What Every California Customer Should Know Before Moving Day

At Johnson & Daly Moving & Storage, we believe an informed customer is a confident one. Moving a household is a significant undertaking, and the more you understand about how the process works, the smoother and more predictable your experience will be. This page is here to walk you through the essentials of a California household move, explain the protections you are entitled to, and show you exactly what to expect when you work with us.

We serve customers statewide, and every move we perform is governed by California regulations designed to protect you. Below, we have summarized the most important points so you can plan with clarity and ask the right questions.

Your Move Is Regulated for Your Protection

Household moves within California are overseen by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (the Bureau), part of the Department of Consumer Affairs. The Bureau sets the rules that licensed movers must follow, including maximum rates, required paperwork, and your rights as a consumer. These rules are published in a document called Maximum Rate Tariff 4.

Before your move, your mover is required to provide you with the Bureau’s official consumer guide. We encourage every customer to read it in full. You can review it here: Important Information for Persons Moving Household Goods (within California).

We strongly recommend confirming that any mover you consider, including us, is properly licensed and insured. Licensed California movers carry a “Cal T-number” issued by the Bureau, and you can verify a company’s standing, look up its license, and check for any citations or legal actions through the Bureau’s website or by calling its consumer line. A reputable mover will always welcome this kind of verification.

Estimates: Always Get It in Writing

One of the most important steps in any move is getting a clear, written estimate. We recommend requesting written estimates from two or more movers so you can compare prices and services on equal footing.

Here is what matters most about estimates in California:

A written estimate is binding on the mover. A verbal quote or an online “per hour” or “per 100 pounds” figure is not binding and should never be treated as your final cost. To avoid surprises, insist on a total cost in writing.

Written estimates must be based on a visual inspection of your belongings, whether in person or through an approved virtual walkthrough, and they must show the total estimated charges. When you request your estimate, be thorough and consistent. Tell us about everything you want moved, any special services you need, and any conditions that could affect pickup or delivery, such as stairs, long walkways, narrow streets, or elevator access at either location. The more we know about both your current home and your destination, the more accurate your estimate will be and the fewer unexpected charges you will see on moving day.

Local Moves vs. Long-Distance Moves

California distinguishes between two types of moves, and the distinction affects how you are charged.

A local move is 100 miles or less. These are typically charged by the hour. On shorter local moves, some movers may quote an hourly rate rather than performing a full visual inspection, but you are always entitled to request a written estimate of your total cost.

A long-distance move is more than 100 miles. These must be charged based on the weight of your shipment and the mileage of the move.

Be aware that minimums may apply. On an hourly move, a company may set a minimum number of hours. On a distance move, a minimum shipment weight may apply. We will always explain any minimums that affect your move in advance and in writing, so there are no surprises.

The “Not to Exceed Price”

California law is designed to ensure you know the cost of your move before it begins. Before any work starts, your mover must give you a Not to Exceed Price, the maximum you can be charged for the services described in your Agreement.

The only way that price can increase is if you add items or request additional services that were not part of the original Agreement. When that happens, the mover documents the additions on a Change Order for Services, which you review and sign before the work is done. Never sign a blank Change Order, and always keep a copy for your records. If you have a written estimate, the estimate amount becomes the highest price you can be charged, aside from any agreed Change Order additions.

Paperwork and Your Agreement

California moves involve several documents, and reviewing them carefully protects you. Your Agreement for Moving Services will include the mover’s name, license number, address, and contact information; your contact details; the origin and destination; the loading and preferred delivery dates; a summary of the move; the declared value of your goods; the rates and any minimums; and the Not to Exceed Price.

Whenever possible, the completed Agreement should be provided to you at least three days before your move, giving you time to review it and ask questions. The Not to Exceed Price is filled in and signed by both you and the mover before loading begins.

A few simple habits will serve you well: read every form before signing, make sure each form is fully filled out, never sign a blank document, and always keep a copy of everything you sign.

Protecting Your Belongings

Every move includes a basic level of liability protection at no extra charge: 60 cents per pound, per article. While this is included automatically, it is minimal. For example, a 20-pound item that is lost or damaged would be covered for only $12, regardless of what it actually cost.

Because most households own items worth far more than that, California gives you the option to choose greater protection:

Actual Cash Value protection covers the depreciated, fair-market value of a lost or damaged item, up to the total value you declare.

Full Value protection covers the replacement value of a lost or damaged item, up to the value you declare. This level typically costs more but offers the strongest peace of mind, and the mover may repair, replace, or reimburse.

A few important reminders: declare items of extraordinary value, such as antiques, artwork, or collectibles, and list them specifically. It is best to personally carry jewelry, cash, important documents, and small valuables rather than shipping them. Before purchasing added protection, check whether your existing homeowner’s or renter’s insurance already covers items in transit.