Frequently Asked Questions

The cost to do a local move is based on the time that it takes for the movers to load and deliver your belongings. The hourly rate is based on the number of movers and trucks we assign to your move. Determining the right size crew is important. Too many movers is wasteful, and too few movers is inefficient. Our goal is to work during normal business hours, and to avoid working the movers to the point of fatigue.

Once we have established the right size crew for your move, the time starts when we begin loading, and ends when we are finished delivering. If yours is a multi-day move, we add the time over the days we work. A predetermined travel allowance is added to cover the time it takes our crew to arrive at your origin address and to return at the end of the day.

The cost for us to pack a few cartons on a time-based move is based on the time we take to pack, plus the cost of the materials. For full packing, we charge not by time, but on a per-box schedule, and the packing is normally done the day before your move. Your Joyce representative will work closely with you to assure that the most efficient and cost-effective plan is in place for a successful move, and a delightful experience for all.

The cost for this type of move is based on the actual weight of your furniture and boxes and the distance to your new home. When the move is over 100 miles, weight-based moving is the standard. The actual weight is determined by weighing the truck before and after your things have been loaded onto it. The difference between these two weights will be your shipping weight.

Your Joyce Van Lines representative will determine the most economical type of pricing for your move, and you can be assured that all furniture will be prepared for the move with the utmost care using quilted moving pads and paper/stretch wrapping on all upholstered furniture.

A $100.00 deposit will secure your moving date(s), truck and crew. The balance is due upon our arrival at your new home, prior to unloading, in certified check, cash, or money order. 

Prepayment of the estimated costs will be charged up to three days prior to your loading date. Once final charges have been calculated, your credit card will be adjusted.

Joyce Van Lines offers two options for cargo protection in the event of loss or damage: Full (Replacement) Value Protection, or Released Value of 60 cents per pound per article. Your preferred cargo protection plan must be confirmed prior to the move date. 

Valuation is not insurance and is provided by the motor carrier under the terms of your bill of lading and the carriers’ tariff. Full Value Protection entitles the carrier to repair, replace, or reimburse you for loss or damage based on the replacement value of the damaged article. 

A minimum value of $6.00 per pound is required to purchase Full Value Protection. You should declare value to a level that is appropriate for your household goods. You cannot undervalue your shipment. Full Value Protection is the preferred choice among our valued customers. 

All items valued at greater than $100 per pound must be declared and listed on a separate high value inventory form prior to loading. Basic liability is at no cost to the client, and is limited to 60 cents per pound, per article. 

For example, although highly unlikely, if we move your 45″ LED T.V, weighing in at 30 pounds, and something happens to it, all you are covered for under basic valuation would be .60 cents per pound. So 30 lbs X .60 = $18.00 would be your total protection under the basic protection.

These types of claims will be settled monetarily. Be advised that this protection is minimal, and therefore, not adequate for most household furnishings. For additional coverage we suggest you obtain “Full Value Protection”.

Please contact our claims department to start a search for your missing items. You may email them at claims@joycevanlines.com.

An employee relocation package is a benefit offered by many employers to help cover the costs associated with relocating for a new job. These packages can vary greatly in terms of what they cover, but may include assistance with moving expenses, temporary housing, and even home-buying assistance. Joyce Van Lines is able to merge our services with your company's needs and offerings to provide your employees a seamless relocation experience.

Although certainly not a requirement, offering a relocation package can help attract and retain top talent. It can also improve morale and reduce turnover. We can help you develop and implement your corporate relocation services plan.

There are a few common mistakes companies make when relocating employees:

• Not giving enough notice: As mentioned above, it's important to give your employees plenty of notice before they relocate. This will allow them time to make necessary arrangements and tie up loose ends.
• Not providing enough information: Another mistake companies make is not providing enough information about the new area. Be sure to provide things like schools, housing, and recreation.
• Not giving the opportunity to visit: Finally, be sure to give your employees the opportunity to visit their new home before the move. This will help them get a feel for the area and make any necessary arrangements.

Our moving fleet includes tractors, straight trucks, pack vans, and trailers. We have every kind of vehicle necessary to move our clients across the country!

Set aside or dispose of the following items that CANNOT be shipped on the van: perishable items, plants, bleach, cleaning and lighting fluids, matches, ammunition, aerosol cans, and propane tanks. Also, self-balancing scooters or hoverboards (if the battery cannot be removed) or their lithium-ion battery because of a combustion risk.

Set aside a “no-pack” zone and include any personal belongings/valuables/non-insured items that you are transporting yourself, i.e., cash, jewelry, personal documents, etc. These should be put away in a safe place that is not accessible to the movers so that they are not packed accidentally.

Prior to moving your shipment from your home, our driver will prepare a descriptive inventory of your belongings. He/she will also make notes concerning the physical description of each piece (noting the pre-existing condition and damage if any). Upon delivery, check off your belongings as they are taken off the truck and note any exceptions to the inventory prior to the driver leaving your home.

Joyce Van Line hauls 100% of our moves. We do NOT interline our business to other agents or carriers. We are 100% committed to providing the highest quality of service to exceed your expectations. Guaranteed. Our precision planning and delivery system enables us to pack and haul each move with our substantial roving fleet and/or dispatch a crew from one of our core service centers. This enables us to provide superior services within our agreed upon pricing structure. The result is providing all of our customers the highest quality of service without breaking the bank or your budget. Guaranteed.

Yes, we move in all lower 48 states. 

Yes, we do offer storage at all our facilities. Your items will be placed in 7x75 wooden vaults and sealed. You may access them, but only by appointment as we are operational warehouses; we can not allow customers to walk in at any time due to OSHA regulations. 

Please reach out to your local warehouse and set an appointment; there will be fees that accompany access to stored shipments. The local terminal will let you know more about the charges.

We currently only offer POD-type services in our Fort Myers location. 

We offer move services in major cities, but due to intrastate authorities, we only offer in-state moving in the following states, CT, NY, MA, FL, IN, IL, OH, and CA.

Yes, we will service assisted living moves.

Unpacking service is not maid service. Our team will empty all boxes you wish and lay the items on a flat service, but the team will not place the items into shelves or cupboards.