Moving FAQs

Three reasons come up again and again: safety, equipment and time. Our crews move heavy, awkward pieces every day and have the dollies, pads, ramps and trucks to do it without damage to your belongings, your home or your back. Hiring us also frees you up to handle the hundred other details of a move, from utilities to school records.

Four to six weeks ahead is a comfortable window for most moves, and longer if you are moving during the summer peak, moving long distance or have a complicated job. We can often help on shorter notice, especially between mid September and mid May, so call (507) 203-2801 even if your date is close.

Summer is the most popular season. The weather cooperates and families move between school years, but it is also when moving companies are busiest and rates are highest. If your dates are flexible, fall and winter moves are easier to schedule and often cost less. Mid month is quieter than the first and last few days of any month.

Tuesdays and Wednesdays are typically our quietest days, which means more flexibility on scheduling and, for local hourly moves, sometimes a better rate. Fridays, weekends and the last days of the month book up first.

It depends on the size of your home, how much is packed and access at both ends. As a rough guide, a crew of two or three can load a 2,000 square foot home in a full day, while a crew of four or five can often finish in eight hours. Your move coordinator will give you a realistic estimate for your specific move.

Local moves within Minnesota or Wisconsin are usually priced by the hour, with a rate that covers the crew, the truck and standard moving equipment. Most local movers have a minimum number of hours. We will walk you through exactly what is included when we quote your move.

Interstate moves are priced on the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels, plus any services you add such as packing, crating or valuation coverage. We give you a free in-home or virtual estimate first, so you know what to expect before you commit.

Online calculators can give you a rough range, but they cannot see your home. For any long-distance move we recommend at least three in-home estimates. Ours is free and takes about an hour. Call (507) 203-2801 to schedule one.

Common additional charges include packing and materials, crating for fragile or high-value items, bulky article fees for things like hot tubs or pianos, long carry or shuttle fees when the truck cannot park near your door, and stair or elevator charges. Tell your estimator about access at both ends and we will build these into your quote instead of surprising you on move day.

Some oversized or specialty items carry an additional charge because they need extra crew, equipment or crating. Walk your estimator through everything you plan to move, including the garage and backyard, and ask about any specific piece you are unsure of. It is much better to settle it at the estimate than on the driveway.

Submit your USPS change of address one to two weeks before you move. Then make a list of everyone else who needs to know: your bank, insurance company, employer, doctors and dentist, schools, subscriptions and anyone you send holiday cards to. Handling it in one sitting is far easier than chasing mail for months.

We move families all winter long. Clear and salt your walkways and driveway before the crew arrives, and set aside a spot near the door for items to stage. Turn the heat down a little since doors will be open, and make sure the utilities at your new home are on so you arrive to heat and hot water. Coffee or hot chocolate for the crew is always appreciated.

That happens more often than you would think. We can hold your belongings in one of our own secure warehouses, either short term as storage-in-transit or for longer if you need it, and deliver when your new home is ready. Storage, warehouse valuation and the final delivery are charged separately, and your move coordinator will spell those out up front.

Yes. Some customers who have not yet found a home in their new city prefer this so they can access their belongings whenever they like. We deliver to the unit, and when you are settled you can hire a local crew for the final leg. Compare that against storage in our warehouse, which is climate controlled and protected under your move's valuation coverage.

Sometimes, but not always. Many policies cover your belongings against events that would be covered at home, such as fire or a vehicle accident, but not against ordinary transit damage. Check with your agent before the move, and ask us about valuation coverage to fill any gap.

Always. For any long-distance move, get estimates from three to five companies, and make sure each one actually comes to your home or does a detailed video walkthrough. A mover who quotes without seeing your belongings is guessing, and you will pay for the guess.

We can give you a very rough range over the phone, but we will not quote a move we have not seen. The Better Business Bureau warns consumers to be wary of any mover who insists on pricing by phone or email instead of an in-home or video survey. It is one of the most common signs of a moving scam.

Show the estimator everything that is going, including the basement, attic, garage, closets and yard. Mention anything you plan to sell or donate before the move so it is left out of the quote. Tell us about your destination too: stairs, elevators, a narrow street or a long walk from the curb all affect the plan.

A binding estimate is a firm price for your move based on the items and services agreed at the time of the survey. It does not change unless you add services or items later, or your destination turns out to need something extra such as a shuttle truck. Binding estimates are typically valid for 30 days.

