West Coast Movers

Moving is a big job, whether you are going across town or to the other end of the state. You have to pack, protect the furniture, load a truck, drive it, unload it and put everything back together, usually in a day or two and often while still working. That is why many people hand the heavy part to professional movers.

This guide explains what professional movers actually do, when hiring them is worth the money and how to choose a licensed mover in California. If you are looking for West Coast movers for a move inside California, it also explains how we work at JFK Moving.

What professional movers do

A good moving crew does much more than drive a truck. On a typical move the crew will:

• Wrap furniture in moving pads and protect fragile pieces before they leave the room.
• Take apart large items such as bed frames and tables, then put them back together at the new home.
• Load the truck so heavy items sit low and nothing shifts on the road.
• Carry everything up and down stairs, through hallways and into elevators.
• Unload and place furniture and boxes in the rooms where you want them.

Packing is usually a separate, optional service. You can pack yourself and let the crew handle the furniture, or have the movers pack some rooms or the whole home.

When it is worth hiring movers

Not every move needs a crew. If you live in a small studio and have friends with a truck, doing it yourself can make sense. Hiring professionals is usually worth it when:

• You have a house or a larger apartment with heavy furniture.
• There are stairs, an elevator or a long walk between the door and the truck.
• You have a fixed deadline, such as the last day of a lease or a closing date.
• You are moving a long way, for example from Northern California to Southern California.
• You cannot afford the time off or the risk of an injury from lifting.

How to choose a mover in California

The cheapest quote is not always the best one. Before you book, check these four things.

A valid CAL-T permit

Companies that move household goods for hire in California need a Household Movers Permit, shown as a CAL-T number. Ask every mover for its number and check that the permit is active with the state before you sign anything. Our permit is CAL-T 0191935, and you can see our details on the license page.

A written estimate

Get the price in writing before moving day and read what it includes. For hourly moves, ask what the hourly rate is for your crew size, how drive time is billed and whether there are extra charges for stairs, long carries or heavy items. For long-distance moves, ask whether the price is flat or depends on the final weight or hours.

Clear coverage

Ask what happens if something is damaged. Many movers include basic coverage at no extra cost and offer more protection on request. Make sure you know the limits before the move, not after.

Real reviews and straight answers

Read recent reviews on more than one site and call the company with your questions. A mover that answers clearly on the phone is more likely to be clear on moving day.

West Coast movers who stay in California

JFK Moving serves Southern California and moves within California only. We have offices in Los Angeles, Anaheim, Moreno Valley (our headquarters) and Escondido. Since 2017 we have completed more than 10,000 moves and hold a 4.7 rating from more than 1,600 reviews.

Here is how our pricing and policies work:

• Local moves are billed by the hour plus double drive time, which means the drive between your two addresses is billed twice. Weekday rates are $119 an hour for 2 movers, $159 for 3, $199 for 4 and $239 for 5. See all rates on plans and pricing.
• Long-distance moves stay inside California, use a dedicated truck and come with a flat written price.
• No stair or long-carry fees. Stairs and long walks to the truck do not add charges.
• Coverage: Released Value coverage at $0.60 per pound per item is included free, and more coverage is available on request. Details are on our valuation coverage page.
• Plan ahead: we do not take same-day moves, so book as early as you can.

We are also registered with US DOT number 3079794.

Get your moving estimate

Tell us where you are moving from and to, and we will give you a clear price. Request a free estimate online or call (877) 671-3535, every day from 8am to 7pm.