Our Moving Services in San Diego
Local, Storage, Packing, Office Moving, Piano Moving and Long Distance Moving Services
Let Us Contact You
How it Works
1
Request a quote and consult with our moving expert to plan your move.
2
Arrange your move and receive an email confirmation.
3
On moving day, sign the contract and unwind.
FAQs - Common Questions
Local Moving
How do moving companies charge for local moves?
All moving companies in California are required to charge customers based on the Public Utility Commission’s equation, which is: (Loading+Unloading+(Drive time x 2).
- Movers start charging when they arrive at your house.
- Double drive time: If it takes the movers 15 minutes to drive from your old house to your new house, they will charge 30 minutes of drive time.
- Standard rates apply as the movers unload the truck and will stop charging when all items are off of the truck (unless the customer would like the movers to continue to work on arranging and assembling furniture).
- Here are some common charges and rules that most moving companies apply themselves:
- Fuel rates apply.
- Packing materials are not included and are sold separately.
- A 4 hour minimum for each job (it is uncommon for moving companies to move ‘one off’ items like refrigerators or bed room sets).
- After the minimum hours have been met, most moving companies charge in 15 minute increments.
Do I need a visual estimate for my move?
For the consumer’s protection, it is against the law for moving companies to provide an estimated time or cost for your move without seeing the items that are being moved. Moving companies can only give hourly rates and fees over the phone.
For this reason, we offer visual estimates. This is when a professional estimator comes to your house for about 15 minutes and views the items and/or space that you are moving. The estimator will discuss the moving process and what you can expect and ask you questions about your moving timeline and constraints. You will receive a written estimate at that time, which is a very helpful tool when shopping around for moving companies. This written estimate is not a contract for the exact time frame and cost of the move, but rather an estimate based on years of experience in the industry.
When the movers arrive on the day of the move, they will review the written estimate with the customer and based on what they see that day they will let the customer know if they can expect the move to take significantly longer or shorter than previously estimated. The majority of the time there is very little difference between the written estimate and the actual time and cost. When there are significant variances it is typically due to one of the following:
- Customers end up moving or discarding items after the visual estimate
- The customer has asked for a larger or smaller moving crew than what the visual estimate recommends
- Hidden or forgotten rooms/spaces were not included or discussed during the visual estimate, such as attics, extra storage units, sheds in the backyard, etc
Do I pay before or after my move?
You should never be asked to pay in-full for moving services prior to the move. Most moving companies will hold a credit card number to reserve your moving date, and it is common to have a small deposit if it is a larger, long distance or same day move.
Our company will hold a credit card to hold your moving date and will charge a $100 cancellation fee if the move is cancelled within 7 days of the move. There is no date to change the date or time of the move though (we know how seamless and predictable escrow and other moving factors can be). Once the movers arrive at your house or business, the foreman will review the hourly rates or written visual estimate (if there is one) with the customer. When the move is almost complete, the foreman will review the hours worked and fees with the customer again and then ask for payment.
Do I need to tip the movers?
If they went above and beyond: Helped assemble furniture, handled your items with extra care, or dealt with tricky moving conditions.
Amount: Typically, $20-$50 per mover for a half-day job or $50-$100 per mover for a full-day job. Alternatively, you could tip a percentage of the total cost, usually around 10-15%.
Cash: Cash is often the preferred method, but some companies may allow you to tip via card.
Offering refreshments and snacks is also a nice gesture, especially on a long, tiring day.
Do I need to empty my dresser/file cabinet?
This is the most common question.
Dresser
if your dresser is made out of solid wood, then NO, you can leave clothes and light items in it. if your dresser is made out of Prestwood, then YES, please remove all items.
File Cabinet
Yes! please remove all items from file cabinet
What items will I need for the day of /after my move?
Here are the items that we recommend customers prepare for themselves and their family for the day of the move and the day after. Having these items at the ready will help your moving experience go smoothly and allow you the proper time to unpack the rest of your items. If you don’t have room in your car, you can pack all of this in a few boxes and give to your moving crew to put on the truck last. They will give this box to you first when you get to your new home so you can get (somewhat) settled.
Toiletries
Pillows, fitted sheets and blankets for the first night in the home
Washcloth and bath towels for everyone
Change of clothes
Plastic bags to keep dirty clothes in
Garbage bags
Toilet paper
Hand soap
Paper towel
Paper plates and a few utensils
Basic tool kit for assembling furniture (if you don’t want the movers to do this for you)
Snacks and easy to prepare food items for the next 2 days
Dog/animal food, leash and toys
Chargers for your laptop and phones
Garage openers and keys for the new house and/or personal storage units
Kids backpacks, school work, etc (if the children will need them the next day for school)
Long Distance
How do moving companies charge for long distance moves?
The cost of a long-distance move can vary widely depending on factors such as distance, size of your home, and additional services required. On average, it ranges from $4,000 – $20,000 It’s best to get multiple quotes from reputable moving companies.
How should I choose a moving company?
Research different moving companies, read reviews, and get multiple estimates. Ensure they are licensed and insured. Check their experience with long-distance moves and ask about any additional fees.
How do I pack for a long-distance move?
Start by decluttering and getting rid of items you don’t need. Use high-quality packing materials and label boxes clearly with their contents and destination room. Pack essential items separately for easy access upon arrival.
How do I handle my utilities and address change?
Schedule disconnection of utilities at your current home and set up services at your new location. Notify important parties of your address change, including the post office, banks, and any subscription services.
What should I expect on moving day?
Be prepared for a long day. Ensure you have all necessary documents, a moving day kit with essentials, and refreshments for the movers. Supervise the loading process and ensure everything is securely packed.
How do I ensure the safety of my belongings?
Choose a reputable moving company with good reviews. Opt for additional insurance coverage if needed. Ensure valuable and fragile items are packed securely and consider transporting them yourself if possible.
Moving long-distance can be a big task, but with careful planning and preparation, it can be a smooth transition. Do you have any specific concerns or details about your upcoming move that you’d like more information on?
Packing
Can I keep the items in my dresser drawers?
You should remove and separately pack any items in your dresser that are breakable or able to spill. If there are soft clothes in the dresser then you can leave them in the drawers. The movers will wrap the thick padded moving blankets around the dresser and secure them with packing tape. They will tilt the dresser on it’s side to load it onto a dolly, and then wheel it to the truck for loading. The items in your dresser drawers are expected to move around while in transit so make sure there is nothing breakable in there. There is no need to remove the shelves or drawers from your furniture.
How do I pack my clothing hanging in my closet?
You should remove and separately pack any items in your dresser that are breakable or able to spill. If there are soft clothes in the dresser then you can leave them in the drawers. The movers will wrap the thick padded moving blankets around the dresser and secure them with packing tape. They will tilt the dresser on it’s side to load it onto a dolly, and then wheel it to the truck for loading. The items in your dresser drawers are expected to move around while in transit so make sure there is nothing breakable in there. There is no need to remove the shelves or drawers from your furniture.
Where is the cheapest place to get packing materials?
There are many apps or websites that have people offering free, used boxes and packing materials. Check out: Facebook’s ‘Buy Nothing’ groups, the Nextdoor Neighbor App, LetGo App, etc.
Check daily or weekly for these items, as they are posted often. Just make sure when using used boxes to reinforce all sides and openings of the boxes with packing tape. This will give them structure and strength so they can be stacked on top of each other without collapsing.
The big box stores, like Home Depot and Lowe’s are expensive so buy there sparingly. The most expensive place to buy your packing materials though is through your own moving company! Your moving crew will have extra boxes and packing materials on the truck just in case the customer needs to buy a few last minute items, but this should be used as a back up only, as the convince cost of having the movers bring the materials with them will make the cost of these products that much more expensive.
And don’t forget your mattress bags! Many people forget to procure a large plastic bag to cover their mattress during the moving process. This will help ensure that your mattress will stay clean and dry throughout the move.
Will moving companies pack for me?
Experienced and licensed moving companies, like One Stop Moving & Storage, do everything you need for your move, including packing and disassembling and reassembling furniture. A full service move includes professional packing and is the right choice for those who are too busy to pack or are not experienced in packing and don’t want anything to break. You can either chose to buy your own packing materials for the professionals to use, or you can chose for the movers to bring and use their own materials.
What Materials will I need if i'm packing myself?
Here are the basic items that are needed to pack household items properly:
- Boxes of all sizes, including TV boxes and boxes for art
- More tape than you think you’ll need and if different colors if you want to do a color coding system
- Permanent markers of different colors
- Paper towels
- Garbage bags
- Bubble wrap, packing paper or newspaper
- Plastic Mattress covers
- Box cutter
- Band aids (those box cutters are sharp man)
What are some packing tips and tricks?
- Start packing early and often. People greatly underestimate how much time it will take them to pack.
- Leave your clothes hanging in the closet (they will be moved with wardrobe boxes)
- Light items in large boxes (like towels and linens)
- Heavy items in small boxes. Over-packed or heavy boxes increase the likelihood of damages
- Don’t leave empty spaces in boxes. Fill in the gaps with towels or packing paper. If it is unbalanced or half packed it is likely to fall over or get crushed, causing damages.
- Do not mix items from different rooms in the same box. It will make unpacking very time consuming.
- Label (or color code) boxes with the 1) room 2) content descriptions 3) if it’s fragile
- If you’d like to keep inventory, number each box and keep a list of each box and how it is labeled.
- Tape the top and bottom seams of a box very well, then wrap the seams of the box on top and bottom to give structure and strength to the boxes. This will help them stack well and prevent damages.
- Glass: create a large X with tape over the glass to support it and keep the glass together if it does break. Then wrap in bubble wrap and put into a box. If you’re putting multiple picture frames in one box then put a piece of cardboard or a few layers of paper between each frame
- Dishes:
- Pack vertically, never horizontally or laying down.
- Use plenty of paper between each dish and on the top and bottom of the box.
- You can wrap bowls and cups individually and then stack them.
- Plasma TVs need their original box or a special create, they can never be laid down on their side.
Here are some items that need special attention or professionals when packing. Please discuss these items with your moving coordination in advance of the move!
- Oil paintings (will stick or melt)
- Heavy statues
- Grand pianos
- Pool tables
- Safes that were specially installed
- Grandfather clocks
- Jacuzzi or above ground spas
- Chemicals and cleaning products
Storage
How do I choose the right moving and storage company?
Research different companies, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from friends and family. Ensure the company is licensed and insured. Request quotes from multiple companies and compare their services, prices, and terms.
What items are prohibited from being stored or moved?
Typically, moving and storage companies have a list of prohibited items such as hazardous materials (e.g., flammable liquids, explosives), perishable goods, plants, pets, and valuables like jewelry or important documents. Always ask the company for their specific list of prohibited items.
How should I prepare my belongings for storage?
Ensure all items are clean and dry before packing. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to protect fragile items. Label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong to. Consider creating an inventory list of all items being stored.
What kind of insurance coverage is available for my belongings?
Most moving and storage companies offer basic liability coverage, which may only cover a small portion of the item’s value. You can opt for additional coverage, such as full-value protection, which covers the replacement or repair cost of damaged or lost items. Check with the company about their insurance options and consider purchasing supplemental insurance if needed.
When it comes right down to it, moving is a stressful time. It doesn’t matter if you are moving locally around the corner or to the next town over, you are uprooting your life and possessions. That’s where we come in. Allow our local San Diego moving team to do all the work for you. All you need to do is relax and let us do the work!
We take great pride in offering you a customized estimate to fit your moving and storage needs. Here at One Stop Moving & Storage in San Diego, our goal is to provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that your most prized possessions will be handled with care by our team of professional San Diego local movers.
We will sit down with you one-on-one and create a moving plan that best fits your budget and personal needs. We want your moving experience to be a smooth transition from start & to finish. As soon as you pick up the phone to dial our number, you’ll be greeted by one of friendly moving experts who can answer any questions you may have regarding your local move.
An appointment will be set so we can give you the best possible free in-person estimate. Included in your free price estimate will be am on-site visual estimate, a list of items you need packed and/or moved, any packing materials needed, destination of your move, and any other services you require (e.g. storage, packing services, multiple stops, etc)We work with you to meticulously plan your move to make your experience as easy as possible
Local Movers
Packing
Our Packers, What You Can Expect
Our moving team will meet with you prior to your move to assist you in your moving preparation. This will ensure a quicker and more efficient move. We will discuss whether you need a complete packing service or a partial packing service. Don’t forget that we offer various packing supplies such as boxes, blankets, paper pads, custom crating, shrink wrap, bubble wrap, as well as mattress bags and boxes. We offer many box sizes, from wardrobe boxes to boxes large enough to pack lamps or television sets. We will strategically plan which boxes you should have immediately upon the arrival of your new destination. Boxes that hold bathroom items, towels, and bedding will be readily available so you begin to settle into your new home with ease.
