A moving estimate is only as useful as the information behind it. Before booking, confirm that the mover has the correct inventory, addresses, access conditions, dates, and requested services.
California intrastate moves and interstate moves are governed by different authorities and documents. This guide helps you identify the questions to ask; it is not legal advice and does not replace the current rules or your signed agreement.
First identify the type of move
A move entirely within California is generally an intrastate move. A move crossing a state line is an interstate move, even when the destination is close to the California border.
For household moves within California, review the Bureau of Household Goods and Services consumer information. For interstate moves, use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Protect Your Move resources.
Build the estimate from a complete inventory
Walk through every room, closet, garage, patio, storage area, and detached structure. Include:
- Furniture, appliances, boxes, bins, and loose items.
- Safes, artwork, mirrors, exercise equipment, pianos, and oversized pieces.
- Items that require disassembly, crating, or third-party servicing.
- Property that the owner will transport separately.
- Packing, unpacking, storage, or debris-removal requests.
Tell the mover when the inventory changes. Added items or services can change the crew, vehicle, materials, time, and charges.
Document access at both addresses
The distance between addresses is only one part of the work. Provide:
- Stairs, elevators, loading docks, gates, and service entrances.
- The legal truck position and walking distance to the door.
- Garage, alley, driveway, bridge, and overhead clearances.
- Building move hours and elevator reservations.
- Parking permits, temporary no-parking signs, or right-of-way approvals.
- Certificate-of-insurance and vendor-registration instructions.
Photographs and a short access video can help clarify conditions that are difficult to describe.
Review the California intrastate documents
The California regulator says licensed household movers must provide required consumer documents and that a mover must conduct a visual inspection before providing a written estimate. It also describes a “Not to Exceed” price requirement for household moves within California.
Read the current state guidance and the moving-services agreement. Verify:
- The mover’s legal name and permit information.
- The inventory and services used to prepare the estimate.
- The stated not-to-exceed amount and any lawful exceptions.
- Packing-material, storage, access, and special-handling charges.
- Valuation or protection selections and claims instructions.
- Pickup, delivery, cancellation, and payment terms.
Review the interstate documents
FMCSA identifies several core interstate documents:
- A written estimate.
- The order for service.
- The bill of lading.
- The shipment inventory.
The FMCSA successful-move guidance explains that the bill of lading is the contract and receipt for the shipment and that the mover prepares an inventory.
Do not sign blank or incomplete paperwork. Read every page, keep copies, and ask for corrections before signing.
Compare estimates on the same scope
A lower number is not comparable when it excludes services included elsewhere. Create one scope sheet and give it to every mover:
- The same item inventory.
- The same origin and destination access.
- The same packing responsibility.
- The same storage duration and access needs.
- The same requested dates.
- The same valuation selection.
Then compare the described work, not only the total.
Before you book
Verify the company through the correct state or federal regulator, read the agreement, confirm the inventory and access, and make sure every promised service appears in writing.