Careful Movers, Free Estimates, Moving, Packing, Hauling. Movers in Bay Area.

FAQ's

Q	When should I call a moving company?
A:	The earlier, the better. Although the actual truck assignment may not be made until a few days before your move, it's wise to give your moving company from four to six week's notice, if possible.

Q	Is Careful Movers locally owned and operated?
A:	Yes we are! Why is that important? We are not a branch or franchise of an out-of-area corporation. Your referral to your friends and family is very important to us, so we work hard to satisfy every customer.

Q	Is Careful Movers fully licensed and insured?
A:	Careful Movers is licensed by both Public Utility Commission and California State Department of Transportation. We carry all proper insurances and always ready to provide it on your behalf.

Q	Are you a member of Better Business Bureau?
A:	Yes we are! Call or go online to verify and check our record.Click here

Q	How do you charge?
A:	We charge by the hour or set a flat rate

Q	Do you have a minimum?
A:	Yes we have a minimum. Make sure you understand what it is and how it works.

Q	What is double drive time?
A:	Double drive time means that the drive time between your origin and destination is charged double; it is a state law and is a requirement for all moving companies.

What is basic insurance coverage?

This is the often called limited liability and is the minimum coverage required by law. This insurance is included in hourly rate and does not cost you any extra money. This minimal amount of liability must be provided to any consumer when transporting goods. Loss or damage claims are settled based on the pound weight of the article multiplied by 60 cents. For example, if you have a 100 pound TV and it’s damaged in transit, you would be entitled to a total of $60.00 for the replacement of the TV.

Q	What is considered overtime?
A:	Moving services that exceed the normal eight hour time period are considered overtime. The overtime rate is 1.5 times the base hourly rate, prorated to the quarter hour. Hourly rates include equipment and vehicles.

Q	What do I need to do to prepare my appliances for the move?
A:	The moving crew will wrap these items in moving blankets to protect them on the truck. However, it is your responsibility to make certain that your dishwasher, microwave, washer/dryer and refrigerator are defrosted, drained and or emptied.

Q	Should I tip my movers?
A:	Tipping is courtesy, not a requirement. It is a generous way of showing the movers your gratitude, for their exceptional work. Please do not include tips in the same check.

Moving Advice

Don't wait: Start packing 3 to 4 weeks before your move.

Start by packing the things you use least, such as books, seasonal clothing or sports equipment, and knickknacks.

When packing for a summer move, bag items that may soften in the heat, such as candles, soaps, etc.

Use the opportunity to organize, getting rid of outdated items you don't use.

Use strong cardboard boxes - small boxes for heavier items, large boxes for lighter items. Don't over pack.

Don't skimp on packing tape (and always buy more than you think you'll need).

Pack your books flat, alternating bindings so they stack evenly.

To stay neat, concentrate on packing one room at a time, stacking finished boxes against one wall.

Use your computer to print out labels indicating each box's source room, and attach to each completed box (also saving valuable unpacking time).

Pack alarm clocks, medication, valuables, and urgent items in a separate, clearly marked box or bag. Make copies of important documents such as wills, contracts, and passports.(Need to add period at the end of passport)

Always wrap nuts and bolts in a clearly labeled plastic bag.

Empty dressers completely (furniture tends to break more easily if not emptied first).

Beware of hidden costs from less scrupulous movers. To avoid additional charges on moving day, provide movers with as much information as possible at the time of the estimate, so you can get a better idea of your total cost.

A good mover should quilt and secure furniture and large items, and help to pack and unpack major electronics. They should also provide wardrobe boxes on moving day.

One less-known item: Most movers won’t reassemble Baby Cribs, for important safety reasons, so make sure to have a knowledgeable person ready to do so.

Do not pack flammables like aerosol cans, paints, or gasoline. Carefully dispose of gasoline and oil from machinery beforehand. Don't pack perishables like frozen foods, produce, or plants -transport these yourself.

Don't place soaps, sprays, polishes, and medicine in the same box as food. Don't pack heavy items with dishware.

Take care of your moving team in the summer heat. Keep chilled water or soda available so they don't dehydrate.

If you're delighted with your move, don't forget to tip upon completion.

Packing Tips

How to pack your Kitchen? - China, Glassware & Silverware!

