• Accessorial (Additional) Services - These are services Packing, Unpacking, Appliance servicing (connecting/reconnecting), etc.
• Advanced Charges - These are services performed by someone other than the mover. (Craftsman for wooden crates), other professional. Mover pays for these services and adds fees in your contract.
• Bill of Lading - the contract for transportation and receipt for your goods.
• Carrier - Mover transporting your goods
• Cash on Delivery (COD) - This means payment is required at the time of delivery, at home or warehouse.
• Expedited Service - This is an arrangement made with mover (long distance) by a set date in exchange for charges based on higher minimum weight.
• Flight Charge - A charge for carrying items up and/or down stairs (long distance only).
• Guaranteed Pick up and Delivery Service - Guaranteed dates of pick up and delivery (long distance moves), mover will provide reimbursement for delays. This premium service has higher tariff or higher minimum wight requirements.
• High value article (Article of extraordinary value) - Items valued at more than $100 per pound, or $220 per kg.
• Household Goods - in connection with moving means personal property used, or to be used, in a dwelling. You must request these items to be transported and pay mover for the transportation charges.
• Inventory - a detailed descriptive list of customer's household goods showing the number and the condition of the item.
• Long Carry - A charge for carrying article excessive distance between the truck and the residence. (Long distance moves only).
• Mover - A motor carrier engaged in the transportation of household goods.
• Order for Service - A document authorizing your mover to transport your goods.
• Pick up and delivery charges - Separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between short term storage and your residence.
• Reasonable Dispatch - The performance of transportation and delivery on the dates agreed upon by you and your mover and shown on your contract "order for service".
• Shuttle Service - A use of smaller truck to provide service to residence not accessible by mover's regular truck.
• Storage In Transit (SIT) - A temporary storage of your shipment, pending further transportation, with or with out notification to customer. If customer can not accept shipment on the agreed date, mover can place goods into warehouse (with out notification). In this case customer is responsible for SIT charges, as well as warehouse handling, and final delivery charges.
• Tariff - An issuance containing rates, rules, regulations, classifications or other provisions. California issued a Max 4 tariff for moves with in the state (contains of maximum rate, which movers can not exceed). Federal Department of Transportation, for moves across state lines, requires movers to post tariff. The tariff must contain 3 (three) specific items. First, description of services offered to public. Second, the specific applicable rates, (or basis for calculating rates), and service terms for services offered to public. Third, has to be arranged to that customer can determine the rates for services applicable to their shipment.
• Valuation - the degree of worth of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates a mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than is provided in base transportation charges.
• Warehouse handling - A charge may be applicable every time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.

If you are in good physical condition, have strong friends and are up to the task of packing and driving a truck down the small streets of a residential neighborhoods and then unloading everything to the new location, then you are quite possibly looking at renting a truck or trailer or both to begin your Self Move. 

The definite pro's are the savings on the cost of labor. Let's look at the costs associated with "do it yourself" option for a local move going 25 miles from place of origin to new residence, relocating 1 bedroom apartment (average size):

Truck rental - rental cost + miles + fuel

Daily rental of a small 14' truck - $39.00 plus ($0.89/mile)

If you drove 25 mile one way plus 25 miles (return drive) total miles driven - 50 x .89 = $44.50

Cost of fuel: truck burns 8 miles to a gallon - 50/8 = 6.25 gallons of diesel at $4.50 = $28.00

Rental of moving pads: $15.00 and dollies: $10.00 = $25.00

Rental insurance, optional but is highly recommended to those not familiar with bigger trucks, it will cover the deductible portion of insurance: $12.50

Total truck, fuel and equipment - $149.00

1. oMaterials: Small boxes 10, Medium boxes 5, Large boxes 8.
2. oSmall $1.75 x 10 = 17.50
3. oMedium $2.25 x 5 = $11.25
4. oLarge $3.10 x 8 = $24.80
5. o5 rolls of tape x $1.50 = $7.50
6. oTotal cost of materials = $61.05

Grand total of truck and materials $149.00 + $61.05 = $210.05

The labor: you and a couple of your very good friends (who are nice enough to help you carry your furniture, appliances and boxes) will be around 4-6 hours, for loading, driving and unloading. Taking to considerations no stairs, or elevators, just straight shot from truck to front door.

