Moving FAQs
Your Questions, Answered
People Movers California Info
Are You Licensed? Yes, we are fully licensed, insured, and bonded.
Are you registered through FMCSA? Yes.
Are You A Broker? No, we are a carrier with a warehouse and fleet of trucks.
What are the best days of the week to move?
It turns out that the best days to move are between Tuesday and Thursday. There is less demand for movers, and guess what you save your weekends.
How far in advance should I schedule my move?
Ideally, 8 to 6 weeks before your move day. There is a high possibility that movers are booked 2 to 4 weeks out during the peak moving season. If you like taking risks and waiting for the last minute, be prepared to DIY.
When are payments made?
Upon booking your move a 30% deposit is required ( in a peak season reservation deposit may go up to 50%). A deposit ensures the consumer shippers secure a spot on the mover's busy schedule; it will also allow our dispatch team to start coordinating your move in advance, ensuring we have your truck ready and a staff scheduled and assigned. 40% is due upon loading. The remaining balance of 30% is due at the final destination. So there are 3 installments made.
Do you charge for stairs?
Most movers will charge a staircase fee for walking the Consumer’s/Shipper’s property up or down a flight of stairs. The first flight of stairs (one flight = 10 steps) is included at no charge. Each additional flight of stairs (10 steps) is $100 per move up to 1000 cubic feet, and $200 per move over 1000 cubic feet. Such charges as stairs, long carry, elevator, and shuttle fees are additional to the line-haul charges.
How much do I tip my movers?
There is no guideline on how to tip movers. The best practice to tip movers is $20 per hour for the entire crew. A regular move takes 6 to 10 hours.
How big are your trucks?
We operate a wide variety of moving vans and semi-trucks that will match your moving needs. Our fleet of 24, 26, and 28-foot trucks are commonly used for west regional deliveries. Larger moving trucks' capacity of space is around 1600 to 2300 cubic feet and a maximum weight load of around 7,000 to 10,000 pounds.
Can someone else be there for pickup or delivery?
Consumer shippers should be present at the time of loading or/and unloading. It is of critical importance for the Consumer shippers to be present on the day of the move. You are urged not to schedule your move on/or close to the date you need to vacate your property; or scheduled flights, business meetings, family dinners, job start dates– or any other events– close to or on your anticipated move or delivery day.
Do you offer coverage for all my items?
Yes. If only you chose a Full Value Protection valuation for an additional cost. Three deductible levels are available with the default selection being the ‘$0 deductible’ option, along with two deductible options of $500 & $1000 respectively. Under the FVP option; if any article is lost, destroyed, or damaged while in the moving company’s custody the company must offer to either repair the item, replace the item with a similar item, or make a cash settlement for the cost of the repair or the market replacement value.
Should I empty my dresser drawers?
For In-State or Out-of-State moves all moving companies require that all drawers must be emptied before the move day. Cabinets and dressers with full drawers will not be transported due to the high risk of damage to the actual furniture, walls, and floors. Refrigerators and/or freezers need to be empty and completely defrosted.
Are there any items you cannot move?
Yes. There is a list of the items that cannot be included in your shipment: Household cleaning products, corrosive chemicals, lawn and garden chemicals, flammable explosives, live animals or plants, gas and oil products, illegal items or substances, firearms, ammunition including gun power; and valuables in this category may include, but not limited to passport and official IDs, wedding & other photo albums, jewelry & precious metals, title documents, professional files, financial records, school records, medications including prescriptions and personal records.
Do I get a refund if I cancel my move?
Consumer shippers may cancel services no later than 72 hours before the scheduled move day, via written notification or by calling 650-257-2327. Customers must verify that the cancellation notice has been received by the mover's office. If you cancel the moving service less than 72 hours before the move day/time, for example on the pick-up day – a $500 cancellation fee will be deducted from the reservation deposit amount, and only the difference will be refunded. Consumer shippers may not cancel the moving service after services have begun, as that would be considered a breach of contract.
How long does it take for my items to arrive?
Pickup and delivery dates are not guaranteed unless the optional Premium Guaranteed Service is purchased. Our estimated delivery window: within 0 – 500 miles is 5 business days, 501 – 1000 miles is 10 business days, 1001 – 1500 is 14 business days, over 1501 miles 21 business days.
What happens if there is a delay with delivery to my new home?
The daily rate for the delivery delay is $100 per every business day after the last available delivery date listed. All estimated times of arrivals are subject to change depending on many industry factors such as traffic, weather conditions, unforeseen truck mechanical problems or unexpected services to be rendered with orders.
Can the movers arrange furniture in my new home?
We arrange basic furniture like your dining table, sofa, and beds. Also, if you have boxes that are labeled for specific rooms, we will take them there. The rest are left in the living room or garage.