Moving is a trust purchase: everything you own gets into a stranger's truck. California gives you real tools to vet that stranger. Use them.
The non-negotiables
- A CAL-T (or MTR) permit number. Legal California household movers are licensed and must display the number. Ask for it; verify it with the state. A mover who stalls on this question has answered it.
- Insurance. Basic valuation coverage comes with a legal move; full-value protection should be available on request.
- A written quote. Hourly rate for local, one flat rate for long distance, in writing, before the truck arrives.
Red flags with excellent track records
- A precise price over the phone without any inventory conversation
- Large cash deposits before moving day
- A quote that is half of everyone else's: it becomes double on moving day, when your belongings are the leverage
- No physical address, no license number on the website, reviews that read like ads
Our numbers, for the record: CAL-T #200805, CA #644816, and a 5.0 profile on Google you can read yourself.
Planning a move?
Free quote in 15 minutes, 7 days a week. Or call (408) 753-5454.