Moving FAQ

Everything you need to know before, during, and after moving day.

We have gathered the questions our St. Louis customers ask most—covering pricing, scheduling, packing, specialty moves, and insurance. Still unsure about something? Message us or give us a call. We love helping neighbors plan smart moves.

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Quick Help

General Questions

We recommend booking at least 3-4 weeks in advance during peak season (May–August) and 2 weeks during off-peak months. However, we always reserve slots for short-notice or same-week moves. Call us—we will do everything we can to accommodate your timeline.

Yes. We offer free in-home walkthroughs, video surveys, or detailed phone consultations. Virtual surveys are popular for busy professionals and out-of-town clients. We capture inventory, access points, special handling instructions, and desired timelines during each estimate.

Absolutely. St. Louis Best Moving LLC is licensed in Missouri and Illinois, maintains active USDOT and MC numbers, and carries general liability, cargo insurance, and workers’ compensation. Certificates of insurance can be issued to building managers, HOAs, or employers upon request.

We handle residential (apartments, condos, townhomes, single-family homes), commercial/office relocation, senior moves, estate transitions, lab and medical moves, specialty item transport (pianos, safes, artwork), and event logistics. Local and regional routes are available.

Need Quick Answers?

Use our moving calculator or inventory checklist to jumpstart planning:

Moving Cost Calculator Download Inventory Checklist

Pricing & Billing

Local moves (typically within 40 miles) are billed hourly with a 2- or 3-hour minimum based on crew size. Hourly rates include the truck, fuel, moving equipment, and protective materials. We provide a written estimate showing anticipated hours and any optional services.

Yes. For long-distance, commercial, or complex projects we can provide a flat-rate or not-to-exceed pricing model. Flat rates are based on inventory, travel distance, access factors, and optional services such as packing or storage.

We accept major credit cards, ACH bank transfers, cashiers checks, and company checks (for approved business accounts). A deposit is required to reserve your move date; the balance is due at completion once you confirm everything has been delivered.

Gratuities are never required, but customers often choose to tip for exceptional service. A common range is $5–$10 per mover per hour or a lump sum split among the crew. You can add gratuity via cash or card at the end of the move.

Packing & Preparation

Yes. We stock wardrobe boxes, dish barrels, mirror cartons, mattress bags, TV boxes, shrink wrap, and tape. Materials can be delivered ahead of time, picked up from our warehouse, or included with full-service packing packages.

Absolutely. Many clients prefer to handle personal or easy-to-pack items themselves. We can step in to pack fragile rooms, kitchens, garages, or artwork. Just let us know your preference during the estimate so we schedule the right amount of time.

Label each box with the destination room and a brief description (e.g., “Kitchen – spices” or “Bedroom – linens”). Color-coded stickers also help. Our crews announce box labels as they deliver so you can double check placement.

Yes. We disassemble beds, dining tables, desk systems, and fitness equipment as needed, then reassemble at your new home. Hardware is bagged and labeled to keep everything organized.

Move Day Logistics

Morning crews typically arrive between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Afternoon crews are scheduled between noon and 2:00 p.m. We provide a one-hour arrival window and call when the truck is en route. Same-day moves can begin earlier or later depending on availability.

We prefer at least one decision maker stays on-site or available by phone. If you cannot be present, assign a trusted contact to sign paperwork and provide access. For remote moves we offer video check-ins and digital paperwork.

We use door jamb guards, floor runners, Masonite boards, banister padding, mattress bags, and stretch wrap. Extra protection is added for rain, snow, or mud. Crews wear clean uniforms and have dedicated shoe covers for white-glove projects.

We cannot transport hazardous materials such as propane tanks, gasoline, paint thinner, or fireworks due to safety regulations. Grills can be moved once tanks are removed. Live plants can be moved locally but are not recommended for long-distance travel.

Insurance & Claims

Every move includes Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound per article) at no extra cost. We also offer Full Value Protection that covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at the item’s current market value. Ask your move coordinator which option is best.

Notify your crew chief immediately so we can document the issue and attempt on-site repair. After the move, contact our claims department within 72 hours. Provide photos, a description, and any original receipts. We prioritize quick resolutions and most claims are resolved within 7-10 business days.

Yes. Our warehouse has 24/7 monitored security, fire suppression, and climate control. Items are sealed in wooden vaults or racked for larger pieces. We conduct inventory scans at check-in and check-out for accountability.

Absolutely. Some clients work with their homeowners insurance or use third-party moving insurers. We can provide documentation needed to set up additional coverage.

Packing Timeline At-a-Glance

Use this quick timeline to stay organized. Customize it to fit your closing date or lease start.

6-Week Packing Roadmap Week 6 Week 5 Week 4 Week 3 Week 2 Week 1 Purge Storage Areas Order Supplies Schedule Services Pack Rarely Used Rooms & Decor Pack Bedrooms Label Essentials Kitchen & Day-to-Day Items Final 48 Hours Essentials Tote
Download the full checklist inside our Moving Checklist Tool.

Still Have Questions?

Send us a message or call—no sales pressure, just honest help from a local team that moves St. Louis every day.

  • Same-day answers from a real move coordinator
  • Transparent pricing with written estimates
  • Licensed, insured, background-checked crews
  • Flexible scheduling, even on short notice

Talk to a Pro

Set up a 15-minute planning call with one of our move coordinators.

Schedule a Call

Prefer to text? Message us at (314) 669-5971.

We Are Ready When You Are

Share your moving story—we will take care of the rest.

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