- Moving
- Credentials
- Liability
- Optional Services
- Packing Tips
- Planner
- Office Moves
Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. is a full service moving and storage company. We are proud to provide well-trained and quality movers who will protect your possessions as if they were their own. Expect us to wrap all of your items securely in clean and protective moving pads to avoid scratches and other incidental damage before they are moved.
Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. operates only clean and late modeled trucks specially designed for and prepared to handle any type of move. Each Big Foot moving truck carries a full line of packing supplies and special equipment to handle the packing and relocation of even the oddest items.
A few factors determine the cost of a local move.
Local move prices are based on an hourly labor rate which is computed by the number of men and the number of trucks needed to perform the job. This is multiplied by the amount of time it takes the moving crew to drive to your initial residence or office, load the truck, drive to your new address, unload the truck, place your possessions at your discretion, and drive back to our warehouse.
The amount of items you wish to relocate and the overall size of your residence will determine your estimate of costs and the number of men you will need. A local move may take a couple of hours or a couple of days, based on the size and the services requested. Local moves have a minimum of two hours.
Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. will perform your move within your requested time frame. We appreciate the many factors involved in selecting a moving date, such as closing date, lease expiration, family matters, work schedule, and restrictions of building management. Our team is extremely attentive to our customers' moving time requirements.
The chart below will help you get an idea of how many hours and movers it may take for your move. For a more accurate and free estimate, please fill out our online estimate page or call one of our professional relocation consultants at 781-488-3090.
| Time Estimator | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Home | Sq. Feet | No. of Movers | Hours of Loading | Hours of Driving | Hours of Unloading | Apprx. Total Hours |
| Studio | 450 | 2 | 1/2 | 1/2 | 1 | 3-5 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment | 700 | 2 | 2 1/2 | 1/2 | 1 1/2 | 4-6 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment | 900 | 3 | 2 1/2 | 1/2 | 1 1/2 | 5-7 |
| 2 Bedroom House | 1,100 | 3 | 3 1/2 | 1/2 | 2 | 6-8 |
| 3 Bedroom House | 1,750 | 4 | 4 1/2 | 1/2 | 3 | 7-9 |
| Large House | 5,000+ | 6+ | 6+ | 1/2+ | 3 1/2+ | 8-12+ |
Please note: Factors that may effect this chart include: stairs, elevators, long carry, distance between new and old residences, truck parking, packing services and your own uniques size/amount of belongings.
Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. specializes in:
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Apartment, Condo, or House Moves
- Assisted Living Relocations
- Corporate Moves
- Cabinet Distribution
- Short or Long-term Storage in our Secure Warehouse Facility
- Professional Packing & Unpacking
- Piano Moves
Moving and storage companies operate in a very competitive industry. Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. wants you to be certain you are making the best choice. Therefore, we refer you to the following:
Better Business Bureau (BBB) at 508-652-4800
The Better Business Bureau, Inc., is a non-profit, public service organization serving Eastern Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. The BBB provides free business Reliability Reports, Charity Reports, and other invaluable consumer information to the public. All BBB services are readily available on the Internet at www.bosbbb.org.
Angie’s List at 617-737-5478
Angie's List is a word-of-mouth network for consumers. It's a growing collection of homeowners' real-life experiences with local service companies. The people who join Angie's List are like you — looking for a way to find trustworthy companies that perform high-quality work. Rather than digging through the phone book, they check Angie's List to find out what people in their area are saying about the companies they've hired.
Cambridge Chamber of Commerce at 617-876-4100
The Cambridge Chamber of Commerce (CCC) is a 1,500-member not-for-profit organization representing all sectors of the Cambridge economy. Its diverse membership and deep expertise in government affairs, business development, professional development and business philanthropy attract employers of all sizes.
The Massachusetts Movers Association (MMA) at 508-699-0023
The Massachusetts Movers Association is a non-profit trade association representing the moving and storage industry in Massachusetts and the other New England states.
