The longer answer
An estimate, not a fixed price
No, the quote we email for a local move is a non-binding estimate. Local work is billed by the hour, so the final amount depends on the actual time the job takes. If you want a firm upper limit, we can come out for a free on-site inspection and give you a not-to-exceed price.
What your emailed quote does lock in
Even though the total is not fixed, plenty of the quote is. These terms are what you will be billed under:
- The hourly rate for your crew size
- The 3-hour minimum and 15-minute billing after it
- What is included: blankets, tape, wardrobe boxes, floor protection, furniture disassembly and reassembly
- How drive time works and which payment methods we take
What it cannot fix is the number of hours. That depends on how much you own, how well it is packed, the access at each address and the drive. Phone estimates work the same way, and David cannot promise an exact total for hourly local work. What he can do is give you a realistic time range for a home your size, and tell you which factors are likely to push it up or down.
Your three pricing options
| Type | Applies to | Fixed total? |
|---|---|---|
| Emailed or phone estimate | Local hourly moves | No |
| On-site not-to-exceed price | Local moves after a free inspection | Ceiling only |
| Reserved whole truck | Long distance | Yes, binding flat price |
Long-distance moves
Moves that leave the Bay Area are priced by weight, with a minimum space reservation listed in writing along with the rate and weight on your estimate. If you reserve the entire truck, the price becomes a binding flat amount with guaranteed pickup and delivery. See our long distance page for how that works, or the moving cost guide for local ranges.
Keep exploring
Questions and answers
Why can't you guarantee my local total by email?
Local moves are billed on actual time, and an estimate without seeing the home cannot fix the hours.
How do I get a price that cannot go over?
Schedule a free on-site inspection. You will receive a not-to-exceed price.
Is any of your pricing binding?
Yes, a long-distance move where you reserve the whole truck is a binding flat price.
Spartan Moving Systems
San Jose, CA · Cal-T #0190543 · US DOT 1783494
1-877-417-6060
