The longer answer
01Usually not
It depends on the actual drive, not on the city name. If the trip between your old and new address takes 10 minutes or less, no double drive time applies. For most moves within the same zip code, that is exactly what happens.
02Typical short moves
| Situation | Double drive time? |
|---|---|
| Unit to unit in the same building | No drive at all |
| A few blocks within one neighborhood | No |
| Across the same zip code | Usually no |
| Across a large city at rush hour | Possibly, if the drive passes 10 minutes |
03Why city lines do not decide it
Bay Area cities vary a lot in size. A move from one end of San Jose to the other can easily run past 10 minutes, while two homes in neighboring towns might be five minutes apart. The rule follows the clock, so the question to ask is how long the truck will be driving between your two doors. Our San Jose movers page covers the South Bay specifically.
04Adding a storage unit to the trip
Plenty of local moves include a quick stop at a nearby storage unit. Even when it is part of the route, a nearby unit usually does not change the price much, because the short legs either stay under 10 minutes or add only a few doubled minutes. Tell us about the stop when you book so the work order lists every address.
- List every address in the order you want them visited
- Let us know if any stop has a gate code or loading area
- Ask David if you are unsure whether a leg will cross 10 minutes
More on short-hop moves is on the local moving page.
05More about drive time
FAQ Questions and answers
I am moving two blocks away. Is there any drive charge?
The short drive counts as normal job time, and with a trip that short there is no doubling.
Does traffic matter?
Yes, it is based on actual drive time, so a congested route can take a leg past 10 minutes.
What about moving within my apartment complex?
With no road trip between units, double drive time does not come into play.
