Frequently Asked Questions

Call Us 773-883-0780 or
Get a Free Estimate
Arrow 1

.

Get Your
Free Moving Estimate

Ensure a safe and stress-free
move by reviewing our FAQ for Customers

arrow icon
icon, Bernard Movers website, Chicago Movers

It is preferable that you are present during the packing of your belongings and imperative that you take responsibility for your jewelry and other high-value items. If possible, please take these items with you. If you must pack these items, know where they are located, and make a descriptive note that you have these items on your Bill of Lading. Furthermore, make sure to sign the inventory of your belongings and do not pack any prohibited items.

icon, Bernard Movers website, Chicago Movers, car
We do offer the service of transporting your vehicle for out of state moves by placing the vehicle inside the container. We may also make alternate arrangements, please contact your personal moving coordinator to discuss your options.
icon, Bernard Movers website, Chicago Movers

In addition to loading and unloading the truck, Bernard Movers can assist you in your moving process by disassembling and reassembling your furniture. Furthermore, we can arrange to have multiple stops in your move, as sometimes our clients have additional furniture and belongings in storage, for example. Please speak with your Personal Move Coordinator should you require these services.

icon, Bernard Movers website, Chicago Movers

The most forgotten items are the following:

Records: Don’t forget to transfer your medical records and current prescriptions to your new town. Also, you will need school records to register your children as photocopies will not suffice.

 

Hidden Stash: Have you stashed away valuables or extra cash? Be sure to check every nook and cranny so that you don’t forget that money you had hidden for a rainy day or your family heirloom!

 

External Possessions: Don’t forget to pick up the items left at the dry cleaners or tailors. Also remember to return library books, movie rentals, and anything else you may have checked out or lent out.

 

New Address: Keep a copy in your wallet, because you will be asked this information repeatedly during your move and you may not have it memorized.

 

Mr. Clean: Leave some cleaning supplies out to do a once-over before permanently closing the door.

 

Garage Door Opener: Most people forget to remove this from their vehicles prior to moving. Remember to leave it for the new resident.

 

Keys: Make sure you leave the new resident all the copies of the house key. Don’t forget to pick them up from the neighbors, family members, or whomever you have given a spare key to. That includes the hidden key on the front porch!

 

Animals and Plants: Bernard Movers cannot move animals or plants, so please make arrangement for them!

 

Bank Accounts: It is always a good idea to open a checking account in your new town a month prior to arrival; this ensures you have immediate access to your funds. On occasion, retailers decline to cash “out of town” checks.
icon, Bernard Movers website, Chicago Movers
It is preferable that you are present during the packing of your belongings and imperative that you take responsibility for your jewelry and other high-value items. If possible, please take these items with you. If you must pack these items, know where they are located, and make a descriptive note that you have these items on your Bill of Lading. Furthermore, make sure to sign the inventory of your belongings and do not pack any prohibited items.
icon, Bernard Movers website, Chicago Movers
Of course you may, but be very careful while doing so to ensure no damage is done to the content of the box. Valuation coverage will not protect goods packed by the owner unless there is damage to the exterior of the box. Please make sure to read the section we have dedicated to proper packing techniques .
furniture movers, furniture icon, furniture moving
You may, but please think about the individuals who are moving you. Heavy items are harder to maneuver and increase the chances of someone getting hurt. In order to keep our crews’ work environment safe, they may take the full drawers out of the dresser and carry them down as separate items, this means the articles inside the drawer will be exposed to the external weather conditions.

General Service & Company Policies

Yes. We carry all required state and federal licenses for local and interstate moves, and our insurance meets or exceeds industry standards.

We handle residential, commercial, long-distance, local, apartment, senior moves, and specialty transport for delicate or oversized items.

Absolutely. We can share verified references and direct links to independent customer reviews upon request.

Yes. We offer both virtual video surveys and on-site estimates to accurately assess your move.

We offer all three options. Most customers choose a binding-not-to-exceed quote for cost protection.

We disclose all potential fees in advance, such as long carries, stair fees, bulky-item handling, and shuttle truck use. We never add hidden charges.

We accept electronic transfers via Zelle, major credit cards and debit.  Payment terms vary by local vs. long-distance moves.

Yes. A small deposit secures your moving date; it is applied toward your final invoice.

You can cancel or reschedule at no charge if done before the specified cutoff period, typically 5 working days for local moves and 10 working days for long-distance ahead of your move.

Labor, loading, unloading, furniture padding, protective wrapping, truck use, and basic valuation coverage are included.

Yes, we offer short- and long-term storage solutions.

Pricing & Insurance

Local moves are time-based; long-distance moves are weight- and distance-based. Additional services are itemized clearly.

Yes. Most moves have a 2.5-3 hour minimum depending on crew size.

Travel time and fuel surcharges may apply, and they are always disclosed upfront. There is no fuel surcharge for local moves.

Basic valuation at no charge, plus full-value protection for added coverage.

For interstate moves, trucks are weighed on certified scales before and after loading.

Yes. Boxes and specialty supplies billed separately based on usage.

Yes—seasonal, weekdays are available.

Tipping is appreciated but never required. Amounts are at your discretion.

