“These guys were so amazing!”
Reliable Shippers For A Reasonable Price
Estimate moving cost in 30 seconds:
Customer Images
7790 people shipped using ThreeMovers last week

San Francisco Movers and Packers

Published by Chris Townsend

San Francisco Movers and Packers

SF Moving And Packing Companies

Are you looking for a packing and moving company in San Francisco for your haul? Whether you are about to embark on an interstate relocation or a local move, finding the right haulers and packers to support you is essential.

How Do I Find Movers and Packers in San Francisco?

Finding shifters and packers is easy if you determine what services you will need. You may be unfamiliar with moving jargon, and knowing some of the key terms will help you interact with the vendors for almost all the haul you make.

Search Online

Use Google or other search engines to look for a company. Other options include online listings and review sites like Yelp or Angie's List.

Ask for Recommendations

Ask friends, relatives, or coworkers for recommendations for transporters region.

Connect with the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)

The AMSA is a professional movers association, and they can provide a list of reputable haulers and packers.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, is an agency within the Department of Transportation that regulates companies.

Check with the California Public Utilities Commission

The CPUC can give a list of authorized transporters and regulate firms.

Contact Moving Brokers

Shifting brokers match clients with haulers who best meet their specifications. They can be a great resource for helping you choose the right company.

Difference between Binding and Non-Binding Estimation

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate is a price quote that will not change. It is based on the physical survey of household items, converted into the anticipated weight, plus accessorial service costs. Haulers are permitted to charge a fee for the preparation of a binding estimate. Shifters and packers must deliver your shipment if you pay 100% of the amount of a binding estimate plus the cost of impracticable operations in an amount not greater than 15% of the total bill.

Non-Binding Estimate

A non-binding estimate of the relocating cost based on the estimated weight of household items and any requested accessorial services. The final bill is determined by the correct weight and any added services. A visual inspection of the household goods is the basis for the estimate. Movers and packers in SF must deliver the shipment if the customer pays a maximum of 110% of the non-binding estimate and any charges for impracticable operations (subject to the 15% limit of the total invoice.)

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Good Packers?

The best way to answer that question is to obtain several estimates. The average cost for a long-distance move of a three-bedroom house full of goods is $4,300, but average means that half are more, and half are less, and that rate covers a distance of 1,250 miles. That price is for an essential move, not full service.

Moving An Apartment

If you have bulky furniture or need additional assistance, or even if you just have a lot of stuff to haul, your rate will likely be higher. Small transport, from one apartment to another, will be less costly than the more complex state to state moves. Some of the choices you make can make a transport more affordable if that is the goal.

Do You Really Need Packing Services?

Packing yourself is an excellent way to save money when moving. If you have the time to sort through what you are hauling, you can cut down the cost in two ways: first, by reducing the amount of weight in the shipment, and second by paying less in labor costs.

Here's a pro tip: clothing and linens are cheap packing protection for your dishes and other breakable items; use t-shirts and socks to protect fragile items, and you can save money on bubble wrap and packing paper. Newspaper works well also, so start keeping it in advance.

If you engage the local relocators and packers to pack for you, they won’t dispose of or donate anything; they will load everything. One thing to keep in mind is that they are professionals and they provide professional services according to your needs. They can get the job done quickly, and they know how to protect your valuable items from damage.

Also, transporters and packers may not accept liability for something damaged in a carton you packed unless they damaged the box. If you are doing the packing, ask your mover if you can borrow some of the wardrobe boxes that make moving the closet contents easier.

Do I Need To Pay For Insurance When Using Packing Services?

It is a good idea to consider the valuation options carefully when moving to San Francisco. SF Movers and packers' basic coverage only provides a substantial level of reimbursement if anything in your shipment is lost or damaged. The $0.60 per pound that the Released value option provides is not multiplied by the weight of the entire load; it is limited to the weight of each item or carton. That means that your 20-pound flat-screen television is valued at $12.00, which is certainly not enough to replace it.

Insurance Policy

Even a nice suit, which may only weigh a couple of pounds, is worth far more than the reimbursement you will get if it is lost or destroyed. The cost of the Full Value coverage may seem like an unnecessary expense unless it turns out that you need it. No matter which level of coverage you choose, verify that you understand the limits, deductibles, and exclusions. Any item of “extraordinary value,” which is defined as over $100 per pound, must be identified separately on the inventory.

What Are the Factors That Affect Costs?

Different factors affect haulers:

Weather: The unpredictable weather, which frequently includes heavy winds and fog, can make it challenging for movers to deliver household goods safely.

High Labor Costs: Due to San Francisco's high cost of living, hiring relocators and packers may be more expensive.

High Demand: The most desirable place to live in, San Francisco, has a strong demand for movers and packers, which might result in higher costs and longer wait times.

Strict Regulations: San Francisco has specific laws for businesses, including obtaining the appropriate licenses and permissions and adhering to particular safety requirements. This can result in higher charges for packers and movers.

Geography: Moving heavy objects can be challenging in San Francisco due to the city's renowned hills and rough slopes.

Bulky Article Charge: Shifters can assess extra charges for large items, including pool tables, pianos, hot tubs, and exercise equipment.

Flight Charge: An additional charge for a mover to carry items up or down.

Full-Service Moving: When a hauler performs the entire process from start to finish for the customer. These services include providing materials, packing, loading, transporting, unloading, unpacking, and clean-up. It may also increase the cost of movers.

Impracticable Operations: Conditions prohibiting a shifting from completing loading or delivery with their standard equipment or requiring additional labor. The company will delineate these terms in their tariff and may add applicable charges to the final invoice.
Long Carry Charge: An extra fee is applied when haulers carry goods a long distance from a residence to the truck or vice versa.

PBO: Packed By Owner. Designates when a customer packs goods, which can affect liability.

Peak Season Rates: Quotes for moves during high demand for moving companies, usually during the summer.

Quote: The price of services offered to a moving customer.

Storage-In-Transit (SIT): Temporary storage of your shipment before delivery for various reasons. It can result in additional charges.

High-Value Articles: Household items that cost more than $100 per pound. You must specifically note these for proper insurance coverage.

Household goods: Contents of a residence, items to be moved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chris Townsend is a moving professional and relocation expert that has more than 10 years of experience in the moving industry. With a background that includes working in virtually every aspect of the company, he has distinguished himself as an integral part of our operations with expertise in all things related to moving. Chris has a keen eye for detail and brings intelligence and passion to every project he’s involved with.

While getting his degree in communications from Santa Clara University, Chris started out with the company working in the field as part of our team of professional moving associates. Following graduation, he was promoted to our main office, where he has thrived in a role that involves increasing responsibility and requires him to wear many different hats. Some days, you may find him answering the phone and providing moving estimates, others he may be writing for our moving blog, and another day he may be coordinating a large corporate moving job or helping us with our marketing efforts. Chris has authored many of our in-depth moving guides, as well as provided our clients with information and advice to handle the complexities of their upcoming moving plans. Simply put, there’s nothing he can’t do and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him.

Email Me

4.8/5 average star rating

Do You Want To Get Your Quote Instantly?

Get your quote and answer any questions you have by calling us:

1-888-202-0036
Female Customer
© Copyright 2024 ThreeMovers.com