FAQs

Wondering about additional costs?

We never surprise our customers with hidden fees. So we never charge extra for services like furniture disassembly or hoisting, or materials like stretch-wrap and tape. It’s all included.

WThere are only 5 kinds of charges you’ll ever get from us (most moves only see the first two charges):

1. The Hourly Rate – this is the hourly rate you pay for moving services. It begins when we show up at your loading address, ready to begin loading our truck, and runs all the way until we finish unloading and placing all of your items at your final destination (minus any break or meal time for your movers). We always charge a two-hour minimum for our labor, meaning even if your move is completed in less time than the minimum, you’ll have to pay for at least two hours of labor. This is so we can cover our costs and pay our employees a fair wage for coming in for the day.
2. The Travel Fee – this is a flat fee we charge for the gas and labor used getting the truck, movers, and appropriate supplies to your job’s starting location, and for returning to our lot upon finishing the move. This is always a flat fee, and never “lot-to-lot,” so you’ll never have any surprises, even if we hit traffic on our way to you. (Please note that the travel fee DOES NOT cover time spent traveling between your loading and unloading locations. The flat travel fee only covers gas and labor prior to beginning your move and after completing your move.)
3. Permit Acquisition Fees – if you’re moving to or from Boston, Brookline, or Somerville, we’re happy to acquire and post moving permits on your behalf, if you’d like. We charge $75 for one permit, $125 for two permits, and $150 for three or more permits. The acquisition fee is in addition to the cost of the permits themselves. (Cambridge also offers moving permits, but we always tell customers to apply directly to the City for those, as the Department of Transportation will put up the permits for you. You can read all about the Cambridge permitting process here.)
4. Permit Costs – this is what each city charges for the permits themselves. The costs vary by city and neighborhood.
5. Cancellation Fee – we charge $75 for any cancellations made less than 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the move, and the full two-hour minimum and travel fee for any cancellations made less than 24 hours before the scheduled move. (This is almost never an issue. We can pretty much always work with you to reschedule or adjust if the unexpected occurs. We just ask that you keep us as updated as possible regarding potential issues.)

Looking for help transporting guns, ammo, or other firearms?

Unfortunately, we can’t help you there. While we’re happy to move your empty gun safe, federal and state laws prohibit us from transporting guns, firearms, ammunition, or weapons of any kind.

As residential movers with almost twenty years of experience in the business, we have seen many things in our (often long) day, but one thing we never see: guns or ammunition. So actually two things. Of course, it’s not because we’re afraid or because it’s never come up No, it’s because of something much more practical than that: residential movers cannot legally transport your guns or ammunition. Your gun safe, if empty and not so large as to require a specialist (ask us about it), is usually no problem.

Movers are trained to move people’s possessions from one place to another, safely and efficiently. That’s our job, and we’re good at it. But when it comes to guns and ammunition, that’s a whole different ball game.

Guns and ammunition are dangerous items that require special handling and transportation. If not properly packed and secured, they can cause serious harm to people and property. And there are devastating consequences of mishandling weapons. Obviously, we’re as careful as we can be with items for which we are prepared and know how to handle. Guns and ammo are not among those items. So we don’t deal with them at all.

Moreover, the transportation of guns and ammunition is heavily regulated by federal and state laws. There are specific requirements that must be met in order to transport these items legally, and movers simply don’t have the training or expertise to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Simply put: movers cannot transport guns or ammunition because it’s just not within their wheelhouse. They don’t have the training, expertise, or equipment to handle these items safely and legally. If you need to transport guns or ammunition, you need to find a licensed and qualified transportation provider who knows how to do it right. Remember, safety first, always.

Wondering about your furry friends?

If you have pets or small children, be sure to make arrangements for them to be safely out of the way on moving day. Your movers will be able to work faster if they do not have to worry about little ones unexpectedly crossing their paths.

Additionally, while we’ll gladly move your empty fish-tank, lizard cage, or other small habitat, we cannot bring any live animals in the truck with us.

Safe Responsible Movers – We’re cat-friendly!

Questions about Appliances?

If you have any hard-wired gas appliances (such as a dryer, stove, etc.) that you plan on moving, be sure to have a professional plumber disconnect the pipes prior to the move. We cannot disconnect any gas lines for any reason.

