours of labor plus your travel fee, so we never charge less than 2 hours and 30 minutes total.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘When do I pay for the move?’, ‘a’ => ‘The balance (final cost minus the deposit) is due in full at the end of the move. For multi-day moves, you pay each day as service is completed. Card payments are accepted (with a service fee) or cash (with a discount).’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What is the moving hourly rate?’, ‘a’ => ‘It depends on the number of movers and trucks, the day of the week (weekdays vs. weekends), and the season. See our Moving Cost page for current rates.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What if I decide to cancel my move?’, ‘a’ => ‘Please give us 48 hours\’ notice for local moves and 5 days\’ notice for interstate moves. Your deposit will be fully refunded within 2–4 business days.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What payment methods do you accept?’, ‘a’ => ‘We accept major credit and debit cards, cash, ACH transfers, and certified checks (with prior notice). Card payments incur a small service fee; cash payments receive a discount.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘If I need to change the date of my move, what is your reschedule policy?’, ‘a’ => ‘You can reschedule without penalty before your move date and your deposit will roll over to the new date. Please give us as much notice as possible. If you reschedule with less than 48 hours\’ notice and then cancel, your deposit may be forfeited.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do I have to pay for stairs?’, ‘a’ => ‘No, you don\’t. Just specify the number of flights in your estimate — stairs may affect the time of the move or the number of movers needed.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Should I tip the movers?’, ‘a’ => ‘Tipping is appreciated but entirely up to you. A typical range is 10–20% of the total moving cost. Tips are given directly to the movers and are not part of the moving bill.’ ],
],
],
[
‘slug’ => ‘insurance’,
‘title’ => ‘Insurance & Move Protection’,
‘items’ => [
[ ‘q’ => ‘How are my belongings insured during the move?’, ‘a’ => ‘By default your items have basic coverage as required by the Department of Transportation: $0.60 per pound per article. You can also purchase Full Value Protection from us, or insurance through a third-party provider.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What items will movers not move?’, ‘a’ => ‘We cannot move pets, firearms, drugs, chemicals, plants, or flammable liquids.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do I need a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for the move, and how do I get one?’, ‘a’ => ‘You may need a COI if your building requires one — it\’s confirmation that our company is insured. Please check with your building management; we provide COIs free of charge with at least 48 hours\’ notice.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do I need to empty my drawers before the move?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes, please empty all drawers and furniture before we arrive. If you booked our packing service, our team will handle this for you.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Will movers protect my furniture during the move?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes, we use moving blankets to protect your furniture, and additional plastic stretch wrap when needed.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Will movers transport my jewelry and important documents?’, ‘a’ => ‘No — we don\’t move valuables like jewelry and important documents. Please keep these items with you during the move. We are not responsible for any such items packed without our knowledge.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can your moving company move my plants?’, ‘a’ => ‘We don\’t typically move plants due to regulations. We may be able to transport them in large bins if you sign a release form acknowledging the risk of damage.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How should I pack my belongings if I\’m packing myself?’, ‘a’ => ‘A few tips: pack similar items together, keep box weights under 35 lbs, use small boxes for books and CDs, medium boxes for fragile items and electronics, and large boxes for clothes and linens. Use packing paper or towels for glassware.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How will my house and property be protected during the move?’, ‘a’ => ‘We use special covers and floor protection to minimize any potential damage to your walls, floors, and doorways.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What if I notice damage to my home?’, ‘a’ => ‘While we do everything to prevent it, please let us know right away during the move so we can document it and work with you on the resolution.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘If your employees are injured while working in my home, am I responsible for their medical bills?’, ‘a’ => ‘No. Budget Moving Services carries workers\’ compensation as required by law and is fully responsible for any work-related injuries to our crew. We do not use day labor or casual workers.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What if I don\’t want to wrap my furniture to save time?’, ‘a’ => ‘For the safety of your belongings, we may still need to wrap certain items per our policy. If you decline furniture wrapping, we\’ll proceed only with a signed release form acknowledging that we cannot be held responsible for damages.’ ],