A non-binding estimate is our best projection of cost, but the final charge is based on the actual weight of your shipment and the services actually performed. Federal rules limit how much you can be required to pay at delivery on a non-binding estimate, with any balance due within 30 days.

This is the best of both. It caps your price at the estimated amount, and if your shipment weighs less than expected you pay the lower actual charge. Ask your move coordinator whether your move qualifies.

Not automatically. Reputable movers surveying the same home should land within about 15 percent of each other. If one quote is dramatically lower, something has been left out or the company is planning to raise the price once your belongings are on the truck. Compare what is included, not just the bottom line.

Ask for the company's U.S. DOT and MC numbers and look them up on the FMCSA website. Check for ProMover certification from the American Trucking Associations. Read recent Google reviews, and ask for local references. Piepho has been an Allied Van Lines agent since 1952 and we are happy to share all of the above.

Yes. Ask your move coordinator and we will connect you with recent customers near you. You can also read our reviews on Google for each of our locations.

Since 1952. We have four offices serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, Mankato and La Crosse, and three generations of Minnesota and Wisconsin families have moved with us.

Our crews are Piepho and Allied trained movers, not day labor picked up for the job. Ask this question of every mover you consider. Who handles your belongings matters more than almost anything else.

On long-distance moves, smaller shipments are often loaded with other households heading the same direction. That is normal and keeps costs down, but it usually means a delivery window rather than a single date. Your move coordinator will tell you exactly what to expect for your shipment.

For local moves, yes. For long-distance moves, ask. Every transfer between trucks adds handling, and handling is where damage happens. We will explain how your specific shipment will travel.

For interstate moves, delivery is handled by the Allied agent at your destination, part of the same network we belong to, working to the same standards. Ask any mover whether the crew at the other end is part of their company or a subcontractor you have never heard of.

A broker sells your move and then hands it off to whichever carrier will take it. They own no trucks and employ no movers, and you may not know who is showing up until move day. Piepho is a carrier. Our trucks, our crews, our warehouses, backed by the Allied Van Lines network for long-distance moves.

Plans change, and we understand that. Let your move coordinator know as soon as you can and we will work with you on rescheduling. Ask about the notice period when you book so there are no surprises.

It depends on the type of move and the season. Your move coordinator will explain whether a deposit applies to your move and how it is credited to your final bill.

Ask. Depending on the season and the type of move there may be promotions available, and your move coordinator will tell you if you qualify for any of them.

Transportation charges are based on the weight of your shipment and the miles it travels. On top of that you may see packing, crating, valuation coverage, bulky article charges or extra labor, depending on what your move needs. Ask your move coordinator to walk you through every line of the estimate.

The driver weighs the truck on a certified scale before loading and again after, and the difference is your shipment weight. You are entitled to see both weight tickets. If you doubt the weight, you can ask for a reweigh before delivery.

We accept major credit cards, certified checks and money orders, and we can invoice your employer directly on corporate relocations. Confirm your preferred method with your move coordinator before move day.

On most moves, charges are due before your belongings are unloaded at your new home. If your employer is paying, we arrange billing with them in advance so nothing is required from you at delivery.

We recommend against it. Paying by card or certified funds gives you a record of the transaction, which protects you if there is ever a question about what was paid. Cash tips for the crew are a different story and are always appreciated.

Yes, if we supply them. Boxes, paper, tape and specialty cartons are itemized on your estimate. You are welcome to pack yourself to save money, and we can also sell you materials if you want professional grade boxes without the packing service.

It is the written confirmation of everything you have asked us to do: pickup and delivery dates, the valuation you selected, any special services and your contact information during the move. Every mover is required to provide one before loading your belongings.

The bill of lading is your receipt and your contract with the carrier. The driver gives you a copy when loading. Read it before you sign. It confirms the dates, the charges, the payment terms and the level of liability the carrier accepts for your shipment.

As the crew loads, the driver lists every item and its condition using standard codes such as PBO (packed by owner), CP (carrier packed), SC (scratched) or C (chipped). Check it before you sign, and use it again at delivery to tick items off as they come off the truck. It is the document any claim will be measured against.

It is a good idea. Number your boxes (1 of 40, 2 of 40 and so on), note what is in each, and photograph anything valuable before it is wrapped. If a carton goes missing you will know immediately, and photos make any claim far simpler.

Yes. We offer full packing, partial packing (the kitchen only, for example) and specialty crating for artwork, mirrors and fragile pieces. Items packed by our crew are covered under your valuation, which is not always true of boxes you pack yourself.

