3-hour minimum
Hourly rated jobs have a 3-hour minimum labor charge. If labor plus the original drive time totals less than 3 hours, the minimum charge is 3 hours.
Rates & policies
Clear rules.
No mystery math.
Rates and availability can vary by market, date, crew size and move details. This page explains the billing rules and common charges that matter before you reserve.
3-hour labor minimum15-minute increments after minimum$0.60/lb basic valuation
Quick guide
The rules people usually need first.
01
Hourly billing3-hour minimum · 15-minute increments · California Double Drive Time
→02Reservation & paymentReservation fee · accepted payment methods · payment timing
→03Extra chargesHeavy items · overnight storage · hoisting · packing materials
→04Cancellations48 hours requested · late cancellation · same-day fee
→05Valuation & claims$0.60/lb basic valuation · claims timing · valuables
→06LimitationsServices we do not provide, items we do not move, responsibility limits
→Hourly jobs
How hourly pricing works.
15-minute increments
After the minimum is met, labor time is billed in 15-minute increments.
Double Drive Time
For California hourly-rated moves, the driving time between origin and destination is duplicated, prorated and added to the final bill. If the drive takes 30 minutes, another 30 minutes is added. Only the original drive time counts toward the 3-hour minimum; the additional Double Drive Time is added afterward.
Overtime
Time-and-a-half rates apply after 8 hours of labor and/or after 8:00 PM.
Reservation & payment
Reserve the date.
Know the payment rules.
Reservation fee
A reservation fee is required to secure the reservation. For most moves, it is due no later than 24 hours before the move. Same-day and next-day reservations have the payment deadline stated at booking.
Payment methods
Cash receives a discount off the hourly rate. Other accepted methods are Zelle, Venmo and credit/debit cards. PayPal and personal checks are not accepted. For long-distance moves, cashier's checks are accepted and must be ready upon completion.
Payment timing
Payment in full is due on the day of the move. Delayed payments are not accepted.
Discounts
All discounts must be applied before final payment is processed. Discounts are not credited, applied or refunded after payment has been completed.
Additional fees
Items that change the job.
Tell us about heavy items, packing needs and special access before moving day so the estimate reflects the real scope.
$150 upright piano / extra-heavy fee
Applies to upright pianos and items that require unusually difficult handling because of their weight, size, stairs or access. Applicability is confirmed after reviewing the item and access.
$150 overnight storage fee
Applies when items remain in our truck overnight for delivery the following morning.
$250 baby grand piano
Ground-floor pickup and delivery only.
$150 hoisting fee
Applies to approved one-floor balcony hoists. Prior approval is required.
Packing materials
Boxes, packing paper and other packing materials are available for an additional charge upon request.
Moving blankets & wardrobe boxes
Provided at no charge during the move. Additional charges apply if retained afterward.
Preparation
A little prep saves a lot of time.
Empty drawers, dressers, refrigerators and freezers whenever possible. This reduces weight, saves time and may help avoid extra-heavy charges.
Schedule enough movers to complete the move efficiently. The right crew size often reduces total moving time.
Pack small items in small or medium boxes, fill boxes nearly full, and label fragile boxes and destination rooms.
Notify us in advance of items weighing approximately 250 lbs or more, especially when stairs are involved.
If packing, inventory, addresses, elevator reservations or other move details change, notify us promptly so the appropriate crew can be scheduled.
Reserve elevators and loading docks whenever possible. Delays caused by unavailable elevators or docks are billable.
The customer or authorized contact should be present at both locations to direct the movers. Waiting time caused by customer delays or lack of access is billable.
Please secure pets before the move to reduce the risk of injury or escape.
Cancellations & reschedules
Plans change.
Timing still matters.
48 hours requested
We kindly request at least 48 hours' notice to change or cancel a move date.
Less than 24 hours
For late cancellations less than 24 hours before the move, the reservation fee is not refundable.
Same-day cancellation / reschedule
A same-day cancellation or reschedule results in a 3-hour fee due the same day.
Things to remember
The move works better when the details are known.
Customer presence
The customer or authorized contact must be present at origin and destination. If that is not possible, notify us as soon as possible. A valid ID and completed card authorization form may be required before the move.
Rates & availability
Rates and availability may vary based on demand.
Parking
The customer is responsible for parking availability and any parking citations.
Truck size
Truck size is estimated from the move and may range from approximately 20 to 26 ft.
Floor protection
Floor protection must be requested at least 48 hours before the move. Additional charges may apply for carpet or Masonite protection.
Estimates
Estimated hours or total cost are not guaranteed unless based on a visual estimate, virtual or on-site. Time estimates based on project descriptions and similar moves are not binding.
Right to refuse service
We reserve the right to refuse service under conditions we consider harmful, unsafe, unsanitary, abusive or outside the scope of household moving. Applicable minimum charges and reservation-fee terms may still apply.
Subhaulers
Services may be performed by a licensed and insured subhauler authorized by the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Bureau of Household Goods and Services.
Valuation & claims
Coverage has rules too.
Basic valuation
Basic valuation coverage is $0.60 per pound per damaged article.
Claims timing
Claims, repairs and settlements are not processed on the day of the move. The Bill of Lading must be paid in full upon completion before the claim process proceeds.
Small valuables
Keep cash, credit/debit cards, watches, jewelry and other small valuables with you. These items are best kept in your personal possession throughout the move.
Limitations
What is not included.
Services not provided
- Appliance installation, water shutoff or utility hookup
- TV wall mounting
- Disposal unless agreed in advance
- Chandelier disconnection or installation
- Electronic device setup
- Unpacking unless arranged before the reservation
We do not move
- Pool tables
- Hot tubs / Jacuzzis
- Propane tanks, gas tanks, flammable or hazardous materials
- Perishable food
- Cat litter or dirty / unsanitary items
Responsibility limits
- Electronics or appliances with no visible physical damage that fail to operate
- Items the customer declines to have properly wrapped or protected
- Contents of customer-packed boxes when the box shows no visible external damage
- Condition of live plants during transport
By paying the reservation fee, the customer acknowledges that they have read and agree to the applicable terms and conditions for the move.
Get an estimate
Tell us about your move.
We will quote the actual date, market, crew and project rather than forcing every move into one published hourly number.