],
],
[
‘slug’ => ‘moving-day’,
‘title’ => ‘Moving Day’,
‘items’ => [
[ ‘q’ => ‘Who do I contact if I have any questions during the move?’, ‘a’ => ‘Call our office at ‘ . bms_phone() . ‘. We\’re available 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM to assist you.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Who is responsible for parking permits and parking tickets?’, ‘a’ => ‘You are responsible for obtaining any necessary parking permits, loading-dock reservations, or paying for any parking tickets incurred during your move.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What should I keep with me on moving day?’, ‘a’ => ‘Medications, important paperwork (birth certificates, social security cards), and anything highly valuable or sentimental (jewelry, credit cards, bank info) should stay with you. Also pack day-of essentials — snacks, toilet paper, paper towels, phone chargers, a change of clothes, toothbrush, and your kids\’ favorite toys — in a “first night” bag.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can I add things to my move at the last minute?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes — just call us so we can update the estimated cost and plan. We can usually accommodate extra items, but it may affect moving time and price. The foreman will confirm everything on the day of the move.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do the movers take breaks?’, ‘a’ => ‘On smaller jobs our movers typically work without breaks. For larger moves of 5–6 hours or more, there may be short breaks or a lunch break. The foreman will let you know — any breaks longer than 5 minutes are deducted from total moving time.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Will movers disassemble furniture and reassemble it? Is there an extra charge?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes — we disassemble beds and standard furniture and reassemble at your new location. It\’s included in the hourly rate. There\’s a small charge only for new furniture assembly.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Will movers take a TV, paintings, or curtain rods off the wall?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes. There may be an extra charge for TV boxes and picture boxes, or you can provide your own boxes.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do movers mount TVs or paintings on the wall?’, ‘a’ => ‘No — we don\’t mount anything on walls. We recommend hiring a handyman or A/V professional for these services.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can I disassemble furniture myself?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes, that can save time on moving day. If you\’d like us to reassemble at your new location there will be an additional charge. Keep all screws and hardware together with the furniture piece for easy reassembly.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How will the movers know what to move and what to leave at the origin?’, ‘a’ => ‘The crew will have your moving plan and inventory list. Before we start, the foreman will walk through your place with you to confirm exactly what to move.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can the crew arrange furniture to my liking in my new home?’, ‘a’ => ‘Absolutely. Just let us know where you want each piece and we\’ll place it for you.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What if I find any damaged or missing items?’, ‘a’ => ‘Please show your foreman immediately and contact our office. Take photos and don\’t dispose of the packaging or items. We strongly suggest inspecting all items at the end of the move.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Will movers disconnect appliances and reconnect them?’, ‘a’ => ‘No — movers are not electricians or plumbers and are not licensed to disconnect gas. Your dishwasher, microwave, and washing machine should be empty and disconnected. We\’ll wrap them in moving blankets to protect them on the truck.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can I pack liquids and food?’, ‘a’ => ‘For local moves you can pack liquids and beverages — just secure the lids tightly and pack them last. Food and beverages are not allowed for storage or long-distance moves.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Will I pay more if the crew gets stuck in traffic?’, ‘a’ => ‘It can affect overall moving time (we charge by the hour), but the travel time to and from our parking location is a fixed fee not impacted by traffic.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How do I change my address?’, ‘a’ => ‘You can change your address with the U.S. Postal Service online at usps.com/move — follow the steps to fill out your change of address.’ ],
],
],
[
‘slug’ => ‘storage’,
‘title’ => ‘Storage’,
‘items’ => [
