Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Orange County, CA

Your choice of moving company is influenced by multiple details, including the size of your move, the distance, and any special requirements you may have. Here’s how to find the best mover for your needs:

• Review Customer Reviews from Trusted Sites – Check online reviews and ratings from previous customers.
• Ask for Recommendations – Ask for first-hand experiences to guide your choice.
• Confirm Licensing & Insurance – Ensure that the company is properly licensed and insured.
• Compare Different Quotes – Don’t settle for the first quote you receive.
• Look Up the Company at the Better Business Bureau – Look up the company’s track record for complaints or unresolved issues.

Protecting fragile items during a move is crucial to prevent damage. Follow these packing strategies:

• Choose Strong Boxes – Choose high-quality boxes that can withstand the weight of delicate items.
• Wrap Every Breakable Separately – Wrap glassware, dishes, and breakables in bubble wrap or packing paper.
• Create a Padded Buffer Inside Boxes – Use packing peanuts, towels, or blankets to provide extra protection inside boxes.
• Clearly Mark Boxes as Fraglie – Clearly mark fragile boxes to ensure careful handling.
• Place Plates Upright Instead of Flat – Placing dishes on their sides rather than stacking them reduces the risk of breakage.

Scheduling your move as early as possible makes sure the mover is available and can help you secure better rates. Here’s a general guideline:

• Peak Season (May - September) – Schedule at least 6-8 weeks before your desired move date.
• Off-Peak Season (October - April) – Schedule 4-6 weeks in advance.
• Local Moves – For moves within Orange County, 2-4 weeks is usually enough.
• Long-Distance Moves – Interstate moves should be booked at least 6 weeks before your desired move date.

For last-minute moves, contact Starving Students at (714) 867-1153, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

The right time to move is based on your schedule and flexibility. Think about the following factors:

• Summer Months (May - September) – This is the busiest time for moving companies, so book early.
• Winter Months (November - February) – Fewer people move during this time, which can mean better pricing and availability.
• Weekdays vs. Weekends – Moving mid-week is often cheaper than weekends.
• Mid-Month vs. End-of-Month – The beginning and end of the month tend to be busier due to lease expirations.

To get the best price and service, follow these steps:

• Get Recommendations – Talk to recent movers in your network for recommendations.
• Arrange In-Home or Virtual Estimates – This helps get accurate pricing.
• Evaluate What Each Mover Includes – Understand the full scope of what’s covered for your move.
• Ensure Complete Price Transparency – Ensure transparency on costs such as fuel charges or extra labor fees.
• Look for Red Flags – Avoid movers who ask for big payments before the move.

For best results, drawers should be emptied prior to moving to avoid breakage or missing things. Shifting contents inside drawers can result in broken items or complicate the moving process.

Yes, as long as the boxes are packed securely and deemed safe for transport. Boxes that might split, crush, or fall apart could be declined for everyone’s protection.

Be sure to remove all water from the bed ahead of your move. Special tools or services may be needed for fiber-filled waterbeds to prevent harm. Reach out to your movers before moving day to talk through best practices.

The majority of movers avoid moving plants because the truck environment can be harmful. On top of that, certain states have restrictions on bringing plants across state lines due to agricultural concerns. If you are moving locally in Orange County, you may be able to move your plants in your personal vehicle.

To keep precious or one-of-a-kind possessions safe, we recommend carrying them with you rather than placing them on the moving truck. Items like:

• Jewelry
• Cash
• Important documents (passports, birth certificates, medical records)
• Collectibles or small valuables

If you choose to include valuables in your shipment, ask your moving expert about added security and insurance choices.

A few simple steps can keep your appliances protected in transit:

• Refrigerators & Freezers – Clean and unplug 24-48 hours in advance of your move.
• Washing Machines – Lock or brace the drum for safe travel.
• Dryers – Disconnect and clean out lint traps.
• Dishwashers – Drain, empty, and secure hoses.
• Ovens & Stoves – Take proper steps to safely disconnect.

If needed, Starving Students can arrange professional appliance servicing before your move.