Frequently Asked Questions

Moving costs vary significantly based on several factors: the size of your home, distance of the move (local vs. long-distance), services required (packing, storage, specialty items), access challenges (stairs, elevators, long carries), and timing (peak season vs. off-season).  The best way to get accurate pricing is through our free in-home estimate where we assess your specific situation and provide transparent, detailed pricing. We offer binding estimates for most moves, so you know exactly what you’ll pay with no hidden fees or surprise charges.

We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience: cash, certified checks, money orders, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). For local moves, payment is due upon completion before unloading unless other arrangements have been made in advance. For long-distance moves, payment is typically due before unloading at your destination. Personal checks require prior approval and are generally not accepted on moving day. If you need to arrange alternative payment terms, please discuss this with us during the booking process – we’re happy to work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.

Yes, absolutely. Coutu Bros. Moving & Storage is fully licensed and insured for all types of moving work. We hold federal licensing for interstate moves (MC #566953 | DOT #979213) and maintain all required state licenses for operations within Rhode Island. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and cargo insurance as required by federal and state regulations. All of our employees are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. We’re also accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and accountability. You can verify our licensing through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website, and we’re happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

Yes, we provide free, no-obligation estimates for all moving services. For most moves, we recommend an in-home estimate where we visit your property to assess exactly what needs to be moved, evaluate access conditions, discuss your specific requirements, and provide accurate pricing. This comprehensive evaluation typically takes 30-60 minutes and ensures we account for all factors affecting your move. We also offer virtual estimates via video call for customers who prefer this option, though in-home estimates tend to be more accurate. For smaller moves or simple situations, we can sometimes provide estimates over the phone. All our estimates are provided in writing with detailed breakdowns of services and costs, so you know exactly what to expect. Contact us at (401) 739-7788 to schedule your free estimate.

We offer flexible packing options to suit your needs and budget. You can choose full-service packing where our professional crews pack your entire home using premium materials and proven techniques – you don’t have to wrap a single dish. We also offer partial packing services where we pack the challenging items (fragile kitchen items, artwork, electronics, antiques) while you handle straightforward items like clothing and linens. If you prefer to pack everything yourself, we can provide professional-grade packing materials (boxes, tape, bubble wrap, packing paper) in appropriate quantities for your home size. Our packing services use specialized techniques and materials designed specifically for moving, providing better protection than DIY packing with grocery store boxes and newspaper. Many customers find that professional packing saves significant time and provides peace of mind knowing fragile items are properly protected.

Absolutely. We specialize in moving items that require extraordinary care and expertise. Our piano movers have extensive experience with upright pianos, baby grands, and concert grands – we handle proper disassembly, use specialized piano boards and equipment, and provide complete reassembly at your destination. For gun safes and other extremely heavy items, we have equipment rated for extreme weights and crews trained in safe handling techniques. Antiques and fine art receive our white glove service with custom crating, climate-controlled transport, and museum-quality handling. We’ve successfully moved valuable collections, grandfather clocks, chandeliers, pool tables, exercise equipment, and virtually every specialty item you can imagine. During your estimate, we’ll discuss any items requiring special attention and explain exactly how we’ll protect them throughout your move.

Yes, we offer comprehensive storage services through our 10,000+ square foot climate-controlled warehouse facility in Warwick. Our storage solutions include short-term storage (perfect for timing gaps between selling and buying homes), long-term storage (for items you’re not ready to part with but don’t have room for), and storage integrated with your move (we can pick up, store, and deliver when you’re ready). All storage areas are climate-controlled, protecting your belongings from Rhode Island’s temperature and humidity extremes. Our facility features 24/7 surveillance, controlled access, and professional organization of your stored items. Storage is available on flexible month-to-month terms with no long-term contracts required. We can also coordinate packing services for items going into storage, ensuring everything is properly protected during the storage period.

Local moves are typically defined as relocations within the same state or within a 100-mile radius, while long-distance (interstate) moves cross state lines or exceed 100 miles. The key differences: Local moves are usually priced based on hourly rates (number of movers × hours worked), while long-distance moves are priced based on weight and distance according to federal regulations. Long-distance moves require federal licensing (which we maintain as MC #566953 | DOT #979213), involve different liability coverage options, and typically take multiple days from pickup to delivery. Local moves usually complete in a single day with same-day loading and unloading. For long-distance moves, we provide binding estimates guaranteeing costs, real-time tracking during transport, and climate-controlled trucks for multi-day journeys. Both types of moves receive the same professional care and attention – the difference is primarily regulatory and logistical.

Move duration depends on several factors: home size, volume of belongings, distance between locations, access conditions (stairs, elevators, long carries), and services required (packing, disassembly). For local Rhode Island moves: A one-bedroom apartment typically takes 3-5 hours; a two-bedroom home takes 4-7 hours; a three-bedroom home takes 6-10 hours; larger homes may take a full day or more. These estimates include loading, transport, and unloading. If you’ve hired us for packing services, add additional time based on home size. Long-distance moves have different timelines – the driving portion from Rhode Island to Florida takes 2-3 days, to California takes 5-7 days, with total time from pickup to delivery spanning 5-14 days depending on distance and scheduling. During your estimate, we provide specific time estimates based on your exact situation so you can plan accordingly. We arrive on time and work efficiently to complete your move as quickly as possible without sacrificing care for your belongings.

