Affordable City Movers LLC
3033 N Clark St. Suite 007
Chicago, IL 60657
312-210-0259
info@affordablecitymovers.com

Terms of Service: Affordable City Movers LLC

The terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “company,” “mover,” and “movers” refer to Affordable City Movers LLC.

The terms “you,” “customer,” and “client” refer to: (i) the individual requesting service; (ii) any individual you are legally authorized to represent; and (iii) anyone legally authorized to act on your behalf, related to the transportation and/or storage of your household goods and personal belongings (“goods”).

“PBO” stands for “Packed by Owner,” referring to any items boxed, wrapped, or packed by the customer rather than by our company.

By booking with Affordable City Movers LLC, you enter into a legal agreement with us, acknowledging the following terms and policies:

Company Policies

1. The customer or an authorized representative must be present at the beginning of the move and during the final walkthrough. For hourly rate services, billing starts upon crew arrival and continues until all tasks are completed, tools/equipment are returned to our vehicles, and payment is finalized. We accept cash, checks, and major credit/debit cards.

2. A deposit must be paid via credit/debit card to confirm any booking. The remaining balance is due upon job completion, before the crew departs. Any damage must be reported and documented using our company camera during the final walkthrough.

3. We only move aquariums that are completely empty — including water and animals (e.g., fish, reptiles, amphibians).

4. We do not move waterbeds under any circumstances.

5. If the scope of the job exceeds the original service order, we may need to fulfill other scheduled commitments before completing the additional work.

6. We reserve the right to reschedule a move due to inclement weather (e.g., rain, snow, ice) to ensure the safety of our crew and your belongings.

7. We are not liable for delays or cancellations caused by hazardous road conditions, accidents, or other uncontrollable events.

8. In the event of mechanical breakdown, our responsibility is limited to rescheduling and completing the job at a mutually agreed-upon time.

9. We reserve the right to dispatch additional movers if the job exceeds the originally described workload or continues beyond 8 hours (clock hours). Additional charges will apply.

10. Our standard maximum workday is 12 hours per job.

11. We move pianos, appliances, and items over 300 lbs. only if our crew determines the move can be done safely.

12. We will not perform any task that is deemed unsafe by our crew.

13. We do not move large upright pianos up or down stairs. We are not responsible for reinstalling lightweight piano legs or parts that may be structurally compromised.

14. Trucks will not be driven off pavement or over steep grades unless deemed safe by our crew or pre-approved by our office. We do not drive over freshly graveled driveways. Any time lost or costs incurred due to positioning or recovering stuck vehicles will be charged to the customer.

15. If a move is canceled upon crew arrival, a base fee will be charged based on crew size and travel distance.

16. We do not enter or work in unfinished attics. We are not liable for any ceiling or structural damage resulting from such areas.

17. Customers may transport their own fragile items (e.g., glassware, porcelain, ceramics). If we are asked to move them, we do so with care but assume no liability for breakage of improperly packed items. Wrapping with furniture pads is available, but liability is limited if packing was not performed by our crew.

18. For safety, children and pets must be kept out of the work area. We reserve the right to refuse service if other contractors (e.g., painters, roofers) are present during the move, as this poses safety risks.

19. We are not liable for damage resulting from non-standard moving requests including, but not limited to: standing furniture on end, tight stairwells, overhead lifts, or severe weather. A waiver may be required for such situations.

20. We do not transport flammable or hazardous materials, in compliance with safety regulations.

21. We are not liable for damage to deteriorating items, such as furniture with age-related weakness or materials affected by dry rot or brittle conditions.

22. Mattresses, lamp shades, and similar items may be structurally altered during transport. We are not responsible for damage to items with pre-existing weaknesses or poor structural integrity.

23. We are not liable for damages to furniture made from particle board, simulated wood, or ready-to-assemble materials. These items are excluded from all moving insurance and are transported at the customer’s risk.

24. The customer is responsible for all moving fees under this agreement.

25. All deposits and booking fees are non-refundable. If you cancel or reschedule, your deposit can be credited toward a future move within 3 months.

26. We reserve the right to refuse service if the job description was inaccurate or incomplete. In such cases, deposits are forfeited.

27. We may refuse service due to unsafe or unsanitary working conditions, including but not limited to: excessive filth, pest infestations, unsafe structures, domestic disputes, or violent environments. Alternatively, a hazard fee may be applied per mover if service is still performed.

LIMITS OF LIABILITY:

1. Our company’s liability for lost or damaged items is limited to $.30 per pound per article (The total payout for the entire move cannot exceed 150 lbs) unless additional insurance has been purchased by the customer. The right is reserved by our company to repair or replace any damaged item(s). If damage occurs we will at our discretion repair the item(s) or compensate for it’s depreciated value or $.30 per pound, whichever is the lesser of the two.

2. Our company will not be responsible for articles left behind in vehicles. At the completion of the move, you will be asked to do a final “walk-through” with your crew chief. At this time you are asked to inspect all items including the inside of vehicles. Anything left behind will be the full responsibility of the customer to pick up or pay for shipping, handling and a fair inconvenience processing fee (at the discretion of the manager or owner of our company) to have item(s) mailed to them if possible.

3. The condition of any item(s) boxed by customer (PBO/packed by owner) are not insured by our company and is the responsibility of the customer. Items that are not packed/ boxed/ wrapped or unpacked/unboxed/unwrapped by us will be full liability of the customer and at the customer’s risk. We are not responsible for any damages to anything packed/ boxed/ wrapped by anyone other than us.

