|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
The following moving, storage and packing tips will help coordinate your move, with safety and convenience in mind. As one of the largest moving companies in Southern California since 1981, we have plenty of experience helping families and businesses move throughout Southern California, the nation and the world.
Follow this advice for a smooth, easy move across town, state or the world. For your convenience, you can download these tips and FAQs, along with other important forms from Golden Eagle Moving Services. For moving with Golden Eagle, request a moving-cost estimate online. If you have questions, please contact Golden Eagle’s licensed movers.
[click on the graphics
or the text links below
to go to the moving topics you are interested in]
      
    |
Why move with Golden Eagle Moving Services?
Family owned and operated, Golden Eagle has an established history and track record of providing personal, quality services to families and businesses for more than 20 years. Only courteous, licensed movers handle your move on time and in uniform. And our secure storage facilities keep your belongings safe, clean and dry.
An agent for United Van Lines — the industry leader and America's largest mover of household goods —Golden Eagle is widely heralded as one of the premier moving companies in Southern California. Through our numerous industry awards, we have been repeatedly recognized as one of the top agents for America's number-one van line.
Does Golden Eagle Moving Services provide packing tips to protect my belongings?
Golden Eagle Moving Services provides full-service moving in Southern California and the world, including packing and unpacking. We recognize, however, that each move is different, different people have different needs and budgets, and you may desire to do all or part of the packing yourself.
The following packing tips will help coordinate and simplify your efforts:
-
PLAN AHEAD TO OBTAIN NECESSARY CARTONS.
We sell cartons of all shapes and sizes, in addition to tape and other packing materials. To save money, obtain boxes from stores, or ask people — friends or relatives — who recently moved. Start collecting cartons early to ensure you have an ample supply.
-
SELECT THE PROPER SIZE AND TYPE OF CARTON.
Heavy items such as books, canned food, etc. should be put in smaller cartons. Items such as large pictures, mirrors, glass tops and shelves, clocks and mattresses may require special cartons provide by licensed movers at Golden Eagle Moving Services in Southern California.
-
PACKING OF SOME ITEMS IS OPTIONAL FOR LOCAL MOVES
When you move locally, some items do not necessarily require packing. For example, our licensed movers can usually transport mirrors, large pictures and mattresses across short distances. Generally, these items should be packed for long-distance moves and shipments going into storage. Lamps and lampshades should always be packed.
-
PACK ONE ROOM AT A TIME.
Golden Eagle Moving Services knows that packing can be an insurmountable task when viewed from the perspective of the entire house. Packing one room at a time (and staying with that room until it is fully packed) has the effect of dividing the overall project into smaller, more-manageable tasks. This approach also makes setting realistic goals possible (e.g., pack the dining room today, the kitchen tomorrow, etc.)
-
TAPE CARTON BOTTOMS.
Before filling cartons or boxes, tape the bottoms to prevent the contents from spilling out during the move. This will also prevent damage to your possessions.
-
PUT HEAVY ITEMS ON THE BOTTOM AND LIGHT ITEMS ON TOP.:
In each carton, the heavier items should be placed at the bottom. That means the lighter items should go on top to prevent damage.
-
USE PLENTY OF PAPER.
Licensed movers will tell you that all breakable items should be wrapped individually in paper. Use the paper as cushioning for the bottom, sides and top of cartons.
-
PLACE BREAKABLES CORRECTLY IN CARTONS. Plates should be stacked vertically as if in a dish drain; glasses and stemware should be placed in an upright position. Again, use plenty of paper on all fragile and breakable items.
-
CORRECTLY FILL CARTONS.
Fill all cartons to the top, without overfilling. Cartons with overflow items cannot be properly closed or stacked; cartons that are not fully filled tend to crush, when stacked. Make sure each carton is filled to the top, before closing. A small space at the top can be filled with paper, a towel, a blanket or similar items.
-
CLOSE CARTONS AT TOP, AND SEAL THEM WITH TAPE.
Golden Eagle’s licensed movers prefer that cartons be closed at the top and sealed with tape to prevent damage and to make stacking easier.
-
LABEL EACH CARTON.
Licensed movers at Golden Eagle recommend using a felt pen to clearly label each carton with the general contents and the room it is to be placed in at destination. Label carton sides, rather than tops, so that boxes can be identified when stacked. If a carton is packed in a manner that requires it to remain in an upright position, draw an up arrow (↑) on each side toward the box top. Any cartons containing breakable items should be labeled with “FRAGILE.”