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Now let's look at the cost of full service mover (licensed and bonded - reputable)

If you prepack your boxes so that movers have to just, protect furniture with moving pads, load the truck, drive it and then off load it. This process should take 3-4 hours.

Average hourly rate of a reputable mover $69/hour (includes truck, fuel and mileage, and labor)

4 x 69 = $276.00 plus materials, tape and shrink $25.00

Grand total cost $301.00

Basically, savings of $90.95.

Let us take the pressure off you and provide you with professional  (safe & quick) move.

Long Distance Moves have two types of options: Exclusive Use of a Truck/Straight delivery or Consolidated Move.

Consolidated way is less expensive, check our long distance page.

Let's look at a relocation of 2 bedroom apartment moving from Los Angeles, CA to Dallas, TX - 1,460 miles.

(average size: 4,000 - 6000 lbs) will look at 5,000 lbs.

No stairs, no elevators, no long walks.

Do it yourself:

 17' truck (Uhaul) - $2,398.00 in April of 2013 (these rates flactuate a little "supply & demand")

Home up to 2 bedrooms Inside dimensions: 16'9" x 7'8" x 7'2" (LxWxH)Door opening: 7'3" x 6'5" (WxH)Deck height: 2'10"EZ-Load Ramp

Cost of Fuel: 1,460 at 8.5miles/gallon = 172 gallons x $4.25/gallon = $731.00

Packing materials (boxes, tape, shrink, packing paper, bubble): = $200.00

Hotels: $150.00

Labor: 0 (do it yourself with friends)

Grand total: $2,398.00 + $731.00 + $200.00 + $150.00 = $3,479.00

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FULL SERVICE MOVER:

5,000 lbs.

Tariff - $0.42 = $2,100.00

Fuel Sercharge (10%) - $210.00

Materials - $350.00

Packing labor - 5 hours x $60/h = $300.00

Grand Total: $2,100.00 + $210.00 + 350.00 + $300 = $2,960.00

CONSOLIDATED FULL SERVICE MOVES by a reputable mover is about $500.00 less and your goods are handled by professionals with out customers need to labor of loading and unloading.

EXCLUSIVE USE OF A TRUCK: calculated by a different tariff, it is a lot more expansive, but you have to shop each mover separately (make sure they are reputable and not one truck or a company that rents trucks). 

Customers can control the final cost of the move by properly preparing themselves for it.

A big part of preparation is packing. As a result they try to pack boxes themselves.

Here are some packing techniques:

• Pack one room at a time, labeling each box with a description of its contents and its destination (e.g., kitchen, bathroom). Be as specific as you can; it will make unpacking that much easier.
• Keep the weight of your boxes reasonable. If possible, put heavy items in small boxes to make them easier to carry.
• Don't apply tape directly to polished or painted wood finishes. Removing the tape could ruin the surface.
• Double-box fragile items and add plenty of cushioning.

Clients should be aware that in case of breakage -

clients will have to prove to insurance that damage occurred due to mover's negligence and not due to improper packing.

In case there is damage, always keep the box, the content, and packing materials to facilitate claims handling.

NEVER PACK MATCHES, FLAMMABLES OR OTHER DANGEROUS ARTICLES:

It's a good idea to empty, defrost and dry the refrigerator and freezer.

Set aside jewelry, money and important documents and keep them in a safe place that is not accessible to anyone.

Do not ship valuables (mentioned above) unless you make written arrangement with the mover.

However, the best way is to carry those things with you.

Customer can do the following:,

• disconnecting major appliances,
• protecting them during the move,
• removing items attached to walls or floors, such as draperies, etc.
• disassembling furniture, such as bedroom set, etc.

Movers are able to help you with those services. However, it will add time to your hourly move, or there will be fees in long distance moves.

There is a list of items:

Start preparations as soon as you know you have to move!