If you are moving a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioner, it’s best to unplug it and let it defrost and then dry out for at least 24 hours before your movers arrive. We understand that, especially in the summer months, this may not always be possible. Letting your appliances dry out, however, is the best way to ensure that leaking water won’t cause any damage to your belongings in the truck.

Please note that we DO NOT move sub-zero freezers and/or refrigerators.

Need to cancel your move? Read this first.

We try to be as accommodating as possible during the booking process — we know that moving can cause a good amount of stress, and it’s our job to mitigate that stress as much as possible. That’s why we’re so flexible. Usually, if last-minute changes occur, we’ll be able to work with you to make sure we can get the job done, no matter the circumstances. However, when we confirm your move in our calendar, that means we’ve committed our expert movers and their time to getting your move (and no one else’s) done to your satisfaction during that time frame. So we ask that you be as up front as possible and let us know immediately of any potential scheduling issues. Our cancellation policy is as follows: Any cancellations or scheduling changes made less than 72 hours in advance are subject to a $75.00 fee. Cancellations made on the day of your scheduled move are subject to the full minimum charge.* *This varies based on your quote, but is generally equal to two hours of labor time in addition to your flat travel fee (and the costs of any permits we’ve already acquired for you).

What Should I Do about my Bed?

As you’d expect, beds are one of the most common items we move — almost all of our customers have at least one. Bed frames (from small, simple metal frames to large wooden canopies) almost always need to be taken apart to get out of a home or into the truck. We’ll come prepared with the tools and the know-how to take apart or re-assemble your bed for you at no extra charge. However, if you’d like to save a little time and money on moving day, taking the initiative to disassemble your own bed is a good start. Some beds can be quite time to take apart consuming and will add a significant amount of labor costs to your moving bill. (Just be sure to hold on to any and all hardware necessary to reconstruct the bed!) The choice, of course, is always yours.

Words, words, words.

Looking for the best way to pack your books? It’s actually pretty simple. The smallest-sized Uhaul boxes are called “book boxes” for a reason. Liquor boxes or the smaller Home Depot boxes are also great options. You can check out our resources page for other ideas. (Please note that we do not stock or sell boxes. Unless explicitly stated otherwise in your quote, we do not provide packing services.) Be sure to tape all your boxes, on top and bottom, to ensure their stability. Folding the box-flaps into themselves doesn’t work very well. If heavy items like books are in the box, the weight will push the flaps out and its contents will fall out from the bottom. (And your movers can’t tell just by looking at a box if the bottom is taped or folded.) What else NOT to do: Don’t use large bins or boxes to pack heavy items like books, CD’s, records, or files. You might think you’re being efficient by consolidating everything in one container, but often that container will require two people to move it. Smaller boxes mean easier trips for each mover individually — and thus, more efficiency.

Here’s an example of how NOT to pack your books.

Under no circumstances should books or other heavy items be left in dressers, packed in grocery/trash bags, or put in luggage. This may seem obvious, but we’ve seen it all. Trash bags should be for clothes and linens only.  

Worried about your Box Spring?

Mandatory Credit: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, MO-1120

If you’re moving to New England from another, perhaps more sparsely populated, part of the country, you may be coming with a larger bed than your new residence is built for. If you have a queen (or larger-sized) bed, we recommend using either a platform bed (with no box spring) or a split box spring. (This is occasionally a problem with full-sized beds, as well, though not nearly as often.) Many New England staircases are too small for large box springs (whereas mattresses are usually okay because they can be squished and folded when necessary). Often the only way for it to get into your home is to be pulled up through a window or onto a porch. While we will always attempt to safely hoist your furniture at no extra charge, this may not always work, because many staircases and windows around here are simply too small. Looking for a split-box spring for your bed? Try Sears or Amazon.com. (Also read our post about split box springs.)

Will you be Charged for your Movers’ Lunch Break?

Absolutely not! Moving can be quite a physically demanding job, and is especially difficult to do on an empty stomach. While we do our best to take our lunch breaks between jobs, on longer jobs it is sometimes necessary to do so during the drive from the load to the unload. If your movers decide to take a break, you will be informed before they do so and their break time (anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes) will be deducted from your final bill.

Got More (or Less) Stuff than you originally told us? No Problem.