Absolutely. Packing all or part of your home is the single biggest way to lower the cost of a full-service move. Just be aware that the driver can only accept boxes that are safe to transport, and that self-packed cartons carry more limited coverage if something inside is damaged.

Purge first. Sell, donate or recycle anything you do not love or use, and shred the old paperwork. On a long-distance move you pay by the pound, so everything you leave behind saves you money twice: once in packing time and once on the truck.

Start on non-essentials about a month out and work room by room. Set aside a spare room or corner as the box room so packed cartons stay out of your way. Leave the kitchen and bathrooms for the last few days.

Start small. Get the little things boxed before you tackle furniture, and pack one room at a time so unpacking is just as orderly on the other end. Label as you go rather than at the end.

Fewer than you think. Heavy items such as books, records and canned goods belong in small boxes. Save the large cartons for light, bulky things like bedding, pillows and lampshades. A large box full of books is the one thing every mover dreads.

Small book cartons are built for the weight. Fill them and do not worry; the box will run out of room before it gets too heavy to carry safely.

We sell professional moving cartons, including wardrobe boxes, dish packs and picture cartons, and we can deliver them ahead of your move. If you would rather source your own, look for sturdy, uniform boxes with intact flaps. Avoid grocery produce boxes, which are weak and may have carried food.

Use proper packing tape, not masking or duct tape, and a dispenser to make it easy. Tape all seams, run a strip the full length of the bottom seam and add two more across it. For mirrors and framed pictures, tape a large X across the glass before wrapping.

Write the destination room and a short list of contents on two sides of every box, not the top, so labels stay visible when stacked. Color coding by room with tape or stickers works well: post the matching color on each door at the new house and the crew will know exactly where everything goes.

Keep one open wardrobe or large carton for the last-minute items: bedding, towels, chargers, the coffee maker. Seal it the morning of the move, label it Open First and load it last so it comes off the truck first.

Yes, for two reasons. Photos of your electronics cabling, shelf arrangements and picture walls make setting up the new home much faster. And photos of furniture and valuables before they are wrapped document their condition if you ever need to file a claim.

Use a dish pack carton if you can. Wrap each plate in paper, then bundle four or five together and stand them on edge, never flat. Glasses go upright with paper inside and around them. Fill any gaps so nothing shifts, and mark the box Fragile and This Side Up.

No. Nest them with a sheet of paper between each and pad the top, bottom and sides of the box well. Glass lids should be wrapped separately.

Each shade goes in its own box with nothing but packing paper, never stacked or nested. Write Lampshade and Top Load on the carton so the crew knows not to stack anything on it.

Hanging clothes go straight into wardrobe cartons on their hangers. Folded clothes can stay in dresser drawers if the dresser is sturdy, or travel in suitcases. Anything that is loose needs to be boxed.

Light, soft items like clothes or linens are usually fine in a solid dresser. Empty the drawers of anything heavy, breakable or loose, such as books, jewelry or coins. Ask your estimator if you are unsure about a particular piece.

Non-hazardous household liquids can travel if you pack them well. Tape the caps, seal each container in a zip bag, pack upright in a small box and mark it Liquids and This Side Up. Anything flammable, corrosive or under pressure has to stay behind.

By law we cannot transport hazardous materials, including paint, aerosols, propane tanks, gasoline, fireworks, ammunition, bleach and many pool and garden chemicals. We also do not move perishable food or, on long-distance moves, live plants. Dispose of these ahead of time, and drain fuel from mowers and power equipment.

Yes, with the exceptions above. Tools, bikes, patio furniture and sports gear are all fine. Long-handled tools like rakes and shovels travel neatly in a wardrobe carton. Drain gas from anything with an engine and let the crew know about heavy items like tool chests or safes.

Not on interstate moves. Plants rarely survive several days in a trailer, and many states restrict bringing them across the line. For a short local move we may be able to load them last and unload them first; ask your move coordinator. Otherwise, gift them to a neighbor or take them in your own car.

Empty, defrost and clean refrigerators and freezers at least 24 hours before the move. Disconnect washers and secure the drum. Gas ranges and dryers must be disconnected and capped by a qualified technician, and the same goes for refrigerator water lines and ice makers. We can arrange appliance service for a fee, or you can book your own.

Think about it before you assume yes. Appliances are heavy, which costs on a weight-based move, they can be damaged in transit and they may not fit or match your new kitchen. Leaving good appliances behind can also make your home more attractive to buyers.

