Ask Undergrads: Your Top Labor-Only Moving Questions Answered (FAQ Series)
What Is Undergrads and How Does It Work?
Why Choose Student Movers?
What Makes Undergrads Different from Other Moving Companies?
What Services Does Undergrads Offer?
Customer Testimonials and Success Stories
Frequently Asked Questions About Undergrads
- Your name and contact information.
- The addresses for loading and/or unloading.
- The date and preferred start time for your service.
- The size of your home or apartment (e.g., number of bedrooms) or the scope of the job (e.g., loading a 20-foot truck, in-home furniture moving).
- Any specific details, like stairs, elevators, heavy or bulky items, or if you need help with specific tasks like just loading or just unloading. Based on this information, we’ll provide you with an estimate for the number of movers and the hours needed. Once you confirm, your booking is set! If you have more complex needs or prefer to discuss your move, you can also contact our team for availability and assistance.
- Arrival & Walk-through: The team leader will typically greet you and do a quick walk-through of your home or the items to be moved. This is a good time to point out any fragile items, special instructions, or areas of concern.
- The Work: Our students will then get to work, efficiently and carefully loading your belongings onto your rental truck or container, or unloading them into your new home, as per your booking. If you've booked an in-home move, they'll proceed with rearranging your furniture as directed.
- Communication: Throughout the process, our team will communicate with you. Don't hesitate to ask questions or provide direction. They are there to help make your move smoother.
- Completion & Sign-off: Once the job is completed to your satisfaction, you'll typically sign off on the work. Remember, as a labor-only moving company, you are responsible for providing the rental truck or container, as well as any packing materials like boxes, tape, blankets, and straps. Our team provides the muscle and know-how for the physical labor.
- Your Rental Truck/Container Insurance: When you rent a moving truck (U-Haul, Penske, etc.) or use a portable storage container, you will typically be offered insurance or valuation coverage options by that rental company. This coverage often pertains to damage to the truck itself or, in some cases, to your goods while in transit if caused by an accident involving the truck.
- Homeowner's/Renter's Insurance: Your existing homeowner's or renter's insurance policy may offer some coverage for your belongings during a move, but this varies greatly by policy. It's always a good idea to check with your insurance provider.
- Undergrads' Role: As a labor-only service, our primary responsibility is the careful handling of your items during the loading and unloading process. While our teams are trained to be extremely careful, accidents, though rare, can happen. Different states have different regulations regarding mover liability. We encourage you to visit our FAQ page on our website for more detailed information on our specific policies regarding valuation and claims, or discuss this when you book. It's always wise to ensure you have adequate protection for your belongings through a combination of the rental truck/container company's options and your personal insurance.
- Recruitment: We recruit students from local colleges and universities in the areas we serve, like Raleigh, NC, or Columbia, SC.
- Screening: Applicants typically go through a screening process that may include an application review and an interview. We look for a positive attitude and a genuine willingness to work.
- Training: Once selected, students receive training on proper lifting techniques, safe handling of furniture and boxes, efficient loading and unloading strategies (e.g., how to pack a truck tightly and safely), and customer service best practices. This training emphasizes preventing damage to belongings and property, as well as ensuring their own safety on the job.
- Ongoing Support & Feedback: We maintain ongoing communication with our teams and gather customer feedback to help our student movers continuously improve and provide the best possible service.
- Pack Thoroughly Before Moving Day: Have everything boxed up, sealed, and clearly labeled with its contents and destination room. This is crucial. Our teams are there for muscle, not packing (unless specifically arranged as an add-on service where available).
- Rent the Right Size Truck/Container: Try to accurately estimate the volume of your belongings to ensure you rent an appropriately sized truck or container. Too small, and you'll need multiple trips or can't fit everything. Too large, and items might shift more.
- Gather Moving Supplies: Make sure you have plenty of moving blankets (pads), stretch wrap, dollies (hand trucks), and tie-down straps. These are essential for protecting your furniture and securing your load in the truck. You can usually rent these from the truck rental agency.
- Clear Pathways: Ensure that walkways in your home, hallways, and driveways are clear of obstacles to allow for safe and efficient movement of items.
- Protect Your Home: Consider protecting floors with runners or cardboard, and padding door frames in tight spots, especially in your new home.
- Communicate with Your Movers: When the Undergrads team arrives, take a few minutes to walk them through your home, pointing out any particularly heavy, fragile, or important items. Clear communication is key.
- Stay Hydrated (Especially for You!): Moving day can be long. Keep water and perhaps some light snacks available for yourself. Our movers are usually prepared, but a cold water bottle is often appreciated if offered!
