affordable local and long
distance moving company

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are Trek Movers licensed and insured?

  For your reassurance, Trek Movers maintain all insurance documentation at the top level to protect all parties associated with the move. Each moving service is covered by Cargo Insurance, Workers Compensation Insurance, General Liability, PL PD, BIPD, Limited Liability, Basic Coverage, etc.
  Trek Movers is a licensed and regulated family-owned moving company with a central office in Los Angeles. Our active moving permit was issued by the Service Division of Household Mover and Bureau of Household Goods. We are also regulated by the California Public Utility Commission and the Department of Consumer Affairs. All moving trucks are 365 days monitored by the California Highway Patrol and the US Department of Transportation.

• What are the pros and cons of hourly rate vs. flat rate?

  We understand that people look for understanding the moving cost upfront since it helps with budgeting. At Trek, we offer both options for all local moving services and long-distance relocations:

  a) Special off-peak pricing and all-inclusive hourly rates for local moves:
  Pros: quick and easy to set up an appointment, the customer pays for the actual labor time; customer can minimize moving costs by packing up smaller items before the move date, arranging closer parking space for the moving truck, reserving an elevator, etc. It fits particularly well for smaller local moves and apartment relocations.
  Cons: move time duration is often subjective – there’s a chance you’re under or overestimating your upcoming relocation (high volume, the complexity of the internal layout, additional assembly, packing services, parking situation). Moving companies often apply additional charges for heavy/bulky items, packing supplies, travel distance, gas fees, stairs, long walks, hoisting. The likelihood of damages and injuries is correlated when preparation is too rushed, and movers have to run to make a move faster or have been panicked by the customer in an attempt to save time.

  b) Flat rate pricing based on complete details:
  Pros: upfront cost based on a visual inspection (in person, video call, photos); one move – one price, no surprises; no worries about additional fees, movers do not rush and are focused on delivering high results, which means fewer chances for the damages and injuries. Overall, more satisfying moving experience by the end of the day. At Trek, we made that option very simple, and our customers can submit all moving details on their account page (the moving profile is automatically created as soon as a moving quote has been requested).
  Cons: a flat-rate relocation is often priced higher than hourly moving; moving carriers require entire inventory and all correlated details: internal layout, parking position, approximate walking distance, stairs, packing services for the smaller items (books, kitchen, artwork). For your convenience, our dispatcher will be glad to provide a 5-10 minute visual inspection to give you more accurate calculations (FaceTime, Zoom, Google Meet).

  The benefit of the flat rate is there are no surprises. The advantage of the hourly rate is it could be cheaper than the flat rate but also higher. It is really tricky to be particular about every relocation because moving is not an exact science. However, we try to provide our customers with as many instruments and options as possible. We will move you cautiously, efficiently, and we are entirely open regarding which pricing structure you favor.

• When should I book a moving company?

  The sooner, the better. There is nothing to lose in a provisional reservation. Even if your move day is unknown or in escrow, we are happy to pencil in your reservation on our calendar. It will eliminate the worry of securing your most preferred date. You can reschedule at any time, as long as your new preferred date is available. Some days are much busier than others – primarily weekends, month-end moving dates. Those peak times like summer tend to become fully booked around 2-3 weeks ahead, so it’s better to book early. Even if you eventually prefer a different moving organization, our free move guidance presents valuable information to use when shopping around with other carriers.

• Should I pack myself or choose a full-packing service?

  When time and budget are your priorities, packing for the smaller miscellaneous items by yourself is advised to decrease your moving expenses as low as possible.

  However, suppose convenience is your main priority. In that case, our movers will be happy to assist with complete packing, and our moving trucks will be stocked with all required packing materials. We will pack all smaller items such as personal items, artwork, books, kitchen inventory, toys, etc.

• Have additional questions? Well, we have answers.

  Are your movers experienced, background checked, insured?
  Every employee is appropriately insured, thoroughly checked, and certified. At Trek, we never hire day workers. It is vital to choose a licensed moving company with workers’ compensation coverage. Any mover injured while moving household goods will turn to the workers’ compensation insurance policy to compensate for medical costs and lost wages instead of going after the customer. In this way, our customers can be confident they are served legitimately.

  Should I arrange a parking space for the truck?
  As the property tenant, you have more control over available parking for the moving truck. Our moving crew can only work with what they see on arrival. Reserving a dedicated space for the moving truck near the main entrance typically represents a significant saving in time and cost. We advise checking with your building management and HOA if any other fines or unforeseen challenges might be associated with the parking.

  Do you provide assembly services?
  Our movers are happy to assist with general assembly services. Each of our trucks carries a set of primary tools for assembling/disassembling beds, desks, dining tables, etc. Please note that we provide this service as a courtesy, and our movers are not trained for high-level assembly. If you have any concerns about a particular furniture item, please check with us before the move date.

  Do you reconnect appliances and mount TVs?
  In line with industry regulations and for health & safety reasons, moving companies must refrain from disconnecting/connecting household appliances to any utility lines. In advance of the move, a qualified technician is strongly recommended to disconnect high voltage washers, cookers, and gas appliances. For wall-mounted TV, we are happy to assist with removal at the pick-up address. However, crews are not permitted to drill walls for any purpose at the destination in case hidden electrical wires are present. Please note, a certified specialist such as an electrician, plumber, or handyman is suggested for all these tasks.

  What cannot be carried on a moving truck?
  Pets and animals are bound by moving regulations and insurance laws. We would not move any hazardous materials such as poisons, fuels, corrosives, flammables, or perishables such as frozen foods.
  To protect the health of our workers and our customers, we will refuse to move anything we find to be unsafe and unsanitary.
  Items of extraordinary weight like pool tables, bathtubs, large aquariums, pianos, commercial safes might require separate arrangements. As we mainly use a raw workforce, our weight limitations are limited to 250-350 pounds per item, generally associated with standard household items. All non-allowable items are prohibited by law and regulations.