Household Moving

Companies moving household goods within, into, or out of California must be licensed with BHGS.

Companies moving household goods into or out of California must also be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Confirm the company's business address by visiting their office, searching online, or checking their city business license.

Check the company's reputation through credible sources such as the Better Business Bureau and keep an eye out for scam reports. Remember, not all reviews are reliable – some are paid for or come from people with a personal interest in the company.

We recommend that visual inspections - where the moving company reviews and documents items to be moved - be done in person. For moves into or out of California, this is also called a physical survey. For moves within California, a visual inspection is required with the estimate.

Compare moving companies to find the one that is right for you. After a visual inspection, the mover will give you a written estimate or quote detailing the total transportation and service charges, method of payment, and insurance type. Take note of what damages are covered.

• For moves within California, the mover must sign the estimate. Moves less than 100 miles can be charged by the hour. Moves over 100 miles must be charged by weight and mileage.
• For moves into and out of California, you and the mover must both sign the estimate. Take note if the estimate is binding (i.e. guarantees the total cost of the move unless you request additional services) or non-binding (i.e. estimates the cost, and the final cost will be determined by the actual weight of the shipment).

If you want to add items to the move after the visual inspection, you and the mover will sign a change order for moves within California or update the estimate for moves into and out of California before the shipment is loaded.

Be wary of estimates that are given to you before a visual inspection, are far cheaper than others, are missing inventory details, or list a P.O. box as the business address.

If you make a deposit, be sure to get a receipt. Look out for hidden language to see if the company you paid the deposit to is different from the mover you believe you hired. Be wary of companies that require a large deposit or an electronic or digital transfer deposit.

At least three days before your move, the company must give you a moving agreement or Bill of Lading. You and your mover must both sign the agreement before your move. For moves within California, this should include a “Not to Exceed Price” or the maximum rate you can be charged unless there are change orders. Don't allow any moving to begin until you receive this agreement and agree to the charges.

Before the move starts, take inventory of your belongings using video or photos. Move any irreplaceable items such as important documents, family photos, and jewelry yourself. For moves into or out of California, the mover must provide an itemized inventory that you can verify.

Ask for the name and ID of the people conducting the move. You should also note a description of the moving vehicles - make, model, and license plates. It also helps to take photos.