Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
It is only normal to have questions when you go new places®. Here are answers to many of the questions we hear most often. If you do not find the answer you are looking for, please let us know. We are here to help.
Or use this link to find a local Atlas mover you may contact directly: Atlas Moving Company Locator
Where Do I Begin?
Before you move, you will need to know where you are moving to, when you would like to move, and which items you want to move. Then, you can start the moving process by requesting a free online quote from Atlas here: Instant Moving Quote.Or use this link to find a local Atlas mover you may contact directly: Atlas Moving Company Locator
ATLAS MOVING FAQS
Your local Atlas mover can also help you with local moves within your community, county, or state. Find an Atlas mover near you.
Atlas supports long-distance and interstate moves throughout the U.S., across the Canadian border, and internationally. With nearly 350 Atlas movers specializing in long-distance moves, we can equip you with the relocation plan that is right for you. Learn more about our long-distance and nationwide moving options here: Atlas Moves Any Distance.
By law, Atlas is prohibited from moving certain items, such as many household cleaning chemicals, fireworks, and guns. View the complete list of non-allowable items for moving here: What are Non-Allowables?
Yes, your local Atlas mover can provide professional packing services to lift the stress when you go to new places. Our packers are trained to work efficiently and use best practices to ensure your belongings are ready to travel safely.
If you prefer, you can do your own packing—or ask your local Atlas mover to only pack particular items for you. Find out more about Atlas packing services here: Atlas Professional Packing.
Atlas uses professional grade packing materials to prepare your belongings for transport. We also offer these materials to you at competitive prices if you prefer to do your own packing. Here are some of the packing supplies we routinely provide for customers: Packing Materials.
We want to ensure every member of your family has a good moving experience. While Atlas is not authorized to transport live animals, your local Atlas mover can recommend providers who specialize in this service. Alternatively, you can move your pet yourself. Here’s a guide to help you decide: Moving with Pets.
The answer depends on several factors, such as the type of plants, the distance they will travel, and the time of year/weather conditions. We’ve published this how-to guide to help you ensure your house plants arrive alive and well: How to Move Plants.
For large appliances, like your washing machine, be sure to empty, clean, dry, and unplug the unit before moving it. Secure moving elements such as doors or knobs with tape to prevent motion. Refer to this article from The Spruce for more information: Preparing Major Appliances for Your Household Move.
Atlas takes great care to prevent loss or damage to your goods. However, should something unforeseen happen, we recommend Full Value Protection. Technically, it’s not insurance—it provides coverage to repair or replace anything that may be lost, damaged, or destroyed while in our care. Read more about coverage here: Atlas Valuation Options.
All shipments are automatically afforded a minimal protection, valued at 60 cents per pound. However, Atlas recommends Full Value Protection (FVP), which ensures repair or replacement in the event an item is lost or damaged. This page explains your protection options: Atlas Valuation Options.
If an item is lost, damaged, or destroyed in the move, you can file a claim. Atlas will offer a settlement to compensate for this loss or damage, so long as the claim is submitted within nine months from the day of shipment delivery. Access claim information here: Atlas Claims Services.
Your local Atlas mover will collect payment before unloading at your destination, or you can pay at the time your goods are loaded onto the truck. Atlas accepts cash, credit cards, or checks. Here’s a detailed description of accepted payment methods: Paying for your Relocation.
Atlas determines the cost of your move based on its weight and the distance it will travel. Our online instant quote approximates a price for all moving costs. For a precise estimate, your local Atlas mover will walk through your home, noting everything to be transported. Here are budgeting tips to help you move with an accurate estimate: Estimate Moving Expenses.
When moving with Atlas, you choose between a binding or non-binding estimate. A non-binding estimate provides an approximate estimate of moving costs, so the final amount may vary. A binding estimate guarantees you won’t be charged more than the initial estimate. Learn more with this guide: Important Information for When You Move.
Professional moving companies have specialized equipment to make the process smoother, offer insurance options to secure your belongings, and provide the necessary moving expertise to ensure a stress-free move. Hiring a professional moving company, such as Atlas, ensures you are entrusting your belongings to a professional and ethical company. For your reassurance, every local Atlas mover belongs to the American Trucking Associations’ Moving and Storage Conference. This industry designation attests to ethical and responsible business conduct.
The time it takes to move depends on several factors, such as the size of your move, where you are moving to, and the time of year. Talk to your local Atlas mover about your timing requirements. We want to meet your expectations.
Data shows that most people move during the summer, and the winter months are the slowest. No matter the season, moving on a weekday and booking early in the season can help you anticipate weather patterns, real estate demand, and when movers are available.
Yes, Atlas routinely moves cars, trucks, campers, motorcycles, and other large or special items across the country and the world. Here’s more information about our capabilities: Moving Special Items.
Storage goes hand-in-hand with moving. Atlas offers secure storage, for as long as you may need, in Atlas warehouses from coast to coast. Read about Atlas’ storage services here: Atlas Storage Options.