Just email us with the updated inventory (remember your inventory should be a list of how many boxes you have, as well as every single item that will not be inside of a box when we arrive to move you). Trust us, it’s far better for everyone to know of any changes ahead of time. The rate we offer is based (primarily) on the size of crew and truck we send you. A 24-foot truck has a higher hourly rate than a 16-foot truck, and five movers costs more than three. However, a small crew with a small truck will take all day (or, worse, even longer) to move a single family house in multiple trips. Just as too large a truck or crew is an unnecessary expense when moving a studio apartment. The more prepared we are for a move, the smoother it goes. We rely on our clients to give us accurate and thorough information so that we get jobs done in the quickest, safest, and most efficient manner possible. Please note that if we receive an updated inventory that’s significantly different from your original quote submission, we may need to add or subtract crew members, trucks, or alter the truck size. This is why our form is so detailed; we want to make sure we get the information needed to appropriately quote the job.

Looking to Confirm your Move?

Our confirmation and booking is a three-step process:

1. Fill out a request for a quote on our website. You should receive an email immediately, letting you know that we’ve received your request. If not, check your spam folder. If you can’t find anything from us in your spam folder, try filling out the form again, or emailing us directly at info@saferesponsiblemovers.com.
2. Receive a quote (with a crew size, hourly rate, and flat travel fee) within twenty-four hours – remember this is just a quote, not a confirmation. If the quote fits your budget and schedule, respond to the email by saying you’d like to confirm the move time and date offered.
3. If the date originally offered is still available, we’ll respond as soon as we can with a confirmation. (The email will be pretty clear, saying right at the top, “you’ve booked your move!” That’s when you’ll be officially booked, and not before.)

Wait, what? What do you mean “if the date originally offered is still available”?! Why would you offer me a date if it’s not available? Great question — and we wouldn’t offer you a date that’s not available when we offer it to you.  However, we book on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless we explicitly tell you (for instance, if you ask us to), we do not “pencil in” anyone when we offer a quote. If you wait a few days, we may have offered it to someone else. We’ll then do our best to offer another date and time, but no move date is set in stone until you receive that email that says, “you’ve booked your move!”* *(If you want to increase your chances of confirming the move date you want, check “I’m flexible with my move date” and offer a few alternatives. Also try to move on non-holiday weekdays towards the middle of the month.)

Payment Methods . . .

Payment is due immediately upon completion of your move, in either cash or check made payable to “Safe Responsible Movers.” At this time, we do not accept credit or debit cards. 

Got kids?

We always recommend arranging childcare for little ones ahead of time. Moving is stressful enough already. Also — don’t forget to mention any toys in your inventory. Although light, toys can often be oddly shaped and thus time consuming to pack in a truck. (Their awkward shapes can often cause them to take up more space than anticipated.)

Wondering when to Schedule your Closing?

We always recommend  that customers schedule moves at least one day, and preferably more, AFTER a scheduled closing. We’ve found that, in our experience, closings go as planned significantly less than fifty percent of the time. For example, we once spent more than 5 hours loading items from a large house into two trucks, only to have to unload everything back into the house after the closing didn’t happen. So the customer ended up paying us to move his items from his house into the garage.

Payment Methods . . .

Payment is due immediately upon completion of your move, in either cash or check made payable to “Safe Responsible Movers.” At this time, we do not accept credit or debit cards. 

Some Crib Notes . . .

If you own a crib, it’s probably going to have to come apart for your move. Cribs are usually made just barely too wide to fit through most thresholds. We haven’t figured out why, but that’s the way it is. Either way, you can always measure your crib against any threshold. If it fits, great. If not, there are usually two options.

The first option is to remove the door to the room where the crib is located. This is the quickest way, as doors generally require popping out two or three metal pins from their hinges (this can easily be done with just a flat-head screwdriver and a hammer). The risk with taking off the door, however, is that some cribs still won’t fit through the threshold. If this is the case, then you’ll need to take apart the entire crib. And cribs, unlike many beds, are very often extremely time consuming to dismantle. Cribs often have quite a bit of hardware to keep track of (most of which can be removed with a standard allen or “hex” key), so it’s important to make sure not to lose any screws or bolts or other pieces when disassembling. Any reputable movers (like us, for example) will gladly disassemble and reassemble your crib for you if necessary. However, if you’re looking for ways to speed up your move (and lower the cost), taking apart any cribs you have is a great start. The choice, of course, is always yours.

Wondering how to make a Deposit?

