FAQ
Questions? We've Got Answers.
Everything you need to know about moving with Neatly.
We\'re a full-service moving and storage company based in Southern California. Local moves, long-distance relocations, storage, junk removal — we do it all. We\'ve built our reputation on showing up on time, being upfront about pricing, and treating your stuff like it\'s our own. We offer virtual appointments where our trained Relocation Consultants review your household goods before your move, and we even run the videos through an AI to insure accuracy!
We\'re headquartered in San Fernando, CA and serve all of Southern California for local moves — LA County, Orange County, Ventura County, the Inland Empire, and surrounding areas. For long-distance moves, we relocate families and businesses to all 50 states.
Three ways: Online — fill out the form on our website (takes about 2 minutes). Phone — call us at (818) 660-1448 (we actually answer). Virtual estimate — we\'ll do a video walkthrough of your place so we can give you an accurate quote without anyone coming to your home. If necessary and possible, we can also do in-home estimates.
Very. We provide binding quotes, which means the price we quote is usually the price you pay. Obviously, as in any service business, if the scope of work changes by adding items, special services, or additional locations, then the price can change. Otherwise, a binding price means that the quote we provide is the price for the specific list of items and services quoted.
Ideally, 2-4 weeks ahead. During busy season (summer and end-of-month dates), book even earlier — we fill up fast.
Yes, and they\'re just as accurate as in-person estimates. You walk us through your place on a video call, we see exactly what needs to move, and we give you a binding quote. We record the videos, review them, and run them through an AI to ensure they are as accurate as possible. Importantly, our MOTIVATION is accuracy and happy customers that leave us 5 Star Reviews. And the reviews speak for themselves.
The basics: Where you\'re moving from and to, approximate move date, size of your place, and any special items (piano, pool table, safes, etc.). It\'s also important for us to know about the access to both locations.
100%. No pressure. Get a quote, compare it to others, think it over. We\'re confident you\'ll come back when you see just how awesome we are!
Local moves stay within California and are typically charged by the hour, although we also offer binding prices for local moves. Long-distance moves cross state lines and are priced based on volume and distance. If you\\\'re moving within California but it\\\'s more than 200 miles away, we call that an Intrastate move and will give you a binding price.
Local moves are charged hourly based on crew and truck size. Materials are charged on an as needed basis and the pricing is all included in your quote.
Priced based on volume/weight plus distance. We provide binding quotes after seeing your inventory. We account for materials, packing, special handling--everything that needs to be done we include in your quote. But we need to know it to quote it. Sometimes, things do come up that require us to discuss a change in scope. For instance: My friend recently moved with us to Florida. We picked up his items and gave him a flat price for delivery to Florida. Ultimately, he decided to move onto small street on a key that a large truck cannot access. That meant we needed to offload his goods onto a smaller truck in order to make delivery, which requires an extra truck and quite a lot of extra labor. That is a chance in scope called a \"Shuttle Service\", and is part of the original contract we provide as a potential extra charge. We don\'t want it to happen, but it does happen all the time in certain cities, on mountains, etc. We want are customers fully versed with reality--so there are some potential extra charges for unforeseeable circumstances, just as for any service business.
A binding quote means the price is locked in. As long as nothing changes about your move, you pay exactly what we quoted. No surprises.
Not unless something changes. If you add items or ask for additional services not included in your quote, then the price can chance. Usually, it doesn\'t, and when it does, most customers are perfectly happy paying for the additional services requested. If you want us to work for free--don\'t hire us! If you want great service for a great price, we\'re a great choice.
Credit cards (4.5% fee), debit cards, Zelle (no fee), Venmo, ACH bank transfer (no fee), and cash (no fee).
Local moves: Payment due at the end before unloading. Long-distance: Deposit to reserve, half due at pickup (plus any change orders), balance upon loading for delivery and before delivery is made.
Yes! We've partnered with Sunbit for "Move Now, Pay Later" financing. Apply online — approval takes minutes.
For local hourly moves, no — stairs just take more time. For long-distance binding quotes, we factor stairs into your quote upfront.
For local moves, yes — typically a 2-3 hour minimum depending on crew size.
Local moves include travel time to your origin and from your destination back to our base. We're transparent about this.
Declutter (less stuff = lower cost), move mid-month (busiest times are first/last week), pack yourself, and be ready when we arrive.
No hidden fees. Period. What we quote is what you pay. No surprise "fuel surcharges" or "stair fees" on moving day.
Any move within California that doesn't cross state lines. Silver Lake to Pasadena, San Diego to LA — all local.
Studio: 2-3 hours. 3-bedroom house: 6-8 hours. We'll estimate based on your specific situation.
Yes. Most local moves are hourly. We also offer flat-rate binding quotes if you prefer price certainty.
We'll recommend the right truck size based on your inventory. Too small means multiple trips; too big wastes money.