Moving company packers use a dish pack - an exceptionally sturdy corrugated carton of double- wall construction — for china, glassware and other fragile items less than 18 inches in size. Unless cartons of similar strength and construction are valuable, you might want to purchase several dish packs from the moving company.

Wrap all pieces of china and glassware individually in clean paper. Using several sheets of paper, start from the corner, wrapping diagonally and continuously tucking in overlapping edges. A double layer of newspaper serves well as an outer wrapping. A generous amount of paper padding and cushioning is required for all china and glassware. Always label cartons, "FRAGILE”

Larger china and glass plates, platters and other flat pieces are excellent as the lowest layer in a dish pack. Place cushioning material in the bottom of a carton. Wrap each piece individually then wrap up to three in a bundle with a double layer of newspaper. Place these bundled items in the carton in a row on edge. Smaller plates, saucers and shallow bowls can make up a second layer. Wrap and pack in the same way as larger items.

Even when using a dish pack and mini-cells for china, wrap cups individually, protecting handles with an extra layer of paper. Then, pack cups upside down. If not using a dish pack or cells, wrap cups as previously described in a double layer of paper and place them upside down on rims in a row on an upper layer with all handles facing the same direction. Complete the layer as for plates.

Because air causes silver to tarnish, all silver pieces should be enclosed completely in clean tissue paper or plastic wrap. Hollowware — including bowls, tea sets and serving dishes — should be wrapped carefully as fragile items and packed like china. Loose flatware may be wrapped either individually or in sets, and in clear plastic or tissue.

How to pack Fragile & Delicate items? – Mirrors, Pictures, Lamp Shades & Statues!

Many moving companies use a material called bubble wrap for exceptionally fragile items. If an item is extremely valuable as well as delicate, it might be wise to have it packed for you. Special materials might be needed for maximum protection.

Wrap first in tissue paper, paper towels or facial tissue. Then, wrap carefully in newsprint that has been crushed and flattened out. Be sure the items are well-protected with plenty of cushioning. Small mirrors, plaques and pictures should be wrapped individually in tissue paper. A bath towel or small blanket makes an excellent outer wrapping and padding for glass. Place items on edge in a carton.

An arrangement of artificial flowers should be packed in its own carton. Wrap carefully in plastic wrap, tissue paper or paper towels. If possible, fasten the base of the floral piece to the bottom of the carton.

After removing the light bulb and lamp harp, wrap the base, harp and bulb separately in newsprint. (Use paper pads for large lamps.) Place them together in a carton, filling spaces with crushed paper. More than one well-cushioned lamp may be packed in a carton.

Never wrap lamp shades in newspaper. Carefully wrap each shade in three or four sheets of tissue paper, a pillowcase or a large lightweight towel. Use a sturdy carton at least two inches larger all around than the largest shade. Line it with clean paper, using crushed paper under the lamp shade to create a protective layer, but not around the shade. A small shade can be nested inside a large one. Do not pack other items with shades. Label cartons "LAMP SHADES -FRAGILE."

Glass table tops, marble slabs, large mirrors, paintings, statues and large vases are all easy to damage. Glass might shatter, and marble slabs can crack at veins. Paper never should be permitted to touch the surface of an oil painting. It’s best to consult with your moving company about custom-made cartons and crates for items of this kind.

How to pack Books, Photographs, CD’s & Records?

Pack your books either flat or with the spine touching the bottom of the carton. Do not pack with spine facing up, as glue can break away from the binder. Pack books of the same general size together. Expensively bound volumes or those of special sentimental value should be individually wrapped before packing. Because books are heavy, be sure to use small cartons.

Family photographs, videos, slides and negatives should be packed in separate cartons rather than being combined with other household items. Protect framed photos with padding and cushioning, standing them on edge in a carton. Label cartons clearly for easy identification.

Remove your CD’s, tapes and records from the stereo or storage cabinet. Keep in mind records are heavy and should be packed in small cartons.

Stand compact discs and records on edge, never flat, on a layer of crushed paper. Support at both ends with a large, hardcover book or several pieces of cardboard cut to fit. Top with another layer of crushed paper. Identify contents on the outside of the box and mark "FRAGILE."

