Must read if moving within Pennsylvania

Moves within the state of Pennsylvania are regulated by the Pennsylvania Utility Commission.  Household goods movers are required to be licensed by the Public Utility Commission and must maintain adequate levels of insurance coverage and charge fees approved by the PUC.

The following regulations are set forth by the PUC to ensure quality service:

Estimates: All movers are required to provide a written estimate prior to move day.

Rates: If the move is 40 miles or less, the charge will be based on an hourly rate.  If the move is over 40 miles the charges will be based on weight and mileage. 

Damage Coverage: Protection of $0.60 per pound per article is provided free of charge.  Protection greater than $0.60 per pound can be provided by the mover at an additional charge. 

Proof of Damage: Upon completion of delivery the driver will ask you to sign the delivery receipt.  Before signing, be sure all damage is noted on the receipt. 

In order to verify your movers license contact the Pennsylvania Utility Commission at (800) 782-1110.

Move for Hunger

Fact:  More than 900,000 individuals in the Delaware Valley are living on incomes that put them at
risk of hunger every day.  1 in 3 children are at risk of hunger every day.  With times getting tighter
these numbers are dramatically increasing.  Thousands in our community need your help.
As you are aware, many people throw out a good deal of “stuff” when they move.

Unfortunately a lot of this “stuff” is food that can be delivered to a family in need.  That’s why Mooney’s 
Moving & Storage has teamed up with Move For Hunger to support the Community
Cupboard.

Please set aside any unwanted, non-perishable food items before your move and Mooney’s
will deliver the food to the Community Cupboard.

Move For Hunger is a non-profit organization that works with moving companies across the
country to support the efforts of local food banks.  Your donations will directly impact families
living right here in the Delaware Valley.  Mooney’s Moving & Storage is grateful for your
business and truly thankful for your generosity.

More Than a Moving Company.

Moving can be very stressful.  It is our goal to provide each customer with value added services to help make the transition as easy as possible.  As an authorized agent for Stevens Worldwide Van Lines we offer the following services:

Packing supplies: Free delivery when ordered through our website.  

Tech Support: Troubleshooting with personal computers and printer.  Support with home networks as well as cameras, iPods and mobile devises.  All included with you move. 

Concierge Service: Assistance to setup cable, TV, internet, utilites and home security.  All included with you move. 

PLUS Program:  Direct cash back rebates based on the sale of your home when using our network of real estate professionals.  

Identity Theft Protections:  Daily monitoring of your credit report for suspicious online activity, change of address alerts and assistance with stopping junk mail.

For further information contact Steven DeSteffano or call (215)884-3280

               

 Interstate Agent for: 

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Understanding Your Movers Liability

All licensed household goods moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of your belongings.  There are two different types of “valuation” coverage available that you should be aware of.  

Option 1: Full replacement protection.  Under this option articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with like items, or a cash settlement will be offered; all at the movers expense. 

The cost for this coverage is determined by the value you place on your shipment (ie: $50,000.00 etc) and the deductible level you select. 

Option 2: Basic coverage.  Under this option the mover’s liability is limited to $0.60 per pound per article.  Damage claims are settled according to the weight of the piece x $0.60

For example, a 200lbs dresser that is damaged during the move would be offered a settlement of $120.00 (200lbs x $0.60)

This coverage is provided to each individual shipper at no charge.

Due to the wide disparity that may occur between the two options, it is best to fully understand your selection prior to move day.  Do not hesitate to contact one of our Certified Moving Consultants for further information.  

3 Steps to Ensure an Accurate Moving Quote

Moving is one of the most stressful events that can happen in your lifetime.  One way to help alleviate some of that stress is to hire professional movers.  But what good does it do to hire professional movers when they do not have a clear understanding of the job description?

Follow these 3 steps to help ensure your estimator has the proper information needed in order to provide an accurate price quote.

1)      Be honest with yourself: There is nothing wrong with being proactive and moving or packing items yourself.  The problem lies in timing, there are only 24 hours in one day.  Juggling kids, homework, and your job on top of planning a move can be difficult at best. 

During your in-home walkthrough, have your estimator provide you with a quote to pack boxes.  It may not be as cost prohibitive as you think.  Professionally trained packers can accomplish in one or two days what may take you 2, 3 or even 4 weeks. 

