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Prime Buyers Guide Moving Companies & Storage Facilities

How to Find the Best Moving Companies and Self-Storage in the San Fernando Valley

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. Professional movers make it easy.

The following research by The Prime Buyer's Report identifies the best moving & storage in the San Fernando Valley and issues related to hiring them.

Updated February 9, 2013

Top 10 Moving Companies & Storage Facilities in the San Fernando Valley

North Star Moving Corp.
(818) 727-0128
9120 Mason Avenue
Chatsworth, CA 91311

Areas Served: North Hollywood CA, Burbank CA, Van Nuys CA, Studio City CA, Woodland Hills CA

Benhur Moving & Storage Inc
(818) 780-3300
6930 Hayvenhurst Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Areas Served: San Fernando Valley, Sherman Oaks CA, Burbank CA, Van Nuys CA, Woodland Hills CA

Ontime Mover
(818) 955-5860
1812 West Burbank Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91506

Areas Served: Chatsworth CA, Studio City CA, Sherman Oaks CA, Burbank CA, Santa Clarita CA, Encino CA

Inside Moves Relocation Inc
(818) 515-0158
7055 Geyser Avenue
Reseda, CA 91335

Areas Served: Studio City CA, Sherman Oaks CA, Burbank CA, Reseda CA, Woodland Hills CA, Sylmar CA

Father & Son Moving and Storage
(818) 407-8888
7635 Haskell Avenue
Van Nuys, CA 91406

Areas Served: Van Nuys CA, Burbank CA, Santa Clarita Valley, Studio City CA, Chatsworth CA, Reseda CA

Bernard Movers
(818) 934-8998
3615 North San Fernando Boulevard
Burbank, CA 91505

Areas Served: Burbank CA, Studio City CA, Sherman Oaks CA, Van Nuys CA, Woodland Hills CA, Reseda CA

LA Moving Inc
(310) 704-6446
5140 White Oak Avenue #201
Encino, CA 91316

Areas Served: Encino CA, Burbank CA, Calabasas CA, Woodland Hills CA, Studio City CA, Van Nuys CA

JBL Moving & Storage Inc
(800) 266-4525
9640 Owensmouth Ave
Chatsworth, CA 91311

Areas Served: San Fernando Valley, Burbank CA, Encino CA, Chatsworth CA, Calabasas CA, Van Nuys CA

How to Find the Best Moving Companies and Self-Storage in the San Fernando Valley 

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 and storing your things to driving them across town or across the country. In the the San Fernando Valley area, there are a multitude of these high-end movers and storage companies. The Prime Buyer's Report offers some tips on finding good movers and storage companies to accommodate your relocation.

the San Fernando Valley Movers and Storage Companies Perform Numerous Services
Whether you're moving around the corner or overseas, using a moving company or storage company to haul your belongings is much easier than doing it yourself. Good movers and moving companies 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.

If you suddenly find yourself under severe time constraints, many local movers and packers can accommodate last minute moves. 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 the San Fernando Valley-based moving companies can pack and ship your belongings for you.

Quite a few moving companies also offer the option of temporary storage or self-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 these storage services. Local movers and storage facilities can safely stow household goods, commercial goods, and furniture for short-term storage or long-term storage. Some moving companies can store particularly valuable items in climate-controlled vaults that are monitored 24 hours a day by security personnel. Some the San Fernando Valley 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 or portable storage. If you use this service, professionally trained movers 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.

the San Fernando Valley Movers and Storage Companies Supply Needed Packing Materials
One of the perks of hiring someone to conduct your move is the freedom from packing. Many the San Fernando Valley movers are also packers, so they supply all needed moving supplies and storage materials and secure your belongings for you. Instead of squishing overfilled, aging boxes in the bed of a truck, good household movers will wrap pack and seal your valuables, pad them with bubble wrap, foam, or packing paper, and safely load them into sanitized, temperature regulated moving trucks.

 

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 packing 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 moving services they offer.

 

 

There is a Great Selection of Moving and Storage Companies in the San Fernando Valley
Whenever there is such a bevy of moving companies that service a local area, it's fair to guess that there is a variety of quality across the moving and storage 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 movers and storage companies in the area above.

The Prime Buyer's Report lists these movers and storage companies in the San Fernando Valley: Bernard Movers, Ontime Mover, North Star Moving Corp., JBL Moving & Storage Inc, Inside Moves Relocation Inc, Benhur Moving & Storage Inc, Father & Son Moving and Storage, LA Moving Inc. Other self-storage centers and moving companies that might still serve Burbank, Chatsworth, Reseda, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Santa Clarita and San Fernando include: .

Learn About Moving and Storage Companies in Burbank, Chatsworth, Reseda, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Santa Clarita and San Fernando
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 on moving companies and storage facilities in the San Fernando Valley. Get started on your research with the links listed in the article, "Key Resources for Moving and Storage Companies in the San Fernando Valley."

 

 

Determining the Best Moving Companies in the San Fernando Valley 

Step 1: Describe Your Plan to the Movers in the San Fernando Valley
When you call different moving companies, explain the details of your move. Do you need international moving services or local moving services? 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. Also, decide if you require full service movers or moving companies who will both pack and move your belongings.

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. Decide if you need special kinds of storage, such as self-storage, storage containers, climate controlled storage, storage units, mini storage or portable storage. From this information, moving company representatives and movers can calculate an estimate, which may or may not be binding. Binding estimates generally expire after 60 days (on average), so ask the moving companies in the San Fernando Valley about their terms ahead of time.

Step 2: Ask the Movers and Storage Companies Questions & Take Notes
You'll need to know some things about moving companies or storage facilities before you use their services. The sample questions below address several items of concern.

