Here at Homestead Moving Systems, our moving consultants are happy to assist you with answers you might have about moving, without cost or obligation. For the past 17 years, there have not been too many moving questions or problems that we have not seen in handling thousands of moves.

Why move with Homestead Moving Systems?
What do you consider “Long distance” moves?
What are the typical rates for moving Long Distance?
What is a local move? Rates?
How long will take to pack up my home?
Can I leave my clothes in their drawers?
How am I covered in case of damage?
What should I take with me on my move?
Do you ship cars?
What is included in your FREE STARTER KIT?
Do you have any advice or tips if I pack myself?
Do you do "International" moves?
What about moves to Hawaii and Alaska?
How and when should I pay?
How are my belongings protected while in transit?
Will my belongings remain clean in transit and storage?
How do I know a mover is licensed?
Do I need an Estimate?

We are a full service moving and storage company, we have a crew of professional movers which will work quickly, efficiently, and provide you with the best move at the best rate.

[Return to Top]

What do you consider “Long distance” moves?

A long distance move is any move or relocation that requires more than 100 miles.

[Return to Top]

What are the typical rates for moving Long Distance?

Long distance rating is based on the estimated volume of the goods you wish to ship. We work based upon a tariff table of measurements regulated by The Federal Highway Administration which provides the average cubic feet of most common household items. This table is the basic tool used by all companies to calculate the cost of your move, either by volume or by weight.

Whether you are moving long distance or locally; we will go the extra mile to make sure your belonging are safe. Since no two moves are exactly the same, we will customize your detailed moving needs so you can budget your move more successfully.

[Return to Top]

A local move is a move that takes you within a 100-mile radius and stays within the same state. Few factors determine the cost of a local move.

Based on the size and services needed, a local move may take a couple of hours or a couple of days. In helping you select a moving date is where we shine as well. We are able to accommodate work schedules, closing dates and even unexpected illnesses

Again, no two jobs are alike and we ask that you call us to request a free estimate or fill out our free estimate form online.

Call us at 888-835-1135

[Return to Top]

How long will take to pack up my home?
Every home is different but we can normally pack a home in 1-2 days.

[Return to Top]

Can I leave my clothes in their drawers?
Yes, you can. We request that you don’t leave anything solid that can damage the item. In fact, we stretch wrap furniture with drawers to keep them from flying open and protect the contents from dust.

[Return to Top]

How am I covered in case of damage?
Your belongings are covered by valuation. On local and interstate shipments, in our out of California, Moving Companies give you Mandatory valuation coverage of 60 cents per pound per article at no charge. However, you may choose to purchase more valuation coverage by declaring full replacement valuation for your items. You are charged a premium on the declared amount. The premiums vary with your type of move.

[Return to Top]

What should I take with me on my move?
Some items WE DON”T MOVE are: all flammable items, liquids, matches, lighters, solvents, paint, camping gas, corrosive chemicals. Please dispose in a designated toxic disposal facility. Alcohol, weapons, ammunition, food, animals and extremely fragile items should not be packed and moved. Anything that can deteriorate should not be shipped. If you have a question about an item you’re not sure about moving, just call us and ask.

[Return to Top]

Do you ship cars?
Our company does transport cars as part of our regular local or long distance moves. Please call us for a free estimate or fill out our online form.

[Return to Top]

What is included in your FREE STARTER KIT?
Our free Starter Kit ( A $140 Value) is one more way we help make your move a success. Please contact us to see if you qualify for a FREE STARTER KIT.

[Return to Top]

Do you have any advice or tips if I pack myself?
Homestead Moving Systems is happy to provide you with a full service move, including all packing and/or unpacking. We recognize, however, that each move and budget is different and that you may wish to do all or part of the packing yourself.

To help you with packing when you decide to pack yourself, we offer the following tips:

1. Obtain your estimate 30 to 45 days before your move date.

2. Schedule your move for the middle of the month if possible. The first and last weeks of the month are busier.

3. Decide what you will be moving and what to discard before the agent arrives to perform your estimate. Make sure to show the agent everything including basements, sheds, attics, garages, and mini-warehouses.

4. If you plan to pack yourself, start collecting suitable packing materials. All boxes will have to be closed on both the top and bottom.

