Terms of Service

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your use of moving and related services provided by Helpful Moving Inc ("Company," "we," "us," or "our"), a California-licensed moving company operating in Orange County, CA. By booking our services, you agree to these Terms.

1. Services

Helpful Moving Inc provides residential moving, commercial moving, packing and unpacking, piano moving, long-distance moving, senior moving, and storage coordination services throughout Orange County, California and surrounding areas.

A binding service agreement is formed when we confirm your booking in writing (email or text confirmation). All services are subject to crew availability.

2. Estimates and Pricing

• Hourly moves: charged portal-to-portal from our Mission Viejo base, rounded to the nearest 15-minute increment after the minimum hours
• Flat-rate moves: binding only when provided in a written flat-rate agreement signed by both parties prior to the move
• Additional charges may apply for: long carries (over 75 ft from truck to door), stairs (per flight), elevator waits, packing materials, and storage
• Written estimates are non-binding unless explicitly stated as a binding flat-rate quote

3. Payment

• Payment is due upon completion of the move unless otherwise agreed in writing
• We accept cash, Zelle, Venmo, and major credit/debit cards
• A credit/debit card processing fee may apply
• Unpaid balances accrue interest at 1.5% per month after 30 days
• A deposit may be required for moves over a certain value or during peak season

4. Cancellation and Rescheduling

• 48+ hours notice: full refund of any deposit, no cancellation fee
• 24–48 hours notice: 50% of estimated move cost or $150, whichever is greater
• Less than 24 hours notice or no-show: full deposit forfeited; minimum 2-hour labor charge applies
• We reserve the right to cancel due to unsafe conditions, severe weather, or inaccessible locations. In such cases, a full refund of deposits is provided.

5. Customer Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Ensure parking access for a moving truck (typically 26–28 ft) at both origin and destination
• Obtain any required permits or HOA approval for moving truck access
• Disclose all items requiring special handling (antiques, artwork, firearms, hazardous materials) at time of booking
• Be present or have an authorized representative on-site for the duration of the move
• Properly pack all items not explicitly included in packing service
• Ensure all drawers, doors, and appliances are emptied and secured before the crew arrives

6. Liability and Claims

Released Value Protection (Standard)

Under California law, basic moving liability is 60 cents per pound per article at no additional charge. This is the minimum coverage required by state regulation.

Items We Cannot Transport

We do not transport: hazardous materials, flammable liquids, compressed gases, firearms, ammunition, illegal substances, perishable food, live plants, or pets. We are not liable for damage to items we were not informed about or that require special permits.

Claims Process

• All damage claims must be reported in writing within 9 months of delivery (California PUC requirement)
• Note any visible damage on the Bill of Lading before signing
• We will acknowledge claims within 30 days and make a settlement offer within 120 days

Limitation of Liability

Our total liability for any claim shall not exceed the declared value of the damaged item at current fair market value, up to the limits permitted by California Public Utilities Commission regulations. We are not liable for: consequential damages, lost income, delay damages, or pre-existing damage.

7. Prohibited Items

The following items will not be moved under any circumstances: explosives, flammables, corrosives, compressed gases, firearms (without written prior authorization), live animals, human remains. Discovery of undisclosed prohibited items will result in immediate move termination without refund.

8. Access and Delays

Customer is responsible for ensuring clear and safe access at all locations. Wait time exceeding 30 minutes due to customer circumstances (elevators, access codes, HOA disputes, key retrieval) will be charged at the standard hourly rate.

9. Dispute Resolution

Any dispute arising from our services shall first be subject to good-faith negotiation. If unresolved within 30 days, disputes shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Orange County, California under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. California law governs these Terms.

10. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of California and applicable federal regulations including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations for any interstate moves.

11. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. The current version will always be posted on this page. Continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance.

12. Contact

Helpful Moving Inc
Mission Viejo, CA
(949) 257-2521
Helpfulmovinginc@gmail.com