Don’t! We currently do not accept deposits. Booking is done entirely via email. Once we’ve agreed upon and confirmed the crew size, rate, date, and time, you’re completely confirmed and in the calendar. (You’ll know because we’ll send you an email that says “you’ve booked your move!”) Payment is due immediately upon completion of your move, in either cash or check made payable to “Safe Responsible Movers.” At this time, we do not accept credit or debit cards. Any cancellations or scheduling changes made less than 72 hours in advance are subject to a $75.00 fee. Cancellations made on the day of your scheduled move are subject to the full minimum charge.

Looking to Move on a Holiday?

We are unavailable on July 4th, December 25th, and Thanksgiving Day (the fourth Thursday in November). For other Holidays (particularly those occurring on a Monday), please try to book with as much advance notice as possible. Those dates are often very popular move dates and are therefore a little more expensive than a normal weekday. If you’re trying to get the lowest rate possible, ask for a weekday during the middle of the month, and try to stay away from any major holidays.

Preparing your Desk or Dresser for a Move . . .

Generally it’s a good idea to take all items out of your bookcases, desks, dressers, chests, and cabinets and securely pack them in boxes. However, lighter items like clothes or blankets can remain in lighter dressers, such as those made of pine, cedar, particle board, or very lightweight metal or plastic. If your dresser is made of a heavier grain, like oak or maple, it’s definitely a good idea to remove all contents. Heavier dressers like that sometimes require removal of drawers to safely maneuver them down narrow stairwells or hallways. Of course, anything loose, breakable or fragile should be taken out of furniture drawers, no matter the weight. When carrying your dresser downstairs, your movers will have to tilt it in various directions, causing any remaining loose items or knick-knacks to slide around and hit one another, possibly breaking them. Under no circumstances should books other heavy items be left in dressers. Regarding desks – you should do your best to empty drawers that you can. Clothing and/or linens can be left in light wood dressers but, as mentioned above, anything that can move around or is fragile should always be taken out and boxed.

Bargain Hunting?

Looking for the best deal you can get for your move? Fill out our quote request form with an eye towards weekdays towards the middle of month, especially during the off-peak months (October through March). Additionally if you check “I’m flexible with my move date” when filling out the quote request, your chances of booking your move at a discounted rate greatly increase. (We also occasionally run promotions on our Yelp.com page, so you can always check that out to see if there are any deals.)

Long Driveway?

When hiring a moving company, it is your responsibility to make sure we have a safe, accessible and legal place to park our truck. If you have a long, narrow, winding, steep or hazardous driveway, (or if other trucks have had difficulties in the past) please let us know so we can properly plan for your move.

Also, please note that our workman’s compensation insurance forbids us from performing snow removal of any kind. So, in the event of a snow or ice storm, it is your responsibility to ensure we have clear, safe access for both the truck and the walking path of your movers. It is extremely dangerous, both to the movers and to your possessions, to attempt to carry heavy furniture over icy surfaces. If you’re planning your move during a time of year with the weather is unpredictable, it’s always a good idea to have the contact information for a snow removal service or another kind maintenance team. For the protection of our employees, we reserve the right to delay your move until we feel that conditions are safe.* *(You will NOT be charged any kind of cancellation fee if we postpone due to weather.)

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Going Up . . .

If you have an elevator in your building, talk to your super or concierge and try to make sure it’s reserved for your move date. Using an elevator can actually take more time than the stairs if your movers have to compete with other residents for its use!

Chris McKenna (Thryduulf) [CC BY-SA 4.0 or CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Also, by having it reserved on “Individual Service,” the elevator doors will not unexpectedly close on your items as they are being loaded.

If your elevator is connected to a loading dock, be sure to secure your movers a spot for their truck when reserving elevator access. Also, consider booking your move in advance (and on a weekday or during the slow moving season) so that you can reserve elevator access after securing a move date and time. It’s much harder to for your movers to schedule your move for an elevator you’ve already reserved, than for you to reserve the elevator after booking your movers.

(You can read our handy guide to elevator moves for more information.)

Let us know if the building manager asks you for a certificate of insurance, as we can have our agent provide you a copy of ours upon request.

Questions about Appliances?

If you have any hard-wired gas appliances (such as a dryer, stove, etc.) that you plan on moving, be sure to have a professional plumber disconnect the pipes prior to the move. We cannot disconnect any gas lines for any reason.