Our crews disassemble and reassemble standard beds, tables and other pieces that need it to travel safely. Complex items such as entertainment centers, cribs, exercise equipment or IKEA-style flat pack furniture may need a specialist. As a rule, we reassemble what we took apart, so cover this at the estimate.

Yes. Pianos need specific equipment and training, and our crews move uprights and grands regularly. Tell your estimator the type and where it is in the house, since stairs and tight turns affect how we plan it.

Vehicles can be arranged as part of an Allied long-distance move. Non-running, oversized or enclosed-trailer shipments cost more. Talk to your move coordinator early so we can build it into the plan.

Take them with you. Jewelry, cash, important documents, medications, family photos and anything you could not bear to lose should travel in your own vehicle. If a high-value item does have to go on the truck, declare it on the high-value inventory so it is properly covered.

Sofas, chairs and mattresses are wrapped in stretch film to keep them clean and then padded with moving blankets on the truck. Mattress cartons are available if you prefer a rigid box.

Yes. Our trucks and trailers are cleaned between moves and your belongings are protected with pads and film before anything touches the floor or walls. If you have particular concerns, mention them to your estimator and we will explain how your shipment will be handled.

Yes, at the level of valuation you choose. Valuation is not insurance; it is the carrier's liability for your shipment, and the option you pick determines how any claim is settled. Every estimate we give includes a valuation choice, and we will explain the difference before you sign.

This is the basic coverage included at no charge and required by federal law. It pays 60 cents per pound per item, regardless of what the item is. A 10 pound television would be settled at 6 dollars. It is rarely adequate on its own, and most people choose it only if their homeowners policy fully covers them during a move.

Allied calls it Extra Care Protection. If an item is lost or damaged, it is repaired, replaced with a like item, or settled in cash at current replacement value, subject to the deductible you select. It is the option we recommend for almost every move.

Anything worth more than 100 dollars per pound: jewelry, fine art, collectibles, designer handbags, some electronics. These must be listed on a high-value inventory before loading. If they are not declared, liability on them is limited no matter which valuation you chose.

Storage-in-transit is covered under your move's valuation for a limited period. Long-term storage in our warehouse is covered under a separate warehouse valuation. Your move coordinator will explain which applies and what it costs.

Note it on the inventory at delivery and let the driver see it. Then contact your move coordinator, who will start the claim. Keep the damaged item and its packaging until the claim is resolved. You have nine months from delivery to file on an interstate move, but sooner is always better.

Once we receive your completed claim form, we acknowledge it within 30 days and settle or make an offer within 120 days, as federal rules require. Most are resolved much faster. Photos taken before the move and a clearly marked inventory speed everything up.

Finish packing the night before, clear a path from every room to the door and reserve parking as close to the entrance as you can. Keep pets, kids and the Open First box out of the way. Your move coordinator or driver will call at least 24 hours ahead to confirm the arrival window.

Yes. Our crews lay floor runners, pad door jambs and railings, and use stair protection as needed at both ends of the move. If anything in the home is damaged during loading or unloading, tell the driver and note it on the paperwork so it is documented.

Yes, every box you pack yourself should be taped shut and labeled. The driver may ask about the contents of a carton before loading it, but open boxes cannot go on the truck.

A copy of the signed inventory and bill of lading, the driver's mobile number, and your move coordinator's direct line. Make sure the driver has your mobile number and the exact delivery address, including any gate codes or access notes.

We move in the rain. The crew will keep furniture wrapped, avoid staging boxes outdoors and lay extra floor protection inside. Watch your footing on wet steps. If there is lightning, everyone takes a short break for safety.

Yes, and in Minnesota and Wisconsin we often do. Shovel and salt before the crew arrives, put down cardboard or runners inside for snowy boots, and clear a staging spot near the door. If roads become unsafe your move coordinator will talk to you about timing.

Keep them somewhere calm and secure, ideally with a friend, a boarding kennel or a closed room with a sign on the door. Open doors and a busy crew are a recipe for an escaped pet. When you travel, pets ride with you, never on the truck.

It is not expected, but it is always welcome. Bottled water or sports drinks on hand make a real difference on a hot day, and coffee does the same in January. Lunch is a nice gesture on a full-day move but entirely up to you.

Tipping is never required, but it is appreciated when the crew has done a great job. Customers commonly tip 20 to 40 dollars per mover for a full day, given directly to each crew member in cash.