• How long have the moving companies and storage facilities been in business?

• Are the movers or storage companies' estimates binding? If so, how long are they guaranteed?

• What items are not allowed to be transported by the movers in the San Fernando Valley?

• What is your available recourse and who do you contact if household goods are damaged or lost during the moving process or time in storage?

• Will the movers reassemble any items that were taken apart for the move?

• How do the moving companies and storage facilities price their moving and storage services?

• What are the movers' and storage companies' billing procedures?

• How much advance notice should you give the moving companies if you need to ship something?

• Do the movers in Burbank, Chatsworth, Reseda, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Santa Clarita and San Fernando offer shipment tracking?

• How long will it take the moving company to pack and move your belongings?

• Do you the movers offer temporary or long term storage?

• Do the storage companies offer self storage, mini storage, portable storage or moving storage space?

• How will the movers and storage facilities protect your household goods from damage and dirt?

• What are the moving companies' DOT and CAL-T certificate numbers? (See "Top 10 Moving and Storage Tips of All Time" to verify certifications.)

• Do the movers carry workers' compensation and liability insurance?

Take notes on the responses from each moving company representative. This will make it easier to compare each candidate and create a list of pros and cons to base your decision on.

Step 3: Making a Preliminary Decision on Movers and Storage Facilities
Compare the results of your interviews with moving companies and storage centers in Burbank, Chatsworth, Reseda, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Santa Clarita and San Fernando. The candidates who can best accommodate you in terms of moving and storage safety and special considerations should stand out.

Step 4: Final Research on Moving and Storage Companies
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 on the Best Local Movers and Storage Facilities
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 from the moving company or storage facility and arrange for a written and signed pricing, timing, quality and warranty agreement.

 

 

Tips About Moving and Storage in the San Fernando Valley 


Take Time Choosing Your Moving and Storage Provider.
Locally, you have access to many moving companies that can range from two movers and a box van to major interstate movers or international movers with climate-controlled van lines. 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 moving or relocation quotes, so ask about this before you accept services from moving companies in the San Fernando Valley. 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 particularly fragile or large items, inquire as to whether or not the movers can safely transport it. If so, ask if it would incur additional moving fees.

Can Everything Be Moved or Put into Storage?
Make sure everything you plan to pack is allowed to be transported. A moving company can usually provide a list of prohibited items. Some items are not allowed by certain storage companies or storage units. Ask if there are any materials or substances you cannot store in the mini storage facilties or storage space.

Rid Yourself of Possessions You Don't Want Before the Movers Arrive.
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 our homes. Consider holding a garage sale or making a donation to a local thrift store before moving 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.

Likewise, it doesn't pay to store items you don't need. Before packing and moving your belongings into a storage unit or storage facility, weed out items you don't want. Remember, there is very imited space in self storage containers, mini storage units, portable storage or storage rental containers and you don't want to pay to store more furnitire or boxes than you need.

Think Beyond the Move.
Advance planning and organization will reduce the stress of moving. 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 services, 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 with a Moving Company.
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 Prices From Moving Companies or Storage Facilities.
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 moving companies in the San Fernando Valley before you consider price. Good storage facilities will guard your belongings whether they are in self-storage, mini storage or portable storage units. Price often reflects the quality of the storage facilities, which may include video surveilance or monitored storage spaces.

 

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 in Regard to Moving Companies and Storage Units.
If you arrive at an impasse with your moving company or storage facility, know that you are protected by state and federal law. These laws vary by region, so learn about specific protection in the the San Fernando Valley area at the California Department of Consumer Affairs Web site.

 

 

Research on Moving Companies in Burbank, Chatsworth, Reseda, Van Nuys, Woodland Hills, Santa Clarita and San Fernando 

Associations & Licensing For Movers and Storage Facilities
AMSA American Moving and Storage Association (www.moving.org)
BBB Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.com)
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 (http://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)

Storage Facilities and Movers 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 storage space for temporary storage or full service moving and long term storage or self storage, The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 moving companies and storage companies in the San Fernando Valley within the following zip codes:

91040, 91303, 91304, 91306, 91307, 91308, 91310, 91311, 91313, 91316, 91321, 91322, 91324, 91325, 91326, 91327, 91328, 91329, 91330, 91331, 91333, 91334, 91335, 91337, 91340, 91341, 91342, 91343, 91344, 91345, 91346, 91350, 91351, 91352, 91353, 91354, 91355, 91356, 91357, 91364, 91365, 91367, 91371, 91372, 91380, 91381, 91382, 91383, 91384, 91385, 91386, 91387, 91390, 91392, 91393, 91394, 91395, 91396, 91401, 91402, 91403, 91404, 91405, 91406, 91407, 91408, 91409, 91410, 91411, 91412, 91413, 91416, 91423, 91426, 91436, 91470, 91482, 91495, 91496, 91499, 91501, 91502, 91503, 91504, 91505, 91506, 91507, 91508, 91510, 91521, 91522, 91523, 91526, 91601, 91602, 91603, 91604, 91605, 91606, 91607, 91608, 91609, 91610, 91611, 91612, 91614, 91615, 91616, 91617 and 91618

The Prime Buyer's Report provides information for the top 10 movers and storage companies in the San Fernando Valley within the following cities:

Agoura Hills, Arleta, Burbank, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Castaic, Castaic Canyons, Chatsworth, Encino, Granada Hills, Hidden Hills, Lake Balboa, Lake View Terrace, North Hills, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima, Panorama City, Porter Ranch, Reseda, San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Shadow Hills, Sherman Oaks, Stevenson Ranch, Studio City, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Tarzana, Toluca Lake, Topanga, Tujunga, Universal City, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Van Nuys, West Hills, Winnetka and Woodland Hills