A month in advance is optimal to look for estimates and preference should be given to local movers as not only will they be cheaper but also professionally competent to conduct the move in that area.  Hiring a mover within a month of your move also increases your chances of getting your preferred scheduling.

Asking for an on-site estimate is not unheard of and certainly not impossible but one that calls for plenty of preparation in terms of segregating everything to be moved from things that need to be disposed. While asking for a quote, it is always better to carefully pinpoint all that needs to be packed because later additions would mean extra charges which may not be so economical. Because confusion is inevitable, constant presence and vigilance are essential factors here as also presence of mind.

 Yes – all moving services are required to hand over to their client two documents namely Bill of Lading and Order of Service. While the former is a written receipt listing all the details of the transaction like addresses, dates, insurance coverage and list of things, the latter is an invoice confirming the price of the move. 

Payment could be made through cash, Visa or Mastercard, whichever is acceptable by the particular moving service.  As per the law, payment needs to be made before the unloading of the truck and this is the reason as to why the client is presented with the bill before the stuff is unloaded.

If you have chosen a professional moving company like Santa Monica Movers then you can rest assured of the safety of your possessions. Liberal usage of industrial packing material means that everything will be duly wrapped in bubble-wrap and shrink-wrap so that it will be suitably protected during transportation.