5. Set goals and deadlines to ensure that all packing is completed before moving day.

6. Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, and aerosol cans. Drain fuel from your power mower and other machinery and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, bleach, or any substance that may leak. Be sure the water is emptied from your steam iron.

7. Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify their value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden furniture before moving because some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

8. Notify the post office that you will be moving. Provide them with a forwarding address (temporary or permanent). Click here to notify the U.S. Postal Service of your move.

9. If you are being relocated at your company's request, find out what portion of your moving expenses will be paid by the company. If your company has a written moving policy, ask for a copy.

10. Make sure you understand the valuation coverage that you have on your household goods to be relocated.

11. You, or a designated representative, must be available during packing, loading, and delivery. Along with our packers and movers, it is your responsibility to do a complete walk through of your former home, checking all drawers, cabinets, crawl spaces, closets, etc. to be sure that nothing is left behind.

12. Remove any fixture that is secured or bolted to your walls, such as pictures, posters, curtain rods, bookcases, shelves, coffee makers, microwaves, or can openers that are to be moved.

13. Remove all items from refrigerators and freezers. Defrost and let dry at least 24-48 hours in advance. Wipe out with a dry cloth, leave baking soda or a bag of charcoal, in each compartment to absorb any lingering odors or moisture.

14. Remove all valuables such as (but not limited to) jewelry, coin collections, stamp collections, computer programs, precious or semiprecious stones or gems, rare collectible items, personal documents, manuscripts or other rare documents and place them in a secure area along with personal items (purse, wallet, suitcase) that you carry with you as you travel. The mover is liable for these items only under certain, very specific conditions.

15. Unplug all electronic equipment such as television sets, home computers, stereos, etc. 24 hours in advance of move so they will be at room temperature on moving day. Moving a TV set and other electronic equipment in which heat is still retained could cause internal damage.

16. Back up essential data in computers; determine if computers require any special servicing for transit; remove CD's and tapes from CD players, VCR's, and computers.

17. Leave your utilities and telephone connected until the day after we are scheduled to load. It is best to be sure they are still available on load day

[Return to Top]

Do you do "International" moves?
Yes. When you move to another country the most important thing you can do is select a mover/forwarder that has the capacity, knowledge, and network to get all your goods to your new home in good condition and on time.

Also, moves to Canada are essentially the same as moves within the United States and should not be thought of as "international" moves. There are customs regulations and procedures but they are little more than a minor inconvenience.

Please call our consultant for more information.

[Return to Top]

What about moves to Hawaii and Alaska?
Moves to our 49th and 50th states are handled essentially like moves to other countries except there are no customs regulations. Hawaii prohibits importation of certain items and requires a long and expensive quarantine period for animals and household pets. Please see our information regarding international moves.

[Return to Top]

How and when should I pay?
Payment is due in full at the time of delivery, unless your employer is paying for the move and arrangements have been made in advance to bill your company. Payments can be made by cash, money order, traveler’s checks, cashiers check. Arrangements for payment by credit card must be made in advance. Personal checks are not accepted.

[Return to Top]

How are my belongings protected while in transit?
The training and experience of our movers who know how to protect your belongings while they are being moved if the best form of protection we can offer. All of our trucks are equipped with appropriate moving equipment and a plentiful supply of clean and thick furniture pads. Additionally, your upholstered furniture is protected with stretch wrap and your residence is protected with floor entry protection and with door pads and banister pads.

[Return to Top]

Will my belongings remain clean in transit and storage?
Our trucks are maintained and cleaned before and after every move. We protect your upholstered furniture with stretch wrap, a clear plastic material, before they are wrapped with furniture pads.

[Return to Top]

How do I know a mover is licensed?
Most movers have their own state license issued by that state's Public Utilities Commission, or another agency. These licenses usually apply on moves done entirely within the state. Homestead Moving Systems has been issued certificates of authority to move household goods between any of the fifty states by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Homestead Moving Systems has the authority to operate within the State of California using its PUC license.

[Return to Top]

Do I need an Estimate?
If you are moving long distance or locally a pre-move survey is usually necessary to determine the size of the move and the amount of truck space your items will occupy. We will calculate the estimated cost and give you a written estimate. There is no charge for the estimate.

[Return to Top]

Click here to request a FREE Estimate .