Moving is already stressful enough without finding unexpected charges on your final invoice. When choosing affordable moving services, hidden fees are one of the most common complaints in the moving industry, and in almost every case, they are avoidable if you know what to ask before you book.
Call (661)-622-2636 for a Free In-Home Estimate, or contact us to get a written price before you commit to anything.
Below are the most common charges that catch Santa Clarita residents off guard, why they happen, and how we handle pricing.
What Are the Most Common Hidden Fees Moving Companies Charge?
The moving industry has a handful of charges that rarely come up during the initial call but regularly show up on the final bill. Long carry fees, flight charges for stairs, fuel surcharges, and specialty item fees are among the most frequent. Some companies also charge separately for packing materials, furniture assembly, and weekend scheduling. When you receive a phone or online quote, these items are almost never included in the number you are given.
What Is a “Long Carry” Fee and When Does It Apply?
A long carry fee is charged when movers must carry your belongings a significant distance between the truck and your front door. This comes up when parking access is limited, when buildings have restricted loading zones, or when the property layout requires a longer walk than usual. In Santa Clarita, this is particularly common in canyon areas and apartment complexes with limited truck access. If the moving company did not visit your home before providing a quote, they will not know about these conditions until moving day.
Do Movers Charge Extra for Stairs?
Many moving companies charge a per-flight fee for stairs, either at the origin or the destination, or both. Some charge based on stair count; others use a flat rate per floor. If your home or apartment has stairs and your mover did not do a walkthrough ahead of time, expect this to show up as a line item you did not anticipate.
What Is a Fuel Surcharge?
Fuel surcharges are common and not always disclosed at the quoting stage. They may be calculated as a flat fee or as a percentage of your total bill. On long-distance moves and out-of-state relocations, the fuel component can be significant. Ask any moving company you are considering whether a fuel surcharge applies and exactly how it is calculated before agreeing to anything.
Can a Moving Company Change the Price on Moving Day?
With a non-binding estimate, yes. A non-binding estimate is a projection, not a guaranteed price. If the crew determines the job is heavier or takes longer than originally projected, the final bill can increase. A binding estimate locks the price in before the move begins, regardless of actual weight or time.
Our estimates start with a free in-home walkthrough. An estimator comes to your home, walks through every room, documents what needs to move, and notes access conditions at both addresses. That means our quote reflects what we actually saw, not what someone guessed over the phone.
How Do In-Home Estimates Protect You from Surprise Charges?
When an estimator physically visits your home, every relevant factor gets accounted for: the volume of your belongings, stairs, narrow hallways, parking restrictions, specialty items like safes or antiques, and anything else that affects the job. Nothing gets added later because everything was already factored into the price before you committed.
Darlene S., who has used our services multiple times, put it plainly in her review: “Total charge always comes in at quoted price or less. Never more.” That pattern shows up consistently across different job types and different years.
We provide free in-home estimates for all services we offer in Santa Clarita, including local moves, packing and unpacking, storage, commercial relocations, and long-distance moves. Call (661) 622-2636 for a Free In-Home Estimate.
What Should You Ask Before Signing a Moving Agreement?
Before booking any moving company in Santa Clarita, get clear answers to these questions:
- Is this a binding or non-binding estimate?
- Are there charges not included in this quote?
- Is there a fuel surcharge, and how is it calculated?
- Do you charge extra for stairs, long carries, or specialty items?
- Will your own employees handle the move, or will the job be subcontracted?
That last question matters more than most people realize. Brokers book the job and hand it off to a third party. With us, the same local Santa Clarita team that gives you the estimate coordinates your entire move, from the first call through final delivery.
We have been in business since 1996 and hold California PUC Cal-T License 188503, US DOT Number 659014, and Motor Carrier Number MC 309073. You can verify both through the California Public Utilities Commission and the FMCSA before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are in-home estimates always free with AQMS? Yes. We provide free in-home estimates for all service types, including local moves, long-distance moves, packing, storage, and commercial relocations. There is no commitment required after the estimate.
What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate? A binding estimate locks in your price before the move begins. A non-binding estimate is a projection that can change based on actual weight or time on moving day. Our in-home walkthrough process is designed to give you the most accurate price possible upfront.
Does AQMS charge extra for stairs or long carries? Our estimator documents access conditions at both addresses during the in-home visit, including stairs and parking. These factors are reflected in your quoted price, not added as surprise charges on moving day.
How can I verify that a moving company in Santa Clarita is properly licensed? For moves within California, check the company’s Cal-T number through the California Public Utilities Commission. For out-of-state moves, verify the DOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Our credentials are Cal-T 188503, DOT 659014, and MC 309073.
Can the price change after I agree to an estimate? With a non-binding estimate from any company, the final price can increase on moving day. This is one of the most frequently cited problems in the industry. Getting a binding estimate based on an in-home visit is the most reliable protection against this.
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.
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