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Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to move?
The best time to move is when it’s right for you. However, there are some times of the year that are busier for the moving industry than others. The summer months (May – September) and the end of each month are periods of heavier demand.
When should I begin to contact companies about my upcoming move?
It is a good idea to contact the moving companies you are considering for your move with as much notice as possible. It is ideal to have companies provide an estimate five to six weeks prior to your desired move date. Try to select the moving company four weeks before your moving date. Be sure to sign the Estimate/Order for Service and confirm your packing, pick up and delivery dates.
What is an in-home survey?
Your Crown Consultant will come to your home to complete a visual survey of the belongings you plan to move. He or she has been trained specifically for this purpose and will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate of your belongings. Your estimate is based on a wide variety of factors, the two main ones being shipment weight and distance to destination. In addition, they will evaluate the need for professional services, such as packing and unpacking, appliance preparation, custom crating and storage. Your Consultant will need to look in cabinets, closets, under beds and any other area that the items to be moved are not visible. In order to get an accurate estimate, all items that are going to be moved need to be taken into account. If you know that items you plan to move are out of view, point them out. In addition, if you have items you do not plan to move, point them out too. He or she will be able to pinpoint all of the potential costs and service requirements of your relocation. Removing guesswork from the equation gives you a reasonable, highly accurate estimate and gives Crown an educated, highly-satisfied customer.
What is an Inventory?
The inventory is the form that lists all of the items that you are shipping and their condition. Both you and the driver will sign the inventory after the shipment is loaded and unloaded. The inventory is also used to document any change in the condition of your items or any missing items at delivery.
Can I leave the items in my dresser drawers?
Yes, you can leave clothing in your dresser drawers if your shipment will not need storage. If you will need storage at one of Wheaton’s Agencies, we recommend that all items in your dresser drawers be packed. We also recommend that all non-clothing items be packed, regardless of your storage needs.
Will the packer load the boxes that I packed?
Yes, the driver will load the boxes that you packed as long as the driver deems them safe for transport. Please note, the liability coverage for boxes that you pack yourself is not the same as the liability coverage available to you for carrier packed boxes.
Can I pack and move my plants?
Typically, it is not advisable to move your plants. Most professional movers will only accept plants, if the shipment is not going more than 180 miles and/or delivery will be within 24 hours. In addition, if you are moving across state lines, check with federal and state regulations for quarantines or other restrictions. Several states even require that plants be inspected and declared "pest free."
How should I move my jewelry and other valuable items?
Crown recommends you do not pack or ship your fine jewelry, precious metals, important papers (titles, tax forms, bank books, deeds, etc.), medical and dental records, prescriptions, coins, currency, stock certificates, notes and bonds. These items should be carried with you during your move.
How will my mirrors and pictures be protected and packed?
Your Crown crew will pack all of your mirrors and pictures using specially designed cartons and wrapping materials to provide maximum protection for your goods.
Can I Pack My Own Cartons?
For security reasons, many countries are no longer accepting shipments that were packed by the owner. In addition, any damage incurred to items you packed yourself may not be covered by transit protection. Therefore, it is suggested that you let Crown pack your household items. All Crown crews are professionally trained and have years of experience packing people’s precious belongings.
Will the Packing Crew Use the Original Packing Materials for My Appliances?
If you have any of the original cartons and packing materials for your appliances or other household items, make sure that you inform your Crew Supervisor. He or she will inspect the materials to determine whether your goods will be safer using these or our own specialized packing materials.
What can I expect on moving day?
On moving day, you can relax and leave all of the hard work to the professionals. When your Wheaton driver arrives at your home, he will conduct an initial walk through of your home. This is a good opportunity to let the driver know what items will be shipped and which items will stay. The crew will then prepare your house by protecting the floors and doorways. Once loading is ready to begin, the Crew Supervisor will use the inventory form to document the items, and their condition, before loading them for transport. The crew will wrap furniture pads (specially designed blankets) around your furniture to protect it from scratches and other damage. Overstuffed furniture (couches, etc.) will be wrapped in stretch wrap to help prevent damage. Once an item is properly protected it will be loaded on the truck.
How will I know when my shipment is going to be delivered?
You can check the status of your delivery 24 hours a day, seven days a week by logging into Crown’s Online Tracking System at www.crownrelo.com/login. Your Consultant will provide you with a login name and password if you do not have one already.
Who do I contact if my shipment is delayed beyond my delivery dates? In the unfortunate situation that your belongings will not be delivered as promised, please contact your Crown professional at either the departure or destination location. Your Move Manager will be able to answer your questions and provide delivery updates.
Will the Crew Unpack For Me?
The Crown Crew will remove your household items from the packing materials. You may also choose to have Crown arrange handyman or domestic help services to help you get settled into your new home.
Why is Transit Protection Necessary?
While Crown’s professional crew will pack your belongings as safely and securely as possible, it is important to note that these items will be traveling on a boat, plane, truck or other mode of transport—all of which carry inherent risks. Your personal insurance policies (homeowners, renters or automobile policies) likely provide very limited, if any, coverage for your personal belongings while they are in transit or located in a foreign country. This is why we recommend that you protect your shipment properly with a CrownCare Transit Protection Policy.
What if something is damaged and I have a Claim?
Should you note any issues upon delivery that fall under your CrownCare Transit Protection coverage, notify your Crew Supervisor immediately. They will provide you with a Claim Form and instructions. Claims can usually be settled very easily, as Crown offices worldwide have the authority to directly pay claims below US $1,000. Larger claims up to US $10,000 are settled through Crown’s Group Claim Center in a quick and efficient manner.
