| What you may want to know... |
Will I have to cater for the relocation team?
No. We can not expect you (or anyone) to know of our employees' personal preferences or restrictions in regard to food. All of our employees receive a daily allowance on behalf of the company to ensure their catering.
We do, however, propose to pack your coffee machine at the last moment, because this has proven to be beneficiary for the overall morale in the past....
What is your company's policy in regard to the consumption of alcohol?
We strictly prohibit the consumption of alcohol for the duration of the move.
Will any of the assisting removal men smoke in my apartment?
No, they will principally not smoke throughout the working hours, which your furniture will appreciate.
What is your company's policy regarding the composition of your teams?
Obviously, since we are a German enterprise, the majority of our employees are German. We are, as a company, aware of a unified Europe and the new challenges of a multi-cultural society, as well as our moral responsibility.
It is our firm policy to accord to these changes. Our policy is, not be influenced by any national prejudice whatsoever and to accord to the principle of equal treatment throughout our staff.
We oppose wage dumping and the acquisition of cheap foreign labourer or any other practices connected herewith. All our employees are paid according to the same standards. The actual composition of the individual teams varies although we will always make sure there is at least one English-speaking member in the team.
Do you work with regular employees?
Yes, but not exclusively: We are aware that hauling furniture and heavy goods is not really a long term perspective for a future.
We are authorised to train and conduct apprenticeships and show great interest for young people with an open mind and practical initiative.
Many team members successfully finance their studies by working with us. They are highly motivated and have acquired a high grade of flexibility and keen sense for solving problems as they appear.
The work with us often represents a possibility for them to break out of the regularity of their usual everyday life.
We do not tolerate slackers. We take great care to ensure that your move will be accompanied by highly motivated and experienced professionals
Will there be a carpenter in the team?
This is an often asked question. Disassembling and reassembling furniture, whether they are IKEA, any other make or granddad's old cupboard consisting of various different parts, is our everyday business. As long as nothing needs to be sawn, there isn't really a need for a carpenter. Naturally, if you are willing to bear the substantial additional costs, we will of course organise a carpenter for you.
Will you also reassemble my kitchen?
Yes. The disassembly of your kitchen is no problem at all and will be included in our free quotation. The reassembly of the kitchen, in our experience, can cause problems. Due to the fact, that your kitchen was customised for your old apartment this usually means that connections (to electricity or water), the walls or the flooring (just to mention a few details that can cause problems) will not fit precisely. But don't worry, we will support you. If you have the intention to buy a new countertop, calculate some extra length to be on the sure side. We will fit it in for you.
Will rain affect the moving?
Rain does not represent a problem! Any of your belongings or furniture that might be sensitive in regard to dampness (e.g. upholstery or your favourite leather settee, mattresses etc.) will be wrapped up in stretch foil. This measure does not take much time but will ensure a perfect protection against dampness or dirt.
What type of moving boxes will I have to use?
Naturally you are free to use any type of box or carton you wish. We would however kindly request of you to consider two rules: (1) Please try to keep the maximum weight of a box below 18 kg. Too heavy boxes, especially if the apartment is on a higher floor level, will not exactly put up the team's spirit.(2) Please make sure the bottom of the boxes are sufficiently secured (will not break through). Apart from that you also have the option to buy or rent boxes from us.
The prices of moving boxes...
Can I hire moving boxes from you?
Yes. Any hired moving boxes shall at first be registered on your account at their purchasing price. As son as you return the boxes to us, clean and undamaged, after two weeks or 2 years, we will pay out 1 Euro per box. The prices of moving boxes...
May I mark the moving boxes hired from you?
Yes, we even advise you to do so! We will accept marked boxes if you wish to return them.
Are you a member of any association related to professional relocation AMÖ?
No. We have always refrained from joining any associations and refuse to adapt to any conservative rules, because that would actually restrict us in our work. We have so far managed to avoid expensive ISO certificates or high gloss fliers. We take great pride in being an independent enterprise.
If we need the assistance of an additional freight hauler, we can utilise a reservoir of worldwide cooperation partners.
What equipment will be on your removal vans?
All of our removal trucks will carry with them around 100 clean protective blankets/covers, furniture pads and numerous straps and belts to secure your belongings in order to prevent anything from going wrong. In addition, to save time and your money, they will also be equipped with fixed -wheel carriages, furniture dollies, special felt protection covers for your parquet flooring and a vast assortment of tools to ensure that we can disassemble/reassemble anything we might need to in a professional manner. For your television, pictures and mirrors or other sensitive goods every truck will have with them numerous special protection boxes. Also included in the standard equipment are additional clothing containers, moving boxes, and packing materials to ensure your move will be smooth. So, if you run out of moving boxes or anything needs to be packaged the evening before the move, do not worry we can help. Our most important asset however is our professional experience that you can rely on.