• Chosen your mover and signed the acceptance note?
• Sorted through basement, loft and garage?
• Subscribed to the paper in your new hometown to learn more about your new community?
• Made arrangements for storage if necessary?
• Asked your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records?
• Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised?
• Started using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved?
• Resolved what to do with prohibited items?
• Changed the locks on all the doors in your new home, if the new home is ready?
• If you are moving yourself, did you reserve a rental truck for your selected moving day?
• If you are packing yourself, did you obtain packing materials from uBoxes.com and start packing items you won’t need until after you arrive at your new house?
• Arranged for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting?
• Arranged for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary?
• Checked with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit?
• Made proper provision for pets?
• Decided whether or not you are taking your car?
• Disposed of the things you don't want to take?
• Started to prepare your mailing list of people who need your change of address?
• Notified banks, savings accounts, credit card companies, magazine subscriptions?
• Started to round up passports, birth/marriage certificates and other family documentation?
• Applied for any necessary visas?
• Checked that electrical goods will work in your new home?
• Separated favorite toys?
• Made sure your pet's vaccinations are up to date?
• Arranged for mail to be forwarded?
• Decided whether or not to buy any new household goods - check tax refunds?
• Decided which clothes travel with you?
• Started to dismantle climbing frames/garden furniture?
• Agreed an insurance value and terms with your mover?
• Made arrangements of connection of services at your new home?
• Returning library books?
• Canceled milk, newspapers, subscriptions?
• Found new homes for your plants?
• Defrosted the refrigerator/freezer?
• Planned simple meals for moving day to avoid using appliances?
• Separated luggage items you need for personal travel?
• Cleaned garden tools, bicycles and any other gardening equipment?
• Emptied the tanks of powered tools such as mowers?
• Checked you have enough medication for at least two weeks, and ensure you have copies of any necessary prescriptions for use at destination?
• Collected travelers checks or local currency?
• Arranged for someone to look after the children on moving day?

Moved Day:

• If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions.
• Note all utility meter readings.
• Make sure to go over all items with movers and sign inventory report and get it's copy for yourself.
• Keep paperwork safe until the delivery will be made, each item will have to be accounted for.

• §The best way to prepare for moving is to learn your rights and responsibilities and liabilities of the moving companies.
• §What kind of materials are not allowed to transport with movers.
• §The customer is recommended to interview 2 or more reputable companies. Get written estimates and choose the company with the best reputation and a reasonable offer.
• §Make sure to be very thorough at describing services you require. And to compare companies costs make sure that companies have same understanding of your requirements.
• §Customer can require the availability of guaranteed pickup and delivery dates.
• §Long distance moves have different methods of deliveries: exclusive use of a truck and straight delivery, orconsolidated relocation.
• §Have movers explain the differences of protection programs.
• §Make sure to understand if you are dealing with:

1. mover - household mover's ordinary course of business is providing transportation of customers belongings and is liable for the shipment,
2. mover's agent - is liable for the shipment and works with mover and uses mover's tariff,
3. broker - responsible to find an authorized mover, but will not be responsible for loss or damage.

• §Ask your mover of their schedule of fees, pertaining to your move (local/long distance). Local for the size of your residence or industrial facility, if long distance by size and the distance. Some movers have discounts for the size of relocation.
• §Get a copy of bill of lading (contract) from your mover and get familiar with the definitions used by movers and the "small print" inside the contract.
• §Get in writing from mover acceptable forms of payment.
• §Find out what happens if you are not ready to accept shipment and need short term storage.
• §Find out the process of how to file a claim in case of loss or damage.

Absolutley, the movers use special materials to protect furniture and the residence.

Here are some examples of how it's done:

Keep in mind that if you are on budget and your move is hourly, the protection will take extra time and there will be some materials used you may charged for.

Moving is tough enough on humans, but animals don't have a clue why strangers are removing the furniture. Like the rest of us, pets need a little extra TLC at moving time. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make their move easier at both ends and on the road.