4. Company is not responsible for unpackaged/ unboxed/ unwrapped or improperly packaged/ boxed/ wrapped items that may break due to packing/ boxing/ wrapping by the client.

5. Our company shall in no way be responsible for the working condition of electronic equipment, grandfather clocks, TV’s, or any other piece of mechanical/electrical equipment. Since we do not know the mechanical condition of certain items or appliances, we only assume responsibility for items that receive visual damage due to our service. Our company does not cover the internal damage of furniture, TV’s, fridges, appliances, or objects that are not externally damaged, or visible at the time of the move and that are an unavoidable part of transportation of that particular object or furniture i.e. electrical goods. As these objects may be faulty prior to removal no matter how carefully they are handled.

6. Liability is limited to $50.00 for damage to floors, walls, doors, and painted surfaces, in the event that we cannot correct the situation ourselves. We reserve the right to attempt to mend damages to said areas first. Liability limit may be raised by written agreement of both parties prior to move. We are not responsible for unprotected flooring.

7. Our company will not be responsible for damage caused by non-routine moving including but not limited to, standing pieces on end, sharp turns, over-crowded work areas, difficult stairways, snags and sharp edges in work areas and doorways, handing over balconies, railings, etc., tight squeezes, and damage caused by weather. Pictures will be documented and you will be asked to sign a waiver if we agree to attempt any non-routine moving request.

8. Our company shall not be responsible for loss or damage to accounts, bills, bonds, deeds, coin and stamp collections, alcohol, prescription medications, firearms and ammunition, checks, evidence of debts, letters of credit, passports, tickets, documents, manuscripts, notes, mechanical drawings, securities, currency, money, bullion, precious stones, jewelry, or other similar valuables, paintings, statuary, or other works of art; or property carried gratuitously or as an accommodation. The process of removing drawers must be done in the presence of the customer or their agent. We assume no responsibility for money, jewelry or other valuables. Please be sure that these items are safely put away before our movers arrive.

9. Our company STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT YOU PERSONALLY MOVE ITEMS OF SIGNIFICANT MONETARY OR PERSONAL WORTH. We accept no responsibility or liability whatsoever for these goods that are damaged, stolen or lost whilst being handled by us (unless full packing is provided by our company).

10. Our company shall not be responsible for damage resulting when moving household items that have deteriorated or have an inherent weakness (see article #21 of company policies).

11. Our company shall not be responsible for glass in any form or damage resulting from glass breakage unless said items have been specially packaged by the customer. This applies to porcelain and ceramic items, also.

12. Our company shall not be responsible for pets in any way.

13. Our company may use dollies or a hand truck(s) to facilitate removal or placement of appliances, etc., and damage that may result to soft floors, such as, but not limited to, indentation, scuff marks, etc., are not the responsibility of our company.

14. Our company shall not be responsible for damage to waterbeds or any subsequent damage. We claim no expertise as waterbed technicians.

15. Our company shall not be responsible for damage to items requiring special instructions if customer fails to provide such instructions including, but not limited to, dis-assembly or assembly of said items and any special preparation required.

16. Our company assumes no liability or responsibility for any items and cargo placed in the customer’s own vehicle or in rental equipment (not limited to ABF trailers, PODS or any other storage units). Our liability ends once we leave the job site and the liability of damages then falls on the transporter(s). The client assumes full financial responsibility and liability for any missing items or damage to their properties of the rented vehicle caused during the duration of the move from either party.

17. Our company may use dollies or a hand truck(s) to move heavy objects such as but not limited to pianos, appliances, items over 300 lbs., etc. Any floor surfaces including but not limited to parquet, hardwood, ceramic, marble, entrance halls, etc. and any damage that may result to soft floors, such as, but not limited to, indentation, scuff-marks, etc., are not the responsibility of our company.

18. Any damage caused by incomplete floor areas, such as, but not limited to, subsequent damage to ceilings, will not be the responsibility of our company.

19. Our company will not connect washer/dryer, water lines or ice makers. You or your representative must check or accept any plumbing connections. Any assistance we give is as a courtesy only. Water and drain connections are the responsibility of the user. We are not professional plumbers.

20. Our company cannot be responsible for the working condition of major appliances. We may assist you with dis-connecting or re-connecting certain appliances out of courtesy only but we will not be held liable in the event of injury or damage. The customer assumes all risks and liability. Our company strongly recommends you hire a professional service provider to install all appliances.

21. Our company cannot be responsible for dents or scratches on major appliances. The reason is because they are covered by a thin metal that has an extreme affinity to dent and scratch.

22. Our company will not repair or replace pressed board or simulated wood furniture because much of the budget priced furniture today is made from a pressed wood or wood byproduct material w/ a photograph of wood grain attached. Some of the wood grain look is simply paper and some is very thin plastic material like on lower end kitchen cabinets. This type of material is not structurally strong, especially if it has screws, since the screw threads have no real grain to embed into, just crumbly pressed wood chips held together by some binding agent. It is not repairable and we have seen it crumble from the smallest vibrations riding in a truck across town. Please do not ask us to repair or replace this type of furniture. We will do our best to move it successfully for you. This type of furniture is specifically excluded from basic and increased insurance coverage.