Below are the questions our Philadelphia customers ask most before booking a move with us — everything from how we price a job to what happens on moving day itself. We keep our answers straightforward because that’s how we’d want a mover to talk to us.
If you don’t see your question here, that’s what our team is for. Reach out through our contact page and we’ll get you a direct answer, not a runaround, usually within the same business day.
Is Universal Moving Services fully licensed and insured?
Yes. We hold Pennsylvania PUC household-goods authority, and we carry US DOT and MC authority for interstate runs. Every Philadelphia job carries $1M in cargo coverage.
How is your pricing structured?
Local moves are billed hourly by crew size. Long-distance moves are quoted as a flat rate based on weight or cubic footage, distance, and packing needs, written out before you book.
Do you provide a written estimate?
Yes. We walk your inventory by phone, video, or in person, then send a written number before booking. The figure on the estimate is the figure on the invoice.
Can you handle a rowhome with narrow stairs?
Routinely. Malik and Sean's crews carry furniture straps and disassemble bed frames, sectionals, and tables when a straight lift through a rowhome stairwell isn't possible.
Do you handle building certificate-of-insurance paperwork?
Yes. Angela handles COI requests most Center City and University City buildings require and books freight-elevator time before crew day.
Do you reserve street parking for the truck?
When your block needs it. Danny checks whether your street requires a temporary no-parking permit and times the loading window around it.
What happens if my settlement date moves?
We keep your belongings in our climate-controlled unit for as long as the gap runs, billed one month at a time — no year-long contract to sign.
Is a deposit required to book?
Larger and long-distance jobs carry a flat deposit that comes off your final bill. A short local move usually books with nothing down.
Which cities do you reach on long-distance moves?
New York, DC, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Boston are the lanes we run week in and week out, and we'll route a truck further out on request — always under our own federal authority.
What is your cancellation policy?
Give us 48 hours' notice on a reschedule or cancellation and your deposit rolls over to the new date, no charge.
Do you move pianos and gun safes?
Yes. Sean's crew specializes in both, using skid boards and rigging gear built for rowhome stairwells and tight turns.
Should I tip the crew?
There's no line for it on the invoice and no expectation either way — plenty of customers hand something to the crew lead directly when the job goes well, but it's entirely optional.
What days does the crew work?
Monday through Saturday, 7 to 7, and end-of-month Saturdays fill up first — book those early.
How far in advance should I book?
Two to three weeks is typical for local moves, three to four weeks for interstate moves. Call our Philadelphia office to check availability for your date.