Here is a few tips:

• Take your time. Stretch out your packing time over several weeks. Avoid panic in the last days, leaving moving day as relaxed as possible for you and your pets.
• Make travel arrangements. If your move involves air travel, contact airline carriers one month in advance. Ask about their pet regulations, and make reservations. Choose a nonstop flight to avoid extra handling and climate and air-pressure changes.
• Visit your veterinarian. A couple weeks before moving, request a copy of veterinary records, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate. Be sure your pets are up to date with their shots. If your pet is a senior or has health problems, ask whether a mild sedative would be advisable before travel. Can your vet recommend another in your new location? For out-of-state moves, contact the State Department of Animal Husbandry or the state veterinarian about entry regulations—almost all states have entry laws for most animals except tropical fish.
• Don't change much... Keep your pets' routines, such as feedings and walks, as normal as possible in the week before moving. Because dogs and cats need to feel in control, they might exhibit behavioral changes or even become ill when stressed. Treat them with the same level of attention you would ordinarily give them.
• Make a pet room. A few days before moving, choose a small room to be the "pet room." Tape a sign to the door that says "Pets: Do Not Open." Make the sign large enough that friends or movers can see it easily. Move food and water bowls, as well as toys, into this room. Provide dogs and cats with sturdy carriers equipped with litterbox (for cats), chew toys, or favorite objects that have a familiar smell. Leave carrier doors open so pets can adapt to them before travel day. On moving day, keep animals in their carriers. As an alternative, consider boarding dogs and cats, or ask a friend or family member to care-take your dogs during the last few days.
• Get tags and leashes. If you have a dog or an indoor/outdoor cat, buy or create identification tags with your new address and phone number. Be sure your pets are wearing them during travel.

Road Tips:

If you're traveling by car, keep cats and dogs in carriers large enough to accommodate food and water bowls plus a small litterbox for Fluffy. Stop about every two hours to give larger pets some fresh air. Be sure to use a leash if you let your cat out. Maintain a comfortable car temperature for all pets, and don't ever leave animals alone in a car on a hot day. Even with the windows cracked, this can be fatal. Birds and other small pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, and the like) are especially susceptible to drafts and heat. Cover cages to keep animals calm and well protected, and remove water bottles except during rest-stop water breaks.

Check list for pet travel:

• Veterinary records, certificates, and recent photos

• Medications

• Your pets' usual foods and plenty of water from the home you're leaving (changing their water source can be disorienting and upset their stomachs)

• Food and water bowls, a can opener, and resealable lids

• Toys, chew bones, and treats

• Leashes for cats and dogs

• Beds (pillows, towels, or other crate liners)

• Plastic bags and scoops for dogs

• Litterbox for cats

• Cage covers for birds and rodents

• Paper towels for messes

• Provisions for the first day at the new home

More information on traveling tips for pets.

And finally is your pet travel ready?

A lot more information on humanesociety.org

Moving appliances from one home to another requires a great deal of preparation.

Movers' responsibility

Movers are supposed to do the heavy work - the actual transporting of the appliances from client's home into the truck and then safely out of the truck into the new residence. Our movers will do anything possible to ensure that appliance gets to its destination safely.

However, the preparation of major appliances and other home furnishings is an important activity for you to schedule. Some of it needs to begin days before the actual move day.

Owners' Responsibility

These preparations must be done by the customer, a professional technician, or moving company can set up their partner (Reputable Appliance Tech.) who will do it, in any case let your mover know which of these options you prefer ahead of time.

Preparing appliances to withstand handling during transit or while in storage.

This process can include bracing a washer tub, disconnecting an ice maker, capping off a gas line, and special handling of satellite dish components.

Most Movers do not:

• Disconnect appliances (ice maker, washer, dryer, etc.) or reconnect them in the new residence;
• Disconnect utilities;
• Repair appliances;
• Remove or install window air conditioners or television and radio antennas;
• Perform wiring, plumbing, electrical or carpentry services.

REFRIGERATOR

Cleaning

• Use mild detergent to wipe off the exterior finish.

• Before cleaning the interior, dispose of perishables and unplug the power cord.

• Wash removable parts such as shelves and drawers with a mild detergent or in a solution of warm water and baking soda (about one tablespoon. of baking soda to one quart of water). Ice trays and ice storage bins should be washed in lukewarm water only.

