The longer answer
Labor and supplies, and little else
On a local move we bill for two things: labor time and the packing supplies you use. Taxes are built into the hourly rate, and we never add separate charges for mileage, stairs, an elevator or fuel. A few specific items can still show up on a bill. They are all listed below.
Never billed as a separate charge
- Sales tax, already inside the rate
- Fuel and mileage
- Stairs or elevators
- Long carries from the door to the truck
- A truck fee, since the truck is part of the crew rate
- Driving to your pickup or back from your drop-off
- Moving blankets, tape, wardrobe boxes and floor protection
Stairs, elevators and long carries can make a move take longer, and time is what you pay for, but they never carry a fee of their own.
Items that can be added
| Item | When it applies |
|---|---|
| Packing materials | Charged as used, e.g. mattress cover $15, TV box up to $50 for a 75 inch screen |
| Double drive time | Pickup and drop-off more than 10 minutes apart (California rule) |
| Card processing | 3% when paying by credit or debit card |
| Wardrobe boxes kept | $25 each, only if you keep one |
| Double-parking citation | Added to the bill if one is issued, as stated in the quote |
| Shuttle | Only when the truck cannot reach the door; adds truck rental and labor |
How we keep the extras rare
If access looks tight, David checks the address on Google Maps before move day and tells you whether a shuttle would be needed, so it is never a surprise. Materials are billed only for what actually goes into use on your move, and the basics that protect your furniture and floors are already included. If you want to compare offers, ask other movers which of these items they charge for separately. Our packing services page explains materials, and the cost guide shows typical totals.
Questions and answers
Do you add a fuel surcharge?
No, fuel is never added to a local move bill.
Is there a charge for a third-floor walk-up?
Not as a fee. Stairs simply add to the time the job takes.
What if I keep a wardrobe box?
It is $25 per box kept; returned ones cost nothing.
