San Francisco Movers

San Francisco movers and storage services covering the Bay Area, Peninsula and San Mateo (650)692-3000

415-387-4000
650-692-3000
FREE QUOTE
  • Home
  • Moving Services
    • Residential Movers
    • Moving Supplies
    • Storage
    • Antiques Movers
    • Small Business Movers
    • Warehouse Space
  • Moving Tips
    • Moving Checklist
    • How to Successfully Move with Pets
  • SF Blog
    • Moving to San Francisco
    • New San Francisco Resident
    • San Francisco Neighborhoods
    • San Francisco Online Services
    • Things to Do in San Francisco
  • Service Areas
    • San Francisco
    • Hillsborough
    • Burlingame
    • San Mateo
    • Belmont
    • San Carlos
    • Redwood City
    • Atherton
    • Woodside
  • About
    • About Us
    • Client Reviews
    • Licensed & Fully Insured
  • Contact

How to Choose a Mover

October 6, 2015

It is important that you have enough time to choose the moving company you feel is the right fit for you. Make sure you have the time needed for adequate due diligence – at least 30 days – preferably 6 weeks. Once you have found 2-3 movers that that look like a good fit for you, it is time to request a  Free Moving Quote have the movers come to your home to see your space and belongings, choose the right one for you and schedule your move date. If you need to move on a specific day, the sooner you start the process of finding your mover, the better.

Remember, moving season varies across the country. In general, if you are moving during the Spring, Summer and early Autumn, book your mover ASAP.

Ask About Specialty Items When Moving

When getting your moving quote, make sure to point out items of significant size, weight, value or age. Items of special personal importance or ones that are particularly fragile should also be discussed. Most movers are especially careful of pieces like this. In some cases, your mover may want to pack specialty pieces in a wooden crate or make other arrangements in order to keep it safe in transit. Listen to the professionals. They have likely moved more than you have and are your best ally.

Know the Details of Your Estimate

Ask potential movers how they calculate their estimate so you can compare apples to apples. Consider how much time you would save if your movers packed you home and request a quote for that as well. Sometime the money spent is worth the time and sanity saved. If moving across country or internationally, make certain that the movers in consideration are licensed agents for a world-wide moving company.  Why does that matter? More here.  

Know your move-in date and make sure it is iron-clad.  Not having an accurate date can be a costly mistake. Fortunately Cummings has a state of the art storage facility that can easily accommodate you in the event of a timing issue. If a mover, including Cummings, needs to hold your items overnight or for a few days, there is a cost involved. You want to understand these details ahead of time. If your mover does not have their own storage facility, you may need to make arrangements to take delivery at a temporary storage facility and then move your belongings from there when the new space is ready. Logistics like this can become the real stressor on move-day. Think it through ahead of time and set yourself up for success!

Logistics of Your Move

Speaking of logistics, keep in mind that some streets and locations can only accommodate certain types of moving trucks. Depending on the streets and the buildings involved at both ends of your move, your mover may need to make specific arrangements to make sure things work. Make sure you choose a mover with the experience and flexibility to handle this. Ask them how they plan to handle stairs if they are narrow, steep or have tight turns and multiple flights. This can impact the time and cost of your move. Better to know now than be surprised later.

While a moving crew may be happy to arrange and rearrange furniture, please remember that your crew may have another move scheduled later that day and the meter will likely be ticking as long as they are on the job. If you think you will want extra help with furniture placement in your new home, it is best to let your moving company know ahead of time so they can factor that into the crew’s schedule and into your quote.

More than a Great Review

Go with your gut AND see what others have to say.  Online review sites can be very helpful. The key is to consider the big picture: Does the company maintain a good rating over time and across a significant number of reviews. Does the company have an excessive number of complaints?  Are the complaints reasonable?  Were they resolved? What is YOUR experience like when you call or email for a quote? What does your gut say? Do you trust the mover?  Are they licensed and insured?


Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers

Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.

The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.