The Massachusetts Movers Association encourages professionalism and integrity among all its members. As a member of the Massachusetts Movers Association, Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. strives to provide quality service to consumers that is honest and efficient. We also hereby pledge to promote the Association's Code of Ethics. www.massmovers.org
American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) at 703-683-7410
The AMSA is a non-profit trade association established in 1936. This private organization is made up of some 3,200 professionals in the moving and storage industry whose mission is to represent and enhance the Domestic and International Moving and Storage Industry.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Transportation Division at 617-305-3500
The Division's mission is to monitor and oversee surface transportation in the Commonwealth with the overall goal of protecting public safety. In order to fulfill this legislative mandate the Division is involved in a number of activities, such as the regulation of commercial common carriers that perform residential household goods moves within the Commonwealth.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) at 800-832-5660
The FMCSA was established as a separate administration within the U.S. Department of Transportation on January 1, 2000, pursuant to the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. Their primary mission is to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce at 617-227-4500
The Greater Boston Chamber is a broad-based association representing more than 1,700 businesses of all sizes from virtually every industry and profession in our region. We provide leadership in creating a healthy climate for economic development and job creation. We also aspire to be a Chamber of Community as well as a Chamber of Commerce.
Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. has an excellent record of providing damage-free moves to customers. A successful move experience results from the high caliber of the Big Foot moving team. Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. employs only skilled professionals that are reliable, trustworthy, courteous, athletic, and attentive to your needs. Each Big Foot move team is tasked to ensure the safe delivery of your possessions to their new destination. Unfortunately, the possibility of accidents can still occur.
Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. assumes liability for the value of the goods that we transport. However, there are different levels of liability, and you should be aware of the amount of protection provided and the charges for each option. When the moving crew arrives on move day, they will discuss all insurance options. You must select the type of protection that you desire and indicate your choice, in writing, on the Bill of Lading. The Bill of Lading is the moving contract between Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. and you.
Most homeowners' insurance policies do not provide coverage for your household goods for moving purposes. However, you should check with your own insurance agent to see if your existing homeowner/renters' policy covers your goods while in transit. Be sure you have a written statement from your insurance company stating that your goods are covered while in transit. Often, you will find that your goods are covered against damages while the movers are in your home packing, but not while the goods are in the movers' possession.
A selection must be made prior to the start of any packing or moving services.
Option 1: Released Value.
Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. has a maximum liability under State Law for loss or damage to your property of $0.60 per pound, per article up to a maximum of $2, 000.00. There is no additional cost for this option. You may increase this liability for loss or damage by paying extra valuation charges.
Example: A 10-pound chair is damaged or lost. You would be entitled to:
10 (lbs.) x 0.60 (cents per lb.) = $6.00. You would be allowed a maximum of $6.00 for that particular chair.
Option 2: Transit Damage Protection (TDP)
Transit Damage Protection provides maximum liability coverage of $500.00 for loss or damaged items. The value of the property will be the least of the following amounts: The actual cash value of that property; the cost of reasonably restoring that property to its condition immediately before the loss; the cost of replacing that property with substantially identical property. In the event of “loss” the value of property will be determined as of the time of “loss”. In all instances, Carrier reserves the right to make the determination regarding value. Where Carrier makes a cash settlement or replacement, the item becomes the property of the Carrier. There is a $75.00 fee for this option with zero deductible.
Option 3: Actual Cash Value.
Under this option, you are declaring the cumulative depreciated value of the entire shipment on the day of the move. Under this selection, coverage will be the lesser of the following amounts:
- The cost of reasonably restoring the property to its condition immediately before the move
- The actual cash value of the property immediately before the move.
The declaration of value must reflect the total actual depreciated value of the entire shipment. If you declare a value lower than the actual depreciated value, you will underinsure each item in the shipment thus incurring a coinsurance penalty. This penalty will limit the insurance payment in the event of loss or damage by the ratio of declared depreciated value to the actual depreciated value.
