How we protect your home, your things, and your move.
No vague promises. Here is exactly how a Black Swan Moving crew handles your belongings, what's in writing before moving day, and what to do if something goes wrong.
Padded, wrapped and strapped. Every time.
These are the standards our crews work to on every job, from a one-bedroom apartment to a four-bedroom house. Read the full crew standards.
We walk the job first
The crew walks the home with you, reviews the plan, and checks the carrying route for existing damage or hazards before anything moves.
Floors and doorways covered
Floor runners go down from the door to the truck, with doorway and railing protection where the property needs it.
Every piece padded
Clean moving pads, stretch wrap, straps and dollies come on every truck. Headboards, dressers, tables and nightstands are padded before they leave the room.
Bands first, tape by exception
Pads are secured with rubber bands. Tape is never put directly on finished wood, leather, fabric, glass or painted surfaces.
Two people on big pieces
Tall, heavy pieces are padded, tilted and carried by two, never dragged or slid. Hardware from anything we take apart is bagged and labeled with its piece.
A load that doesn't shift
Heavy pieces low, boxes in tiers, straps every few feet. The same crew drives, unloads, puts beds and tables back together, and does a last walk-through.
Valuation and insurance, in plain language.
Your protection is set out in your signed estimate and bill of lading, not in fine print you see for the first time on moving day.
Valuation coverage
Liability for loss or damage follows the valuation option you choose on your signed estimate and/or bill of lading. You have two choices:
- Included at no charge: released value of $0.60 per pound, per article. A 50 lb dresser, for example, is covered up to $30.
- Full Value Protection: based on $6 per pound, up to $100,000 declared value, with a choice of deductible.
| Deductible | Cost |
|---|---|
| $0 | $250 |
| $250 | $180 |
| $500 | $140 |
Want more protection than that? You can also buy third-party moving insurance from MovingInsurance.com. Ask us before the move if you want to review or change your valuation option.
Insurance
Black Swan Moving is a licensed and insured moving company, and we can provide documentation for our available cargo coverage. You may request current registration and insurance information when discussing your move. If your building or property manager requires a certificate of insurance, send the written requirements before you book and we'll tell you whether they can be met.
Insurance and valuation are different things: valuation (above) is what you choose for your belongings on your paperwork.
Items with limited coverage
- Cash, jewelry, collections and other items of extraordinary value not declared in writing
- Important documents (passports, titles, deeds, medical records) left in the shipment
- Particle-board or ready-to-assemble furniture that can fail from ordinary handling
- Owner-packed boxes with undisclosed contents or inadequate packing
- Live plants, perishable food and liquids
Your signed paperwork controls. Keep valuables, medication and documents with you.
What we don't move
- Propane, fuel, explosives, hazardous chemicals, leaking containers and perishables
- Firearms and ammunition (please transport them yourself)
What our crew doesn't do
- Drill holes or mount TVs. We do take TVs down from wall mounts.
- Assemble new boxed furniture. We take apart and reassemble the furniture we move.
- Disconnect or reconnect gas appliances, or repair plumbing, electrical or utility connections
- Re-felt or relevel pool tables. We move pool tables, but reattaching the felt and leveling are for a pool table technician.
Our claims process.
Our crews are required to report any damage to the crew lead immediately, never hide or "fix" it themselves, and management is notified right away. Here is what you do.
- Tell us as soon as possible. If you notice damage during the move or the final walkthrough, point it out to the crew lead before the crew leaves. Otherwise, contact the office right away.
- Have your job number, photos and a description ready. Clear photos of each item and the surrounding area, a short description of what happened, and receipts, appraisals or a repair estimate when you have them.
- Keep the items and the packing for inspection. Hold on to the claimed items and the boxes and packing they came in until Black Swan Moving inspects them, authorizes disposal or completes its review.
- File online. Use our secure Customer Claim Form. You can attach up to 10 photos and your documents, and sign on your phone. Prefer paper? A printable form is on the same page.
- We review under your signed agreement. Claims are evaluated under the signed moving agreement, the valuation coverage you selected, applicable exclusions, and governing law. Submitting a claim doesn't guarantee payment, and we'll keep you updated.
Long-distance moves: claims must be submitted in writing within 90 days of delivery. For local moves, report damage as soon as possible.
From first call to last box.
Before you book
We recommend a crew size and truck, explain the hourly rate, the three-hour minimum (your time starts when the crew arrives) and the travel fee, and flag anything that adds time, like stairs or a long walk. Changes are approved through the office, not arranged privately with the crew.
Moving day
We confirm your move ahead of time and call when the crew is on the way. A responsible adult should be at pickup and delivery to approve the plan, answer placement questions and do the final walkthrough.
Paying and tipping
Local and in-state moves are booked with a $105 deposit through your secure “Pay to book your move” link. The balance is due after unloading, before the crew leaves. Non-working meal breaks are deducted from your bill. Tips are optional, and our crew will never ask for one.
“They were prepared with blankets, plastic wraps, cardboard, and handled everything with great attention and care. It could not have been better, it even came in under my estimate!”
Protection questions.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. Black Swan Moving is registered with the State of Florida as a mover (Fla. IM No. IM3260) and operates under USDOT 3397054. You may request current registration and insurance information when discussing your move.
Will the crew photograph my home?
Only when needed to document existing damage, item condition, access or an incident. Photos are company documentation, never for a crew member's personal use or social media.
How do I check a mover before I hire one?
The federal FMCSA's Protect Your Move site explains your rights and how to avoid moving scams. You can look up our USDOT number, 3397054.
What if my plans or inventory change?
Contact us as soon as possible. Added furniture, packing, extra stops, stairs or schedule changes can affect timing, crew and pricing, and they're reviewed through the company.
Questions about coverage? Ask before you book.
Call the office and talk to the people who plan and run your move.