Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve pulled together the moving questions we hear most often and answered them here, from your very first estimate through to delivery and any claims that come up afterward. If you’re planning a move and something’s unclear, chances are it’s covered below.
Pre-Move Questions
When is the best time to move?
Moving companies in Serbia see their heaviest volume during the summer, from May 15 through September 15 — that’s true across the industry, not just for Allied. If your schedule allows any flexibility, give your mover a five-day loading window rather than a single fixed date. It gives crew schedulers more room to work with, and it’s worth staying flexible on the destination timing too, since your shipment likely isn’t the only one on the truck.
How do I choose which companies to get estimates from?
Start with recommendations — neighbors, friends, coworkers, family in Serbia. Then check any mover you’re considering against consumer protection resources or business bureaus. Good service is still the best indicator of a good mover.
When should I start contacting movers for estimates?
Give yourself as much lead time as possible, especially if you’re moving during peak season. Six weeks out is a reasonable point to have an estimator visit for what’s called a “visual survey” of your household goods. Add more time if your employer requires estimate approval. Aim to pick your mover about four weeks before your load date, then confirm the booking and lock in packing, loading, and delivery dates. In the off-peak season (September 15 through May 15), you can compress this timeline somewhat.
What happens when a relocation consultant visits my home?
They’ll complete a visual survey of everything you’re moving, then calculate weight, packing costs, and any other charges. Because they need to see everything clearly, it helps to organize cluttered closets, attics, and crawl spaces beforehand — anything hidden from view can throw off the estimate. Point out items that are out of sight, and flag anything you plan to get rid of before moving day. One important note: if you plan to eliminate a large amount of stuff — say, an entire bedroom suite — actually follow through on it. Leaving it in at the last minute can violate a binding estimate or leave the driver without enough space.
Request a quote whenever you’re ready to get real numbers for your move.
Packing and Furniture Protection
Can I pack items in dresser or desk drawers?
Better not to. Loose items should go in boxes to avoid loss or damage — it’s best to empty all drawers before your household move.
Will the driver load boxes I packed myself?
Yes, as long as the driver considers them safe for transport. This applies whether you’re moving locally in Belgrade or shipping internationally from Serbia.
How do I prepare a waterbed for moving?
It needs to be fully drained first. Fiber-filled waterbeds require professional vacuum-draining before the move.
Can I move my plants?
Most movers won’t transport plants, since temperature swings and stress inside a trailer tend not to go well for them. If you’re moving internationally, plant import rules vary by country anyway, so check local regulations before you plan around bringing any.
What about jewelry and other valuables?
High-value items — jewelry, antiques, collections — can technically go into your shipment if you flag them for your Allied consultant in advance. That said, it’s usually smarter to carry these with you personally or arrange separate transport.
How should I prepare appliances?
Washers, dryers, and refrigerators need to be disconnected before the move, and washers specifically need a stabilizer installed. Allied’s Serbia-based team can arrange this service through trusted partners if you need help.
How does Allied protect upholstered furniture?
With stretch-wrap — a durable, transparent plastic that shields furniture from dirt and damage on both local and international moves.
Other
What is a binding estimate?
A contract that sets the exact cost of your move upfront, based on the services requested or required at the time of the estimate. If you add services later, the cost goes up accordingly.
What is a non-binding estimate?
This charges you based on the actual weight of your shipment and the actual services performed — you’ll still go through an estimating process, but the final number depends on the real numbers on moving day. To verify weight, the driver weighs the trailer both before and after loading, and any additional charges are calculated at your origin address. Extra charges at delivery are rare, but they can happen.
How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
Whether you’re moving within Serbia or internationally, cost is based primarily on weight and mileage — the transportation charges. Beyond that, your estimate may include packing, crating, valuation coverage, bulky article charges for oversized pieces, and extra labor. Ask your consultant to walk through each line item so you can compare estimates accurately.
How should I pay, and what methods are accepted?
Tariff rules require full payment before your shipment is unloaded at delivery. Cash, certified check, or money order are standard, and credit card payment can sometimes be arranged with your mover directly — ask your consultant. If your employer is covering the move, they may arrange direct invoicing instead. Whatever the arrangement, settle it before packing and loading day to avoid problems at delivery.
What is an order for service?
Every mover is required to prepare this before transporting your shipment. It’s written confirmation of what you’ve requested — pickup and delivery dates, the valuation level chosen, any special services, and contact details for reaching you during the move. It also lays out your payment obligations: for non-binding estimates, it shows the estimated charges and the maximum you’d owe at delivery (with 30 days afterward to settle any balance); for binding estimates, it shows exactly what you’ll pay at delivery. Both you and your mover need to sign it.
What is a Bill of Lading?
This is both your receipt and your transportation contract — every mover must prepare one for every shipment, and the driver gives you a copy at loading. Read it carefully before signing: it identifies the mover, specifies timing, lays out payment terms, and confirms your valuation coverage and the mover’s liability in case something goes wrong.
What is an Inventory?
Drivers typically inventory your shipment as it’s loaded, even though it’s not legally required. It’s a detailed listing of your goods and their condition at pickup. Check it carefully — you’ll likely see “PBO” (packed by owner) next to boxes the driver couldn’t verify contents for, and “CP” (carrier packed) for ones they packed themselves. You’ll also notice codes in the middle column noting condition — things like SC (scratched), C (chipped), or numbers indicating which side or surface of an item is affected. The legend explaining these codes sits at the top of the inventory sheet.
Valuation of Coverage for Moves Within and Outside Serbia
Am I protected if something is lost or damaged in transit?
Yes, though the level of protection depends on which valuation coverage you choose — relevant whether your move is domestic or international.
- Released Value is the no-cost, most basic option, covering €0.60 per pound per article. It only makes sense if your goods are already covered under another insurance policy.
- Full Extra Care Protection covers full replacement value for anything lost or damaged, and is the option we recommend for moves across Serbia and the rest of Europe.
Preparing for Moving Day in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš & Beyond
How do I prepare my home and myself for moving day?
Your Allied Serbia mover may give you a load window of one to three days depending on shipment size — flexibility here helps especially during peak summer months. Beyond that, clear porches and pathways, remove small rugs that could cause slips, take doors off if large items won’t fit through otherwise, and it’s a nice touch to have water or drinks ready for the crew.
How will I know where my shipment is once it’s left my home?
Allied offers satellite tracking for clients moving from Belgrade, Novi Sad, or internationally — ask your relocation consultant how to get access.
How will I know when my shipment will be delivered?
Your customer service representative stays in touch throughout, and your driver will call about 24 hours before delivery. It’s worth giving multiple contact methods (work, email, a local hotel if relevant) and naming a family member as backup in case you’re hard to reach.