If you are moving a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioner, it’s best to unplug it and let it defrost and then dry out for at least 24 hours before your movers arrive. We understand that, especially in the summer months, this may not always be possible. Letting your appliances dry out, however, is the best way to ensure that leaking water won’t cause any damage to your belongings in the truck.

Please note that we DO NOT move sub-zero freezers and/or refrigerators.

Looking for help transporting guns, ammo, or other firearms?

Unfortunately, we can’t help you there. While we’re happy to move your empty gun safe, federal and state laws prohibit us from transporting guns, firearms, ammunition, or weapons of any kind.

As residential movers with almost twenty years of experience in the business, we have seen many things in our (often long) day, but one thing we never see: guns or ammunition. So actually two things. Of course, it’s not because we’re afraid or because it’s never come up No, it’s because of something much more practical than that: residential movers cannot legally transport your guns or ammunition. Your gun safe, if empty and not so large as to require a specialist (ask us about it), is usually no problem.

Movers are trained to move people’s possessions from one place to another, safely and efficiently. That’s our job, and we’re good at it. But when it comes to guns and ammunition, that’s a whole different ball game.

Guns and ammunition are dangerous items that require special handling and transportation. If not properly packed and secured, they can cause serious harm to people and property. And there are devastating consequences of mishandling weapons. Obviously, we’re as careful as we can be with items for which we are prepared and know how to handle. Guns and ammo are not among those items. So we don’t deal with them at all.

Moreover, the transportation of guns and ammunition is heavily regulated by federal and state laws. There are specific requirements that must be met in order to transport these items legally, and movers simply don’t have the training or expertise to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Simply put: movers cannot transport guns or ammunition because it’s just not within their wheelhouse. They don’t have the training, expertise, or equipment to handle these items safely and legally. If you need to transport guns or ammunition, you need to find a licensed and qualified transportation provider who knows how to do it right. Remember, safety first, always.

Need furniture taken apart or put together for your big move?

We’ll come with the necessary tools to disassemble pieces of furniture that were either assembled in your home, or won’t fit out of the house in one piece. And we’re happy to put everything back together at your new place. We don’t charge anything extra for this service – though, depending on the item, sometimes this can be very time-consuming. So if you want to take the initiative to take apart beds, cribs, tables, and other items before we arrive, you can save yourself some time and money on the day of your move. It’s entirely up to you. It is our policy not to do anything invasive to the building. (For example, we’ll help you put your TV onto your wall mount, but we won’t attach your wall mount to the wall.) We are also not responsible for the structural integrity of any furniture items which are missing hardware or other pieces, or already have damage prior to our arrival.  

Looking for help transporting guns, ammo, or other firearms?

Unfortunately, we can’t help you there. While we’re happy to move your empty gun safe, federal and state laws prohibit us from transporting guns, firearms, ammunition, or weapons of any kind.

As residential movers with almost twenty years of experience in the business, we have seen many things in our (often long) day, but one thing we never see: guns or ammunition. So actually two things. Of course, it’s not because we’re afraid or because it’s never come up No, it’s because of something much more practical than that: residential movers cannot legally transport your guns or ammunition. Your gun safe, if empty and not so large as to require a specialist (ask us about it), is usually no problem.

Movers are trained to move people’s possessions from one place to another, safely and efficiently. That’s our job, and we’re good at it. But when it comes to guns and ammunition, that’s a whole different ball game.

Guns and ammunition are dangerous items that require special handling and transportation. If not properly packed and secured, they can cause serious harm to people and property. And there are devastating consequences of mishandling weapons. Obviously, we’re as careful as we can be with items for which we are prepared and know how to handle. Guns and ammo are not among those items. So we don’t deal with them at all.

Moreover, the transportation of guns and ammunition is heavily regulated by federal and state laws. There are specific requirements that must be met in order to transport these items legally, and movers simply don’t have the training or expertise to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Simply put: movers cannot transport guns or ammunition because it’s just not within their wheelhouse. They don’t have the training, expertise, or equipment to handle these items safely and legally. If you need to transport guns or ammunition, you need to find a licensed and qualified transportation provider who knows how to do it right. Remember, safety first, always.

Questions about the rate?