[ ‘q’ => ‘Where is your storage located?’, ‘a’ => ‘Our storage facility is located in Lawrenceville, GA, easily accessible from anywhere in the greater Atlanta area. Call our office for the exact address and directions.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘If I don\’t know my move-out / delivery date / address yet, can I still use your storage?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes — storage at Budget Moving Services is a great option if you have an uncertain move-in date or are still finalizing your destination. We offer flexible terms and can store your belongings as long as you need.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How do I figure out the size of the storage unit I need?’, ‘a’ => ‘We\’ll help you choose. We estimate the right size based on an inventory list of your belongings, and you can always adjust the size after loading — we can upgrade or downsize as needed.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Is your storage climate-controlled and pest-free?’, ‘a’ => ‘Our facility is temperature-controlled and equipped with cameras, alarms, and a comprehensive pest-prevention program to keep your stored items safe.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What security measures are in place?’, ‘a’ => ’24/7 surveillance cameras, alarm system, secure access control, and water sprinkler system to keep your belongings safe.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How does moving and storage service work?’, ‘a’ => ‘We pick up your items, deliver them to our storage facility and stack them in a unit, store them as long as you need, and deliver them to your new home when you\’re ready. You don\’t need to be present at our facility.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can I access my stored items whenever I need to?’, ‘a’ => ‘Public access isn\’t permitted per our policy. To access your items, schedule an appointment with our staff during business hours and we\’ll guide you through the retrieval process.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What if I need to move out earlier than planned?’, ‘a’ => ‘No problem — we don\’t charge termination fees. Storage is billed month-to-month; please contact us as soon as possible to confirm delivery availability for your needed date (especially during summer).’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How do I pay for storage?’, ‘a’ => ‘Storage fees are charged from your card on a monthly basis starting from the date you moved in. You can also pay through our online customer portal and update your card details there. Payments are made in advance — if you move out before your paid month ends, there\’s no proration to days.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can you store food?’, ‘a’ => ‘Unfortunately we cannot store food at our facility due to safety and sanitation concerns.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can you store antique items (paintings, pictures, etc.)?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes — our facility is suitable for storing valuable antiques, including paintings and pictures, as long as they are properly packed and don\’t require humidity control. We have temperature control and security measures.’ ],
],
],
[
‘slug’ => ‘long-distance’,
‘title’ => ‘Long-Distance Moves’,
‘items’ => [
[ ‘q’ => ‘Are you licensed and insured for interstate moves?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes. Budget Moving Services is fully licensed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and complies with FMCSA regulations. All moves include basic liability coverage, with optional Full Value Protection for added peace of mind.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What services do you offer for long-distance moves?’, ‘a’ => ‘Comprehensive services including packing/unpacking, loading/unloading, transportation, storage solutions, disposal, and specialty item handling (pianos, antiques, gym equipment). All options are customizable.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Will you pass my belongings to brokers or third-party drivers?’, ‘a’ => ‘No — we\’re direct, licensed movers with our own trucks and crews. No brokers, no outside drivers. Your belongings stay with our team from pickup to delivery.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How can I get an accurate estimate for my long-distance move?’, ‘a’ => ‘We provide free estimates based on the distance, shipment volume, and any additional services needed. Our moving consultant collects all the needed information and guides you through the process. Request a free in-home or virtual estimate for a detailed quote.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What kind of insurance or protection plans are available?’, ‘a’ => ‘General-value protection of $0.60 per pound per article is included on every move. We also offer Full Value Protection for an additional charge.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How far in advance should I book my long-distance move?’, ‘a’ => ‘Book at least 4–8 weeks ahead, especially during peak seasons (summer, weekends). Last-minute long-distance moves may be accommodated based on availability.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What payment methods do you accept for long-distance moves?’, ‘a’ => ‘Credit/debit cards, cash, and Zelle transfers. ACH and certified checks are available by prior agreement. A deposit secures your date, with 50% balance due on loading and 50% on delivery.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What factors affect the cost of a long-distance move from Atlanta or Lawrenceville, GA?’, ‘a’ => ‘Several factors: the size and weight of your belongings, the distance to your destination, and any additional services like packing or storage.