Rhode Island weather can be unpredictable, and we monitor conditions closely to ensure safety. For typical rain or snow, we proceed with moves using extra precautions – protective coverings for items, waterproof padding, careful navigation of slippery surfaces, and floor protection in both homes. Light to moderate weather rarely requires rescheduling. However, for severe weather conditions that endanger safety (blizzards, ice storms, hurricanes, flooding), we may need to reschedule your move. If we cancel due to severe weather, you receive a full refund of any deposit and we work with you to reschedule at the earliest available date with no rescheduling fees. If you choose to cancel due to weather concerns, standard cancellation policies apply based on notice provided. We contact customers the day before moves scheduled during questionable weather to discuss conditions and options. Your safety and the safety of our crews is our top priority – we never take unnecessary risks with severe weather.

Yes, for virtually all moves, the crew that loads your belongings is the same crew that delivers them. This continuity ensures accountability and consistent care throughout your move. For local moves, the same team handles loading, transport, and unloading in a single day. For long-distance moves, our crews drive your shipment from Rhode Island to your destination – we never subcontract or hand off your belongings to unknown third parties like some national moving companies do. The team you meet during your estimate consultation may not be your exact moving crew (we have multiple trained teams), but whoever is assigned receives detailed information about your move and any special requirements. All our crews are full-time Coutu Bros. employees who have passed background checks, received professional training, and understand our commitment to customer care. This direct accountability is a key advantage of choosing a family-owned local company over large national chains.

This common situation is exactly why we offer integrated moving and storage services. If timing gaps exist between when you must vacate your current home and when you can move into your new home, we can: Pick up and load your belongings on your move-out date, transport everything to our climate-controlled storage facility, store your items securely for days, weeks, or months as needed, and deliver everything to your new home when you’re ready. This seamless integration means one company handles your entire transition – no coordinating between separate movers and storage facilities, no multiple handling of your belongings, and single-point accountability throughout. Storage is available on flexible month-to-month terms. We’ve helped countless Rhode Island families navigate this situation, particularly during competitive real estate markets when timing doesn’t align perfectly. During your estimate, we discuss your timeline and plan for any potential gaps so you’re prepared for all scenarios.

Yes, most moving companies including Coutu Bros. have minimum charges to cover the costs of dispatching a crew and truck. Our minimum typically ranges from 2-4 hours depending on the type of move and services required. This means even if your move takes less time than the minimum, you’re charged for the minimum hours. For example, if our minimum is 3 hours and your move completes in 2 hours, you’re charged for 3 hours. This minimum is standard industry practice and reflects the reality that sending professional crews and equipment to your location involves fixed costs regardless of job duration. Small moves (studio apartments, single rooms, a few items) may hit this minimum, while larger moves typically exceed it. During your estimate, we explain exactly how our minimum applies to your specific move so there’s complete transparency about costs. For very small moves involving just a few items, we can sometimes recommend more economical alternatives like renting a small truck rather than hiring full moving services.

We accept cash, certified checks, money orders, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) for your convenience. Personal checks require prior approval and are generally not accepted on moving day due to timing constraints. Payment timing depends on move type: For local Rhode Island moves, payment is due upon completion of services before unloading at your destination (unless alternative arrangements have been made in advance). For long-distance interstate moves, payment is typically due before unloading at your destination state. For storage services, payment follows the schedule outlined in your storage agreement (usually monthly in advance). If you need to arrange payment plans or alternative timing, please discuss this during booking – we try to accommodate reasonable requests when possible. We provide detailed invoices showing all services and charges so you can verify everything is correct. Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees – what we quote in your written estimate is what you pay (assuming inventory and access conditions are accurate).

Our basic liability coverage (included in your moving cost at no extra charge) provides minimal protection. The basic coverage is clearly inadequate for valuable items.

We strongly recommend purchasing Full Value Protection (additional valuation coverage) for better protection. Under Full Value Protection, we’re responsible for repair, replacement, or cash settlement at current market value for lost or damaged items.  During your estimate, we explain coverage options clearly so you can make informed decisions. Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may also cover belongings during moves – check your policy. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but many customers find the peace of mind of Full Value Protection worth the additional cost, especially for moves containing valuable or irreplaceable items.

Yes, for safety and legal reasons, we cannot transport certain items. Prohibited items that absolutely cannot be moved include: Hazardous materials (gasoline, propane tanks, paint, chemicals, cleaning supplies, ammunition, fireworks), perishable food (will spoil during transport), plants (especially for long-distance moves; some states prohibit plant transport), pets and live animals (use specialized pet transport services), and illegal substances or contraband.

Items we recommend you transport personally rather than putting in the moving truck: Currency and cash, valuable jewelry, important documents (passports, birth certificates, deeds, financial records), prescription medications, items of irreplaceable sentimental value (family photos, heirlooms), laptops and devices you’ll need immediately, and keys to your new home.

Items requiring special disclosure: Gun safes (extremely heavy, need special equipment), firearms (must be unloaded and declared), alcohol collections (some states restrict transport), and valuable collections requiring special insurance.

During your estimate, we provide a complete list of prohibited items and discuss how to handle items that need special consideration. If you’re unsure about any specific item, just ask – we’ll tell you honestly whether we can move it and how to handle it properly.