Yes, all moves include a legally required written contract and inventory.

Local moves are paid at the end of service.  For long-distance moves first half of due amount is collected at the end of loading and Reminder payment is collected upon arrival at destination.

Logistics, Scheduling & Long-Distance Planning

We recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance, or earlier during peak moving season.

Yes. We provide guaranteed or window-based delivery options depending on destination and schedule.

We communicate proactively and adjust schedules when needed due to weather, traffic, or unforeseen events.

No—when possible, we use dedicated trucks. If a transfer is unavoidable, we inform you in advance and document all items.

We provide phone updates for long-distance moves.

Yes. We can store your shipment securely if your move requires a delay.

We offer flexible storage solutions and delivery rescheduling.

Yes. We coordinate shuttle trucks for tight neighborhoods or buildings with restricted access.

Yes, though availability may be limited during major holidays.

We will guide you on securing parking permits or reserving loading zones when necessary.

Packing & Materials

Yes. You can choose full packing, partial packing, or self-packing with materials provided.

We use carton boxes, stretch wrap, furniture blankets, specialty crates, and wardrobe boxes.

Absolutely. Our trained packers use specific methods for fragile and high-value goods.

Yes. We offer carton boxes and supplies.

Yes. When possible, we recommend using original boxes, but we also carry suitable alternatives.

Absolutely. Every box is labeled with room, content type, and special handling instructions.

Yes. We disassemble beds, tables, and other items as needed, and reassemble them at destination.

We can disconnect and reconnect simple appliances. Complex gas or plumbing setups may require a certified technician.

Yes, of course. We can you supply packing materials.

Firearms, ammunition, hazardous materials, perishable food, flammables, plants, propane tanks, car batteries, cleaning chemicals and some liquids cannot be transported.

Security, Safety & Handling of Belongings

Pressurized propane, butane, and other gas cylinders cannot be moved on standard trucks. They pose a risk of explosion or leakage and should be emptied or transported through specialized channels.

Flammable or corrosive chemicals, including bleach, ammonia, paint, and paint thinner, cannot be transported on moving trucks.

We pad, wrap, and secure each item before loading. High-value pieces may require crating.

We use custom padding, double-walled boxes, and specialty packing techniques.

Yes. Long-distance moves require a detailed inventory; local customers may request one as well.

We offer a clear claims process, and our insurance coverage provides repair, replacement, or compensation based on your valuation choice.

Yes—our fleet features tie-down systems, and security locks.

Yes. All crew members are vetted and professionally trained.

Items are padded, strapped, and positioned to prevent shifting during transit.

We use floor runners, door-jamb protectors, and padding.

We recommend keeping jewelry, cash, and important documents with you personally.

For safety and insurance reasons, customers cannot ride in the moving truck.

Yes. We have the experience and equipment to move large or specialty items safely.

Yes. We have the experience and equipment to move large exercise equipment safely.

Crew, Personnel & On-Site Operations

Crew size depends on the scope of your move. We ensure the right number of professionals for efficiency and safety.

Yes. All staff receive training in packing, safe lifting, equipment use, and customer service.

For local moves, yes. For interstate, we aim for continuity and inform you of any changes.

Yes, all team members wear company uniforms.

Yes. We follow strict screening and safety protocols.

An on-site foreman leads your crew, communicates with you, and coordinates tasks.

Dollies, straps, toolkits, floor protection materials, and any specialized equipment needed.

Yes, as required by labor guidelines, but breaks do not affect your quoted service quality.

We use specialized equipment and, if needed, additional crew for safe handling.

Only when necessary and safe, and usually with additional equipment or special authorization.

Delivery, Unpacking & Final Steps

Yes—full or partial unpacking as needed.

Yes, debris removal is included with our unpacking service or can be added separately.

Absolutely. We place items per your directions before completing the move.

We can reconnect simple electronics, but recommend technicians for advanced setups.

Yes, we make reasonable adjustments before the crew leaves.

You can file a claim within the specified period. Our claims team will assist promptly.

Yes, we provide removal services upon request.

Yes—box pickup is available depending on location.

We ensure all items are placed correctly, nothing is missing, and all tasks are completed.

You can leave a public review—we appreciate all feedback.

Need more advice? Check our Moving Tips page or contact us!

Client Satisfaction Guaranteed

icon

Lenya F

My wife and I used Bernard Movers for our move today, which involved transporting all of our belongings from a third floor walk up to a townhouse in the middle of winter...

5 stars reviews Bernard Movers

Natalie A

“I feel very fortunate to have found Bernard Movers for my long-distance move! They were consistently responsive and helpful with planning and scheduling, and the movers both in Chicago…
5 stars reviews Bernard Movers

Zoe M

“I had an incredible experience working with Bernard Movers. They made the painful experience of moving seamless and easy. The 3 men showed up on time and got started right away. …

Book The Best Chicago Movers Today

Choose Bernard Movers for competitive pricing that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Call Us 773-883-0780 or
Get a Free Estimate

*** Every family deserves a mover they can trust. - we provide 3 FREE rental wardrobe cartons on all local moves. ***

X