The hourly rate covers the labor and the truck needed for your move, as well as use of our moving blankets, tape, plastic stretch-wrap, dollies, tools, hoisting services, furniture disassembly and assembly, workmen’s compensation insurance, and industry-standard $0.60/lb. cargo insurance for your items. (Many other movers charge extra for tape and stretch wrap – something we never do. Bear this in mind when comparing quotes.) The hourly rate clock also applies to any time spent traveling between the locations of your move. It begins when we arrive are ready to begin loading your items into our truck, continues during the drive to the the unload, and ends when we finish unloading and placing all your items to your satisfaction. Any breaks we take are subtracted from the labor hours.

Need an insurance certificate for your building or condo association?

We are happy to have our agent prepare a certificate once we have the following information for each location where you need the document: -The name of any individual(s) and/or corporation(s) to be listed as “additional insured” -The exact address of the location for the certificate -Any other information the owner or building manager deems necessary Alternatively, you can have us get in touch directly with your concierge or building manager if you have their contact information. As required by state law, Safe Responsible carries workman’s compensation, general liability, cargo, and commercial auto insurance. Our cargo insurance covers the industry-standard rate of $0.60/lb. for items being moved.

Moving out of state? Coming to Massachusetts from another state?

Unfortunately we do not perform interstate moves. For a full-service interstate, move we recommend Pony Express. You can reach them at info@ponymove.com or 617-983-8700. If you only need help loading or unloading your truck or container, however, please request a quote and choose the appropriate option for that.

Long Driveway?

When hiring a moving company, it is your responsibility to make sure we have a safe, accessible and legal place to park our truck. If you have a long, narrow, winding, steep or hazardous driveway, (or if other trucks have had difficulties in the past) please let us know so we can properly plan for your move.

Victorgrigas at en.wikipedia [CC0], via Wikimedia Commons

Also, please note that our workman’s compensation insurance forbids us from performing snow removal of any kind. So, in the event of a snow or ice storm, it is your responsibility to ensure we have clear, safe access for both the truck and the walking path of your movers. It is extremely dangerous, both to the movers and to your possessions, to attempt to carry heavy furniture over icy surfaces. If you’re planning your move during a time of year with the weather is unpredictable, it’s always a good idea to have the contact information for a snow removal service or another kind maintenance team. For the protection of our employees, we reserve the right to delay your move until we feel that conditions are safe.* *(You will NOT be charged any kind of cancellation fee if we postpone due to weather.)

 

 

Need help loading your POD, truck, or other container?

Will you be Charged for your Movers’ Lunch Break?

Absolutely not! Moving can be quite a physically demanding job, and is especially difficult to do on an empty stomach. While we do our best to take our lunch breaks between jobs, on longer jobs it is sometimes necessary to do so during the drive from the load to the unload. If your movers decide to take a break, you will be informed before they do so and their break time (anywhere between 30 and 60 minutes) will be deducted from your final bill.

Just Looking to Move Things around within your Home?

No problem! Whether you’re switching out upstairs and downstairs furniture, or you need to temporarily store stuff in the garage while your floors get re-done, we’re happy help with moving items around within your home. When requesting your quote, simply follow these steps:

1. For your “START” location, let us know where it’s located (city/town), choose the description that best matches the location (1 BR apartment, Single Family Home, Storage Space, etc.), and choose from the list how many sets of stairs there are.
2. For your “END” location, just select “N/A – Rearranging items within one home/unit” from the available descriptions. The “END” location and other redundant fields will disappear. Just fill in the information that’s left and click “submit.”
3. Ensure all the information you’ve given us is correct and check your email for our quote.

You want to add a second drop-off or pick-up location?

No problem. When filling out the quote request form, make sure you tell us your two primary pick-up and drop-off locations. Then, in the “extra details” section, just let us know that we’ll making a third, fourth, or even fifth stop — and let us know where (city/town/zip) those stops are.

Moving out of state? Coming to Massachusetts from another state?

Unfortunately we do not perform interstate moves. For a full-service interstate, move we recommend Pony Express. You can reach them at info@ponymove.com or 617-983-8700. If you only need help loading or unloading your truck or container, however, please request a quote and choose the appropriate option for that.

If you’re looking to acquire parking permits for moving day, you’ve come to right place. Please see full info here!

Payment is due immediately upon completion of your move, in either cash or check made payable to “Safe Responsible Movers.” At this time, we do not accept credit or debit cards. 

Wondering about your furry friends?

