Frequently Asked Questions

You or a representative on your behalf needs to be available for the entire move. Oftentimes questions come up that the movers need someone available to answer. They will also need someone to verify that everything that needs moved is loaded and unloaded.

Some customers plan a system for where items will be placed at the destination location, such as color coding, room labels, etc.

To provide for the safest and smoothest move possible, pathways within the home should be cleared prior to the move. It is also a good idea to have a plan for young children and pets to be clear of moving paths while the move is taking place.

Yes, it is important to empty the drawers of all items in order to allow the most care. The professional movers will make sure to secure the drawers as they move your furniture. Remember to always pack any fragile or valuable items separately so that they will be handled more securely during your move. High value personal items should be transported by the customer.

Any freezers or refrigerators to be moved will also need to be emptied prior to the movers handling these appliances.

Leaders does not handle water, gas, or electrical lines, including all appliances and electronics. The customer should arrange for these items to be disconnected and reconnected or handle themselves.

Tipping is optional.  However, moving is a personal service and tips are greatly appreciated.

Some customers book six months in advance and others with minimal notice. We recommend that you schedule at least two weeks ahead. A general rule of thumb is Fridays and Saturdays are very busy. The same can be said for the first and last week of a month.

In general, no, although we would need to reschedule moves during Level 3 and sometimes during Level 2 emergencies.

For moves taking place during inclement weather, it is the homeowners responsibility to provide clear, safe pathways between the home and moving truck.

A one man box should be 50 pounds or less. Boxes just aren’t made to handle excessive weight.

There are some important things to remember when packing your boxes. Pack each box top to bottom. Try not to leave any voids.

All boxes need to be taped and sealed on the top and bottom. Unsealed or overflowing boxes do not load or travel safely in a moving truck.

Also, the best practice is that all items that are small enough to be boxed, should be boxed. Your movers will not be able to handle small, loose items individually.

These are some of the box sizes we use and best items for them:

Small boxes (16x12x12.5 inches) – Are best used for heavy items because you don’t want boxes to be too heavy.  Examples include canned goods or books.

Medium boxes (18x18x18 inches) –  Are best used for medium weight items, such as bedroom items.

Large boxes (18x18x24 inches)  – Are best used for bulky or light items, like pots and pans, clothes.

Wardrobe boxes – Used for hanging clothes, so you don’t have to fold them, the bottom of the box is also good for accessories.

Dish Barrel box – This is a thicker box used for fragile items or for long distances.

File Box – Used for legal and letter files.

Check out our box loan program, where we offer refunds on our used boxes when you return them.

All Household Goods Movers are governed by laws established by the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  Leaders offers two types of coverage.

1. Depreciated Coverage at $2.25 per pound based on the estimated weight of the shipment with a $100 deductible.  There is no charge for this coverage.  Depreciation is a term that identifies that all objects have a finite life expectancy.  Therefore, a deduction or depreciation is taken based on the age of the item that requires replacement.
2. Replacement Cost value $5.00 per pound based on the estimated weight of the shipment.  This coverage comes with an option of a $250 deductible or a $500 deductible.  This coverage allows for replacement of the lost or damaged item based on the market value of this item. 

   It is important to remember that the carrier reserves the right to repair all items.  There is a greater charge for Replacement cost coverage and that increases with the election of a lower deductible.

Learn more here.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) regulations protect consumers of interstate moves and define the rights and responsibilities of consumers (shippers) and household goods carriers (movers).

As a customer, you have responsibilities both to your mover and yourself. They include:

• Reading all moving documents issued by the mover or broker
• Being available at the time of pickup and delivery of your shipment. If you are not available you should appoint a representative to act on your behalf.
• Promptly notifying your mover if something has changed regarding your shipment (i.e. move dates, additional items)
• Making payment in the amount required and in the form agreed to with your mover
• Promptly filing claims for loss, damage or delays with your mover, if necessary

You should expect to receive the following information:

• A written estimate
• The “Ready to Move” Brochure
• Information about the mover’s arbitration program
• Written notice about access to the mover’s tariff
• The process for handling claims
• “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” Booklet

All moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods they transport. We legally are not permitted to call coverage for your possessions “insurance.” In the moving industry it is called Valuation Coverage, which provides protection for your valuables.

There are different levels of liability through Valuation Coverage, and consumers should be aware of the amount of protection provided and the charge for each option.
In an instance of damage occuring during a move, our customers have a window of 60 days to file a claim. This window is extended to 9 months for interstate moves.

As is stated fully in our service contract, there are items that are not covered under our Valuation Coverage. These include ready to assemble furniture, art, and jewelry, among others. It is also worth noting that our liability is removed on items loaded into public storage units or vehicles rented by the customer.

Absolutely, we do in-home surveys for individuals or businesses who want a full service move.  However, our exact price system does not require in-home surveys and most quotes can be completed online or over the phone.

If you are requesting us to pack your boxes, it is best if we personally come to the residence and evaluate.

Every move is different. Our operations team will create the schedule and assign resources accordingly.

Base price moves do not include disassembly or reassembly services. However, we offer furniture disassembly and reassembly at your request. Just let one of our moving consultants know that you would like disassembly/reassembly services, and they will incorporate it into your quote.

Leaders will not provide disassembly/reassembly services on certain items, such as ready to assemble furniture, pool tables, workout equipment, and appliances. We can refer you to well-qualified companies if we can’t help.

Unless the movers are doing packing, it is rare that they would have any packing materials. The exception would be wardrobe boxes. If you want us to move your hanging clothes, let our sales staff know and the movers will bring wardrobe boxes out to accommodate your needs.

Definitely. The biggest protection you can have is good movers and we have great movers. To take the extra step, we use floor runners and door jamb protectors on every move.
While loaded on the truck, all furniture will be well protected and covered with furniture blankets.

Please note that you will be responsible for providing padding if we are performing a move that loads into a public storage unit or a vehicle that you rented.

All of our movers are employees of Leaders.  We offer full benefits, paid overtime, and workers compensation to all our employees.  You can be assured that our movers are accountable, professional, and friendly.
On some moves outside of our local market areas, we will hire professional movers local to the area to assist our drivers.