Please review the valuation chart prior to your move to find the appropriate total value with corresponding premium. On move day, the move crew can assist you with choosing the proper coverage needed.
If your shipment is valued over $100,000 in total value, please call us at 781-488-3090 for further pricing options.
The following items are subject to exclusion from claims:
- Items of extraordinary value not listed on the High Value Inventory form.
- Lamps, lamp shades, artwork, pictures, mirrors, artificial plants,
and statues not packed /boxed by Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. - Any marble or glass not crated or boxed by Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Items found broken in boxes which have been packed by the Customer
- Missing hardware for items not disassembled by Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Gold leaf plaster frames and chandeliers not crated by Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Pressboard, particleboard, or ready to assemble (RTA) furniture, parts, and/or hardware
- Previously damaged or repaired items
- Previously damaged or loose veneer
- Furniture where original glue has dried
- Any small, loose items which are not boxed (keys, remote controls, etc.)
- Mechanical condition of audio/visual or electronic equipment
- Computers, and battery operated items in transit or storage
- Live plants
If you are not sure that you can pack an item safely, leave it for your movers. You might spend a few extra dollars on packing costs, but you will prevent possible damages.
Packing
Packing is the most frequently requested optional service. This service involves preparing and packing small items for shipment. Proper packing is critical to ensure your belongings arrive at their new destination unharmed. Packing service fees are dependant upon the amount and materials/supplies used on the job site.
Unpacking
Professional unpacking services utilize our team of experienced movers. As we unpack your items, we take all the boxes and paper with us for recycling or reuse. The move crew can simply be notified on the day of your move, if you prefer to have Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. unpack your new residence.
Storage
Storage services are often a necessary component of many moves. Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. is based out of a newly constructed warehouse which provides you with an answer to all your storage needs. We offer both short-term and long-term storage and guarantees comfortable and secure storage services for those items you chose to accommodate. The cost of storage is dependent on the size of the shipment and the length of storage. While in storage, your possessions will be fully inventoried and packed in storage units with moving pads. Storage units are used to ensure your items remain secure, clean, and readily retrievable for delivery. If your move requires either short-term or long-term storage, learn more about our storage services or contact a sales associate to discuss further. He or she will be happy to provide you with a very competitive quote.
Parking Permits
If you live in Boston proper, you may need a moving truck parking permit to ensure close access to your residence on move day. Parking permits are excellent tools to help control the cost of your move as the move crew will be able to minimize the distance to your door. Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. is bonded by the City of Boston and will arrange for the truck permit while posting them in front of your residence, 72 hrs in advance of your move. Big Foot will post notifications to alert neighbors that our moving truck(s) will be arriving on the particular move date. The parking permit fee is $100 per permit, per truck. Please be sure to discuss potential parking permit needs with your sales associate as he or she can advise you on which Boston and surrounding neighborhoods require the truck parking permit.
Piano Moving
Pianos are expensive, they’re heavy, they often have great sentimental value, and they can be extraordinarily difficult to move. Unless, of course, you have the right equipment, training, and people to do the job properly. Whether you are moving a piano by itself or it is part of an entire household move, this service requires special handling and often calls for specialized equipment. Our moving associates are trained in the proper handling of all types of pianos and use specialized dollies, straps, piano boards, and pads to ensure they are transported in a safe and secure manner. If a piano is part of your move, please be sure to discuss this with your sales associate.
Custom Crating
Are you nervous and stressed regarding relocating one or several items? You should not be with Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc.’s custom crating services. Whether it is antiques, artwork, marble, glass table tops, taxidermy, a motorcycle, custom kitchen cabinets, or department store display cases, the staff at Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. can reassure you that your goods will deliver in the same condition as when it was packed and loaded. The cost of our custom crating service is dependent upon the amount of crates and the individual dimensions of each crate that needs to be built.
