California movers

California is considered a land of opportunity. People from all over the world flock here in search of career opportunities. Families relocate from different parts of the United States in search of a successful career. Hence, there are number of moving companies active in the state.

Moving in California

The moving industry in California is so active that they have formed their own association. The association is called California Moving & Storage Association (CMSA) and is a non-profit association which was established way back in 1916. The association has most of the major moving companies as its members or associates. Currently, there are nearly 500 insured movers as members of the CMSA. Plus, there are 195 associate members of the association. The association has covered the whole geography of the state by its 12 chapters spread across all the major cities and towns of California.

Moving in California is broadly divided into 2 categories viz. Residential and Commercial. Further. Californian movers would ask you whether your move is local or long distance or international. If your move is for business purpose, the mover will want to know whether you are moving your office also along with you and your employees. Some movers also help you move your vehicle.

Preparing for moving

Most of the reputed movers in California keep with them boxes to pack your stuff. So you don’t have to run around gathering old boxes from friends for packing. Usually, if you are staying in a one bedroom apartment you would require about 30 boxes. Professionalmovers come with their whole moving kit and you don’t even have to give them your scissor. Their kit has tapes of different size and types. If you don’t have your own tapes, you can buy it from them. Ordinarily one roll of tape is required for 15-20 boxes. They also bring with them wrapping paper and blankets. Plus, they have the necessary toolkit to open any screws, etc. If you plan to move your collection of antique paintings or sculptures, you can be assured that a good Californian mover knows how to handle them and place it in the safest part of the moving truck.

Free moving

If you have excess furniture and you just want to get rid of it, there are movers who specialize in this free moving business. These movers take away whatever you want to get rid off and they don’t charge anything for that.

Finding a good mover in California

Finding good movers in California is not a difficult task. One can search on the web or go through the local yellow pages. Most big movers also have toll free numbers. If you are employed with a big corporate and moving to California, chances are that your employer can find you a good mover in California. California Department of Transportation offers a factsheet about Household Goods Movers and a list of organizations.

The moving industry, unfortunately, has many fraud parties operating. Cases of customers getting duped by movers are often heard. Hence, it is advisable to do certain checks before you decide on a mover for moving your household or office items. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the US has taken over the task of making every move safe for the customers. Its primary task is to reduce bus and truck crashes and enhance safety. One can check the registration of a mover on their website. You can also find a mover or broker registered with the administration and check mover credentials with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Tips for selecting a mover

Following points should be kept in mind while moving:

  1. Check buyer credentials with FMCSA and BBB.
  2. Talk to your friends and relatives and ask if they have used services of any mover.
  3. Talk to several movers and take quotes from all of them before you select anyone.
  4. Get the contact details of the mover and give them your contact details before the actual move.
  5. Ask the movers, how it will be compensated if your goods are damaged during the move. Ask if the mover has any kind of settlement program if a dispute arises between both of you.
  6. Check if the mover knows directions of your destination. If possible give him/her a map and directions.
  7. Keep the bill of lading, inventory list and other documents till the move is completely done to your satisfaction.
  8. If you have even little suspicion, drop the mover. There are many options available unless you are living in some very remote place of the state.

Some smart work and research can find you the best cost effective moving service in California. Finding a good mover is not rocket science, because above all you are in one of the best places of the world, the state of California.