Studio/1BR: 2 movers. 2BR: 2-3. 3BR: 3-4. Large homes: 4+. More movers = faster move = less total time.
Absolutely. We do walkups in LA all the time — third floor in Los Feliz, fourth floor in Koreatown. We've seen it all.
You're responsible for permits, but we can guide you on the process. Having a truck spot reserved makes everything faster.
Sometimes, if we have availability. Call us and we'll see what we can do.
A shuttle fee applies when a full-size moving truck can not access your home directly — for example, due to narrow streets, low-hanging branches, tight turns, a long driveway, or building restrictions (like a parking garage with height limits). In these cases, your items are transferred to a smaller vehicle called a shuttle that can navigate the access and bring your belongings to or from the larger truck. This extra step adds time, labor, and equipment, so it is billed as a separate fee — either as a flat rate or based on the number of shuttle trips required. Common situations where a shuttle fee applies: Narrow or one-way streets the main truck can not fit through Low clearance (parking garages, tree-covered driveways, low bridges) Long or steep driveways High-rise buildings with loading dock restrictions Rural roads not built for large trucks How it is typically calculated: Flat fee per shuttle move, or Based on distance between the truck and your home, or Based on number of trips needed to transfer all items Based on a combination of volume and distance We always try to make delivery without the use of a shuttle when possible, and sometimes we do not know the final destination address when a job is booked, so we have no way of knowing in those cases whether a shuttle will be necessary. If we are sure a shuttle is necessary, we\\\\\\\'ll usually include it in your quote. Otherwise, we will let you know before we make delivery.
Any move that crosses state lines. LA to Vegas, California to Texas, coast to coast.
Based on volume/weight of your shipment, distance, and additional services. We provide binding quotes.
Under 500 miles: 2-7 days. 500-1500 miles: 7-14 days. Coast to coast: 14-21 days.
Trucks make multiple stops, weather happens. We give honest windows, not false promises. Dedicated delivery available for specific dates.
We won't call until we have real information. We'll contact you when items are loaded for delivery and on their way.
No. We're direct movers. We're responsible for your move from start to finish. You only deal with us.
Sometimes. Like airlines use partners, we work with vetted carriers to expand capacity. The experience is seamless — Neatly is your contact throughout.
We provide updates at key milestones: pickup, loaded for delivery, and en route.
Keep with you: Medications, important documents, valuables, jewelry. We can't transport: Gasoline, propane, ammunition, fireworks.
We offer Dedicated Delivery — your own truck, direct delivery, you pick the date. Costs more but faster.
Yes. We can deliver to storage near your destination or hold items in our network until you're ready.
Let us know constraints upfront. Last-minute "I can't accept delivery" situations are tough for everyone.
Start early. Declutter ruthlessly. Get your quote 4-6 weeks out. Take inventory and photos of valuables.
Yes. We can hold your items in storage until you have an address. Storage fees apply.
Yes, full-service packing. When we pack it, it's covered by our protection plan. Partial packing also available.
DIY saves money but takes time and isn't covered. Professional packing costs more but is faster and protected. Many do a hybrid.
We provide boxes and packing materials. Pro tip: Use proper moving boxes, not liquor store boxes.
Wrap individually in packing paper (not newspaper — ink stains). Use plenty of cushioning. Label FRAGILE. Or have us do it.
We bring free rental wardrobe boxes on moving day, or you can purchase them to pack ahead of time.
Yes. Clothes in drawers doubles the weight, making it unsafe. Light linens might be okay. Never leave valuables in drawers.
Nope, we handle beds, tables, desks, mirrors. We don't mount TVs or connect appliances.
Refrigerators: Empty, defrost 24 hours, clean. Washers: Drain and disconnect. Dryers: Disconnect, clean lint trap.
Hazardous materials, flammables, explosives, perishable food, plants (on interstate moves). Keep medications and valuables with you.
Room destination, general contents, FRAGILE if needed. Label on the side so you can see it when stacked.
For hourly moves, the clock is running. Be ready when we arrive.
Yes. We've moved pianos for John Lennon, Vanessa Williams, Kimora Lee Simons. Uprights, baby grands, full grands — we have the equipment.
Yes, but they require specialist disassembly and re-leveling. We can coordinate this service.
We move safes regularly. Special equipment and additional movers may be needed. Mention them when quoting.
Hot tubs need specialized moving — crane services and professional disconnection/reconnection. We can help coordinate.
Yes. We partner with Patriot Auto Transport for door-to-door vehicle shipping.
We transport motorcycles secured in the truck. Dedicated auto transport also available for long-distance.
Yes, with extra care. High-value items may need custom crating, which we can arrange.
Absolutely. We move treadmills, ellipticals, weight sets regularly. Some may need partial disassembly.
We can move wine with proper packing. For valuable collections, consider climate-controlled transport and insurance.