If you have pets or small children, be sure to make arrangements for them to be safely out of the way on moving day. Your movers will be able to work faster if they do not have to worry about little ones unexpectedly crossing their paths.

Additionally, while we’ll gladly move your empty fish-tank, lizard cage, or other small habitat, we cannot bring any live animals in the truck with us.

It’s very important to make sure any pets are safely out of the way of your movers.

Looking to move a piano?

Unfortunately, we do not move single pianos. If you’re looking to move a piano only, you could try Titan Moving and Storage at 617 782-0383 or Allston Piano Movers at 617-489-4755. If you have an upright piano as part of a larger residential or commercial move, just include it when filling our your inventory on our request form. When describing your piano, be sure to include the following information about it:

Can We Move Propane Tanks? Unfortunately, No.

When you hire movers, you may think you’re hiring movers to move everything you own. That’s not quite true. Movers will move almost everything, but we do have some limitations. Probably the most common limitation would be propane tanks, usually connected to outdoor grills. Moving the grill is no problem, but no reputable mover is going to put a propane tank in the back of a moving truck. Empty or not. If your movers offer to take your propane tank, you definitely did not hire professionals.

As professional movers, we always ensure that we do not compromise the safety of ourselves or others. You can take your propane tank in your car’s back seat where you have sight and physical access to it, but we can’t put it in the truck.

Propane tanks and other flammable liquids are highly dangerous and volatile substances. They can cause explosions, fires, and other disasters if not handled with great care. Therefore, it is the firm policy of any professional residential moving company that movers cannot take propane tanks or other flammable liquids in the moving truck.

This is not only a matter of safety, but also of responsibility. There are laws and lives to be accounted for, after all. And when it comes to the regulations that govern the transportation of hazardous materials, as well as the well-being of our fellow citizens, we do not take risks. No cookout is worth endangering the lives or property of others.

Our goal is not only to move our belongings from one place to another, but also to be safe and responsible in all of our actions, and we always prioritize the safety of ourselves and others above all else.

So, again, no propane tanks in the moving truck!

Questions about Appliances?

If you have any hard-wired gas appliances (such as a dryer, stove, etc.) that you plan on moving, be sure to have a professional plumber disconnect the pipes prior to the move. We cannot disconnect any gas lines for any reason.

If you are moving a refrigerator, freezer, or air conditioner, it’s best to unplug it and let it defrost and then dry out for at least 24 hours before your movers arrive. We understand that, especially in the summer months, this may not always be possible. Letting your appliances dry out, however, is the best way to ensure that leaking water won’t cause any damage to your belongings in the truck.

Please note that we DO NOT move sub-zero freezers and/or refrigerators.

Looking for independent reviews of Safe Responsible?

No problem — we’ve got plenty! You can check out our reviews on Yelp!, Google, Boston.com, Facebook, Boston Magazine, the Better Business Bureau, or Angie’s List. Returning customer? Let us know on your favorite review site if you were satisfied with our services or not, and why. The more people know about us, the better!

Looking to Confirm your Move?

Our confirmation and booking is a three-step process:

1. Fill out a request for a quote on our website. You should receive an email immediately, letting you know that we’ve received your request. If not, check your spam folder. If you can’t find anything from us in your spam folder, try filling out the form again, or emailing us directly at info@saferesponsiblemovers.com.
2. Receive a quote (with a crew size, hourly rate, and flat travel fee) within twenty-four hours – remember this is just a quote, not a confirmation. If the quote fits your budget and schedule, respond to the email by saying you’d like to confirm the move time and date offered.
3. If the date originally offered is still available, we’ll respond as soon as we can with a confirmation. (The email will be pretty clear, saying right at the top, “you’ve booked your move!” That’s when you’ll be officially booked, and not before.)

Wait, what? What do you mean “if the date originally offered is still available”?! Why would you offer me a date if it’s not available? Great question — and we wouldn’t offer you a date that’s not available when we offer it to you.  However, we book on a first-come, first-served basis. Unless we explicitly tell you (for instance, if you ask us to), we do not “pencil in” anyone when we offer a quote. If you wait a few days, we may have offered it to someone else. We’ll then do our best to offer another date and time, but no move date is set in stone until you receive that email that says, “you’ve booked your move!”* *(If you want to increase your chances of confirming the move date you want, check “I’m flexible with my move date” and offer a few alternatives. Also try to move on non-holiday weekdays towards the middle of the month.)