Yes. Most Allied long-distance shipments can be tracked online. Ask your move coordinator for your registration number and use it on Allied.com to see where your shipment is.

The driver will normally call you 24 hours before delivery. Keep your phone on and make sure the driver has your current number. They may not pick up while driving, but they will call back at the next stop.

Yes. If your new home is not ready, your shipment can be held as storage-in-transit in our warehouse and delivered when you are. You pay storage, warehouse valuation and the final delivery, and your move coordinator will quote all three before you decide.

Storage-in-transit is a temporary hold, typically up to 90 days, while your move is still technically in progress. Long-term storage is an open-ended arrangement with its own contract and warehouse valuation. Piepho offers both from our own facilities in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

In our warehouse your belongings are inventoried, padded and vaulted by our crew, kept in a secure, climate-controlled building and covered under valuation. A self-storage unit gives you drop-in access but you handle the loading, the protection and the insurance yourself. Which is better depends on how long you need it and how often you need to get in.

Yes. We store office furniture, records, inventory and equipment for businesses across our service area, with inventory management and scheduled delivery. Contact us to talk through what you need.

Piepho handles your estimate, packing and loading here in Minnesota or Wisconsin, and the Allied Van Lines network carries your shipment to any state in the country. At your destination, a local Allied agent completes the delivery. One contract, one move coordinator and one point of contact from start to finish.

Long-distance shipments are given a delivery spread, a window of several days, rather than a single date. That window is written into your order for service and bill of lading. Your driver will call 24 hours ahead with the exact day.

On some moves, yes, for an additional charge. Ask your move coordinator about expedited or guaranteed delivery options if you need your belongings on a particular day.

Tell us in advance about narrow streets, low bridges, gated communities, long driveways or apartment loading rules. If the trailer cannot get close, we arrange a smaller shuttle truck, and if there is a long carry we plan for it. Knowing early keeps it off your final bill as a surprise.

Weight is the biggest lever. Purge before the estimator arrives, sell or donate heavy items you do not love, and reconsider old appliances and furniture you were planning to replace anyway. Packing yourself and moving in the off-season help too.

Yes. Moves to Canada are handled through Allied's cross-border service and involve customs paperwork we will help you prepare. See the international section below for what to expect.

Seven to ten weeks before your departure date is ideal. That gives us time to confirm documentation for your destination country, book ocean or air freight and brief the destination agent who will clear and deliver your shipment.

Most household goods move by sea in a dedicated container or, for smaller shipments, as part of a consolidated container. Air freight is faster and far more expensive, so it is usually reserved for a small essentials shipment. Your international move coordinator will price the options against your timeline.

A door-to-door quote includes packing, export crating, transportation and delivery. It cannot include customs duties, taxes or inspection fees levied by the destination country, since those are assessed on arrival. We will tell you what to expect and help with the paperwork.

Everything: packing and crating, transit time, shipping options, insurance, destination services, storage and what documents you will need. If a company cannot walk you through the whole journey at the survey, keep looking.

Start sorting early into what will ship by sea, what goes by air, what goes into storage and what you will sell or give away. Keep passports, visas, medical and school records, valuables and medication with you, never in the shipment. Remember that the cheapest, slowest option can cost more if you end up in a hotel for weeks waiting for it.

No hazardous materials such as paint, aerosols, gas canisters or matches; no plants, soil, wood or stone; no firearms or ammunition; no perishable food; and nothing that could leak. Many countries also restrict alcohol, tobacco and certain electronics. We will give you the specific list for your destination.

Make the beds first. Then set up the bathroom and kitchen basics from your Open First box. With those done you can unpack the rest room by room without the pressure, and you will have somewhere comfortable to collapse at the end of the day.

Break them down flat and check with your local recycling program; most accept clean cardboard. Neighbors and community groups are often glad to take sturdy boxes for their own moves. We can also arrange debris removal on unpacking jobs.

For most people, no. Federal law currently allows the moving expense deduction only for active-duty members of the U.S. Armed Forces moving under military orders. Some states still allow a deduction on their own returns, so check with your tax advisor.

Contact your move coordinator and we will send you the claim form. Include the inventory number of the item, photos of the damage and any photos you took before the move. Keep the item and its packing until the claim is closed.

Call us at (507) 203-2801 or email customerservice@piepho.com. A move coordinator at your nearest Piepho office will get back to you, and if it is a good question we will add it to this page.