We'll dismount TVs from walls. We don't mount at destination — recommend a handyman.
Yes. Short-term and long-term. Whether you need a few weeks or a few months, we've got space.
Yes. Protects from temperature extremes and humidity. Important for electronics, wood, leather.
Monthly based on space needed. No long-term contracts — month-to-month is fine.
Absolutely. We move items in, deliver when you're ready. Pickup and delivery are separate charges.
We can arrange access, but items are stored efficiently so accessing specific items may require coordination.
Basic coverage included. For high-value items, we recommend additional insurance.
Yes. Even a few pieces of furniture while staging your home for sale.
As long as you need. Some store for weeks, others for years. Month-to-month billing keeps it flexible.
Basic Released Value Protection included free — $0.60 per pound per article. A 50-pound item = $30 coverage.
We're liable for replacement value or repair cost. Your 50-pound $500 lamp = $500 coverage, not $30.
We recommend it, especially for long-distance moves and valuable items. Peace of mind.
Maybe partially. Check with your provider before your move.
Report immediately. Document with photos. Note on delivery paperwork. File a claim. We take damage seriously.
Contact us or download the claim form from our website. Document everything. There's a time limit, so don't wait.
No. Items we pack are covered. That's one reason to consider professional packing for fragile valuables.
We'll confirm your window the day before. Morning moves typically start 8-10am. We'll call when on our way.
Everything packed, pathways clear, parking reserved, essentials with you, payment ready.
You or someone authorized must be present at pickup and delivery to direct movers and sign paperwork.
We'll do our best, but no parking = longer carries = more time and cost. Permits help.
Yes. Direct us where you want furniture and boxes. Label boxes with room names.
Just access and direction. Food and drinks appreciated on hot days but not required.
No — insurance prohibits passengers. Transport yourself separately.
We move rain or shine with equipment to protect items. We'll reschedule only for dangerous conditions.
Walkthrough of old place — every room, closet, cabinet, garage, attic, backyard. Check the truck too.
Local: Payment when finished. Long-distance: Balance at delivery. Cards, Zelle, Venmo, cash, ACH accepted.
Document with photos immediately. Note on paperwork before signing. Contact us ASAP. Don't throw away damaged items.
Check everywhere first — items end up in unexpected boxes. If truly missing, contact us immediately.
Please do! We'll send you links for Google reviews. Honest feedback — good or bad — is always welcome.
We provide documentation at completion. Need another copy? Contact us.
Recycle, save for future, post on Nextdoor/Facebook, or we can pick up for a fee.
Yes — same crew, same care. Let us know when booking.
Years of moving Southern California families. Decades of combined team experience. Check our Google reviews.
Yes. DOT: 2306227, MC: 787354, PUC: 190959. Fully licensed by California PUC and FMCSA.
Trained, professional, background-checked employees — not random day laborers.
We show up on time. We're not brokers. Our prices are binding. We use technology without losing the human touch.
Yes. We support United Way, American Diabetes Association, National MS Society, March of Dimes, and others.
The more notice you give, the better. Contact us as soon as you know.
Yes! Local: 10%. Long-distance: 5%. Min $25, max $500 per referral. Register before they book.
Call or text: (818) 660-1448. Contact form on website. Real humans, real answers.
Moves happen any day including weekends. Office hours Monday-Friday for quotes.
1901 1st Street, San Fernando, CA 91340. Serving all SoCal and 50 states.
Yes. Small offices to large corporate relocations, medical offices, retail spaces.
Absolutely. Most commercial clients want minimal disruption. Weekend and after-hours moves are common.
Yes — cubicles, conference tables, filing systems, server racks with proper coordination.
We move it physically. Your IT team handles disconnect/reconnect. We coordinate timing.
Yes. Entire offices including desks, files, breakrooms. We provide desk boxes for personal items.
Based on scope: office size, workstations, equipment, timing, services. We'll do a walkthrough.
Yes — phased moves work great for relocating departments over time while maintaining operations.
Full Value Protection is the level of liability coverage your moving company provides to protect your belongings if something is lost or damaged during your move. It covers your items up to the total value you declare for the shipment. With us, it\'s simple--you can pick your liability coverage when you are booking your move. This coverage isn’t traditional insurance. You don’t have to prove the mover was negligent in order to make a claim. Instead, the mover accepts responsibility for your shipment based on its total weight and the value assigned to it. Insurance, by contrast, is a separate legal agreement purchased through an insurance provider. Those policies have their own terms, conditions, and claims processes, and must be arranged directly with the insurer.
