Dirt Cheap Mover Frequently Asked Questions
Inquiries: (714) 342-0669


* Special notice about COVID-19 *

Will Dirt Cheap Mover be open during the COVID-19 outbreak?
Answer: Yes, to the extent we are allowed to continue operating by law.

Dirt Cheap Mover recognizes the impact that COVID-19 is having on our world, country, and local communities. We urge all of our clients to follow the guidelines that the CDC has recommended we take from now until this unique time has passed. With that said, we are still open for business and stand ready to provide our clients with the essential moving services we have performed for over 16 years, while following CDC guidelines for the use of protective equipment and sanitary methods.

We thank you for trusting us with your business and look forward to the days when we can say to each other, "Remember that crazy coronavirus thing...?"
Dirt Cheap Mover

FAQs:

SPECIAL NOTICE FOR HOURLY RATE CUSTOMERS-
You may be asked to provide a "visual inventory" of your items to be moved, consisting of pictures and/or videos, so we can provide an educated, though non-binding guess of how long your move will take. In the absence of a visual inventory, the following caveat applies: If the scope of your work order is larger than the person who books your move with us estimates, Dirt Cheap Mover reserves the right to either continue or cease providing moving services if another workorder is scheduled after yours. It is up to you, the person booking the move, to correctly evaluate, as best you can, the amount of time and number of workers you'll need. Most customers grossly underestimate the time their workorder will take. Please keep this in mind when estimating the scope of your workorder.

1. Will you arrive at my requested start time?
Answer: Due to many factors we cannot control such as changes to a prior move, weather, equipment and traffic conditions, Dirt Cheap Mover's scheduled arrival times are approximate. You can be sure we always do our best to be punctual, and we maintain communication with our customers to advise them if we'll be early or late. The assigned foreman's contact information will be provided to you for your convenience. All customers who have scheduled moving services with us will be sent an automated text message, as a reminder, 12 hours prior to their move.

Dirt Cheap Mover has a first come, first served policy.  Asking us questions and inquiring about our rates, services and availability does not constitute a reservation.  All reservations are confirmed in writing via text or email.  We do not confirm reservations over the telephone without written replies.  If you do not receive your confirmation in writing please contact us immediately at (714) 342-0669 or email us at dirtcheapmover@dirtcheapmover.com. We are open 24 hours per day. We never close.

2. It's late, can you finish tomorrow?
Answer: No, unless you've made prior arrangements, in writing, with Dirt Cheap Mover to complete your scheduled service request over multiple days. Dirt Cheap Mover works around the clock, 24 hours a day and the worker(s) and moving vehicle(s) will likely already be scheduled for another job. In the event of any situation caused or incurred by the customer that results in a delay to Dirt Cheap Mover completing the customers scheduled service request, the customer agrees to cover any additional expenses to complete the job including, but not limited to, vehicle and labor expenses. Potential customers at locations that force time restrictions on the hours available for moving operations may be better suited finding another moving company.

3. Are you licensed and insured?
Answer: Yes. Our license number is CAL T 189860, required by the State of California, through the California Public Utilities Commission. We have $50,000 of cargo insurance plus $750,000 of public and private liability insurance as required by law.
  
4. Do you have both Hourly and Flat Rate quotes?
Answer: Yes. Dirt Cheap Mover gives customers the option of Hourly Rates or "Not To Exceed" Flat Rate quotes. Customers choose which of the two options best fits their needs and budget. Click on Moving Services to find links for our Rates. Cellphone users will find links using the menu button.

5. What are Prorated Hourly Rates?
Answer: Charges do not begin until workers have arrived at the pick-up location. Charges continue from this point until the job is completed, including blanket folding and equipment loadout. Hourly Rates are prorated in 15 minute increments, once minimum charges have been satisfied, if applicable. Click on Moving Services to find a link for Hourly Rates. Cellphone users will find a link using the menu button. 

6. Do you move outside of California?
Answer: No. We are not licensed to move outside of California. We will, however, provide loading services in California for those using one-way truck rentals or storage containers.