Atlas recommends you take small, high-value items and belongings with personal or sentimental value with you when you move. Here’s an explanation and list of items you should transport yourself when you relocate: Moving Personal Items & Family Heirlooms.
As an Atlas customer, you have access to Atlas® Customer Portal, a free online application where you can build your profile, track your shipment, make a payment, and access moving documents.
Atlas offers a variety of programs to fit your budgeting and weight needs when moving. Under Personally Procured Move (PPM) policies, military members moving with PPM will receive a payment of 95% of what it would cost the government to arrange the move. This moving allowance, or entitlement, is based on rank, number of dependents, and other factors. We are ready to help you meet your needs based on your entitlements.
You must notify Atlas before your move if your shipment contains firearms. All firearms must be unloaded, have legible serial numbers, and be packed in the presence of your Atlas Professional Van Operator. We recommend you consult Atlas' non-allowables guide as you begin packing for your move with Atlas.
As a customer of Atlas, you have access to Atlas® Customer Portal, a free online application that allows you to track your order and moving date, build your customer profile, make a credit card payment, or access moving documents–all in one place.
File a claim using the Atlas Customer Portal, a one-stop moving command center you can use to easily manage your full-service move. You can also access additional claim information and frequently asked questions for U.S. and international moves. Claims must be received by Atlas within nine months from the day of delivery of the shipment, except:
- for shipments moving under a Government Bill of Lading;
- for shipments moving solely within the state of Texas, in which case the claim form must be received within 90 days of delivery; and
- when a contract between Atlas and the party paying for the transportation specifies a different time.
The time it takes to deliver belongings depends on several factors, such as the size of your move, where you are moving to, and time of year. Talk to your Atlas Agent about your timing requirements.
Yes.
As transportation has been deemed an essential business during the coronavirus pandemic, both Atlas and our independent movers have been able to continue operations. To find a local Atlas moving company near you, use our locator tool or call us directly at 1-800-638-9797.
As transportation has been deemed an essential business during the coronavirus pandemic, both Atlas and our independent movers have been able to continue operations. To find a local Atlas moving company near you, use our locator tool or call us directly at 1-800-638-9797.
In addition to our agents utilizing the proper PPE during a move to protect our customers, many local Atlas movers have also increased sanitization measures and implemented strict social distancing guidelines for their van operators and crew members. Additionally, many of our local movers have allowed their in-office employees to work remotely from home or hold limited operating hours.
At Atlas headquarters, we have cancelled or implemented restrictions at all corporate events, restricted non-essential business travel and have allowed our employees to work from home.
Atlas and our local movers offer virtual estimates for no-contact moving quotes through a free mobile app that connects customers and movers virtually to conduct an estimate without the necessity of an onsite visit. For many local Atlas moving companies, this is currently the only option available to protect both customers and employees.
Yes. Our network of independent movers are following state and local mandates and requirements. To learn more about what your Atlas local moving company is doing regarding PPE, please contact them directly.
Yes.
In addition to the virtual estimate option for no-contact moving quotes, many local Atlas movers are also utilizing other tools like electronic documents and other e-methods to obtain signatures, payments and more. To learn more about no-contact options, contact your local mover directly.
The estimated weight of your belongings ultimately determines the cost of your move, especially for long-distance or interstate relocations. Atlas relies on the estimated weight to provide you with an accurate price estimate. Estimated weight also helps us plan and allocate appropriate resources for your move. It assists us in determining the size of the moving truck, the number of movers required, and the necessary equipment to ensure the safe transportation of your belongings.
A GPS tracker is used to monitor and track the location of your belongings during transit. By using GPS tracking devices, Atlas can accurately monitor the real-time location and movement of your possessions. This technology allows for enhanced visibility and peace of mind during your move. The GPS tracker continuously communicates with satellites to determine the precise geographic coordinates of the moving truck. This information is then transmitted to a centralized system, enabling Atlas to track the location and progress of your belongings throughout the entire transportation process. With a GPS tracker in place, you can stay informed about the whereabouts of your items.
At Atlas, we prioritize providing customers with a clear and transparent understanding of the total cost of moving upfront. We offer a detailed cost estimate that includes various factors such as distance, weight, additional services, and any applicable fees. During the initial estimation process, Atlas will gather information about your specific moving requirements, such as the size of your home, the number of belongings, and any special handling needs. Based on this information, we will provide you with an estimate that outlines the anticipated cost of your move.
Atlas offers a comprehensive range of services to handle all aspects of your move. Our goal is to provide you a seamless and stress-free moving experience by taking care of every step involved in the relocation process. We offer services such as packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, transportation, storage, assembly and disassembly, special handling, and more. For a full list of our offerings, please visit our Moving Services page.
Atlas Van Lines is not a broker. Atlas is a professional moving company with over 75 years of experience. For more information about the difference between movers and moving brokers please visit Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.