It\'s easy to confuse FVP with Insurance, but there are a few simple differences: 1. Who provides it: Full Value Protection is offered directly by your moving company. Insurance, on the other hand, is purchased separately from an independent insurance provider. 2. How pricing works: The price of Full Value Protection is based on the value you declare for your shipment and the deductible you select. Third-party insurance policies use their own pricing models, which may be structured differently depending on the provider and coverage options. 3. What is covered: With Full Value Protection, the moving company is responsible for loss or damage they cause, up to the total value assigned to your shipment. That amount is typically tied to shipment weight and may include a deductible. Insurance policies work differently: coverage limits, exclusions, and claim rules depend on the insurer, and many policies offer protection for situations that movers are not responsible for, such as theft or natural disasters.
Although Full Value Protection provides important coverage, it is not the same as an insurance policy. Insurance is designed to protect against a wide range of risks and is usually based on the actual cost to replace what you own. Full Value Protection, by contrast, is a form of mover liability. The amount of coverage is calculated from the overall weight of your shipment rather than the individual replacement value of each item. Because of that, if high-value items are lost or damaged, the amount paid under Full Value Protection may not fully cover what it would cost to replace them. Full Value Protection plays an important role in protecting your move, but it has limits. Customers with expensive or irreplaceable items may want to consider purchasing separate insurance for additional peace of mind.
Selecting Full Value Protection gives you a much higher level of protection for your move. With this option, the moving company is responsible for repairing, replacing, or compensating you for items that are lost or damaged, up to the value you declare for your shipment. This creates real accountability. It means your mover has a financial obligation to handle your belongings carefully and deliver them safely, which provides peace of mind and reduces risk during an already stressful time. While Full Value Protection isn’t the same as insurance, it offers significantly more protection than basic or limited liability coverage and gives you a meaningful layer of financial and legal protection throughout your move.
If an item is damaged while covered by Full Value Protection, the moving company’s first obligation is to try to repair it so it can be returned to its original condition. If a repair isn’t possible or practical, you may choose one of the following: 1. Payment for the cost of repair The mover will reimburse you for what it costs to have the item fixed. 2. Replacement or payment for replacement The mover may replace the item with another of similar type and quality, or pay you the amount it would cost to replace it. If this option is selected, the mover may keep the damaged item. When a replacement or payment is made, it is based on the item’s age, condition, and fair-market value at the time of loss—not the cost of a brand-new version. For example, if a two-year-old washing machine is damaged, the compensation would reflect the value of a two-year-old washer, not a new one.
Federal regulations require customers to disclose any items that are worth more than $100 per pound. If those items are not listed on the shipping paperwork before the move, the moving company is not responsible for loss or damage to them. This rule is set by the federal agency that oversees interstate movers and is designed to make sure unusually valuable items are identified and handled properly. If you have high-value items—such as fine art, collectibles, or specialty equipment—it’s important to declare them in advance so they can be properly covered under your protection plan.
If you choose Full Value Protection, you are required to list any items that are worth more than $100 per pound on your inventory. This includes things like artwork, jewelry, designer clothing, antiques, collectibles, electronics, and high-end furniture. If these high-value items are not listed in advance, your compensation may be limited if they are lost or damaged during the move. For example, a pair of earrings might be worth $800 but weigh only a few ounces. Even though they’re small, they still must be declared on your inventory in order to be covered for their full value.
When you select Full Value Protection, you’ll also choose a deductible. This is the amount you agree to pay out of pocket before the coverage applies if you file a claim. It represents your share of the financial responsibility in the event of loss or damage. Deductibles are tied to the value of your shipment and are typically offered in set amounts. For example, if your deductible is $500, you would pay the first $500 of any covered claim, and the mover would be responsible for the rest, up to your declared value. Your deductible also affects what you pay for the coverage. Choosing a higher deductible means you’re taking on more of the risk, which usually lowers the cost of Full Value Protection. A lower deductible shifts more risk to the mover, which generally results in a higher coverage charge.
Full Value Protection has important limits. It does not apply to items inside boxes that were packed by the customer rather than the moving company. It also does not cover damage to items made from pressed or composite wood materials. This protection also does not extend to losses caused by events outside the mover’s control, such as fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, or other natural disasters. In addition, items stored in facilities not operated or controlled by the moving company are not covered. High-value items that were not properly listed on the inventory form are also excluded, even if they are part of the shipment.
If you do not select Full Value Protection, your move is automatically covered under Limited Liability, sometimes called Basic Coverage or 60-cents-per-pound coverage. This is the minimum level of protection required by federal law. It pays based only on the weight of an item, not its actual value. For example, if a 10-pound item is damaged or lost, the maximum compensation would be $6.00 — even if the item costs much more to replace. This basic coverage is included at no additional charge, but it must be accepted by signing the Bill of Lading. Because of how limited it is, it’s generally only appropriate for items with very low replacement value.
If your belongings are damaged or lost during the move, you can file a claim. To file a claim with us, you can either call our customer service or click here: https://mymoveclaim.com/file-a-claim/ Our customer service team will promptly initiate the claims process upon your contact.
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