Likewise, it is tempting to think you are able to just “pile it into the SUV.”  While this method can work for a nominal amount of items, realistically you can only move so much at a time.  Have your estimator include items you “might move yourself.”   It is always better to plan for a worst case scenario in regards to volume on move day. 

2)      The donation pile:  Plan on contacting your favorite charity or thrift store 5-6 weeks prior to move day.  However, do not assume you will be able to donate or sell all of your unwanted household items.  Many organizations are flooded with request to donate and are therefore becoming more selective. 

Plan on utilizing other avenues such as EBay, Craigslist, 1800-Got Junk, yard sales and such in order to supplement charitable organizations. 

Provide your estimator with updates as to which items have been sold.

3)      Take Notes:  The final and most important step to ensure an accurate price quote is to take notes.  During the walkthrough with your estimator have a notepad ready.  Our staff will gladly answer any questions you have. 

Most homeowners obtain 2 or 3 estimates from local moving companies.  Each company can have different policies and procedures which lead to confusion as to who said what.  Keep information organized so that there is no confusion on moving day.   

Helpful Hints to Save You Money

Moving can be a stressful, hectic time for you and your family. The follow steps will help you prepare for moving day, all while saving you money.  

First and foremost, pack yourself.

Packing is the number one way to save. It saves both time and money on moving day for your moving company. This means, the truck will be loaded and you’ll be on your way to your new home in no time.

However, packing does seem like a daunting, endless task; ask about the proper materials to protect your belongings, and how to most efficiently pack. We’re pros—we can answer all of your packing questions!

Also, remember that even trivial items can add up. Loose items (i.e.: pictures, glass tops, glass shelves, plants, hanging clothing, lamps and shades) build up, and require additional time and materials to pack. If you plan to transport any items yourself, these smaller loose items can be easily packed in your car the night before.

Ignore the “I might need it someday” syndrome.

Do not move items that will not be used at your new home (i.e. books, record albums, exercise equipment, rugs, old tools). You do not need to furnish the attic.

Donate to your favorite charity.

Itemize your donations and keep receipts. It may help you qualify for a tax deduction.

Also, Mooney’s will deliver your unwanted canned goods to a local food bank for no fee. Mooney’s is a member of the Move for Hunger campaign, which solicits moving companies to collect its customers unwanted canned goods for donation, in hopes of ending hunger in the U.S.

Dismantling and reassembly.

Dismantling your large, assembled items is an excellent way to prepare for your move. You’ll save your movers time and energy on moving day, which means money saved. Taking apart cribs and disconnecting appliances, like dryers and refrigerators, is simple, but time consuming. Remember that the final cost of a local move is based on time spent moving—disassembly only adds additional time.   

Organize your boxes.

As you pack, move your boxes to an easily accessible area, like a garage or front room. This way, the moving crew can easily organize the truck and expedite the loading process more quickly. Typically boxes will make up 15% to 20% of your total shipment. This is a significant portion of your move—centralizing this large percentage of your belongings will reduce loading time, thus reducing your final bill.   

Be available on moving day.

It is important for you to be available to your movers to help coordinate and answer questions.

Be aware that your movers will only be prepared to move what you’ve discussed with your estimator. If circumstances have changed, alert the moving crew.

Your presence is the best resource to offer your movers—and the least expensive resource! 

Move for hunger

Mooney’s Moving & Storage is pleased to be a part of The Move for Hunger campaign.  

Move for Hunger is an organization committed to strengthening the efforts of America’s food banks, while actively engaging in the fight against hunger. Move for Hunger enlists the help of credible moving companies to collect unused canned goods from its customers. Check out their Facebook page to see their latest involvement (look for Mooney’s “Welcome” message!)

Mooney’s will now be providing boxes for canned goods to all of its customers. We will then deliver the boxed goods to Somerton Food Bank in Philadelphia, PA.  But don’t think any donation is too small—Mooney’s will accept only partially filled boxes as well. Any little bit helps!

Somerton Food Bank is an interfaith food bank that provides food at no charge for both needy families and needy individuals. In addition, Somerton delivers food to those unable to come to the food bank.  Your donations will help feed hundreds in the area, and Mooney’s is proud to facilitate this process! 

And you can help fight hunger on your own, too. Check out Move for Hunger’s donations page—they’ve outlined how even a small donation of $25 can help train an additional volunteer.

If you have any questions about how you can help, call us. We’ll be happy to tell you more about our involvement with Move for Hunger and how you can contribute. 

Contact us today