• Wash the interior walls and any non-removable parts with a mild detergent or baking soda solution.

• Leave the door open for at least 24 hours. Allowing all moisture to evaporate. If your refrigerator is not a frost-free model, allow extra time to complete defrosting and drying.

• Secure all loose plastic parts.

• Glass shelves should be removed, cleaned and carefully packed in a carton for protection during transit.

• Be sure the appliance is totally empty and clean. A refrigerator which is not cleaned before transit can develop an unpleasant, permanent odor, making the appliance unusable at destination.

• After cleaning, place an odor and mildew preventative in your refrigerator.

• At the bottom of the refrigerator, remove the base covering and vacuum the condenser or compressor.

• Empty and clean the evaporator pan; allow time for it to dry.

Servicing

• Turn off the water and disconnect the water line if you have a cold water dispenser or automatic ice maker. You should also empty the water reservoir.

• If your refrigerator is an older model, you may need to have the motor or compressor bolted down. The majority of refrigerators now are sealed units that do not require this service.

• At destination, do not operate the refrigerator for at least 24 hours after delivery. This allows the oil time to settle, preventing possible damage to the compressor.

• Ice makers and water dispensers must be connected to a water line. Installation service or parts can be obtained from an authorized dealer. Copper tubing, a shut-off valve and fittings may be required. Once the ice maker is in service, dispose of the first few batches of ice because of possible impurities from opening a water line.

WASHER

Cleaning

• Use appliance cleaner to wipe off the exterior.

• On the inside, clean lint filter and tub.

• Leave the lid open so that any moisture will evaporate.

Servicing

• Turn off water faucets, disconnect and drain hoses.

• Wrap the metal connector ends of hoses in a towel and place inside the washer.

• To ensure the safe transport of the washer, it should be serviced to prevent swaying of the tub.

• All water should be drained from the tub because shipments can travel through a variety of climates and terrain.

• Ask our specialist about third-party appliance servicing. There are more than 20 different washer moving kits available from various appliance manufacturers. The cost for third-party servicing is nominal, especially for the protection it provides to your washer.

• After your move, be sure to have the washer connected by a qualified installer.

DRYER

Cleaning

• Unplug the dryer or turn off the electrical power to the appliance.

• Remove any debris from the lint screen with your fingers or a dry paper towel. Do not use water on the screen.

• Wipe off the exterior with an appliance cleaner and soft damp cloth.

• You can remove dust from the interior with a damp sponge.

• If the dryer drum is discolored, try a mild liquid household cleaner or a paste of laundry detergent and warm water. Rub the area until the discoloration is removed. Wipe thoroughly. Then reconnect to electricity and operate the dryer with a load of old rags to remove any soap residue and to thoroughly dry the drum. Remove the rags when finished.

Servicing

• Disconnect the electrical supply to the appliance.

• For a gas dryer, the appliance should be disconnected and the gas line capped off before moving day by a qualified service technician.

• At destination, use a qualified installer who is familiar with requirements for gas and or electricity, as well as the exhaust system.

The movers do have a limited liability over the articles of your household they are transporting.

Here is a page from a booklet provided by California Public Utilities Commission.

Los Angeles Movers offers standard valuation coverage.

We offer valuation protection that is provided by law.

We offer valuation protection. There are 3 options.

Once you settled on a moving company, make an official reservation for services. 

Reservation Includes:

• Setting a date and time for movers to begin moving.
• Number of movers;
• Size of a truck;
• Special equipment (if required);
• Materials;
• Any other services that may be required during the move (need to be indicated in that reservation);
• Hourly rate, hourly minimum - Local Move, (cost of extra services in any);
• Pickup and Delivery addresses;
• Extra stops;
• Method of payment acceptable with mover;
• Deposit amount for reservation: $100.00 local/$250.00 long distance moves;
• Have them include a copy of a written estimate.
• Have reservation indicate the type of your reservation: (Primary or Secondary)*;
• Reservation Confirmation send to you via email, regular mail or fax.

* - Primary reservations are scheduled in the morning at a specific time: Between 8am - 9am.