Although packing is primarily the application of common sense, you can realize great savings in the cost of packing and save yourself time and effort by planning and organizing in advance. Here are some general packing guidelines to follow:
- Careful packing will prevent damage and speed up the moving process, thus saving you money.
- Sort out the items you have been meaning to get rid of and dispose of them!
- Separate any items of a hazardous nature such as cleaning solvents, paint, aerosol cans and ammunition. These items can NOT be moved in the truck, nor can they be stored. You may want to dispose of them or move them in your personal vehicle.
- Be sure to use plenty of "filling" material (packing paper) to avoid items moving inside the box.
- Begin packing well in advance. Start with items least used in your household.
- Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with the general contents and the destination room in the new home.
- Boxes containing fragile or high value items should be clearly marked for your mover.
- Follow the guideline below as to what cartons to use for your belongings, and remember, the heavier the contents, the smaller the box.
- Ensure the bottoms of the boxes are well taped to hold the contents.
- When packing individual boxes, place the heavier items on the bottom, graduating to the lightest items on top.
Using the proper materials and moving boxes will save you time, money, and effort. The following is a list and description of the materials needed to protect your possessions when packing.
Book Box (Small 1.5 cubic feet)
A small, easy to handle carton designed for heavy items such as
books and records. Care must be taken so that the box does not
become too
heavy for handling. Extremely old or valuable books should be
individually wrapped.
Linen Box (medium - 3.1 cubic feet)
This utility box has a wide range of uses for smaller items throughout
the home. It is ideal for small appliances, tools, nonperishable
food or clothing.
Large Box (4.5 cubic
feet)
Useful for lighter weight, bulky items such as linens, pillows,
and large toys.
China/Dish Pack (5.2
cubic feet)
An especially sturdy carton for fragile items including china,
glassware, figurines, and sculptures. This carton is often reinforced
with
cellular inserts to further protect such things as crystal stemware.
All pieces
of china and glassware should be individually wrapped in unprinted
paper and properly secured with additional paper padding. Dishes
should be
positioned on end to lessen the chance for breakage. Each carton
should be labeled “Fragile - This End Up.”
Wardrobe Box (10.1
cubic feet)
Portable closet. Clothes remain on hangers to stay clean and
minimize wrinkles.
Mirror/Picture Boxes
Telescoping cartons fit each mirror, picture, or glass table
top exactly.
White Packing Paper (25 lb. bundle)
Only clean, unprinted paper should be used for wrapping and padding.
Mattress Bags (various sizes)
These plastic bags come in every size for every mattress and box spring
type.
Packing properly will eliminate damage during handling and shipment. Packing can, however, take considerable time. Start early, use the proper materials, and don’t hesitate to call us with any questions you may have on properly packing your items for shipment.
Moving Day Countdown
EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE:
- Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep.
- Solicit estimates from several moving companies. Focus your search NOT off the cheapest hourly labor rate, but rather on personal references, the Massachusetts DTE (licensing board for MA moving companies), the Better Business Bureau, company references, and your intuition.
- Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your homeowner’s policy to determine whether your possessions are covered when moving.
- Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.
- Arrange to transfer child(ren)'s school records.
- Select a moving company and confirm your moving date.
- Begin cleaning out your basement, attic, garage, and closets.
SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Begin search for health-care professionals in your new location.
- Fill out post-office change of address cards.
- Send your new address to anyone that might need it -- insurance agents, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.
- Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.
- Obtain necessary moving supplies from Big Foot Moving & Storage: boxes, packing paper, moving tape, etc.
- Begin packing seldom used items such as china, holiday decorations, and storage areas.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Start packing!! Begin packing all but essential items.
- If your mover is doing the packing, arrange for it to be done one or two days before loading begins.
- Request proofs of insurance from companies you are considering. Doing business with an uninsured mover can leave you with unpaid damage claims, or the liability for property damage and or personal injury claims.
- Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning, as needed.
- Coordinate the disassembly of difficult items (assembled in the house furniture, jungle gyms, pool tables, and swing sets).
- Begin to use up overstocks of staple foods.
- Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your destination location, including medical and dental records, school records, birth certificates, etc.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Make arrangements for parking permits where applicable.
- Finalize closing times with real estate attorney or mortgage company
- Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable, water, etc.) disconnected in your present home, and connected at your new home.
- Prepare car registration and insurance records for transfer.
- Notify State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
- Arrange for child care on moving day.
- If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Arrange to move pets.
- Check with mover about moving house plants.
- Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including flammable liquids.
- If necessary, have your automobile serviced and ready for the relocation.
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Confirm moving date and time with moving company.
- Provide moving company with new telephone number, cell number, and e-mail address.
- Change addresses for all bank accounts.
- Cancel newspaper delivery.
- Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy at your new destination.
- Make arrangements to pay for your move.
- Complete packing of all non essential items.
- Remove fragile and loose items from drawers.
TWO DAYS BEFORE YOU MOVE
- Have mover pack your goods (unless doing it yourself).
- Consolidate clearly-labeled, fragile boxes in one area.
- Separate and label items not intended for transport by movers.
- Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers to be moved.
- Set aside a box or suitcase of essential items (soap, towels, bowls, spoons, clothes, etc.)
- Set aside valuable items to carry with you including jewelry, vital documents, money and valuable small items.
- Clearly label all items NOT to be moved.
MOVING DAY / DELIVERY DAY
- Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to movers and stay until they are finished.
- Complete information on bill of lading and carefully read the document before you sign it.
- Supervise unloading and unpacking.
- Familiarize and discuss (with the driver) directions to your new residence.
- Notify the driver and the moving company where you can be reached during the move.
- Make sure you have your copies of the bill of lading and inventory.
- Before the movers leave, take one final look through the house to make certain that nothing has been left behind or needs to be rearranged.
Moving a business requires coordination, scheduling, and planning. Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc., are experts at relocating all types of business—from a one-person office to a larger corporate facility. Our goal is to have your business back to normal as soon as possible. Our experienced staff can help plan your move and will ensure that everything goes smoothly. Crews are well equipped to handle your office move, from one desk to your entire office.
Our services and equipment include:
- A dedicated relocation consultant for your move
- Pre-move planning and consultation with your staff
- Experienced, efficient crew, and supervision
- After hours and weekend availability to reduce downtime
- Labeling, organization, and layout assistance
- Packing and unpacking services
- A large fleet of clean, late model trucks, equipped with hydraulic lift-gates, ramps, and multiple access doors to cut down on loading time
- Floor and wall protection
Moving Checklists
At Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. customer satisfaction and the continuation of “word of mouth” referrals are our primary goals. We proudly boast of our hundreds of customer references and an immaculate Better Business Bureau (BBB) reporting record of zero complaints.
- Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. customers deal directly with us to ensure all details are covered! With no middleman, agents, or brokers adding additional fees and commissions, Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. guarantees premier service at reasonable rates.
- Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. skilled professionals are reliable, trustworthy, courteous, athletic, attentive to your needs, and tasked to ensure the safe delivery of your possessions to their new destination. Big Foot movers have the expertise and equipment to handle all circumstances, from the most delicate items to the most challenging pieces of furniture.
- Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. is a fully licensed and insured moving company.
- Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. coordinates each move specific to your needs. Big Foot can move you 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, even at night, over the weekend, or on a holiday.
- Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. uses moving pads and packs all of your furniture and possessions. Your furniture and items are then carefully and professionally packed in late model, moving truck(s) in a manner that best protects your possessions.
- Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc.’s growing truck fleet is equipped to adequately service all of your moving needs. Wardrobe boxes, packing supplies, and moving boxes are only some of the standard equipment found on our air-ride, late model trucks.