How many lorries do you have at your disposal?
We can only respond to this question with: How many or what kind do you need? The professionalism of a removal company does define itself by the number of vehicles, but by its ability to provide the right vehicle at the right time at the right place. You are welcome to put us on trial in this regard. You can choose any vehicle you want from a small van to big 40 ton truck trailer combinations.
How do avoid damage to my carpets or parquet flooring in my apartment?
Just leave that to us. The floor in both your old and new flat will be laid out with a protective cover before the loading starts. In addition, should for example your new apartment be surrounded by construction waste we will split the construction team into two teams. One team will be restricted to the flat, without shoes, which shall hand out the goods to the others right at the doorstep. This method has proven to be very effective especially in the winter. The smallest particle of grit or gravel, or salt (in winter) can ruin your former shining pride and joy (e.g. your parquet flooring).This will not happen to you with us. If you wish, we will also underlay your furniture with a felt protection. You can then move your furniture in any way you want without your parquet flooring taking any damage.
Can I accompany the removal van as a passenger?
Yes, just give us notice hereof beforehand, if you, or one of your helpers wants to come along in the lorry. If there is a free space in the lorry, that is no problem at all. Wherever you are moving to, naturally there will be no extra charge.
What about my children on the day of the relocation?
Obviously, children are also affected by a relocation. For many this represents quite a psychological strain - they loose their friends, have to change schools, are anxious about the new environment they have to adjust to. To make these changes easier for them (from the age of 3 upwards), we advise not to accommodate them somewhere else for the time of the move, but to let them participate in the relocation. Packing their own moving boxes, possibly sitting in a truck driving cab and generally getting the sensation they are moving themselves and consider the relocation to be an adventure they are sure not to forget in a positive sense. All of our employees like to make "little friends".
Do you also transport pets?
Generally no, although we must admit that we have had the one or other adventure with parrots in the driver's cabin, travel-eager rats and have moved the one or other spider terrarium. Especially if smaller animals are concerned it is important to find the appropriate method of transport. Obviously, since you are the owner and know your animal best, the best method usually is the transport with you in your car. Naturally this applies to dogs and cats, which we do not transport, in particular. Naturally, if you wish, we will organise professional transport for any of your pets so can concentrate on actually moving without being bothered by your 'pet darlings'.
What is your policy in regard to confidentiality?
We always react friendly to any questions asked by "nosy" (in other words: curious) neighbours or landlords. This friendly reaction shall however never include any relevant information on any "who's" and "where's´". Upon wish, we shall provide unmarked/neutral lorries, to prevent the traceability of the acting company. In case you are planning a quick "overnight" relocation you may trust our discretion and experience. At this instance we would like to note that any computerised personal data will strictly remain with us and will not be passed on to any third parties.
How binding are your quotations?
You can trust our quote to 100%.Our time estimates for loading, transport and other services, such as the disassembly and reassembly of your furniture are calculated generously. This will save you a bad surprise at the end of the day and actually does save money.
„"In the end the move cost us double the money we actually planned for"; is an often heard sentence, but not with us! We do admit that our quotes may not seem the cheapest bargain upon first sight, but we don't believe in telling fairy tales and always stand to our quotes. Upon wish, we will also establish fixed, respectively flat quotations for you.
Can you settle the costs directly with the social welfare office or the federal agency of employment?
Yes. Just give us the name of the person in charge at the according office or agency when applying for the quote.
What are your terms of payment?
The relocation bill, if not agreed upon otherwise, is to be settled at the final unloading point in cash. Our employees are authorised to conduct the encashment. Please note that banks usually close early and cash terminals are usually limited to an amount of around 500 Euro.
Do you accept cash or credit cards?
Sorry, no.
My employer is covering the cost of the relocation.. Is that a problem?
No. If your employer is located/registered in Germany, we would advise you to get the moving contract directly signed by your employer. This will save you the trouble of having to come up with an advance payment. We would merely require of you to sign for and confirm our services at the end of the move. We will then forward the bill directly to your employer. Upon wish we will forward a copy of the invoice to you.
What is the cheapest option I can get from you for moving?