-
STACK CARTONS:
To save you time, Golden Eagle recommends arranging cartons in stacks (up to four or five feet high) of similar-sized cartons. This enables our licensed movers to easily transfer items from house to truck.
 Back
Does Golden Eagle Moving Services have any moving tips or advice?
-
Schedule your move for the middle of the month, if possible. The first and last weeks of the month are busier, and arranging a move with Golden Eagle’s licensed movers may be difficult.
-
-
Before your licensed agent arrives to perform your estimate, decide what you will be moving and discarding. Make sure to show the agent everything, including basements, sheds, attics, garages and mini-warehouses.
-
If you plan to pack yourself, start collecting suitable packing materials early in the process. Our licensed movers request that all boxes be closed on both top and bottom ends.
-
Set realistic goals and deadlines to ensure that all packing is completed before Golden Eagle’s licensed movers arrive on your scheduled day.
-
Protect yourself and our licensed movers by disposing flammables, such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches and aerosol cans. Drain fuel from your power mower and other machinery, and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, bleach or any substance that could leak. Be sure the water is emptied from your steam iron.
-
Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify their value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden furniture before moving because some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.
-
-
If you are moving at your company's request, find out what portion of your relocation expenses will be paid by the employer. If your company has a written moving policy, ask for a copy to show our licensed movers.
-
Make sure you understand the valuation coverage of all household goods to be relocated.
-
You, or a designated representative, must be available to Golden Eagle’s licensed movers during packing, loading and delivery. It is your responsibility to do a complete walk-through of your former home, checking all drawers, cabinets, crawl spaces and closets to be sure that nothing is left behind.
-
Assist our licensed movers by removing all fixtures that are secured to your walls, including pictures, posters, curtain rods, bookcases, shelves, coffee makers, microwaves or can openers.
-
Golden Eagle Moving Services strongly recommends removing all items from refrigerators and freezers. Defrost and dry each item at least 24 to 48 hours in advance. Wipe your appliances with a dry cloth. Then, leave baking soda or a bag of charcoal in each compartment to absorb any lingering odors or moisture.
-
Remove all valuables and personal items that you typically carry with you while travelling. Place such items in a secure location, as licensed movers are liable for these items only under certain, very specific conditions..
Items include but are not limited to:
- Jewelry
- Coin and stamp collections
- Computer programs
- Precious or semiprecious stones and gems
- Rare collectibles
- Personal or rare documents and manuscripts
- Purses
- Wallets
- Suitcases
-
Twenty-four hours in advance of your move, unplug all electronic equipment: television sets, home computers, stereos, etc. Doing so ensures these devices will be at room temperature on moving day. Moving electronic equipment in which heat is still retained could cause internal damage.
-
Back up essential computer data; determine if computers require any special servicing for transit; and remove CDs, DVDs and disks from players, recording devices and computers.
-
Leave your utilities and telephone(s) connected until the day after Golden Eagle’s licensed movers are scheduled to load. It is best to be sure electricity, water and telecommunications are still available on moving day.
Back
What about international relocation with Golden Eagle Moving Services?
 Many moving companies in Southern California can only relocate you across limited geographic regions. Golden Eagle is affiliated with UniGroup Worldwide, the international division of United Van Lines. Unigroup Worldwide is one of the largest, most-respected international forwarders in the world. That means we have access to an international network of moving companies to get you where you need to go.
When you move to another country, selecting a professional, licensed mover/forwarder that has the capacity, knowledge and network of worldwide agents is crucial. That ensures getting all your goods to your new home in as-is condition and on time.
Each country has regulations regarding importing household goods and other commodities. Some countries prohibit certain items, like fire arms, liquor, etc. Many countries assess taxes and duties on imports; the amount you pay may depend on how long you have owned the goods, your status (e.g., a student or returning citizen) and other factors. Each country has its own document requirements. The embassy or a consulate office in your destination country can provide you with up-to-date customs regulations. You should not purchase any items for export until you know the true costs, including duties, taxes and possible required modifications.
Larger shipments of household goods are shipped in 20-foot, 40-foot and 45-foot ocean containers. Smaller shipments are moved via wooden boxes called “lift cases.” The standard lift-case size is 45" x 86" x 85". The most-important factor in determining your moving-cost estimate is the size of the container required to move your goods. Total weight affects cost in a minor way.
