Moving creates questions. Lots of questions. Over the years, we've seen many of the same questions come up before move day. To make planning easier, we've compiled answers to 50 of the most common questions clients ask.
Pricing & Billing
1. How much do movers cost?
Moving costs depend on labor, truck and equipment deployment, travel zone, crew size, specialty items, and overall move complexity.
2. How are moves priced?
Most moves include: Truck & Equipment Deployment Fee, Zone-Based Travel Fee, Labor Charges, and Specialty Services (if applicable).
3. Do you have a minimum charge?
Yes. Two Marines Moving operates under a two-hour minimum labor deployment policy.
4. What does the two-hour minimum mean?
Regardless of whether your move requires 2, 3, 4, or more movers, the minimum labor commitment is two hours.
5. How is labor billed after the minimum?
After the initial two-hour minimum, labor is billed based on actual working time.
6. Do you charge for lunch breaks?
No. Clients are not billed for lunch breaks or meal periods.
7. Do you charge credit card processing fees?
No.
8. Do you charge booking fees?
No.
9. Why is there a Truck & Equipment Deployment Fee?
Because professional moving requires more than a truck.
10. What is included in the Truck & Equipment Deployment Fee?
Commercial truck, furniture protection pads, stand-up dolly, two four-wheel dollies, professional tool kit, moving tape, and red-carpet floor protection.
Crew Size & Move Duration
11. How many movers do I need?
The answer depends on inventory, access conditions, stairs, specialty items, and overall move complexity.
12. Is two movers enough?
For many studio, one-bedroom, and smaller two-bedroom moves, yes.
13. When should I request three movers?
Larger homes, additional furniture, medium safes, multiple stairs, and longer carries often benefit from three movers.
14. When should I request four movers?
Large homes, large safes, specialty items, and more complex moves often require four movers.
15. Can more movers actually save money?
Often, yes. Additional manpower can reduce total move duration.
16. How long will my move take?
Every move is different. Packing readiness, stairs, elevators, weather, traffic, and inventory volume all affect duration.
Packing & Preparation
17. What should I do before movers arrive?
Be packed, seal your boxes, label rooms, prepare access, and be ready for the walkthrough.
18. Should my boxes be sealed?
Yes.
19. Should I label my boxes?
Absolutely.
20. Can I leave clothes in my dresser drawers?
No. Please remove clothing and other contents before moving day.
21. Should I disconnect electronics?
Yes. Disconnect and organize cords before moving day.
22. Should I reserve the elevator?
If your building requires elevator reservations, yes.
23. Do movers provide boxes?
Yes.
24. Do movers provide packing materials?
Yes.
25. Is packing tape included?
Yes. Packing tape is complimentary.
Boxes & Packing Supplies
26. How many boxes do I need?
The answer depends on the size of your home, inventory volume, and lifestyle.
27. Do you sell moving boxes?
Yes.
28. What packing materials do you offer?
Boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, mattress protection bags, wardrobe boxes, picture boxes, and TV protection systems.
29. What is a Mattress Protection Bag?
A protective covering used during transportation and storage.
30. Do you offer TV protection?
Yes. We offer Standard and XL TV Protection Box Rentals.
Specialty Items
31. Do you move safes?
Yes.
32. How much does safe moving cost?
Safe fees range from $100–$300 depending on weight classification.
33. Do you move upright pianos?
Yes.
34. Do you move baby grand pianos?
No.
35. Do you move grand pianos?
No.
36. Do you move exercise equipment?
In many cases, yes.
37. Do you move antiques?
Yes, although additional planning may be required.
Service Area & Scheduling
38. What areas do you serve?
We operate within approximately a 140-mile radius of Quantico, Virginia and proudly serve the DMV Metro Area.
39. Do you perform long-distance moves?
Yes. Long-distance moves must originate within our service area.
40. What if I need movers on short notice?
We offer Next-Day Priority Service ($150) and Same-Day Priority Service ($200), subject to truck and crew availability.
41. What affects the cost of my move?
Inventory, access conditions, stairs, elevators, weather, travel distance, specialty items, and crew size all affect moving costs.
42. Does weather affect my move?
Yes. Rain, snow, ice, heat, and traffic conditions can all affect move duration and operations.
Policies & Operations
43. Are you licensed and insured?
Yes.
44. Do you move items packed in trash bags?
Yes. However, trash bags do not provide the protection of moving cartons and are not covered for damage claims related to bag failure, punctures, tearing, crushing, or inadequate packing protection.
45. What items will movers NOT transport?
We do not transport: Propane, Gasoline, Ammunition, Fireworks, Hazardous materials, Hazardous chemicals, Flammable liquids, Corrosives, Pets, or Live plants.
46. Do I need to tip my movers?
Gratuity is appreciated but never expected.
47. What do clients typically tip?
Many clients who choose to tip provide $40–$100 per crew member, though gratuity is always at the client's discretion.
48. Can I buy lunch for the crew?
Absolutely. Many clients choose to provide lunch or refreshments. And yes — we do love pizza.
Claims & Liability
49. What if something is damaged?
Please complete the Damage Claim Form on our website so the matter can be properly reviewed.
50. Is particle board furniture covered for damage claims?
Generally, no. Particle board furniture is inherently more susceptible to joint loosening, fastener pullout, structural weakening, and material failure. Because of these construction characteristics, particle board furniture is generally excluded from damage claim coverage related to structural failure, joint failure, material failure, and pre-existing weaknesses.
Transparent Pricing. Professional Planning. No Surprises. Because informed clients make better moving decisions — and successful moves begin with clear expectations.
Questions About Your Move?