Olympic's Moving Freqently Asked Questions

We recommend that you contact us as soon as you know that you will be moving.  During peak season, we are often booked out in excess of a month for scheduling new moves.  We also can provide you valuable information to help guide you through the transition.

The short answer is as many as you feel you need to find a company that fits your needs. It is often suggested that you get 3 estimates. This isn’t bad advice, but it isn’t certainly mandatory or even sometimes necessary. Do your due diligence by researching companies on the web, read reviews, and ask friends and family. 

Doing your own packing of boxes can save you money and provide you an opportunity to sort through your belongings prior to the move.  But, at a minimum, we suggest that you have us pack your breakable items.  Importantly, be aware that items that you pack in your own boxes are not covered against loss or damage under the mover’s valuation coverage. That’s an important consideration. 

Not all companies that market themselves as movers are actually licensed to provide moving services.  Unlicensed movers are often called “Rogue Movers” and are responsible for the large majority of  service or business complaints. Ask to see the movers registration numbers for state and interstate moving.

Local: Many local moves are completed in a day. Long Distance: Interstate movers can take as little as 3 to as much as 28 days to transport your goods. The larger your shipment, the more control you have over transit times.  On interstate moves, many shipments will have a guaranteed delivery window. Your moving consultant will explain the delivery options available to you.  

Movers are not licensed to  offer insurance. Valuation coverage is a service option that determines the moving company’s assumption of liability in the event of loss or damage. The valuation option you choose for your move will determine the amount of liability including any deductible options. Some renters or homeowners insurance will cover your items during a professional move. Always check with your insurance agent do determine what coverage amount might be appropriate for you. 

Great question.  Olympic is  family owned moving company committed to providing an outstanding moving experience. If quality of service, safety and attention to detail are important to you, then Olympic would be a good choice for you. 

We can handle moves from virtually anywhere. Through our vast network of partners, we coordinate hundreds of moves yearly from locations across the globe.  Our primary service area is the South Sound.  This includes Olympia, Centralia and south, the Peninsula, Pierce and South King County. We can also handle moves out of the area including people moving from out of state. 

The two most impactful ways of saving money on a move are a) doing some or all of the packing and b) reducing the size of the shipment by sorting through your belongings, making decisions on what you need and don’t need. 

Although certainly not mandatory, movers do gladly accept gratuities. Should you decide to provide a tip, give it to the crew lead. They can disperse it to the staff.   

Olympic puts the safety of our customers and team members first. We’re following all best practices and guidelines for sanitation, cleanliness, and precaution. You can be assured that we are following all the appropriate protocols. 

Your moving consultant will provide you with a comprehensive list of items that are prohibited. In general, it is anything flammable, explosive, corrosive, acid, high value documents or items and a number of personal items. Movers also do not move plants or other live items.  See your moving consultant for more information. 

Olympic can pack the whole household or just a few key items. One popular option is called a breakables pack. Olympic would pack anything breakable including dishes, artwork and mirrors. You can pack the non-breakables, saving money while doing the pre-move sorting. Movers will always pack your mattresses and box springs as part of the standard service. 

Communication is key when it comes to moving. If you have not completed the tasks that you have committed to (packing, getting rid of items) or need to change your dates, please contact Olympic immediately. 

Binding and non-binding estimates are similar in many ways.  Each are appropriate in a number of situations.  A binding estimate, generally used in interstate moves, states that the mover will move the identified items and provide the listed specific services  for a set amount of money. A binding estimate does not mean that there won’t potentially be any additional charges. If services are required or requested outside of the agreed services, a mover may collect additional fees. Non binding estimates establish a projected cost with a range of costs based upon actual services. 

If you can avoid the end of the month and Fridays during the month, you will be avoiding days of peak service demand. 

We suggest that you place the items that you plan to move on the bed to ensure that they are not packed or moved. Clear items in hallways or in rooms where they might interfere with the move.  And make sure to do the dishes so we can get then packed up. 

You’ll meet, either in-person or virtually with one of our local moving consultants. They will learn about the specifics of the move and your concerns. The moving consultant will complete a walk through creating an inventory of items to be moved, services required and a breakdown of costs.  

Olympic accepts cash (not preferred), credit card, cashier’s check or money order. The tariff requires collection of funds prior to delivery unless other arrangements have been made. 

Olympic, like most movers, does not move plants or other live items.  The interior of a moving trailer is dark and can get quite hot. 

We recommend that you personally move items of great monetary or intrinsic value yourself.  This includes, irreplaceable documents, family photos, cash, jewelry, high value items. 

All loose items including clothing should be packed in boxes. Furniture is not designed to be moved with contents of excessive weight. Loose items can also be damaged or lost. 

A Bill of Lading is the controlling document that outlines the services, conditions and exclusions of the move contract. It also outlines the costs associated under the transportation agreement. 

An inventory is a series of documents identifying the items being moved and their current condition.  Numbered stickers are assigned to each item being moved. These numbers are notated on the inventory. 

An inventory is  a series of document with a detailed list of items being moved. A Van Foreman will complete a detailed inspection of the condition of items, noting pre-existing damage prior to the move. After the delivery of the shipment*, please inspect items for damage and notify Olympic immediately. (* self storage must be inspected at the time of delivery). We encourage you to contact us promptly in the event of damage. 

Every move starts with floor and stair protection. We want to ensure that your house is as protected as your household goods.