Moving FAQ - Ask us anything

FlatRate was the first company to introduce an all-inclusive flat rate — there are no surprise costs with us: our pricing is tailored for your inventory and includes all labor and travel expenses. With a team of moving experts and top-notch technology, our fleet of trucks, exclusive app and high-quality materials set us apart from other moving companies.

We are a fully licensed, insured and bonded moving company that complies with the regulations of the New York Department of Transportation and receives storage license from the Department of Consumer Affairs. For interstate moves, we are regulated by The Interstate Commerce Commission.

Wednesdays are the best day since less people request it, followed by Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fridays and weekends are usually the busiest days resulting in competition for elevator access, which can cause delays. In NYC, buildings also commonly have weekend restrictions so it’s best to inquire with yours before booking a date.

FlatRate recommends at least three weeks in advance when moving locally. For long distance or international, we recommend four weeks.

Yes, we are experts when it comes to moving pianos with a trained team fully taking care of the service.

Yes, we offer both Long Distance and International moving services.

It’s important to consider delays and traffic when it comes to inclement weather but your move WILL NOT be cancelled unless the city puts out a travel/weather warning.

Instead of charging an uncertainty-filled hourly rate, our flat rate gives you a real price upfront. Our pricing is custom-made for your move and avoids any backend fees and surprise costs, including all labor and travel expenses like fuel costs, tolls and truck depreciation. FlatRate has a 99.6% price accuracy, guaranteeing that the estimate you get during your free consultation will be the final price of your move.

Your price will be based on your inventory, the distance you are traveling and the complexity of the move. Factors such as furniture size, number of large items and level of fragility all play roles in determining your move’s cost. The estimate your Relocation Consultant gives you will be the final price as long as your inventory stays the same. In case your inventory changes, the rate will be adjusted upfront — making sure there aren’t any hidden fees.

How many hours are needed to relocate your inventory safely. We do not operate on an hourly pricing, offering instead an all-inclusive flat rate tailored for your move. Aware that moving can be unpredictable, FlatRate chooses to focus on efficiency rather than time constraints.

Boxes are always included free of charge and there are certain items we will always pack for you as part of our moving package. We also offer full moving services where we can do all the packing an unpacking of your items. Our specialists are trained to pack your items efficiently so we can fully protect your dishes, pots & pans, books, fragile items, documents and photographs, TVs & electronics, lamps, small mirrors, sculptures, artwork and any glass or marble items.

We provide 2 complimentary wardrobe boxes on the day of your move. Although you will be charged for the space they take up in the truck.

The first flight of stairs is free although we do charge any additional stairs according to the size of the move.

No, there is no tax on your move.

FlatRate has a 99.6% price accuracy, guaranteeing that the estimate you get during your free consultation will be the final price of your move.

Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) cash, money order and wire transfers. We do not accept checks or Discover cards.

Customers get charged 2 business days before the start of their move.

FlatRate offers several options of loss and damage coverage for your shipment — you can add coverage using MyFlatRate app or ask your Relocation Consultant prior to your move date.

FlatRate will issue a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for your building upon request. We will send your COI once you book your move date to help you plan and reserve your building’s elevator. We will also send a copy to your building’s management company.

Yes, we also wrap it with a blanket. See how we do it here.

Yes, it will make the dresser easier to move. If it’s a self-pack move, we recommend that the customer empty out the dresser prior to the move day.

No. It’s best to keep jewelry, documents and other personal items with you at all times.

Please pack your personal and valuable items as well as medication and other essentials (snacks, cell phone charger…) Make sure to check our list of items we always pack for you.

If you’re moving locally, yes. For Long Distance moves, we are not allowed due to state regulations.

Yes. We will not move firearms, ammunition, drugs, chemicals, plants and pets.

Yes, FlatRate will issue a refund for any items that were initially listed on your move plan but not moved.

You can adjust your inventory at any point with MyFlatRate app or contacting your Relocation Consultant. You can add and remove items before or during your move and your final price will be adjusted accordingly.

Industry recommended is 10-20% of your move for local services. For long distance moves, the recommended amount is 5-8% split between the pick up team and the delivery team. With MyFlatRate app, you can add tip during or after your move.

Our fleet of trucks and vans come in a variety of sizes. Complying for every type and size of move, we offer small 15ft trucks to medium-sized 26ft trucks, all the way to 18 wheeler trailers.

You can directly call your Relocation Consultant or our Customer Service. Our Dispatch department will also be able to help with any moving day issues or last minute requests at (718)-292-7911.

We apologize for any damages that may have happened during your move. Please call our Claims Department at (718)-475-5792 or email customerservice@flatrate.com.

We request that customers uninstall their AC units or have someone do it prior to their move day. For TVs and other electronics, we offer a specialized service for both uninstallation and set up.

FlatRate will take care of it and you won’t be charged.

From the initial consultation, your Relocation Specialist will make a list of your inventory with all the items that will be moved or not, tagging them accordingly.

Absolutely. We also offer custom floor plan services with furniture placement upon delivery.

If it’s an all-day job, yes. You won’t be charged for their lunch hours since FlatRate does not operate under an hourly rate.

For Long Distance moves, food is not allowed due to state regulations. For Local Moves, food and liquids should be the last thing to be packed.

The number of movers we send depends on your move’s size — our logistics team will make sure we have the appropriate amount of movers to meet your relocation’s requirements.

Yes, you or a representative needs to be present to open the contract with the movers. We recommend someone stay with the movers during both the pickup and delivery.

No, you can authorize the movers to handle everything for you but for third party storages, we do require the client or a representative to be present at drop off.

Although we are licensed in the appropriate cities, it is usually the clients’ responsibility to obtain designated city parking permits.

Yes, we will call 24 hours prior to delivery.

Yes, you can assign someone to receive the delivery — you just need to provide us with the person’s name and contact information.

You or a representative must be available to receive the items throughout the duration of the delivery window or we can guarantee a delivery date where you can select an exact day within the delivery window.

We try our best to deliver your items within the given window. In the event the window is no longer possible, our dispatcher will contact you ahead of time.

Most of our shipments are between 7 to 14 days. With our express shuttles, we can move from NYC to Florida in 5 days and NYC to California in 10 days.

View the full schedule here.

Once you book the move, FlatRate will send the necessary forms (Customs, Regulations, Insurance, Declaration Forms and Things You Need to Know) that need to be completed. If there are any questions on how to fill the forms, FlatRate is available to provide guidance.

The duration of delivery depends on the type of shipping you choose — sea, land or air. You can see estimated times of arrival at our frequent destinations here.

A delivery window is the timeframe between your shipment and the delivery at your next destination. For Long Distance and International moves, we have specific delivery windows that customers can choose from.