* - Secondary reservations are on stand by and ready all day. The movers will call with in 1 hour of coming, customer must be ready.

Generally movers reserve the right to reschedule a day of the move with out liability, due to weather, accidents, riots, etc.

Los Angeles Movers has a team of experienced estimators.

Our Estimators will come to your facility, office or residence and take a thorough inventory of every item and log them in a report. This report will later be transferred into a computer program and with in minutes we will get a size of customers shipment.

Based on the estimators report we will provide customer with a Binding Estimate. This will promise customer a final cost of the move. The only changes may apply, if there will be extra services performed by a mover. The mover will explain which services were extra and will have customer sign a new revised estimate.

Here is a page out of a PUC booklet

Los Angeles Movers is insured and bonded company

As insured company in California, we are supposed to use long distance tariffs for any moves over 100 miles.

However, our specialists (when providing quotes) for moves that are just over 100 miles, will apply both tariffs. The tariff providing the lowest cost to customer is then used as a guideline for the total cost of the move to customer. In some cases the local tariff is a cheaper option.

In that case, we still weigh the truck (as it is required by law) and calculate the fees of long distance relocation by weight and hourly.

The customer's price will be based on the lowest of the 2 (two). Let us worry about the legal part of it.

Our goal is taking care of customer, providing them with best service and lowest possible rates.

We would like to show an example of calculation for the most common move a 2 bedroom house.

Los Angeles Movers uses weight based tariff.

There are some companies whose tariff is based on cubic foot/size.

California PUC regulates long distance tariffs and mandates for movers only use tariff based on weight.

Federal Department of Transportation allows companies to charge either way, as long as it is posted with government and is fair to customers.

There is a major difference between these two tariffs. In some cases customers may benefit by using "cubic foot" tariff. If customers shipment consists of heavy and small items. Then this type of shipment will weigh a lot, but will not use much space inside the truck.

On the other hand, shipments that have big bulky articles that don't weigh much, but occupy a lot of space are better suited going with company charging by the "weight" of shipment.

One of the reason's California does not allow for movers to charge by size, but only by weight - because there are some unscrupulous movers that had been using size to their advantage. Showing to customers that their shipment took much more space inside the truck than it could have, if it was properly packed.

Weight tariff is much more fair - as companies have to weigh trucks at government regulated scales. No matter what company = the weight of your shipment stays the same.

There are some tricks customers should know about - make sure that the fuel tanks are full at the time of first weighing, and that driver is off the truck during the second weighing. The customers are recommended to be present at both weighings and get copies of weight certificates.

Here is what California PUC has to say about it.

Here is what a scale ticket looks like. It has all pertinent information. The date and time, the type of the truck and the weight of it.

Here is a calculator chart of costs.

We want to show calculations of all possible costs involved in a long distance relocation, most of those services are optional and will be discussed between client and specialist. We placed an asterisk next to those services.

If we are to recalculate simple services (without) asterisk -  $2,818.00

Here is a chart of calculations for most local services available.

- Labor: packing, loading, unloading, unpacking.

- Drive time is calculated double of hourly rate.

- Materials: boxes, pack paper, bubble, tape, shrink, etc.

Next we show calculations of the most simple local move:

Load with protection of furniture -- $375.00

Materials  ------------------------------- $275.00

Drive (double hourly rate) -----------$112.50

Unload -----------------------------------$300.00

Grand total for services: -----$1,062.50

(This is an average relocation cost of a 3-4 bedroom condo/house)

Some items that are fragile and don't fit into regular boxes require crating.

Such items as:

• art work: large paintings, statues, vases, etc.;
• electronics: big screen TV's, plasmas, lcd, led, speakers, etc.;
• antique furniture of any kind. 

1. Large mirror - soft crate with carton.	2. Antique funiture - crated with carton and bubble wrap

3. Pool table- carton, pads, bubble and shrink.	4. Large equipment - wooden crate, on pallets.

 5. The process of making a wooden crate for musium ancient work of art, paintings, 

Two (2) Chinese Vases (16th Century, Clay)	Crated Separately