We know it’s a lot to read. But it is very important information that we want to make sure every customer understands. Over the years we have run into all kinds of people who have asked us to do all kinds of things. When we are on the clock we work for you, and will make every effort to do what you ask. However, please be advised that certain things you may ask for come with certain risks, and we cannot be responsible for the results of these requests… So as you read this, try to put yourself in our shoes- imagine what circumstances might have motivated us to add a particular policy. These policies are for your protection as well as ours.
1. Guidance, walk-trough and payment. The customer or a representative must be present during the move at all times. We need your guidance. It is customer’s responsibility to do a final “walk-through” of the premises to ensure we have taken everything. Our time runs continuously until all tools and equipment are back in the truck and payment is completed. Having your cash or credit/debit card ready will save you time and money. Please note: We do not accept checks. For credit card payment, your name and the name on the credit card should match. You will be asked to sign for credit card payment.
2. Long distance/Interstate moves. We accept cash, or postal money order on delivery. Please note: We do not accept checks. For all interstate moves we require a 10% deposit to secure crew and truck for your move (see our policy on deposits, section ‘strict policy’), 50% from the total after the deduction of the deposit is due at the pick-up time and remaining 50% balance due at the delivery before unloading.
3. Parking arrangements. Customer is responsible for requesting moving permits if ones may be required. Because you are familiar with the parking situation on your street, you must decide if you need one, or if you can manage parking on your own. In most cases we require 35-40 feet to park the truck. Please get moving permits if you think movers may have trouble parking at your address or let us know, so we can take appropriate arrangements for you. Driver reserves the right to park anywhere at his discretion to better perform services, even if it is illegal and/or he has to double-park. Customer agrees to pay any parking fees or tickets assessed to the carrier for any vehicle under hire by the customer at the time of the charge.
4. Loading/Unloading. If Guardian Moving and Storage is only providing loading or unloading services, we are not responsible for any damages which may occur in transporting the furniture, and are released of all liability after loading the truck or prior to unloading. We are only responsible for items in our immediate care, custody and control.
5. Payment for local move. For local moves, you must pay in full at the day of job. Payment for local moves is due before the end of the job by cash or VISA/MC/DISCOVER/AMEX.
6. Damages and claims. Any damage claims must be submitted in writing to our claims department. Applicable notes about these damages must be made in writing on the bill of lading on the day of your move before movers leave your premises. Our company standards do assume a full inspection of furniture by both our movers and customers, however the final inspection is the responsibility of the customer. All of our customers sign a bill of lading upon completion of a move. It reads “The above services were rendered and all goods delivered in good order, except as noted”. For any insurance company or claims department this document is critical in noting charges the same day, to ensure the damage occurred that day and that coverage could be provided. Unless payment is made in full as is due we are not required to answer or process a claim. Do not assume you may deduct the money from the final bill to compensate yourself in the event of damage. This is ILLEGAL.
7. Refrigerator move. We only move empty freezers/refrigerators. Please empty the contents for safe moving. We are happy to load these last and unload them first.
8. Aquarium move. We only move empty aquariums. (This means empty of water and also empty of all living creatures).
9. Grandfather clocks. You are responsible for removing the pendulum, chimes and weights, or an additional service fee may be assesed.
10. Adjustable Bed. If you have an adjustable bed, we will be glad to move it. However, we are not licensed technicians. We will follow your instructions, and defer to our experience when needed, however you must make a final inspection before our crew leaves. We will not send men out for later adjustments. If you prefer to have a licensed technician move your bed, please do so.
11. Dresser Drawers, File Cabinets, Desk Drawers. Please empty all dresser drawers, file cabinets and desk drawers. Remember that the furniture will have to be lifted and carried, so if it’s overstuffed and extra heavy it will be more difficult to handle.
12. Last minute change of service. If the move requires work above and beyond the original Order For Service, Guardian Moving and Storage reserves the right to fulfill other obligations before completing additional work. For example, you have originally ordered services for two (2) rooms move only. On the day of the move you add multiple additional rooms to move, additional pick-ups/drop offs, etc., which will significantly increase total move time. In order to make our schedule on time for the next move, we reserve the right to postpone additionally requested services until our next availability and/or after completion of other jobs that day.
13. Flat screen TVs. These are susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures, slight bumps, and altitude changes. The original packaging is the best. In any case, please note that in the absence of physical evidence of external damage or negligence (visible damage) we are not responsible for TVs functioning after delivery. Please note item #6 in our EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY.
14. Weather conditions. Guardian Moving and Storage reserves the right to reschedule the move at an agreed upon time, without liability if there is inclement weather, including, but not limited to heavy rain, snow emergency, hurricane warning, weather/travel ban, etc.
15. Crew size. Guardian Moving and Storage reserves the right to choose number of movers for each job, depending on our current schedule, availability, weather conditions etc.
16. Driver Hours and Regulations for Interstate. We reserve the right to limit our workday to 12 hours. In certain cases, due to DOT Hours of Service regulations for drivers, we may need to cut a job short or send a replacement driver to avoid violating those regulations.
17. Appliances. Guardian Moving and Storage is not responsible for damage to plumbing, electrical systems, or for water damage associated with the connection or disconnection of washers and dryers.
18. Heavy and oversized item move. Our personnel will move your pianos, appliances, and items over 300 lbs. if indeed the work can be done safely. Please note item #17 in our EXCLUSION OF LIABILITY.
19. Piano move. We do not move large upright pianos up or down flights of stairs. We only move pianos from ground to ground floor. We encourage sending us pictures of entrances at each location, so that we can confirm that we can move your piano. There may be circumstances when we cannot safely move items and will need to discuss the situation with you. If the piano has lightweight legs (usually the front), we will not be responsible if they will not go back on if we take them off (sometimes the nut is loose inside the piano and will turn when you try to replace the leg). If the customer elects to leave the legs on, we will not be responsible if damage occurs to them.