7. How long have you been in business?
Answer: Dirt Cheap Mover has been in business since 2004. We hope you'll be impressed to know that 90% of our customers choose Dirt Cheap Mover again for their future moving needs.

8. What if an item is damaged or broken during a move?
Answer: All moves, by California law, receive a free insurance policy of $0.60 per pound, per article. You may obtain additional insurance if this is not enough through a licensed insurance agent, broker, homeowners or rental insurance policy. All moves include an Important Information Booklet issued by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) for those moving within California.

For Additional Valuation:
All rates listed below are a dollar amount "PER $1,000 of your TOTAL LOAD VALUE". Your total load value is determined BY YOU ALONE.
- Actual Cash Value: $9.60.
- Full Replacement Value with $0 deductible: $18.40.
- Full Replacement Value with $250 deductible: $5.80.
- Full Replacement Value with $500 deductible: $3.20.
For example, if you tell us your load is worth a total of $10,000 and you wish to choose Actual Cash Value, your valuation charge would be $96.
NOTE: Dirt Cheap Mover is not responsible for damage to any items for which the customer has refused protective blanketing or bagging service.

9. What type of trucks do you use?
Answer: We have available 26' enclosed box trucks with hydraulic lifts and a 1 ton cargo van which can pull a 16' long trailer with carpeted floor. Click on Moving Services to find a link for vehicles we use. Cellphone users will find a link using the menu button.

10. Can I get a discount for helping with my move?
Answer: Yes. We have several programs designed to help save you money. PC / Tablet users can click on Moving Services to find a link for discounts. Cellphone users will find a link using the menu button.

11. What moving preparation must I have completed before Dirt Cheap Mover's arrival?
Answer: In order for us to maintain our efficiency, and thus super low quotations, we require that all packing is completed prior to our arrival, not during our arrival. Please note:

a. We will be loading your boxed items first so please have all box flaps closed and taped with delivery location "room names" written on each box.
b. All filing cabinets of 3 drawers or more must be empty.
c. Please empty all your dresser drawers. Note: Drawers with ball bearing guides can be difficult to remove and reinstall. Dirt Cheap Mover does not remove or reinstall drawers with ball bearing guides. If drawers are removed, we recommend that you mark their original position in the cabinet.
d. All electronic equipment (receivers, game consoles, radios, remote controls etc..) wrapped and packed into boxes.
e. Bundle the electrical cords of large unboxed electrical appliances and equipment such as refrigerators, washers and dryers.
f. We do not disconnect or reconnect any utilities. Please disconnect prior to our arrival. This includes cable, DVR, stereo components, misc. electrical, gas, water, dryer vent and ice maker lines.
g. Please insure utilities are working at all moving locations prior to the movers arrival. This includes electricity for lights, power tool and cell phone battery chargers and air conditioning or heating based on weather. Please have running water available for restroom needs.
h. Place light bulbs, harps, lamp shades and lamp bases into boxes since they damage easily.
i. To keep them safe, move all pets and small children away from the movers work area and vehicles.
j. Driveway and garage must be cleared of all vehicles to facilitate free movement.
k. Interior hallways and exterior walkways should be clear to move furniture through.
l. Paying with cash? Been to the bank? Please do not delay us to our next customer. Having exact change really helps us.
m. For everyone's safety, please temporarily disable automatic lawn sprinkler systems the night before your move, wherever possible. If we will be moving your potted plants, do not water them the day before your move. Bushes and hedges that overhang walkways are a hazard and must be trimmed to prevent injuries and furniture damage.
n. Customer must obtain secure legal parking for our moving vehicles, including any required permits. Please do not ask us to park in Red Zones, No Parking Zones, in front of fire hydrants or to double park.
o. Customer must remove and package weights and pendulum from Grandfather clocks. We do not reassemble these items.
p. Dirt Cheap Mover does not disassemble or reassemble appliances such as refrigerators, washers or dryers.  We will provide the customer any available tools that we have, but the customer must ensure by any and all means necessary that all appliances can pass through all hallways and doorways without being disassembled by Dirt Cheap Mover's employees in any way. Dirt Cheap Mover does not move any items over balconies, through windows, or over countertops.