Golden Eagle Moving has professional, licensed movers who know how to safely pack and load your goods, maximizing what fits into a container and minimizing your costs. We carefully wrap your belongings to insure that everything arrives in the same condition as it left. Our service is door to door and includes all normal customs/clearance fees. Our expertise will also limit the amount of duties and taxes (if any) you will be required to pay.
Please note that moves to Canada are essentially the same as moves within the U.S. and should not be thought of as "international.” While customs regulations and procedures exist for Canada, they are little more than minor inconveniences.
What about interstate moves to Hawaii and Alaska?
Golden Eagle Moving Services handles moves to these U.S. states essentially like international relocation, except there are no customs regulations. Hawaii prohibits importation of certain items, and it requires a long, expensive quarantine period for animals and household pets. Please see our information above regarding international moves. As always, we invite you to submit a request for an estimate online.
Does Golden Eagle Moving Services provide cost-saving tips for local moves?
Before you begin, understand this important information for moving household goods within California.
Golden Eagle’s licensed movers provide comprehensive moving services, from initial cost estimates to packing and delivery. We recognize, however, that each move is different, as dictated by the different customers and budgets we work with.
When searching for a local moving company in Southern California, note that each has different definitions of and rates for “local moving.” Golden Eagle considers local moving to be within a radius of 100 miles, and you pay our licensed movers by the hour. Therefore, anything you do independently will save you money.
For example, try these money-saving tips for local moves:
1. BE
ORGANIZED AND READY TO MOVE:
Complete all packing, and totally clear furniture items of knick knacks and other small items. Also, clear for Golden Eagle’s licensed movers a pathway — from your door to all areas of the house — to make your move as quick and cost effective as possible.
2. DO
YOUR OWN PACKING:
Golden Eagle Moving Services provides affordable, full-service moving in Southern California and beyond. Based on your budget, you may decide to do part of the moving process on your own. As a complimentary service to our valued customers, we offer free packing advice. For example, try packing most of your belongings yourself, but have our professional, licensed movers pack your valuable breakables. For more packing tips, please see the above information, or contact Golden Eagle for assistance.
3. DISCONNECT/RECONNECT YOUR APPLIANCES.
Save time and money by disconnecting and reconnecting washers, dryers, refrigerators and icemakers on your own. If you don’t feel comfortable doing so, licensed movers at Golden Eagle Moving Services can assist.
4. DISASSEMBLE/REASSEMBLE FURNITURE ITEMS.
Some moving companies in Southern California might charge for extra services, such as taking apart furniture. That’s why Golden Eagle’s licensed movers stress disassembling certain items before moving day to save money. For example, take apart beds, disconnect tops from two-piece hutches and remove mirrors from dressers.
5. CENTRALIZE CARTONS.:
Place your cartons or boxes in a convenient location, either at the pick-up end of the garage or near the front door. Doing so enables Golden Eagle’s professional, licensed movers can quickly, safely and easily move your items into our trucks. Ideally, boxes should be placed in stacks of similar sizes, four or five feet high, so they can be readily dollied, from house to truck. Upon delivery, each box can be placed in its specific room, or all boxes can be placed in a central location. Placing boxes in a central location saves you time and money, particularly when that location is the garage.
6. MOVE SMALL ITEMS BY YOURSELF.
Boxes and smaller items that are time consuming to move — lamps, mirrors, wall hangings, pictures and plants — can often be relocated via a pick-up truck or car, and do not necessarily require the special equipment of a moving company. One way to save a substantial amount of money is to move smaller items yourself, then call a moving company in Southern California to take care of your major possessions.
Back
When is the best time to move?
Most moving companies in Southern California suggest selecting a time other than summer, month’s end or end-of-year holidays. At Golden Eagle Moving Services, the heaviest demands are placed on our licensed movers, vans and equipment during these periods. However, we believe you should move when it is most convenient. Before making a decision, consider these factors:
-
Must you move immediately?
-
Will transferring your children during the school term be problematic?
-
Will your move result in separation of the family at any point?
If the move can be scheduled for a time when vans and trained personnel are more readily available, Golden Eagle will be better able to meet your preferred delivery schedule. As always, plan ahead; request a moving-cost estimate online to determine availability and price.
When should I call the moving company?
The general rule at Golden Eagle Moving Services is, “The earlier, the better.” Although the actual van assignment may not be made until a few days before your move, most moving companies in Southern California require a notice of four to six weeks, if possible. The more lead time you give our licensed movers, the more likely we will be able to meet your schedule.
