FAQ

Master Movers FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Moving comes with a lot of questions. At Master Movers, we believe the best way to reduce stress is to provide clear, honest answers up front.

Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive about local moving, long-distance and interstate moves, commercial relocations, storage, packing, and how we operate as a company. If you don’t see your question here, we’re always happy to help.

About Master Movers

01How long has Master Movers been in business?

Master Movers has been locally owned and operated in Portland, Oregon since 1992. With more than three decades of experience, we’ve handled thousands of residential, commercial, and long-distance moves throughout the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

02Is Master Movers licensed and insured?

Yes. Master Movers maintains all required state and federal licenses and operates in full compliance with industry regulations. We are also an interstate agent for Wheaton World Wide Moving, allowing us to coordinate long-distance and cross-country relocations.

03Are your movers background-checked?

Yes. All Master Movers team members undergo background checks before being hired. We believe trust and professionalism start with the people entering your home, and we take that responsibility seriously.

04What makes Master Movers different from other moving companies?

Our difference comes down to experience, consistency, and transparency. We use trained professional crews, not day labor. We communicate clearly, plan carefully, and treat every move with respect, whether it’s a small apartment or a complex commercial relocation.

Estimates, Pricing, and Scheduling

How do you calculate the cost of a move?

Moving costs are based on several factors, including:

We’ll explain each component clearly so you understand how your estimate is built.

Do you offer in-home estimates?

Yes. For many moves, especially larger or long-distance relocations, we recommend an in-home or virtual estimate. This allows us to accurately assess the scope of the move and provide a more reliable quote.

What’s the difference between binding, non-binding, and not-to-exceed estimates?

Moving costs are based on several factors, including:

Binding estimate: A fixed price based on the services outlined. The cost will not change unless additional services are added.
Non-binding estimate: An estimated cost based on projected weight and services. Final cost is based on actual shipment details.
Not-to-exceed estimate: Sets a maximum price while allowing the final cost to be lower if the shipment weighs less or fewer services are needed.

We’ll help you determine which option makes the most sense for your move.

How far in advance should I schedule my move?

We recommend scheduling as early as possible, especially during peak moving seasons (spring and summer). That said, we do our best to accommodate last-minute moves when availability allows.

Local Moving Questions

01Do you handle apartment and condo moves?

Yes. We regularly move customers in and out of apartments, condos, townhomes, and high-rise buildings throughout Portland. We’re familiar with stairs, elevators, parking restrictions, and building requirements.

02Will you protect my home during the move?

Absolutely. We use floor runners, door jamb protectors, and furniture padding to help protect your home from damage during the moving process.

03Can you move heavy or oversized items?

Yes. Our crews are trained to handle heavy and specialty items such as large furniture, appliances, safes, and pianos. Be sure to let us know about these items during the estimate process.

04Can you help rearrange furniture within my home?

Yes. In addition to full moves, we offer on-site moving services such as furniture rearranging, in-home moves, and delivery assistance.

Long Distance & Interstate Moving

01Do you offer long-distance moving services?

Yes. Master Movers provides long-distance and interstate moving services both within the Pacific Northwest and nationwide.

02How are long-distance moves different from local moves?

Long-distance moves involve additional planning, scheduling, and coordination. Items are packed and secured for extended travel, and delivery windows are coordinated in advance. We’ll walk you through the entire process so you know what to expect.

03Will my belongings be tracked during a long-distance move?

Yes. We maintain clear communication throughout your move and provide updates regarding pickup, transit, and delivery timing.

What items cannot be transported on long-distance moves?

Certain items are restricted, including:

We’ll provide guidance so you know what to pack separately.

Commercial & Industrial Moving

01Do you handle office and commercial relocations?

Yes. We move offices, retail spaces, warehouses, and industrial facilities. Our commercial moving services are designed to minimize downtime and protect equipment, furniture, and sensitive materials.

02Can you move equipment and machinery?

Yes. Our team is experienced in industrial moving and can safely relocate machinery, storage systems, and specialized equipment using appropriate tools and planning.

03Will my business experience downtime during the move?

Our goal is to minimize downtime as much as possible. We coordinate schedules, offer flexible moving times, and plan logistics carefully to help your business resume operations quickly.

Packing Services

01Do you offer professional packing services?

Yes. We offer full and partial packing services using high-quality materials and proven techniques to protect your belongings.

02Can I pack some items myself and have you pack the rest?

Absolutely. Many customers choose a hybrid approach where they pack everyday items and have us handle fragile or high-value belongings.

03Do you provide packing supplies?

Yes. We offer boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, stretch wrap, and other materials to help you pack safely.

04Should I pack liquids?

No. For safety and damage prevention, we do not transport liquids of any kind.

Storage Questions

01Do you offer storage services?

Yes. We provide secure, climate-controlled storage for both short-term and long-term needs.

02Are my items inventoried while in storage?

Yes. We create a detailed inventory of stored items and store them in sealed vaults or containers to ensure security and accountability.

03Can I access my belongings while they’re in storage?

Access options vary depending on your storage arrangement. We’ll review access details with you before placing items into storage.

Valuation and Protection

01Is my move insured?

Movers provide valuation coverage rather than traditional insurance. Coverage options vary, and we’ll explain each option so you can choose the level of protection that fits your needs.

What valuation options are available?

Options typically include:

We’ll explain how each option works and what it covers.

02What if something is damaged during my move?

While damage is rare, we take any concerns seriously. Our team will guide you through the claims process and work toward a fair resolution.

Preparing for Moving Day

01How should I prepare my home before movers arrive?

We recommend:

Our crew will handle additional protection inside your home.

02Should I be present on moving day?

Yes. We recommend being available at pickup and delivery to answer questions and confirm placement of items.

Contact Master Movers to speak with a knowledgeable member of our team who can answer your questions and help you plan your move with confidence.

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Still Have Questions?

If you don’t see your question here, we’re happy to help.