We have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
If these do not answer your moving, relocating or shipping questions, please contact us to make further inquiries.

When is the best time to move?
What happens when a survey consultant comes to my house?
How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
What is an inventory?
Can I pack anything in my dresser or desk?
Can I pack and move my plants?
What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
How is my upholstered furniture protected?
How do I prepare my appliances for moving?
Am I protected from loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
How do I prepare myself and my home for move day?
How do I know where my shipment is once it leaves my home?
How do I know when my shipment is going to be delivered?
How do I file a damage claim?
 

• When is the best time to move?
The busiest times for relocations are during the summer months, May 15-Sept 15. During these months the volume of shipments is extremely heavy. This is the case for all professional moving companies. If your schedule is flexible, provide Cartwright with multiple dates for packing and loading.

• What happens when a survey consultant comes to my house?
The relocation specialist will come to your home to complete a visual survey of the items you intend to move. Once the survey is completed, the specialist will calculate the weight, packing needs, and other possible charges associated with your relocation. The specialist must clearly see what you are moving in order to provide an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics and closets that are organized will ensure a thorough survey process.
Don’t be alarmed if the relocation specialist looks in your cabinets and closets, under beds and on top of cabinets. The specialist must be able to see what you are moving and the possible needs for your packing. If you know of items that are not in view, be certain to point them out to the specialist. If you are eliminating items, be sure to point them out to the specialist.
We suggest our customers discard items not being moved BEFORE loading day so they are not accidentally shipped.

•  How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
If you are moving to a new state or country, the charges are based on the actual weight of your shipment. Transportation charges, such as mileage, are added to domestic shipments. Other charges can include packing, crating, valuation or coverage, bulky article charge for oversized items and extra labor. International shipments might have charges for customs clearance, bunker, fuel surcharge, un-crating or extra labor.

• What is an inventory?
The crew who comes to pack or load your shipment will complete an inventory of your items. The inventory provides a detailed, descriptive listing of your household goods and the condition of each item when received by the mover. Please be sure that everything listed on the inventory is accurate.
The inventory is a record to help you keep track of what is loaded and the condition of each item. If a particular piece is damaged during the loading process, get the item’s inventory tag number and make a note in the far right hand column on the line that corresponds with that piece. This document will be reviewed when the claims process is initiated, so it is important to clearly note the damage.
The inventory should also be used at the destination where your shipment is delivered. Use the inventory to verify the articles that are delivered and to note any damage to the items as they are brought into your home. Point out any damage to the crew that is unloading your items.

• Can I pack and move my plants?
Many states do not allow the entry of plants. Other states will admit plants under certain conditions. Your plants cannot be shipped internationally due to customs regulations in different countries. Contact a Cartwright representative for more information.

•  What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
Items of extraordinary value, such as jewelry, antiques and collections, can be included in your shipment. Please notify your coordinator about these items before packing and loading day. We recommend that you carry on any irreplaceable or expensive items or make other arrangements for their transport. Ask your coordinator if you have questions or need further explanation.

• How is my upholstered furniture protected?
All furniture is wrapped with either brown paper or stretch wrap to keep dust and damage at a minimum. 

• How do I prepare my appliances for moving?
Appliances, such as washer, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Your relocation coordinator can have these items serviced for you. Cartwright has service providers in locations all over the world who specialize in this type of service. This is often called a third party service.

• Am I protected from loss or damage while my goods are in transit?
Yes, but how much protection you have and its cost depends upon your valuation coverage. This can be one of the most confusing aspects of moving, but it is important that you understand what is being provided to you.

Full extra care protection is your most comprehensive coverage. It is also referred to as “full replacement value” or “full value protection.” Articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be either repaired, replaced with like items or a cash settlement will be made for current market replacement value.

Released value is an option that provides minimal protection and is not sufficient coverage for most shipments. Released value will pay $.60 per pound per articles that are lost or damaged. For example, a damaged piece of furniture weighing 75 lbs would receive a settlement of $45.00. This option is supplemental coverage and is applicable only if your insurance policy covers the entire value of your goods.

• How do I prepare myself and my home for move day?
A Cartwright representative will contact you at least 24 hours before your chosen packing or loading date to let you know when the crew will arrive. At that time, please provide any information that could affect loading day, such as a street closure that prevents large truck clearance. Please make sure your home is ready for the crew by clearing the porch and walkways. Take doors off the hinges if certain items cannot pass through the doorways. Remove small throw rugs from traffic areas to ensure the crew’s safety.

• How do I know where my shipment is once it leaves my home?
Cartwright’s tracking capabilities will allow you to monitor your shipment, 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

• How do I file a damage claim?
Cartwright’s staff is committed to providing excellent customer service throughout the moving process. Unfortunately, damage can occur during a move. Cartwright will make your claims process as easy as possible. Online claims forms are available through our Web site, or you can request a form from you coordinator.

• Refund and return policy.
Cartwright Relocation Services has no return or refund policy.