How can I tell the difference between licensed movers and uncertified movers?
Most
movers have their own state license issued by that state's Public Utilities
Commission, or another agency. These licenses usually apply on moves
done entirely within the state. Golden Eagle Moving Services license
issued by the California Public Utilities Commission is Cal-T-170177.
Interstate Van Lines like United
Van Lines are "registered", not licensed. United
Van Lines has been issued a certificate of authority to move household
goods between any of the fifty states by the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT). United's certificate is: US DOT 077949. Golden Eagle Moving Services
has the authority to operate within the State of California using its
PUC license and to participate in interstate moving as an agent for
United Van Lines.
Do I need a moving-cost estimate?
When you move a long distance, most moving companies in Southern California require a pre-move survey to determine the size of the move and the amount of van space your goods will occupy. That’s because an accurate moving-cost estimate cannot be given without a visual survey of the goods to be moved. Prior to your move, Golden Eagle Moving Services computes the approximate cost in the form of a written estimate. There is no charge to determine your moving costs, and you can conveniently schedule your estimate request online.
If your move is small (within our 2,100-pound minimum) and you can provide an exact list of your moveable items, including the approximate number of cartons with packed items, a visual survey may not be necessary to provide you with a written moving-cost estimate.
Local moves are charged by the hour. A written estimate is generally unnecessary unless the move is very large, or you require an extensive amount of packing or storage.
What is a binding moving-cost estimate?
A binding moving-cost estimate (or a binding cost of services) specifies, in advance, the precise cost of your move, based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the time of the estimate. Binding moving-cost estimates are valid for the time specified, usually up to 60 days. If you are sure what has to be moved and what services you require, a binding moving-cost estimate is probably appropriate for your move. Such an estimate will generally be provided upon request, though there are some situations in which a binding estimate is inappropriate (e.g., uncertainty over what is to be moved, items not fully seen that are packed into mini-storage or a garage, etc.).
Back
How and when should I pay?
At Golden Eagle Moving Services, we require full payments to our licensed movers at the time of delivery, unless your employer makes arrangements in advance to be billed for services. Payments can be made by cash, money order, traveler’s check, cashier’s check or credit card (American Express, Discover, Vis a or MasterCard). Credit-card payments must be authorized and made in advance. Like most moving companies in Southern California, Golden Eagle accepts personal checks for local moves, but we do not accept them for long-distance relocation.
Am I protected against loss or damage, while my goods are in transit?
Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost to you both depend on the "valuation" option you choose through Golden Eagle Moving Services: our Full-Value Coverage or Standard Coverage (included in the cost of your move). Each valuation option varies by local moves, long-distance moves within California (intrastate) and interstate relocation.
The valuation you choose determines the basis upon which any claim — for local or long-distance moves — will be adjusted, as well as our maximum liability. The liability of a licensed mover for loss or damage has certain limitations and exclusions, and is based upon the carrier's tariffs, as well as state and federal laws and regulations. Valuation is not insurance; it is simply a tariff-based level of motor-carrier liability. If you desire protection afforded by an insurance policy, you should see your insurance representative about available coverage.
Unless additional coverage is taken, Golden Eagle’s liability is limited by law and regulation to a maximum of $.60 per pound per article being moved. This coverage allows for minor repair work, but it is not replacement coverage. Replacement coverage (also known as Full-Value Coverage) is described below:
Golden Eagle Moving Services’ Full-Value Coverage:
-
Under this plan, your articles will be repaired or replaced with like items if they are lost or damaged while in the care of our licensed movers. Or a cash settlement will be made for the current market-replacement value, regardless of the age of the items. Unlike other valuation options, depreciation is not a factor in determining replacement value.
-
To fit your needs, deductible options are available at reasonable rates in different dollar increments. Our total liability for loss or damage will be the amount you declare as the value of your shipment. However, the minimum, total-declared value must be at least equal to the weight of your shipment, multiplied by $5.00 per pound.
Back
How are my belongings protected while in transit?
At Golden Eagle Moving Services, the best form of protection we offer is the extensive training, professionalism and experience of our award-winning, licensed movers, who are educated about protecting your belongings during the moving process. Furthermore, our vans are equipped with appropriate moving equipment and a plentiful supply of clean, thick furniture pads. Your upholstered furniture is protected with stretch wrap, and your residence is secured with floor-entry protection and door/banister pads.
