Moving FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Planning a move in the Pacific Northwest? Whether you are relocating within the Portland Metro area, moving to Salem, or settling down somewhere else in the Willamette Valley, Summit Moving & Storage is here to make the process seamless. Below are answers to the most common questions we receive about local moving costs, packing services, and ODOT regulations.
Pricing, Payment & Quotes
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Local moves in Oregon are charged by the hour based on crew size (e.g., 2 or 3 movers) and the number of trucks needed. We pride ourselves on transparent, competitive pricing without hidden gimmicks. The final cost depends on the size of your home and access conditions. Contact us for a free moving quote to get an accurate estimate.
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Yes. We offer a separate, specialized rate for anyone moving to or from a retirement community, assisted living facility, or senior care home. We also extend this rate to students moving into dorms or campus housing. Please mention these details when booking so we can apply the correct rate to your estimate.
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We offer free, no-obligation estimates. For small apartments, we can often quote over the phone. For larger homes (3+ bedrooms) in the Willamette Valley, we recommend a virtual or in-home walkthrough to ensure accuracy.
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Per Oregon state regulations for intrastate moves, we provide non-binding estimates based on actual hours worked. However, our team is highly experienced, and our estimates are rarely far off from the final bill unless the scope of work changes significantly.
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We value transparency. While ODOT tariffs may allow for surcharges regarding excessive distance (long carries over 75 ft) or difficult access (stairs/elevators), these will be discussed with you before the move begins so there are no surprises.
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Payment is due upon completion of the move at your destination.
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We accept cash, certified checks, and debit/credit cards.
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Yes, a deposit is typically required to secure your spot on our schedule. This deposit is applied toward your final bill on moving day.
Scheduling & Booking
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We recommend booking 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for moves scheduled during the summer (May–September) or at the end of the month.
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We try our best to help with short-notice moves in the Portland Metro and Salem areas! Call us immediately at (503) 583-2298 to check our real-time availability.
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Yes, we operate on weekends. Saturday slots fill up the fastest, so please book early if you need a weekend move.
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We understand plans change. Please notify us as soon as possible if you need to reschedule. Cancellations made within a certain window (check your estimate for specifics) may forfeit the deposit to cover the reserved crew time.
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Yes, pending availability. The sooner you let us know, the easier it is for us to secure a new date for you.
Services (Packing, Moving & Specialty)
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Yes, this is our specialty. Whether you’re moving from a studio apartment, a condo, or a 5-bedroom family home, our crews are equipped to handle your local move efficiently. We provide the truck, labor, and equipment to get you from point A to point B safely.
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Yes. Every move comes with a fully equipped truck. We provide heavy-duty furniture pads (moving blankets), shrink wrap, dollies, straps, and tools for every move. We pad and wrap your furniture inside your home before we load it to prevent scratches.
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Yes. We are experienced apartment movers in the Portland Metro area. We know how to navigate building restrictions, reserve elevators, and manage long carries down hallways.
Pro Tip: Please check with your building manager to see if you need to reserve a loading dock ahead of time.
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Yes! We offer full-pack (entire home), partial-pack (kitchen/breakables), and custom crating services. We bring all the boxes, paper, and bubble wrap needed. Learn more on our Packing Services page.
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Yes. We are trained to move upright pianos and spinets. We use professional piano boards and protective equipment to ensure safety.
Note: Please let us know specifically about grand pianos during the quote process.
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Yes. We have specialized heavy-duty dollies for gun safes. For safety, please ensure the safe is empty of all firearms and ammunition before we arrive.
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Yes, we can move standard appliances. However, they must be disconnected (water lines, gas lines) before we arrive. We are not licensed plumbers or electricians and cannot disconnect them for you.
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Yes! We can haul away unwanted furniture or drop items at local donation centers in Portland/Salem as part of your move. Visit our Junk Removal page for details.
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Yes. Our crews come with tool kits to disassemble standard bed frames, tables, and mirrors, and we will reassemble them at your new home.
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Yes, we move exercise equipment regularly. Some complex gym systems may require disassembly by a specialist before we can transport them.
Preparation & Moving Day Logistics
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We are true Pacific Northwest movers - we don't stop for rain! We use floor runners to protect your carpets and shrink-wrap furniture to keep it dry between the house and the truck.
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If you live in downtown Portland or a neighborhood with tight street parking, you may need a temporary street use permit. We can advise you on this, but securing the permit is often the customer's responsibility.
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For solid wood dressers, you can usually leave light clothes (socks, t-shirts) inside. Please remove heavy items (jeans, books), breakables, and valuables. For IKEA/particle board furniture, drawers must be fully emptied.
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By law and for safety, we cannot move hazardous materials (propane, paint, chemicals), ammunition, perishable food, or living things (plants and pets).
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We generally recommend you move live plants yourself. They are fragile and can be damaged by temperature changes in the back of a truck, and insurance typically does not cover them.
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Tipping is never required but always appreciated for a job well done. If you feel your crew worked hard, you’re more than welcome to tip them at the end of the day.
Safety & Insurance
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We treat your home with the utmost respect. We use neoprene floor runners to protect hardwood and carpets from foot traffic, and door jamb protectors to prevent scuffs. We also pad and shrink-wrap furniture inside the room before moving it to ensure it doesn't scratch your walls or banisters on the way out.
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Valuation is not technically insurance, but it determines our liability for your goods. All moves come with "Released Value Protection" ($0.60/lb) for free. We also offer "Replacement Cost Protection" for better coverage.
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We take extreme care, but accidents can happen. If damage occurs, please note it on the Bill of Lading and contact our office immediately to begin the claims process based on the coverage level you selected.
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Yes. We use our own team of trained, professional employees. We do not use day laborers. Our crew is background-checked and drug-tested for your peace of mind. Learn more.
Service Areas
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Our primary service area is Oregon. We originate moves in Portland, Salem, and the Willamette Valley. We can assist with loading your truck for a move to Washington, but we primarily focus on Oregon-based customers.
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Yes, we perform intrastate long-distance moves (e.g., Portland to Bend, Salem to Medford) and can discuss interstate options upon request.
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Yes, we are experienced in commercial moves, office relocations, and corporate transfers throughout the state capitol region. Check out our Commercial Moving services.
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Ready to Get Moving?
Don’t stress about the heavy lifting. Trust the experts serving Portland, Salem, and the Willamette Valley.