12. Which pieces of furniture should be blanket wrapped?
Answer: Items with a dark or high gloss finish, glass items, leather covered items, items with sharp edges or corners, expensive items, fine painted surfaces and appliances should always be blanket wrapped when being moved. We use heavy quilted grade 5 blankets as standard equipment.

NOTE: Hourly Rate customers should know that blanket wrapping takes time and will increase labor costs, however, participating in our 'Blanketing Helper Discount Program' can help to offset this cost increase. Please visit our Discounts and Free Programs page for details.

13. What type of customers do we provide our moving services to?
Answer: Moving is a difficult job for both the customer and hired mover, so we offer our moving services to:

- Customers that do not have other events planned the same day as their move. Rushing to complete the job will compromise everyone's safety.
- Customers that allow for scheduling flexibility on the day of their move due to changing weather, traffic and working conditions.
- Customers who are gracious enough to run their air conditioning on hot days while we work even though doors are open.
- Customers that have working electricity, water and lighting during the time of their move. Utilities are indespensible to us in completing our job.
- Customers who cover / protect valuable floor surfaces or carpets prior to our arrival will help expedite the moving process.
- Customers who have resolved issues relating to Domestic Violence before we arrive. We won't expose our workers to abusive or violent confrontations.

14. Do you provide boxes and other moving supplies?
Answer: We provide a limited selection of packing supplies including moving blankets, stretch wrap, tape, rope, mattress bags and wardrobe boxes sold at our cost. Dirt Cheap Mover does not sell, nor have any other packing supplies.

15. Will you disassemble and reassemble my furniture if required?
Answer: Yes. We will, to the best of our ability, disassemble and reassemble furniture such as beds, dressers with mirrors, table legs, entertainment centers, desks and other items using standard tools. We can not guarantee to have every type and size tool needed for every situation. On rare occasions, customers may need to provide necessary tools to accomplish a certain task. Customers are responsible to provide "specialty" tools for custom made and exotic items. We will remove most things from your walls, but we do not reinstall to walls. We do not disassemble exercise equipment.

16. How do I pay for moving services?
Answer: Payment for Dirt Cheap Mover's services is due in full upon completion of the customer's work order request. We do not accept checks for payment. We accept the following payment types:

Cash, Venmo or Zelle - Our discounted cash rates are the cheapest way to pay for our services. Please have cash ready beforehand so we're not delayed to our next job. If we must wait for you to go to the bank you will be charged for the time.

Dedit Cards or Credit Cards- We accept Debit Cards or these Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover. A 5% fee for processing debit cards or credit cards is charged for additional services including packing supply purchases, blanket deposits and large moving vehicles.

17. Do you require a deposit?
Answer: No. Dirt Cheap Mover does not require a deposit. Credit Card or Debit Card payments must be completed prior to the start of work to insure acceptance for customers choosing a Not to Exceed Flat Rate move. This does not apply to customers choosing an Hourly Rate.

18. What if I cancel my work order request at the last minute? Is there a cancellation charge?
Answer: No. There is no cancellation charge. We simply cancel your work order request. Just notify us by calling (714) 342-0669. We'll cancel your work order request or you may reschedule if you desire. If you booked your work order request online at dirtcheapmover.com you can login to access your account and cancel your work order request. Almost all moving companies charge for cancellations, we never do. This excellent customer service is one reason why we have so many repeat customers.

19. I have a Piano. Do you move pianos?
Answer: Yes. We will move upright pianos but we do not move Grand or Baby Grand pianos.

20. Do you provide packing services?
Answer: No. Dirt Cheap Mover no longer provides packing services.


Dirt Cheap Mover reserves the right to refuse service to anyone, in accordance with Federal, State and Local laws.
Dirt Cheap Mover reserves the right to refuse any service request that exposes anyone to any potential safety hazard.

END OF DOCUMENT!