Long Distance Movers in Pittsburgh and Washington County

It depends on the distance, the size of the move and how much packing is involved. A large home may need a full day to pack and load before the truck leaves. Your pickup and delivery timing is agreed in writing before the truck is loaded, so you can plan travel, keys and utilities around it.

Under federal rules, a binding estimate guarantees the total cost for the items and services listed. A non binding estimate is the mover's best estimate, and the final cost can be higher, but at delivery you only have to pay up to 110 percent of it before your goods are released. Ask us which applies to your move.

Interstate movers must offer Full Value Protection, where the mover repairs, replaces or pays the value of lost or damaged items. You can waive it in writing for Released Value, which costs nothing extra but only covers a low amount per pound. Valuation is not insurance. You choose on the bill of lading.

Look the company up by its USDOT number on the FMCSA website, make sure it is the carrier and not a broker, and get a written estimate after it has seen what is moving. Be careful with large cash deposits or blank paperwork. 1st Step Movers is registered with FMCSA for interstate household goods moves.

Hazardous materials such as gasoline, propane tanks, paint, cleaning chemicals and ammunition cannot go on the truck, and neither can perishable food. Keep important papers, medications, jewelry and other valuables with you. Ask us about houseplants on long moves. If you are unsure about something, ask during the walkthrough.

Four to six weeks ahead is a good target, and earlier for summer and the end of the month, when moving dates fill up fastest. If you are on a tighter timeline, call and we will tell you what is open.

Yes. We move families from Washington County and Pittsburgh to other parts of Pennsylvania under our PA PUC license, like the Washington to Hershey move one reviewer described. Not sure whether your move is local or long distance? Read what counts as a long distance move.

It depends on how much work you want to do. With a container like PODS, you pack and load it yourself or hire help, and the container company handles the drive. With a full moving company, the crew wraps, loads, drives and unloads. We can also provide labor to load a container you rent. Compare the total effort, not just the quote.

Sort and donate what you will not use before packing starts, label boxes by room, and set aside a bag with medications, chargers, papers and a few days of clothes. Reserve parking or elevator time at both homes if needed, clear a path for furniture, and empty, defrost and dry the refrigerator a day ahead.

Yes. Pianos and gun safes are some of the heaviest items in a home, and we bring the equipment and extra hands they need. Tell us about them when you first call so they are part of the plan and the written estimate. Our piano moving page covers how we handle uprights and grands.

Tipping is never required, but it is a common way to thank a crew that worked hard, especially after a long day with stairs or long carries. Most people tip each mover individually at the end of the job, and offering water and lunch during a long load is always appreciated. See our guide on tipping movers in Pittsburgh for what is typical.