No. This is not something you have to do. Although the guys do appreciate water and Gatorade. They are working hard and they need to rehydrate especially if it’s a hot day.

If you have young children it is a good idea to do the move while they are in school or daycare. You will be busy with the movers and it will be difficult for you to give your child the attention he/she needs. It’s a much less stressful day for you if you children are not home on moving day.

You want to make sure animals are in their cat/dog carrier prior to the movers arriving. Animals are curious and can get underfoot. If your dog isn’t good around strangers please have them tied up or in their carrier. The moving company cannot transport any live animal no dogs, cats, fish or reptiles are allowed in the truck.

On the day of the move you need to be present. There is paperwork to sign and you need to show the movers exactly what is being moved. After the movers have loaded the truck you will be ask to do a walk through. That is the time to point out anything that may have been missed once the truck drives away they are done.

At the unload they will place boxes in rooms based on the rooms written on the boxes (ie., bedroom, kitchen, garage). Furniture will be placed in the location you specify. It is helpful if you already have a basic idea where you want furniture placed. If the movers have to keep rearranging and switching furniture around it will take longer and you are paying hourly.

Once you schedule your move a confirmation will be mailed or emailed. You will be sent a copy of the Contract and Packing Tips. READ through the information. Check the moving from and moving to addresses, are the dates correct? Contact the moving company right away if something is incorrect on the paperwork.

If you want a written estimate an estimator has to come to your home to do a visual inspection. A written estimate is given and has a not to exceed price listed. On the day of the move you will be charged based on how long the move actually takes and the estimate is your cap UNLESS you change something (ie., estimator didn’t know about stairs at the unload, you said certain items were not moving but on moving day you changed your mind, elevator broke you will be charged for having to use the stairs because it takes longer).

California Movers are licensed and regulated by the PUC (Public Utilities Commission). The PUC requires moving companies to charge by the hour for moves being done under 100 miles. Moves over 100 miles are charged by weight of the shipment.

When you call a moving company they will give you their hourly rate over the phone. It’s difficult to say exactly how long your move is going to take if the Moving Company hasn’t seen it. But there are averages that can be given over the phone based on square footage being moved etc.

Beware of any company that is charging differently.

Ask friends, neighbors, coworkers and family members if they have any recommendations. Then investigate each of the companies. There are many ways to check out a moving company. The BBB web site will tell you if the company has had any consumer complaints filed against them. There are also many review sites such as Yelp than can help with your decision.

BUT just because you found a company on Yelp does not mean they are licensed and insured. You need to take the extra time to check their license with the PUC.

Do NOT use a broker over the Internet. Always work directly with the moving company and make sure they are a legitimate business with a physical address.

Useful web sites:

• CMSA (California Moving & Storage Association)
• DCA (Department of Consumer Affairs)

The busiest times for moving companies are typically during the summer months, May-September. If you are planning a move during that time you should make arrangements early.

Friday and Saturdays are big moving days so if you have flexibility in your schedule it can be easier to get a date during the week rather than a weekend. 

Yes. Local movers are regulated by the DCA and our license number is CalT-189789.

We also are completely insured and carry General Liability, Cargo and Workers Comp. We are happy to provide proof of insurance to anyone requesting it.