Long-Distance Moving in Sacramento: Hiring Guide

Establish the route and check the company

Tell each prospective mover whether your shipment stays within California or crosses into another state. BHGS directs consumers to check its licensing for both routes and federal licensing for moves into or out of California. Ask for the company's legal name and confirm that the company on your estimate matches the company you intend to hire. [1]

BHGS recommends confirming the business address and researching the company's reputation. It cautions that some reviews come from paid contributors or people with a personal interest in the business. Treat reviews as one part of your check, and ask the company to explain who will transport your belongings and who will answer delivery or damage questions. [1]

Before comparing offers, write down your pickup address, destination, preferred loading date and acceptable delivery window. Include stairs, elevator arrangements, parking access and items you want packed. Ask each company to describe how it will handle those conditions in its written offer.

Compare the full shipment and written charges

Arrange a visual inspection before accepting an estimate. BHGS recommends an in-person inspection and requires a visual inspection with the estimate for moves within California. Show the mover the belongings you intend to ship, including items in storage areas, and keep your own copy of the inventory you discussed. [1]

For moves within California, BHGS says movers can charge by the hour for routes under 100 miles and must charge by weight and mileage for routes over 100 miles. Ask the mover to explain its charging method and list transportation, packing and other requested services. Compare the total scope rather than a headline rate. [1]

For a move into or out of California, distinguish a binding estimate from a non-binding estimate. BHGS describes a binding estimate as guaranteeing the total unless you request additional services; a non-binding estimate depends on the shipment's actual weight. Both you and the mover must sign the interstate estimate. Ask what happens if your inventory changes before loading. [1]

Resolve changes and paperwork before loading

BHGS says the company must give you a moving agreement or Bill of Lading at least three days before the move, and both parties must sign before moving begins. For a move within California, the agreement should include a Not to Exceed Price, which sets the maximum charge unless you approve change orders. [1]

If you add belongings after the inspection, BHGS directs you and the mover to sign a change order for an in-state move or update the estimate for an interstate move before loading. Walk through the inventory again before the crew starts. Resolve missing items, packing requests and disputed charges while you can still review the paperwork. [1]

If you pay a deposit, obtain a receipt and check the identity of the recipient. BHGS warns about large deposits, electronic or digital transfer deposits, and contract language naming a different company from the mover you thought you hired. Ask the company to explain payment timing and accepted methods before you commit. [1]

Coordinate electricity and departure conditions

For an address SMUD serves, submit your service request around your actual handover dates. SMUD accepts start-service requests up to 35 days ahead and stop-service requests up to 30 days ahead. It processes requests on weekdays excluding holidays. Keep electricity available for your planned cleaning and final walkthrough, and confirm the requested service dates in your account. [2]

Existing SMUD customers can use My Account to stop, transfer or add service. If your destination uses another utility, confirm its process separately. Do not apply SMUD's request windows to the destination provider. [2]

The National Weather Service Sacramento page provides access to Current Hazards, Travel and Forecast Discussion resources. Consult those resources when preparing for departure, then check forecasts along your route and at your destination. Discuss any anticipated access or travel concern with the mover before loading. [3]

Prepare your belongings and delivery handoff

Photograph or video your belongings before the crew starts. BHGS recommends moving irreplaceable documents, family photographs and jewelry yourself. For moves into or out of California, the mover must provide an itemized inventory for you to verify. Compare that inventory with your own records before signing. [1]

Ask for the crew members' names and identification, and record the vehicle description and license plates, as BHGS advises. Keep your signed paperwork, receipts and shipment contact information accessible during travel. Carry the essentials you need before delivery, and arrange for someone to receive the shipment if you cannot attend. [1]

SMUD advance service-request windows

Choose the next step for your move

Your hiring checklist

1. Write down the destination, pickup date and acceptable delivery window.
2. Check the mover's legal identity and applicable licenses.
3. Arrange an inspection and give each bidder the same inventory.
4. Request written transportation, packing and access arrangements.
5. Read the estimate, moving agreement and payment terms before signing.
6. Resolve inventory changes before the crew loads your belongings.
7. Confirm electricity dates, loading access and destination access.
8. Photograph belongings and keep essential documents with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a long-distance move within California follow interstate rules?

BHGS distinguishes moves within California from moves across the state boundary. For an in-state move, check the BHGS license and Not to Exceed Price. For an interstate move, also check federal licensing and whether the signed estimate is binding or non-binding. [1]

Can I compare quotes before the mover sees my belongings?

Arrange an inspection before choosing an estimate. BHGS requires a visual inspection with an in-state estimate and recommends in-person inspections. It warns about estimates that precede an inspection or omit inventory details. [1]

How far ahead can I arrange SMUD service changes?

SMUD accepts start-service requests up to 35 days in advance and stop-service requests up to 30 days in advance. It processes requests Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. These limits describe advance request windows, so confirm your requested dates. [2]

What should I keep out of the shipment?

BHGS recommends carrying irreplaceable documents, family photos and jewelry yourself. Also pack the belongings you need before delivery in a separate bag, and keep your moving paperwork accessible. [1]