For a local move in Santa Clarita, the documents you need fall into two categories: what you should gather before moving day, and what your moving company should hand you in writing before any loading begins. Having both in order protects you legally and prevents disputes that come up long after the truck has left.
Casey and Kelly Kirkman have owned and operated our company since 2006, and one pattern holds across nearly 30 years as highly rated movers in Santa Clarita, CA: the jobs that go smoothest are the ones where both sides came prepared.
Documents You Should Have Ready Before Moving Day
You do not need a folder full of forms, but a few key items should be within reach before the crew arrives.
Proof of your new address. If you are buying, keep your closing documents accessible. If you are renting, have a copy of your signed lease ready. You will need this for utility transfers, address changes with banks and employers, and to confirm the delivery destination with your moving team.
Government-issued ID. You will need this to sign the bill of lading and any contracts on moving day. Keep it with you, not packed in a box.
Your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance documents. Your current policy may cover belongings during transit. Check with your provider before moving day. If it does not, ask us about full value protection as an add-on. The default released value coverage included in every move covers only $0.60 per pound per item, which is rarely enough for anything of real value.
An inventory list of specialty items. Grand pianos, antiques, electronics, gym equipment, and anything needing specific handling should be noted before your estimator visits. It leads to a more accurate quote and gives you a reference if anything is damaged or missing after delivery.
What Your Moving Company Should Give You in Writing
This is where most moving disputes start. A reputable company provides specific documents before and during the move. If a company cannot produce these, that is worth paying attention to.
The written estimate comes first. Before any commitment is made, you should have a written price based on an in-home walkthrough, not a phone call. We provide free in-home estimates for every job. No phone-only quotes, and no pricing surprises on moving day. Know whether your estimate is binding (a fixed price that cannot change regardless of actual weight) or non-binding (based on expected weight and subject to adjustment). Always ask which type you are receiving before signing.
The order for service authorizes the move. It should list the confirmed pickup date, the delivery window, and all services included in your booking.
The bill of lading is the legal contract between you and the mover. It lists what is being moved, the agreed price, the pickup and delivery schedule, and your liability coverage type. Do not allow loading to begin without a signed copy in your hands. Keep it accessible for the entire move.
Proof of licensing is non-negotiable. In California, every mover must hold a CAL-T PUC number from the California Public Utilities Commission. Ours is 188503, verifiable at cpuc.ca.gov. We also hold US DOT 125563 and ICC MC 2934 for interstate moves, and carry $1,000,000 in insurance. The legal minimum is $750,000.
What to Check After Everything Is Unloaded
The bill of lading matters at delivery, not just pickup. Before the crew leaves your new home, walk through every room. If you spot any damage, note it on the delivery receipt while the movers are still there. Damage documented at delivery is significantly easier to pursue in a claim than damage reported days later.
Go through your inventory and confirm every item has arrived. Our crew members, including Barry and Oscar, are trained to walk through the destination with you before leaving. That final walkthrough is part of how we make sure both sides are satisfied before the job closes.
When Storage Is Part of the Picture
If your move-out and move-in dates do not align, any items going into storage should be covered in a written storage agreement. We operate our own storage facility with 24-hour surveillance and private vaults. There is no third-party handoff. When we handle your move, the first two months of storage are at no charge.
For moves that cross state lines, the documentation expands. Interstate movers must hold a valid US DOT number in addition to California licensing. As an authorized agent for National Van Lines, we carry the network and insurance backing for long-distance and international moves as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents do I need to hire a mover for a local move in Santa Clarita? From your side: a government-issued ID and documentation of your new address. Your mover should provide a written estimate, an order for service, and a signed bill of lading before loading begins.
What is a bill of lading? It is the legal contract for your move. It lists all items being transported, the agreed price, the pickup and delivery dates, and your liability coverage. Always get a signed copy before loading starts and keep it accessible throughout the move.
How do I verify a Santa Clarita mover is properly licensed? Ask for their CAL-T PUC number and verify it at cpuc.ca.gov. For out-of-state moves, ask for the US DOT number and check it at ai.fmcsa.dot.gov.
What is the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate? A binding estimate is a fixed price. The final cost cannot exceed it. A non-binding estimate is based on projected weight and can change if the actual weight is higher. Ask which type you are getting before you commit.
What if something is damaged during my move? Note any damage on the bill of lading delivery receipt before the crew leaves. Then file a written claim promptly. The claims process and timeline will be spelled out in your contract.Does AQMS provide all required moving documents before the move starts? Yes. We provide a free in-home estimate, a written order for service, and a signed bill of lading before any loading begins. Our licensing numbers are publicly verifiable.
Contact Us
Planning a local or long‑distance move in Southern California? AQMS National Moving (Affordable Quality Moving & Storage) offers full‑service moving solutions from packing and transport to storage and unpacking with free in‑home estimates.
Santa Clarita Office: 25701 Springbrook Ave, Santa Clarita, CA 91350
Phone: (661) 254-7823
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, give them a call or fill out the form online to get started with your moving plan.
Related Topics: