How to Find the Best Contra Costa County, CA Moving Companies and Self-Storage Sites
Moving can be very difficult. Relocating from a one-bedroom apartment can be an inconvenience, but moving an entire household can be a huge undertaking. If you're dreading the boxes, packing and multiple trips, consider calling a Contra Costa County moving company to help. The Prime Buyer's Report has compiled information on the best moving companies in Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, San Ramon and Richmond, some of which offer rental trucks, long-term storage, temporary storage, and self-storage for your items. more »Updated November 29, 2007
Top 10 Moving Companies & Storage Facilities in Contra Costa County
| Corovan Moving & Storage |
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(510) 307-4421 740 National Ct Richmond, CA 94804 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek CA, Alamo CA, Lafayette CA, Concord CA, Orinda, Moraga, Pleasant Hill CA
| Golden Gate Moving & Storage |
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(925) 757-2772 1211 Sunset Dr Antioch, CA 94509 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Orinda, Moraga, Alamo CA, Lafayette CA, Concord CA
| Marin Moving & Storage |
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(510) 439-3140 1100 Marina Way S # A Richmond, CA 94804 |
Areas Served: Concord CA, Walnut Creek CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Orinda, Alamo CA, Moraga, Lafayette CA
| Chipman Moving & Storage |
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(925) 935-4073 5060 Forni Dr Concord, CA 94520 |
Areas Served: Orinda, Concord CA, Walnut Creek CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Moraga, Lafayette CA, Alamo CA
| Confiance Moving & Storage |
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(510) 237-1073 11185 San Pablo Ave El Cerrito, CA 94530 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek CA, Concord CA, Orinda, Lafayette CA, Moraga, Orinda, Alamo CA
| Byron Moving & Storage |
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(925) 457-6683 1714 Colfax St Concord, CA 94520 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek CA, Alamo CA, Concord CA, Moraga, Lafayette CA, Orinda, Pleasant Hill CA
| Orbit Moving & Storage, Inc. |
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(510) 234-3707 167 S 2nd St Richmond, CA 94804 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek CA, Moraga, Concord CA, Orinda, Lafayette CA, Alamo CA, Pleasant Hill CA
| Diamond Mine Mini Storage |
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(925) 516-2700 175 Guthrie Ln Brentwood, CA 94513 |
Areas Served: Walnut Creek CA, Pleasant Hill CA, Concord CA, Orinda, Alamo CA, Lafayette CA, Moraga
| Magic Moving & Storage |
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(925) 943-2123 1300 Creekside Dr Walnut Creek, CA 94596 |
Areas Served: Pleasant Hill CA, Walnut Creek CA, Lafayette CA, Orinda, Concord CA, Moraga
How to Find the Best Contra Costa County, CA Moving Companies and Self-Storage Sites
A move can bring excitement about the new life and home ahead, but at the same time, the process can be daunting and overwhelming. Packing, boxes, bags, what to keep, what to throw away, cleaning, dealing with your pets, letting go of memories . . . moving is a big deal and one that people often approach with dread. But a good moving company can help ease the transition, keeping your stress levels manageable and handling a large part of the logistics problems that moving brings, from packing or storing your things, to driving them across town or across the country. In the Contra Costa County area, there are a multitude of these high-end moving and storage companies. The Prime Buyer's Report offers some tips on finding a moving and storage company to accommodate your relocation.Contra Costa County Moving and Storage Companies Perform Numerous Services
Whether you're moving around the corner or overseas, using a moving and storage company to haul your belongings is so much easier than doing it yourself. They can give you a preliminary consultation for free and personalize a moving management system to move entire offices, corporations, residences, trade shows, and exhibits. Offered moving distances range anywhere from local, to interstate, to international. And if you suddenly find yourself under severe time constraints, many local movers can accommodate a last minute move. If you have particularly fragile items, such as pianos, art, electronics, or antiques, some movers are capable of taking the necessary precautions to move them safely. If you're planning to relocate, nearly any Contra Costa County-based moving company can pack and ship your belongings for you. But quite a few of them also offer the option of temporary storage. If you're unable to find a replacement dwelling immediately after the sale of your property or the termination of your lease, you can take advantage of this service. They can safely stow household goods, commercial goods, and furniture for short- or long-term periods. Some moving companies can store particularly valuable items in climate-controlled vaults that are monitored 24 hours a day by security personnel. Some Contra Costa County moving and storage companies can store important records, for which they have a bar-coded system of management. And some moving and storage companies offer the amazingly convenient option of mobile modular storage. If you use this service, professionally trained employees will provide a warehouse crate to store your belongings, haul the crate to a storage facility, and actually deliver it to your door when you require it. So if you're worried about adding unnecessary hassle to your already stressful move, don't be. Using a moving and storage company will save time and energy and, perhaps more importantly, your back.
Contra Costa County Moving and Storage Companies Supply Needed Packing Materials
One of the perks of hiring someone to conduct your move is the freedom from packing. Many Contra Costa County movers supply all needed materials and secure your belongings for you. Instead of squishing overfilled, aging boxes in the bed of a truck, movers will wrap pack and seal your valuables, pad them with bubble wrap, foam, or packing paper, and safely load them into a sanitized, temperature regulated van. They guard frames and art with edge protectors, neatly pack clothes into wardrobe boxes, and stow mirrors and other flat glass in mirror packs. Movers can keep your mattress clean with mattress covers and prevent in-transit damage with moving blankets and padding. In some instances you can use the provided materials to box up your belongings yourself, but professional movers are required to take great care. It's usually worth your while to take advantage of all of the services they offer.
There is a Great Selection of Moving and Storage Companies in Contra Costa County
Whenever there is such a bevy of companies that offer the same service to a local area, it's fair to guess that there is a variety of quality across the industry. So that you don't waste time searching at the lower end of the scale, The Prime Buyer's Report has ranked the best moving and storage companies in the area. The top 10 moving and storage companies in Contra Costa County are Corovan Moving & Storage, Golden Gate Moving & Storage, Marin Moving & Storage, Chipman Moving & Storage, Confiance Moving & Storage, Byron Moving & Storage, Orbit Moving & Storage, Inc., Diamond Mine Mini Storage, Magic Moving & Storage, A Storage City. Other companies worth considering include Thrifty Moving.
Learn About Moving and Storage Companies in Contra Costa County
Moving companies have to be licensed and certified to operate in the State of California. It's crucial that you make sure the company of your choice is current with these credentials. You can find these important details at related association Web sites. Additionally, you should find out whatever you can about movers you might employ. Look for information in magazines, internet forums and any other source that discusses local business reputations, regulations, or customer feedback. Get started on your research with the links listed in the article, "Key Resources for Moving and Storage Companies in Contra Costa County.
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Determining the Best Moving Company in Contra Costa County
Step 1: Describe Your PlanWhen you call different moving companies, explain the details of your move. Report the type and size of the dwelling and mention any items that will need special care. Also, give the departing and destination addresses and the dates you wish to be moved. If you plan on storing any items, specify the amount of items to be stored and the projected length of time you will need to store them. From this information, a moving company representative can calculate an estimate, which may or may not be binding. Binding estimates generally expire after 60 days (on average), so ask about these terms ahead of time.
Step 2: Ask Questions & Take Notes
You'll need to know some things about a moving company before you can use their services. The sample questions below address several items of concern.
How long have you been in business?
Are your estimates binding? If so, how long are they guaranteed?
What items are not allowed to be transported?
What is my available recourse and who do I contact if my household goods are damaged or lost during the moving process?
Will you reassemble any items that were taken apart for the move?
How do you price your services?
What is your billing procedure?
How much advance notice should I give your company if I need to ship something?
Do you offer any form of shipment tracking?
How long will it take to move?
Do you offer temporary or long term storage?
How will you protect my household goods from damage and dirt?
What are your DOT and CAL-T certificate numbers? (See "Top 10 Moving and Storage Tips of All Time" to verify certifications)
Do you carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?
Step 3: Making a Preliminary Decision
Compare the results of your interviews. The candidate who can best accommodate you in terms of safety and special considerations should now stand out.
Step 4: Final Research
After you've selected a moving and storage company, verify the licensing information they gave you in the interview. You can check the CAL-T license number by calling the California Public Utilities Commission or visiting their Web site. Department of Transportation registration can be checked on the DOT Web site.
Step 5: Making the Final Decision
Once you've determined all proper certifications to be in place, commit to your estimate and sign a contract. Clear up any lingering doubts or concerns. Then speak with a representative and arrange for a written and signed pricing, timing, quality, and warranty agreement.
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Research Moving Companies in Contra Costa County
AMSA American Moving and Storage Association (www.moving.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)
CMSA California Moving and Storage Association (www.thecmsa.org)
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission (www.cpuc.ca.gov), 1-800-877-8867
DCA California Department of Consumer Affairs (www.dca.ca.gov)
Diamond Certified (www.diamondcertified.org)
DOT Department of Transportation (www.dot.gov)
FMSCA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (www.fmcsa.dot.gov)
HGFAA Household Goods Forwarders Association of America (www.hhgfaa.org)
IOMA International Office Moving Institute (www.officemoves.com)
NAMA North American Movers Association (www.namovers.com)
SAFER Safety and Electronics Record System (www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov)
Media & Web Publications
Home
Homes and Land Magazine
HOUSE Magazine
Realtor Magazine
Smart Homeowner
www.century21.com
www.helpiammoving.com
www.homefair.com
www.movinganswers.org
www.movingscam.com
www.protectyourmove.gov
www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CSP_Order.asp
www.statefarm.com
IF you are looking for a storage space for tempoary storage or full service moving and longtearm storage The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 moving and storage companies in Contra Costa County within the following zip codes.
94506, 94507, 94509, 94511, 94513, 94514, 94516, 94517, 94518, 94519, 94520, 94521, 94522, 94523, 94524, 94525, 94526, 94527, 94528, 94530, 94531, 94547, 94548, 94549, 94553, 94556, 94561, 94563, 94564, 94565, 94569, 94570, 94572, 94575, 94582, 94583, 94595, 94596, 94597, 94598, 94801, 94802, 94803, 94804, 94805, 94806, 94807, 94808, 94820 and 94850
The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 moving and storage companies in Contra Costa County within the following cities.
Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Bethel Island, Blackhawk, Brentwood, Briones, Byron, Canyon, Clayton, Clyde, Concord, Crockett, Danville, Diablo, Discovery Bay, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules, Hilltop Mall, Knightsen, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, N Richmond, North Richmond, Oakley, Orinda, Pacheco, Pinole, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, Point Richmond, Port Chicago, Port Costa, Richmond, Rodeo, San Pablo, San Ramon, Tara Hills, Walnut Creek and West Pittsburg
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Top 10 Moving and Storage Tips for the Contra Costa County Area
Take Time Choosing Your Moving and Storage Provider.
Locally, you have access to a multitude of moving companies that range from two movers and a box van to major interstate corporations with climate-controlled eighteen-wheelers. It's a good idea to consult several moving companies so you can plan accordingly. And the more companies you consider, the more likely you are to find the optimal service for your specific moving requirements.
Consult Several Moving Companies.
Call several moving companies to get price ranges and available services. There may be a charge for an estimate, so ask about this before you accept services. Be prepared to answer questions regarding the volume of your belongings, start and destination addresses, and whether or not you need to store anything. If you have a particularly fragile or large item, inquire as to whether or not they can safely transport it. If so, ask if it would incur additional fees.
Can Everything Go?
Make sure everything you plan to pack is allowed to be transported. A moving company can usually provide a list of prohibited items.
Don't automatically pack up everything you own. After a certain amount of time, we all accrue junk we will never use again, but it still gathers dust in the recesses of our homes. Consider holding a garage sale or making a donation to a local thrift store before you move to get rid of some of this dead weight. Moving costs are generally calculated by the weight of the load, so don't waste money shipping items you would never miss anyway.
Think Beyond the Move.
Advance planning and organization will reduce the stress of your move. Keep all documents related to your move in one easily accessible location. Develop a folder, notebook or even a daily planner to keep track of important phone numbers and documents. Referrals for new physicians, maps of your new town and contact information for old friends are just a few more things that you may want to stash in your organizer.
Do Your Homework Before You Sign an Agreement.
When you're seriously considering a moving company, check all necessary credentials before you sign. Verify the certificate of authority (DOT number) through the Department of Transportation and CAL-T certification through the California Public Utilities Commission. For twenty dollars you can obtain company safety profiles at www.safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CSP_Order.asp.
Don't Get Hung Up on Price.
Don't let cost be your sole motivator. The cheapest moving companies compensate employees poorly, use inferior means of loading and transport and often have bad track records. To ensure your belongings arrive in the same state they left, carefully screen a moving company before you consider price.
Choose Certified Companies.
Companies with better track records and happier customers are often awarded quality endorsements, such as Diamond Certification and Better Business Bureau membership. If you seek out the companies that can claim such high regard, your move will go much more smoothly.
Inspect the Shipment Upon Arrival.
As soon as your belongings reach your destination, check for any damage that may have occurred in transit. It's imperative that you do this as soon as possible. Legal culpability dwindles with time. If you find damage, refer to your contract for liability and compensation information.
Know Your Rights.
If you arrive at an impasse with your moving company, know that you are protected by state and federal law. These laws vary by region, so learn about specific protection in the Contra Costa County area at the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site.
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