Our answers to the most frequent questions
Our experience shows that those who are moving have lots of questions.
We have gathered together some useful knowledge on the most important aspects in our list of FAQs:
Choosing your relocation company
How can you recognize a good, serious moving company?
Our 5-point check provides you with some answers and contains some useful tips. Download
Moving – locally or worldwide
Can DONATH also carry out relocations abroad?
Yes. We operate locally, nationally and internationally.
Can I use DONATH throughout Germany?
Yes.
The quotation / The costs and the fixed price
Do I have to pay for a quotation from DONATH?
No. The quotation is free of charge. The best thing to do is to arrange a free viewing appointment – personally (on site or by video call) or independently at home by smartphone.
Is the relocation charge binding?
Yes. DONATH naturally guarantees all the terms it offers. It is your decision whether to accept these or not.
How long does it take to prepare a quotation?
That depends on a number of factors. As a rule: for local or national relocations three working days; for international relocations up to five working days.
How much does it cost to move?
We take various factors into account when calculating the cost of a move. First of all come the volume of goods and the distance. Then it is also dependent upon what services the client requires us to provide, such as packing up and unpacking, providing the packing material, setting up a ‘no parking’ zone in front of the houses, maybe storing some things temporarily, dismantling and reassembling furniture and fixtures, etc. We recommend to do a survey appointment (personally – on site or by video call) to take a look and we will then provide a quotation, free of charge, that is tailored to your needs. Alternatively, you can collect your removal goods yourself on your smartphone and obtain an online offer by Moverscan.
When is it better to agree on a fixed price?
Always, if you can accurately specify the effort required and the services to be provided. Our relocation coordinator will be happy to advise you here.
What is included in a fixed price?
In principle, all the services that the client requires that have been discussed and agreed upon in advance. A precondition for this is that all the facts are known, and this is not always the case. If, for example, a new property has not yet been found and the situation at the destination is not yet known, we will calculate up to a maximum of the second floor (Am. third floor) and assume that the truck can park in front of the building. But if the new flat turns out to be on the 10th floor, there’s no elevator and the grand piano will only fit through the window then we will invoice the additional expenditure but discuss this with the client before we make a start.
The inspection / The volume
Are there costs involved with the inspection?
No. This service is free of charge. Enquire a viewing appointment now!
Will DONATH also come along to a viewing appointment?
Yes. We will happily come along to a viewing on site and provide you afterwards with an accurate quotation, free of charge. Enquire a viewing appointment now!
How can I estimate the volume of my possessions?
There are two ways of doing this: 1. you can conduct the visit with one of our moving experts (personally – on site or by video call) and get a very accurate quotation. This service is of course free of charge. 2. with the tool Moverscan you can easily take stock of your move independently from home by smartphone. Afterwards you will receive an offer. survey appointment
Planning the move / packing the boxes / packing material
When should I start with the planning?
The earlier the better. Ideally, you should start to plan between four and six weeks before the day of moving. Allow a little time for our inspection and for the calculation of the quotation. If a ‘no parking’ zone is required or a container is to be placed outside, then this must be applied for at least 1 week in advance. Of course, you are welcome to ask us about relocation at short notice and we will check to see if a move is possible on your required date.
Do I have to pack my boxes myself?
No – you can decide for yourself. People often underestimate just how long it takes to pack boxes. If you choose to do this yourself however, we have put together a few useful tips for you: How to pack!
Can I buy packing material from DONATH (e.g. boxes, packing paper etc.)?
Yes, you can buy these things from us. We can either deliver packing to your home or you can collect it yourself from our depot.
How long it takes
How quickly can DONATH carry out a relocation?
This depends on a number of things: sometimes you can tell us today and we’ll be able to do it tomorrow. However, you should know that the peak time for moving spreads over the months of June, July, August as well as December, when it might take a little longer. Don’t forget to allow enough time for our inspection, preparation of the quotation and the detailed planning. You must also allow at least 1 week to set up the ‘no parking’ zone in front of the building for the truck or the container! Let us advise you personally.
Insurance
Is the move insured? How can I insure against damage occurring during the move?
We are automatically and legally obliged to provide fundamental cover and this requires no special agreement. This basic cover, however, is usually not sufficient to sufficiently insure all your possessions (§§ 451 et seq. HGB). We therefore offer a variety of additional transport insurance options in our quotation to suit everybody’s requirements. Our relocation coordinator will be happy to advise you.
All about workmen / Additional services from DONATH
Can the DONATH employees properly dismantle and reassemble cabinets?
But of course! As long as no carpenter is required for dismantling and reassembly.
Can the DONATH employees adapt kitchen units to the new house?
Yes. We have specialists for this job.
Will DONATH also transport a piano?
Yes, we’ll do this too.
Can the DONATH employees also connect electrical appliances like cookers, lamps etc.?
Yes, our specialists will look after this as well.
Can I ask DONATH to dispose of old furniture or electrical appliances?
Yes. If you require us to scrap items such as furniture or electrical/electronic devices as part of the moving process, we will correctly dispose of these items according to the applicable environmental regulations.
Can I store furniture with DONATH?
Yes, there are a number of options. Best take a look here under Storage.
Does DONATH also provide relocation services?
Sure. Our relocation team has put together a range of service packages that enable us to provide you with professional support tailored to your specific requirements. You can find a lot of information on our website at: Relocation
Does DONATH also offer any special services?
Yes. We are a relocation service provider with heart and soul and provide a wide range of services. Please take a look under Service Plus.