Long Driveway?

When hiring a moving company, it is your responsibility to make sure we have a safe, accessible and legal place to park our truck. If you have a long, narrow, winding, steep or hazardous driveway, (or if other trucks have had difficulties in the past) please let us know so we can properly plan for your move. 

Also, please note that our workman’s compensation insurance forbids us from performing snow removal of any kind. So, in the event of a snow or ice storm, it is your responsibility to ensure we have clear, safe access for both the truck and the walking path of your movers. It is extremely dangerous, both to the movers and to your possessions, to attempt to carry heavy furniture over icy surfaces. If you’re planning your move during a time of year with the weather is unpredictable, it’s always a good idea to have the contact information for a snow removal service or another kind maintenance team. For the protection of our employees, we reserve the right to delay your move until we feel that conditions are safe.* *(You will NOT be charged any kind of cancellation fee if we postpone due to weather.)

Television?

We always come prepared to move any television. It’s best for you to keep the original box in which your TV was sold, but if not, we can safely wrap it in a moving blanket and carefully transport it in the truck. Please note, however, that it is our policy not to do anything invasive to the building. (For example, we’ll help you put your TV onto your wall mount, but we won’t attach your wall mount to the wall.)

As always, the more information we have, the more accurate that estimate will be.

On a Time Crunch?

Please inform us of any potential time restrictions. For example, if you have limited access to the loading dock of your building, or to your elevator, or if your building requires moves to take place at specific times of day, please let us know when requesting a quote. We strongly recommend clearing your calendar for moving day.

Wondering if you should tip?

That’s up to you. Tipping helpful movers is very common for customers who are satisfied with their work, but under no circumstances is it a requirement. Our movers will never ask for a tip, nor feel entitled to one. If you do choose to show your appreciation through a tip, however, it will always be greatly appreciated.

Tossing some things out during the move?

If you’d like to get rid of a few things before your move (after all, why pay us to move something you’re not even going to use?), there are two places we recommend for donations. Boomerang’s will come pick up your gently used furniture if you fill out their scheduling form. All of their proceeds go to the Aids Action Committee. You can also donate your furniture and other items to Home Goods, a local service that provides household goods and furnishings for people transitioning out of homelessness or fleeing dangerous situations. (If you’re looking to donate a mattress or a sleeper sofa, get in touch with Home Goods. If you’re getting rid of old clothes, go with Boomerang’s. Both will arrange pickups if you’re within their respective areas.) It’s also a good idea to make sure any trash receptacles, such as trash bins, kitty litters, or diaper pails are empty and clean prior to your movers’ arrival. (All your items are going in the same truck, after all.)

What’s a Travel Fee?

In addition to the hourly rate, we charge a flat travel fee. This travel fee covers the time spent and gas used to getting to the first location of the job from our Boston office, and getting back to our office once we’ve completed the job to your satisfaction. Some movers charge “lot-to-lot,” meaning they begin their labor clock upon leaving their office and stop upon returning. So, if they hit traffic on the way to you, this could result in unexpected added time/costs to your bill. With our flat fee, you know exactly what you’re being charged for – it’s the cost for us to send you movers, a truck, and all the supplies necessary to complete your move. The hourly rate clock covers the move itself. Our travel fee is always a flat fee, and never a surprise. (To think of it another way, this flat travel fee covers the time and gas used when the truck is empty, but traveling to or from your job. When the truck has your items inside of it, that drive time is on the hourly labor clock.)

What is a two-hour minimum?

When you receive your quote, it will be almost always include an hourly rate and a flat travel fee. The hourly rate will have a two-hour minimum, meaning that no matter how long the move takes, you will be charged for at least two hours of moving labor, plus the travel fee. That’s the minimum charge. All time after the 2 hour minimum is charged in quarter-hour increments. For example, if your move takes an hour and a half, you’d be charged two hours at the moving rate, plus your flat travel fee. If you move takes five hours and 15 minutes, you’d be charged 5.25 hours at the moving rate, plus your flat travel fee. Please note that the moving rate begins when we arrive at your loading location, and continues running until we finishing unloading at your final destination (including any drive time between locations and not including any breaks taken by your movers.) The travel fee only covers the time and gas it takes for us to travel from our Boston lot to your loading location and for our return trip upon completion of the job.