Will my belongings remain clean?
Golden Eagle’s exclusive, Sanitized® air-ride vans ensure a clean, safe moving process. This inhibits mildew growth, controls insects and is an extra measure of hygienic safety for your belongings. In addition to this service, our licensed movers protect your upholstered furniture with stretch wrap, which is a clear plastic material, before wrapping with furniture pads.
Can Golden Eagle also move my vehicles?
 Yes, your vehicles can be moved, either inside the van with your household goods or on specialized car carriers. Our licensed movers are also certified to move boats, recreational vehicles, motor homes and airplanes. Passenger cars and small trucks or vans will generally fit inside our moving vans, although this is the most expensive method. Larger vehicles (e.g., boats, RVs, etc.) will generally not fit inside our vans.
Can I move my vehicle to another country?
All moving companies in Southern California have the same rules regarding this issue: No personal vehicle can leave the U.S. unless it is accompanied by the original title, which must be in the name of the individual who is moving and must be clear of all lien holders.
Each country has its own set of regulations regarding what vehicles can be imported, if and how they must be modified, and what duties or taxes will be due. Many countries allow personal vehicles to be imported duty free or with minimal duty, provided the vehicle is owned by the immigrating individual for a period of time, usually one year. It is essential that you know all costs associated with vehicle importation before finalizing any plans in this area.
Vehicles can be moved separately or in containers, along with household goods. Golden Eagle Moving Services’ licensed movers know how to load household goods and autos in the same container without damaging them. We have the experience to build a bulkhead to contain the household goods and to keep the vehicle from moving within the container.
Back
Do appliances need special attention?
 Many refrigerators, washer, dryers, and other electrical or mechanical appliances require special servicing to ensure safe transportation. Any moving parts, such as motors on major appliances, washer drums, icemakers and the pick-up arms on phonographs, should be securely fastened for shipment.
It is the owner's responsibility, not our licensed movers’, to see that appliances are serviced for shipment, prior to being loaded onto Golden Eagle’s moving vans. Upon request and for an additional charge, our movers will perform this service, using our own, qualified personnel or an authorized company.
Generally speaking, the moving crew does not disconnect or reconnect washers, dryers, icemakers or other appliances. We can arrange for this service, however, at an additional charge.
Can I pack my clothes in chests or dresser drawers?
Lightweight clothing, sweaters, shirts, blouses and lingerie may be left in the drawers. Do not fill drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage the piece of furniture during transit. Be careful not to leave fragile items, money, jewelry, watches or other valuables in the drawers, as well as anything that might spill or leak. For high-value items, we encourage you to complete Golden Eagle’s inventory form.
Does Golden Eagle Moving Services move frozen foods?
Frozen foods can be moved, but only under specific, limited conditions. Be sure to discuss this with us in advance, as our policies may differ from other moving companies in Southern California. In most instances, we suggest that shipping arrangements be made through local, frozen-food locker plants, especially for long-distance moves. For a list of items that should not be moved, please download our list of prohibited items.
Does Golden Eagle Moving Services handle jewelry and other valuables?
 Items of extraordinary value, such as jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections, can be included in your shipment, provided you notify our licensed movers of these items before packing or moving day. However, we strongly recommend that you carry irreplaceable and expensive articles with you, or make other arrangements for their transport.
In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to be articles of "extraordinary" value. To be assured that a claim involving these articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign the High-Value Inventory Form and sign the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration" box on the “Bill of Lading.” If no articles of extraordinary value are included in your shipment, simply write "None" on the form, and sign it. If you have questions about moveable objects, download our list of prohibited items.
Does Golden Eagle Moving Services relocate houseplants?
 Licensed movers cannot accept responsibility for safely moving your plants because they may suffer from a lack of water and light, as well as probable temperature changes in the moving vans. You may prefer to transport your houseplants in the family car, or you can ship them by plane. Some states prohibit the entry of all plants, while other states will admit plants under certain conditions; still others have no plant regulations. Be sure to check the regulations of the state to which you're moving. For a list of items that should not be moved, please download our list of prohibited items.
Can I move my pets?
 Pets cannot be carried on Golden Eagle’s moving vans. Dogs, cats, canaries and parakeets can usually be transported in the family car. If this isn't convenient, we will be glad to suggest alternate ways to ship your pets safely.
Call
us toll free at
1-800-328-4367
|
click
here