That would be the "do-it-yourself" version: We would provide any vehicle you wish/need and place it right before your doorstep. This would include a relocation-experienced driver, who is willing and able to assist you and your enthusiastic helping friends with help and advice, to ensure you will manage your move without any damage. In addition, you will be able to use the regular standard equipment (utility doll, furniture pads, towing straps, fixed wheel containers etc.) free of charge. If you are not sure about which kind of vehicle you need just fill out (this can also be done off-line) Moving List ; don't worry: you will not have to go roaming around your flat with a metre. We will be able to establish an estimate of the needed transport volume with the Moving List automatically. You will then be able to decide, which kind of vehicle you need. If you now take our quotation and delete all items except the vehicle and the driver, you will have the actual costs. (If you want to move all by yourself with friends and a hired vehicle, we have gathered some useful information for you under the topic "Relocation-Selfdriver").
What are your hourly rates?
You can look these up in our current Price List.
Is it possible to move on a Saturday?
Yes, and there will be no extra charges.
What about Sunday?
Is possible as well. This would however necessitate tolerant neighbours, which you should check out beforehand; there will be no extra charges here as well; Please note that there is a ban on driving on Sundays and bank holidays for removal trucks with a total weight above 7.5 tons. If you do not know, what a 7.5 ton truck looks like, just look into a car park of a car rental. The biggest trucks you can see there, usually will be a 7,.5 ton truck.
Are there any certain times I can get better rates?
Yes. We are able to give a discount of 10 %on our transport and loading services if you are lucky enough to move between the 5th and the 25th of any month. Right in-between the months (i.e. between the 26th and the 4th of the following month) is the usual "rush hour" for all moving companies. We are afraid we can not allow any discounts in that time. About the prices…
Will I have to pay overtime?
No. We do not differentiate the categories overtime and "undertime".
Do you also move pianos?
Yes – within the scope of your relocation. Heavy cargo, such as grand pianos, safes will only be handled by qualified professionals.
Will I have to empty my drawers?
No. As long as the objects are not fragile or would make the cupboard too heavy (like a complete CD collection), you can leave them as they are. Whatever you do, do not use any adhesive tapes! We will enclose the whole cupboard in stretch wrap, which does not take much time, to prevent the drawers from falling out. This will also save you the trouble and eventual damage of having to remove any adhesive tape from your furniture.
Do I have to be actually present when moving?
No. All we need from you are the keys of the apartment and, if that is not too much work for you, a plan of how you want the apartment arranged; and if need be we will arrange the new flat completely for you.
Will you give me a free quote?
Yes. And it will not make any difference, if you apply for the quotation online via the internet, or iof one of our field staff comes to your house (this service is limited to the Frankfurt area)to evaluate your household goods.
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You can obtain a free non-binding quote quickly online over the internet:
Get a Quotation. Just give us a call or drop us a note, if you want the help of one of our relocation advisors, or just write
us an e-mail.
Do you have any references?
Yes, we certainly do. If you are interested to see some, we will forward a selection to you.
How long does your enterprise exist?
We opened up this business in 1994.
Do you transport additional cargo?
Yes. Additional cargo (also referred to as LTL - Less than Truck Load -) is limited to removal goods with a total volume of less than 10 cubic metres and will be transported in the course of other relocations in the same direction. Removal goods with a total volume above this limit will be treated as a whole relocation.. They are however dependant on the opportunity of vacant space, the destination and the amount of time you give us beforehand to organise the transport (the earlier-the better). They are usually a good bargain but due to their nature, even though we try our best, can not be guaranteed.
the same applies to combined relocations, where, if you are flexible in regard to the date of your move, several relocations in the same direction are combined, and you can save up 50% of the moving costs. This is also interesting for us, because we can minimise empty runs. If you are interested in this option, we would advise you to inform us at least 2 to 3 months before the projected moving date to increase your chances.
In case you want further information: Additional Cargo and Combined Relocation.
Will you secure the loading points?
Yes, if necessary. A removal van usually needs (that includes space to move) 15 metres. If, for whatever reasons, you can not hold free this area with your (and your neighbour's) car until the day of the relocation we will put up restriction shields to create a clearway (after having applied for permission to do so at the according local council)about 5 days prior to the relocation.
How do I package my plants?
The best reply to this question is: let us do it! Any bigger plants (above a height of 80 cm) will be safely stowed individually at the end of the loading process. Twines (e.g. ivy), voluminous rubber plants, little lemon trees or delicate cactuses will be packed by us in a manner that will avoid any damage to them during transport. Smaller indoor plants will be placed in open moving boxes. If you wish, you can do that yourself. If you do, please do not forget to put some paper between the individual pots to avoid any breakage. In the winter time please do not water the plants for 2 days before actually moving.
Do I have to empty my freezer?
The removal team will take care of the freezer. If the relocation is within a relative distance you will not have to empty the freezer. According to statements of most manufacturers of modern freezers, these will keep the temperature for around 10 hours without being connected to the mains. If you have any doubts, just ask us and if need be we will provide a removal van with a bus bar (electricity source). By the way; your freezer (together with the plants)
will be loaded right at the end of the loading process, which means that it can be reconnected at the destination after a rest period of an hour.