Filed Under: Bay Area Movers, Moving Tips - Residential, Moving Tips- Small Business, Planning a Move, San Francisco Movers

Moving checklist. Valuable Timeline of oving Tips. CUMMINGS MOVING Co.
MOVING REVIEWS

Emails from Our Clients

We are the folks that had you handle two moves for us. The first move was a few things from a house in San Francisco along with a very, very full storage area in Santa Rosa. It was flawless!! The next week, your team packed, loaded and delivered (to Oregon) ou… Read more
Jerre R & Deanne R
Your crew was incredible!!! They were efficient and very patient when we were placing furniture in our new house. They had great senses of humor and were fun to work with. Our move was less painful thanks to them!
Colleen H
We used Cummings Moving Company for our last move.  They were superb from beginning to end.  We had an expert foreman and crew who were professional, trustworthy and efficient.  Our property was difficult to access and the actual move a bit complicated and … Read more
Tracy F
Our moving experience exceeded all expectations!! Your staff were fantastic–extremely professional, competent and work done with smiles! We are most grateful for how smoothly the move went–no hassles, no breakage of our belongings, and when the guys left i… Read more
Terry
Thank you for completing our move from Brisbane to Bakersfield yesterday. Your crew was on time, courteous, professional. They made the experience easier! We will certainly recommend you to friends!
Lee & Rebecca - Brisbane
On July 10, 2013, Cummings Moving Company helped move all of the items from my mother’s apartment in San Mateo, CA.  There were several extraordinary things that happened during this move… It was not until July 8 that I was able to confirm the date of … Read more
Catherine K - San Mateo
This is the 3rd time I have used Cummings for a move. Each experience has been great. This last time was excellent, also. The crew was friendly, efficient and helpful. I will recommend your company to my associates.
Dee
Ricardo and his team were very efficient, helpful, and they all had had a good sense of humor. We had high expectations having used Cummings for our moves since Dec 2003, the team exceeded our expectations with their willingness to help, but more importantly… Read more
Pam T
Hi Amy, Your team did an EXCELLENT job of moving my mom.  They were on-time, professional, worked quietly and quickly and did a thorough job.  I was very impressed and would not hesitate using your services again. Thanks so much!
Kathy L
YES – Great Service, a Good Crew, Neat and Very Professional. Thanks,
Jim & Cathy
CLICK TO RECEIVE FREE MOVING QUOTE
san francisco bay area moving cummings

FROM OWNERS AMY & ENRIQUE

“As owners, we are hands-on. Our ability to deliver excellent service as San Francisco movers comes from our commitment to both customer and employee. Through regular training, supervision, competitive compensation, daily attention to excellence, and deep care for our customers and their belongings, we create an environment where top-level service is second nature."

San Francisco is our home. Moving residents and businesses is our passion. Your great experience with us as San Francisco movers is our aim - Every Day.
-Amy Messinger & Enrique Palos

SAN FRANCISCO BLOG & MORE

Welcome to the San Francisco Blog!
Our San Francisco Blog is an ever-growing resource for those on the move.

Recent posts include...

Recent Posts

  • 6 Ways To Downsize When Moving Into a New Home
  • Tips For A Last Minute Move
  • 4 Crucial Tips For Your Interstate Move
  • Tips For Moving Into a Small Apartment

San Francisco Moving Tips - CLICK HERE

CONTACT US

Cummings Moving Company

Since 1969 - Serving San Francisco
and the Bay Area

San Francisco (SF)
Location
415-387-4000

On the Peninsula
650-692-3000

bbb
Cal P.U.C. T-190105
Moving checklist. Valuable Timeline of oving Tips. CUMMINGS MOVING Co.

Copyright Cummings Moving 2023

Sitemap
Moving to San Francisco | San Francisco Neighborhoods | Jobs in San Francisco | Things to Do in San Francisco
Moving to San Francisco
San Francisco Neighborhoods
Jobs in San Francisco
Things to Do in San Francisco