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How long does a long-distance move from Atlanta typically take?’, ‘a’ => ‘Delivery times vary by distance and service type. With our express dedicated truck delivery we can deliver to any state within 7–10 days. Examples from Atlanta and Lawrenceville, GA: to Florida 2–4 days, to Texas 3–5 days, to California 7–10 days. Weather, route, and season may affect timelines. Shared-truck moves can take weeks — always double-check delivery terms with your carrier.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How do I choose a reliable long-distance mover?’, ‘a’ => ‘Verify USDOT licensing, read reviews on Google and BBB, and compare detailed estimates. Avoid unusually low quotes — they may indicate a scam.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can I track my shipment during transit?’, ‘a’ => ‘Our trucks are GPS-equipped and we provide real-time updates on your belongings\’ location and estimated delivery time. For safety reasons only our employees have direct access to the tracking system — we relay updates to you.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can you transport my vehicle?’, ‘a’ => ‘We don\’t transport vehicles ourselves, but we can recommend several trusted auto-transport partners.’ ],
],
],
[
‘slug’ => ‘packing’,
‘title’ => ‘Packing Services’,
‘items’ => [
[ ‘q’ => ‘What packing services do you offer?’, ‘a’ => ‘Full-service packing, partial packing, unpacking, fragile / item-specific packing, furniture disassembly, and specialty crating. Customizable plans for homes, offices, and DIY support.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Why hire professionals for packing?’, ‘a’ => ‘It prevents damage, saves time, ensures insurance compliance, and reduces stress. We use industrial-grade materials and proven techniques.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How much does professional packing cost?’, ‘a’ => ‘It depends on home size, item fragility, and services selected. Charges are based on hourly labor and packing supplies used. Average pricing starts at $280 for studios and $1,200+ for 3-bedroom homes. Specialty items (pianos, antiques) cost extra. Request a free in-home or virtual estimate for an exact quote.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can you pack and move on the same day?’, ‘a’ => ‘Absolutely. We coordinate packing and moving timelines — just discuss scheduling during your estimate.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Do you provide unpacking services at the destination?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes — add unpacking to your move and we\’ll unbox and dispose of all packing materials.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Can I pack myself but use your moving services?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes! We also offer discounted DIY packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap), partial packing for kitchens or fragile items only, and free DIY packing guides on request.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘Are my belongings insured while packing?’, ‘a’ => ‘Yes — all packed items are covered under our basic liability coverage. Upgrade to Full Value Protection for comprehensive insurance against damage or loss.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What can\’t be packed for a move?’, ‘a’ => ‘Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals), perishables, plants, and personal documents (passports, jewelry).’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How soon should I book packing services?’, ‘a’ => ‘Book 2–4 weeks ahead, especially in summer. Last-minute packing help is provided based on availability.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What are your top DIY packing tips?’, ‘a’ => ‘Pack room by room. Use small boxes for heavy items (books, tools). Wrap fragile items individually. Label boxes by room and contents. Fill empty spaces with packing paper.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘What supplies do you sell for DIY packing?’, ‘a’ => ‘Boxes (all sizes), packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, mattress bags, TV boxes, and stretch wrap. Pickup or delivery available; movers also carry these supplies on the truck for last-minute needs.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How will you pack my china?’, ‘a’ => ‘We use dish packs or cell kits with dividers to cushion each piece. Items are wrapped in acid-free paper, layered in sturdy boxes, and marked “FRAGILE” for careful handling.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How will you pack my pictures and paintings?’, ‘a’ => ‘Small frames are wrapped in acid-free paper and blankets and boxed vertically in special picture crates with dividers. Large artwork is protected with anti-shatter film, custom-crated, and padded with foam corners.’ ],
[ ‘q’ => ‘How will you pack a marble-top dining table?’, ‘a’ => ‘We disassemble the base from the marble, wrap the marble in moving blankets, then encase it in a custom-made crate (or heavy cardboard for smaller pieces). Edges are secured with foam padding and the piece is transported vertically to prevent cracks.’ ],
],
],
];
?>
$alt = $cat_index % 2 === 1;
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Still have questions?
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