Moving Questions, Answered Clearly

Esquire Moving currently accepts cash, check, and major credit or debit cards. Current payment terms include a 3% discount for cash payments and a 4% processing fee for card payments. A cardholder may be asked to show matching identification and provide a signature.

Unless your written agreement states otherwise, payment for a local move is due when the job is complete. Have the approved payment method available before the crew finishes. Payment terms for an interstate move will be listed in your move documents.

Long-distance pricing is based on the agreed inventory and service scope rather than the local hourly structure. Adding items, packing, stops, or other services after the inventory is confirmed can change the price. Esquire’s current payment schedule is 80% at pickup and 20% at delivery. Your written agreement will confirm the accepted payment methods and any applicable processing fee.

For a local hourly move, job time generally consists of move time plus travel time. Move time begins when the crew arrives at the origin and ends when unloading is finished at the destination. Travel time accounts for the trip from the terminal to the origin and the return after completion.

The duration also depends on inventory, packing readiness, stairs, elevators, walking distance, parking, furniture disassembly, and other access conditions. Your estimate should identify the crew size, minimums, and travel-time calculation used for your move.

Yes. For jobs in Greater Boston, the current minimum flat travel-time charge is 45 minutes. Travel time for locations outside that area is calculated for the relevant route. The amount applicable to your move should be shown in the written estimate.

Local moves may be billed at an hourly rate based on crew size. Current terms use 15-minute billing increments and a three-hour minimum. Your estimate should list the rate, crew, truck, travel time, included materials or services, and any conditions that could change the total. Long-distance and flat-rate moves follow the pricing method shown in their written documents.

The recommended crew depends on the inventory, home size, stairs or elevators, carrying distance, oversized items, packing needs, and schedule. A smaller crew can take longer, while a larger crew may finish sooner, so the lowest hourly rate is not always the lowest final cost. Esquire will recommend a crew after reviewing the actual move details.

The customer is generally responsible for arranging legal truck parking and any permits required at the origin and destination. Plan for at least 40 feet per truck when the property and local rules allow it, and share parking or loading-dock instructions before move day.

If the crew must search for parking or carry items a longer distance, the move may take more time. Tickets, permit fees, and responsibility for unavailable parking should be confirmed in the written terms. For Boston addresses, review the City’s current moving-truck parking instructions.

Small moves and a few-item moves may be available under the applicable hourly rate and minimum. When transportation is included, the crew arrives with a moving truck and standard equipment needed for safe handling. Provide dimensions, approximate weights, photos, stairs, elevator information, and pickup and delivery access when requesting the estimate.

Yes, labor-only loading or unloading can be requested for a customer-rented truck or container. The service scope covers the crew’s work while the items are in its immediate care; Esquire does not operate or control the rented vehicle during customer-provided transportation. Discuss loading plans, equipment, payment methods, and responsibility for transit damage before booking, and review those terms in writing.

Tell the office about changes as soon as possible. Extra items, packing, stops, assembly, storage, or access issues can affect the crew, truck, schedule, and price. Day-of requests are subject to time, equipment, safety, and the commitments already scheduled after your move; they may be added, moved to another time, or declined. Any approved change should be documented.

Yes. Empty drawers, cabinets, and enclosed compartments before the crew arrives. Remove loose shelves, glass panels, microwave turntables, and other unsecured components that could shift or break. Do not force out built-in parts; ask the team in advance if you are unsure how a specific piece should be prepared.

Prepared appliances can be moved, but plumbing, gas, and electrical disconnection or reconnection should be completed by an appropriately qualified person unless a separate service has been confirmed. Refrigerators and freezers must be emptied, defrosted, dry, and ready for transport. Tell the estimator about appliance dimensions, stairs, tight doorways, and water lines before move day.

Many oversized items can be moved after advance review. Items over approximately 300 pounds may require more movers, specialized equipment, additional time, or a separate charge. The current listed charge is $120 per qualifying item. The team will confirm the handling plan and applicable price after reviewing the item’s weight, dimensions, and access conditions.

Hoisting may be considered when an item cannot be moved safely through the normal route. Send photos, dimensions, approximate weight, floor level, window or balcony access, and exterior conditions at least 48 hours in advance. A hydraulic lift, crane, permit, or additional crew may be required, and the team may decline a setup that cannot be performed safely.

The current listed hoisting fee is $50 per item, per flight. The team must inspect the details of the item and property before confirming that hoisting is possible and providing the final price.

Standard furniture disassembly and reassembly may be included when the item can be handled with normal moving tools. Tell the estimator about beds, tables, modular furniture, wall-mounted pieces, and complex items in advance. Particleboard and similar composite furniture may weaken when dismantled repeatedly, so the crew may recommend limited handling or decline work that is likely to damage the item.

Esquire does not transport flammable, hazardous, corrosive, or explosive materials; firearms or other weapons; animals; or plants. This can include fuel, propane, fireworks, ammunition, many chemicals, and containers that still hold hazardous residue. Ask about any uncertain item before packing it, and arrange lawful private transport or disposal where necessary.

The team monitors conditions and prioritizes safe travel and handling. Severe rain or ice, snow emergencies, hurricanes, tornado warnings, travel bans, or other dangerous conditions may require a delay or rescheduling to a mutually agreed time. Keep contact details current and clear walkways, stairs, and loading areas whenever conditions permit safe service.

Inspect the shipment as carefully as practical, photograph the item and packaging, note visible damage on the move documents, and notify the claims team promptly at claims@esquiremoving.com. Keep the damaged item, packaging, inventory, estimate, bill of lading, receipts, and photographs until you receive instructions.

Claims are reviewed separately from payment of the moving bill. Filing requirements and deadlines depend on the move and governing documents, so follow the written claims instructions supplied with your service. For an interstate move, also review FMCSA’s official valuation and liability guidance.