Cassette tapes should be placed in the protective plastic box in which they came, if possible, and then wrapped individually in crumpled paper. Place individual tapes either vertically or horizontally on a couple of layers of crushed paper.

How to pack Clothing, Linens & Bedding, Curtains and Rugs?

Clothing left on hangers and placed in wardrobe box used by moving companies will arrive at destination wrinkle-free. You might want to purchase several of these special cartons from your moving company if moving long distance. One wardrobe will hold about 20 hangers of compressed clothes. If wardrobe cartons are not used, each garment should be removed from its hanger, folded and placed in a suitcase or a carton lined with clean paper. Some lightweight clothing — such as lingerie and sweaters — may be left in bureau drawers. It is recommended that you take your furs with you rather than having them moved on the van.

Hats may be left in hatboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, stuff the crown of each hat with crumpled tissue paper; wrap tissue loosely around the outside and place in a carton lined with clean paper, with the heavier hats on the bottom. Don't pack anything else with hats. Label the carton "FRAGILE."

Footwear may be left in shoeboxes and placed in a large carton. Or, wrap each shoe individually and then in pairs. Footwear should be cushioned to avoid damage to heels or ornaments. Don't pack heavy items on top of shoes.

Blankets, sheets, tablecloths, towels, pillowcases and other linens may be protected by a large plastic bag and packed in a carton that has been lined with clean paper. Wrap your most prized linens in tissue. Also, linens and bedding are good for cushioning or padding many types of items. Pillows may be placed in bureau drawers or packed in cartons.

Clothing wardrobes are ideal for moving curtains and draperies. Fold them lengthwise, place over a padded hanger, pin securely and hang in the wardrobe. Draperies and curtains also may be folded and packed in cartons lined with clean paper or plastic wrap.

Leave rugs on the floor for the moving company to handle. If they've just been returned from the cleaners, leave them rolled.

How to prepare Small Appliances, Tools and Outdoor Equipment?

Items such as clocks, small radios and other small appliances should be wrapped individually and packed in a carton cushioned with crushed paper. Small clocks, transistor radios and similar items can be packed in the same carton with linens or as extra items with lamp bases. Make sure cords are wrapped so as not to scratch or otherwise damage items. Steam irons should be emptied of all water, wrapped and placed in the cushioned bottom of a box. Remove all batteries from small appliances before packing.

Long-handled garden tools, as well as brooms and mops, should be bundled together securely. Attachments should be removed from power tools and packed separately. Hand tools may be left in tool boxes and the spaces filled with crushed paper, or they may be packed according to general packing rules. Always use small cartons because tools usually are heavy.

Before moving day, dismantle children's swing sets, TV antennas and garden sheds. Gather pieces and bundle together with nylon cord. Place small hardware in a cloth bag and securely attach to corresponding equipment. Prepare lawn mower by draining gasoline prior to the day of loading.

How to pack special household items?

Home computers, microwave ovens and stereo systems require special care to ensure they arrive at destination safely. If you saved the original cartons and packing materials in which these items arrived, it is best to repack using those materials. Should you not have these materials, you might want to contact a store selling your particular item and ask if discarded packing materials are available. Careful Movers is familiar with current techniques for properly packing electronic items and can assist you with advice or pack the items for you. It is your responsibility to disconnect electronic items prior to packers' arrival.

How to pack Food?

Take only food items you are sure will travel well. Do not take anything perishable. In the winter months, do not take anything subject to freezing. Open boxes of dried or powdered foods such as rice, macaroni and cereals should be sealed with tape. Small containers of herbs and spices, condiments, bouillon cubes, gelatin, flavorings, etc. should be placed together in a small box before packing in a large carton. Cover holes of shaker-type containers and seal with tape. Since canned goods are heavy, the amount placed in one carton should be limited.

Non-Allowable

Before your possessions are packed and loaded, it is important that you understand which items cannot be shipped because they represent a hazard or are perishable. Listed below are some common non-allowable items that you will need to address prior to your pack and load dates.

Hazardous Materials not to be shipped – items that are flammable, corrosive or explosive.

Fire Extinguisher

Kerosene

Gasoline

Aerosols

Motor Oil

Pool Chemicals

Nail Polish

Paints (latex & oil-based)

Paint Thinner

Liquid Bleach

Charcoal Lighter