Storage
Office Moving
Moving a business can be a stressful time. Whether you’re a one person operation or your business occupies an entire building, we understand that time is money when it comes to moving. As commercial movers in San Diego, we offer a moving service that provides as little disruption as possible so your business can be up and running in no time. We understand the unique demands of commercial moving and our team of professional movers has the experience you can count on. Our company, One Stop Moving & Storage, will plan every detail of your move to make it as quick and efficient as possible.
No office is too big or too small for our team of experts. We have a proven track record as a prominent San Diego commercial moving company. Your office will be moved safely and securely by our trained commercial movers. Moving your business location doesn’t have to mean a loss of business hours and efficiency. We know that as a business owner you have a lot on your mind. Allow us to make this move hassle free, so you have one less thing to worry about.
We will assign a commercial relocation team to assist you with your move. They will be your liaison throughout the whole process, overseeing every aspect of your office move. Our San Diego office moving team will map out a plan prior to the move, allowing for a speedy and efficient move. They will discuss how your equipment and materials will be packed and answer any concerns you may have. Our team of experts will provide you with a moving time line so you’ll know when your business will be up and running again.
We have all the tools necessary to move your business. We will take apart cubicles and desks, as well as wrap all of your furniture with protective moving pads and utilize floor and wall padding to ensure no damage to your old or new office space. Your office furniture and equipment is safe with our team of moving experts.
One Stop Moving & Storage offers insurance protection for all of your commercial moving needs. We can also see to all of your commercial storage and packing needs. If you have equipment or furniture that needs to be stored, we have room for you in our secured storage warehouse. It is our pleasure to provide you with outstanding service and see to all of your commercial moving needs. To ensure a quick and reliable moving process, call 1-858-633-8600 for prompt and professional San Diego commercial moving services.
The average piano weighs anywhere from 300 to 600 pounds, but could easily weigh up to 1400 pounds. Now that you’ve decided to move you’re wondering how in the world your piano is going to be packed and moved and still stay in one piece. If your piano isn’t properly packed this could result in some serious damage. Most accidents occur when non-professionals try to move the piano using the piano wheels. Piano wheels were not meant for moving your piano! We recommend not hiring an inexperienced moving company. If you want your piano to arrive to its new home in one piece and in the same condition as it left, you’ll need to call on professional piano movers San Diego to get the job done. One Stop Moving & Storage only uses proper equipment and techniques, guaranteeing the safety of your piano.
When it comes to moving large items such as your piano, you can leave it to us. There is no need to panic, we’ll pack your piano with the utmost care so you can sit back and relax while we get the job done. One will carefully pack your piano by wrapping it and properly crating it, so it will arrive to its new location the same way it left. Our professional piano movers San Diego specialize in moving all types of pianos including baby grand’s, concertos, uprights, and spinets.
Piano Moving
Long Distance Moving
We realize that your big move can be quite stressful.
One Stop Moving & Storage San Diego will make your long distance intrastate (within California) moving experience safe, secure, cost-efficient, and hassle free. Our prices are based on the total weight of your possessions and distance of the move. It is not only our job to safely move your items, but we feel it is our job to make sure your move is a smooth transition from start to finish.
Long distance intrastate moving isn’t an easy task. It takes a lot of planning, coordination, and can be quite complex. That’s why it’s important that you make the right choice when selecting a long distance intrastate moving company. The moving company you choose should sit with you one-on-one to create a customized moving plan to fit your moving needs.
Your moving plan will include everything from the basics of your move (where you are moving to and from, dates, times, etc), as well as the more complex moving services you may need (coordination with other companies, storage, packing, etc). One Stop Moving & Storage will provide you with a personalized long distance moving plan right down to the last detail.
Our trained moving experts will review all those details with you and make any last minute changes if needed.
- 50 FREE Boxes with a Local Move
- 100 FREE Boxes with a Long Distance Move
- Fully Licensed & Insured
- Award Winner! Best Mover By KFMB
- Free In-Home Visual Estimate
- Local & Cross Country Moves
- Safe & Secure Storage
- Professional Packing Services
- Full-Time Trained Employees
Have Questions?
Phone
858-633-8600
Sales@osmoving.com
Address
6260 Marindustry Dr STE B
San Diego, CA 92121
