Question 1

How do moving companies charge for local moves?

Accepted Answer

All moving companies in California are required to charge customers based on the Public Utility Commission’s equation, which is: (Loading+Unloading+(Drive time x 2).

Movers start charging when they arrive at your house.
Double drive time: If it takes the movers 15 minutes to drive from your old house to your new house, they will charge 30 minutes of drive time.
Standard rates apply as the movers unload the truck and will stop charging when all items are off of the truck (unless the customer would like the movers to continue to work on arranging and assembling furniture).
Here are some common charges and rules that most moving companies apply themselves:
Fuel rates apply.
Packing materials are not included and are sold separately.
A 4 hour minimum for each job (it is uncommon for moving companies to move ‘one off’ items like refrigerators or bed room sets).
After the minimum hours have been met, most moving companies charge in 15 minute increments.

Question 2

How do moving companies charge for local moves?

Accepted Answer

For the consumer’s protection, it is against the law for moving companies to provide an estimated time or cost for your move without seeing the items that are being moved. Moving companies can only give hourly rates and fees over the phone.

For this reason, we offer visual estimates. This is when a professional estimator comes to your house for about 15 minutes and views the items and/or space that you are moving. The estimator will discuss the moving process and what you can expect and ask you questions about your moving timeline and constraints. You will receive a written estimate at that time, which is a very helpful tool when shopping around for moving companies. This written estimate is not a contract for the exact time frame and cost of the move, but rather an estimate based on years of experience in the industry.

When the movers arrive on the day of the move, they will review the written estimate with the customer and based on what they see that day they will let the customer know if they can expect the move to take significantly longer or shorter than previously estimated. The majority of the time there is very little difference between the written estimate and the actual time and cost. When there are significant variances it is typically due to one of the following:

Customers end up moving or discarding items after the visual estimate
The customer has asked for a larger or smaller moving crew than what the visual estimate recommends
Hidden or forgotten rooms/spaces were not included or discussed during the visual estimate, such as attics, extra storage units, sheds in the backyard, etc

Question 3

Do I need a visual estimate for my move?

Accepted Answer

For the consumer’s protection, it is against the law for moving companies to provide an estimated time or cost for your move without seeing the items that are being moved. Moving companies can only give hourly rates and fees over the phone.

For this reason, we offer visual estimates. This is when a professional estimator comes to your house for about 15 minutes and views the items and/or space that you are moving. The estimator will discuss the moving process and what you can expect and ask you questions about your moving timeline and constraints. You will receive a written estimate at that time, which is a very helpful tool when shopping around for moving companies. This written estimate is not a contract for the exact time frame and cost of the move, but rather an estimate based on years of experience in the industry.

When the movers arrive on the day of the move, they will review the written estimate with the customer and based on what they see that day they will let the customer know if they can expect the move to take significantly longer or shorter than previously estimated. The majority of the time there is very little difference between the written estimate and the actual time and cost. When there are significant variances it is typically due to one of the following:

Customers end up moving or discarding items after the visual estimate
The customer has asked for a larger or smaller moving crew than what the visual estimate recommends
Hidden or forgotten rooms/spaces were not included or discussed during the visual estimate, such as attics, extra storage units, sheds in the backyard, etc

Question 4

Do I pay before or after my move?

Accepted Answer

You should never be asked to pay in-full for moving services prior to the move. Most moving companies will hold a credit card number to reserve your moving date, and it is common to have a small deposit if it is a larger, long distance or same day move.

Our company will hold a credit card to hold your moving date and will charge a $100 cancellation fee if the move is cancelled within 7 days of the move. There is no date to change the date or time of the move though (we know how seamless and predictable escrow and other moving factors can be). Once the movers arrive at your house or business, the foreman will review the hourly rates or written visual estimate (if there is one) with the customer. When the move is almost complete, the foreman will review the hours worked and fees with the customer again and then ask for payment.

Question 5

Do I need to tip the movers?

Accepted Answer

If they went above and beyond: Helped assemble furniture, handled your items with extra care, or dealt with tricky moving conditions.

Amount: Typically, $20-$50 per mover for a half-day job or $50-$100 per mover for a full-day job. Alternatively, you could tip a percentage of the total cost, usually around 10-15%.

Cash: Cash is often the preferred method, but some companies may allow you to tip via card.

Offering refreshments and snacks is also a nice gesture, especially on a long, tiring day.

Question 6

Do I need to empty my dresser/file cabinet?

Accepted Answer

This is the most common question.

Dresser

if your dresser is made out of solid wood, then NO, you can leave clothes and light items in it. if your dresser is made out of Prestwood, then YES, please remove all items.

File Cabinet

Yes! please remove all items from file cabinet

Question 7

What items will I need for the day of /after my move?

Accepted Answer

Here are the items that we recommend customers prepare for themselves and their family for the day of the move and the day after. Having these items at the ready will help your moving experience go smoothly and allow you the proper time to unpack the rest of your items. If you don’t have room in your car, you can pack all of this in a few boxes and give to your moving crew to put on the truck last. They will give this box to you first when you get to your new home so you can get (somewhat) settled.
Toiletries
Pillows, fitted sheets and blankets for the first night in the home
Washcloth and bath towels for everyone
Change of clothes
Plastic bags to keep dirty clothes in
Garbage bags
Toilet paper
Hand soap
Paper towel
Paper plates and a few utensils
Basic tool kit for assembling furniture (if you don’t want the movers to do this for you)
Snacks and easy to prepare food items for the next 2 days
Dog/animal food, leash and toys
Chargers for your laptop and phones
Garage openers and keys for the new house and/or personal storage units
Kids backpacks, school work, etc (if the children will need them the next day for school)

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