How do I prepare my TV, my computer or the stereo for the relocation
If you fortunately still have the original packaging boxes of the equipment, that would obviously be the best solution. If not, again, just leave it to our team. The will ensure that your computer or stereo gear will reach the destination unharmed. If you want, the team will also reconnect the equipment just the way you had it in the old apartment.
Within which time frame do I have to set the actual date for the relocation?
If you order us to move you tomorrow, we will do it, if we have the according free capacities. In most cases a lead time of 14 days (2 weeks) is sufficient. If you are limited to a fixed date, we would advise you to give us notice hereof 3 weeks beforehand and we will make reservation for you.
Can I postpone the relocation date on a short term basis?
Yes. That would not be unusual. It is quite common that construction companies or craftsmen miss the projected completion date or something unexpected happens. This will usually not generate an extra charge or cancellation charge (If you have to move out of your old flat and your new domicile is not ready yet, we can offer interim storage for your goods).
Do you also conduct evictions?
No. It is our principle never to act against the will of a customer and we do not want to put our employees into such a sad situation.
Are the costs of the relocation tax deductible?
We can only answer this question if you are subject to the German IRS (you pay taxes in Germany). If there is a professional reason for the relocation you can effect any qualified related cost (e.g. the cost of the estate agent) and the relocation bill itself in your tax declaration.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to ask us!
If you are the kind of person, who does not like to put up with the hassle of keeping all invoices, there is a possibility to claim for a tax deductible relocation flat rate, which is granted by the German IRS.
This rate, since 1 January 2002; is1074.- Euro for a married couple, 537.- Euro for singles, and 237.- Euro for any additional person (e.g. children)in your household..
Are my household goods insured for the duration of the move?
Yes. They are insured, and have to be by law. Every loaded cubic metre insured with 620.- Euro for any damage caused by the freight forwarder. If, for instance, your household goods are moved with 7,5 ton truck and take up a space of 33 cubic metres, that would mean- 33 x 620 = 20.460.-(in words twenty thousand four hundred and sixty Euro). Please not that this legal liability is only for cases where the damage was caused by the freight forwarder, but could have been avoided if he had acted in due diligence. For the loss or damage to your goods due to circumstances, which could not have been avoided, even though all necessary care was taken, in general referred to as force majeure, such as lightning, accidents through no fault of one's own, the theft of the locked removal van etc., we offer a particular transport insurance. The insurance sum of such a policy is oriented at the level of the value of the transported goods, which you can state yourself. Not insured are all goods, which you have packed yourself, plants and function-related damages to electric devices, in so far, as they have been transported with due diligence. In our Transport terms and conditions, which you can download from our server as a PDF- document if you wish further details.
As we take great care to ensure that all of our staff is experienced and well motivated we have no need for a loss adjustor nor a legal protection. Feel free to ask our insurance agent how much business he is making with us.
Which respites do I have to consider for the event I want to claim for damages?
According to the law (this would be the German commercial code HGB) you will have to claim any damages to a freight forwarder within the following respites:
Our relocation team will undertake an inspection, together with you, at both the loading and unloading point. This inspection will include the old and the new flat and basically follow the path of our work, to ensure yourself that no damage has occurred to the stairs, walls etc. (the building fabric in general). in your apartment. The same applies to the moved household goods. We insist on giving you (and you should in fact do so) the opportunity to check all of your goods for eventual damage in good time and with care.
Is your company restricted to moving domestic household goods or do you do other kinds of transports as well?
As we do not like the word "restriction", we are also capable to transport computing, fine arts, transports for tradeshows with our usual dedication. We will establish a quote for any such transport.
In which cases will I need customs clearance?
A customs is necessary, if you move from an EU country to a country outside of the EU area (and vice versa as well).Relocations within
the European Union, e.g. moving from Austria to France will not necessitate a customs clearance.
You can find further information to this matter International overland relocation.
Will I need the transportation lock for my washing machine?
No. The transportation locks are only absolutely necessary, if the washing machine is tilted for transport (put into horizontal position).
Even when moving the washing machine through staircases we will keep the machine in the vertical position using moving straps and will take care to transport it vertically.
How is the actually needed volume in a removal van calculated?
1 Furniture truck metre (ftm) = 5 cubic metres (cbm). The traditional measuring unit "furniture truck metre" has come out of fashion.
Many moving companies use the expression "volume unit" nowadays. This means:
1 volume unit (RE) = 0,1 cubic metre (cbm). To make it easier for you to visualize this: 1 volume unit would approximately
correspond with the size of a standard moving box
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