What is a minimum space reservation on a long-distance move?
It is the least weight you pay for on a long-distance move, even if your shipment is lighter. Within California the minimum is 3,000 lb.
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The floor on your shipment
A
A minimum space reservation is the smallest amount of weight you are billed for on a long-distance move. If your belongings weigh less, you still pay for the minimum. On moves within California, that minimum is 3,000 pounds.
Why it exists
AThink of it like reserving seats on a trip: the space is held for you whether you fill it or not. When your things go on the truck, they take up real space that cannot be sold to anyone else on that trip. A small shipment still needs to be loaded, secured, driven hundreds of miles and unloaded by a crew. The minimum makes sure the space and labor a shipment uses are covered, even when the load is light.
How it plays out
A| Actual weight | Billed weight (in-state) |
|---|---|
| 1,800 lb | 3,000 lb (minimum) |
| 3,000 lb | 3,000 lb |
| 4,200 lb | 4,200 lb at the same rate per pound |
Going over the minimum never raises the rate. Every extra pound is billed at the rate written on your estimate.
A studio or small one-bedroom often lands under the minimum, while a full family home usually clears it easily. If you are close to the line, it can be worth bringing items you planned to sell or give away, since that weight is effectively prepaid.
How David estimates your weight
A- He reviews your inventory and photos of the bigger pieces.
- He compares it with similar homes we have loaded, which is a good guide to how much is there.
- For larger homes, a free on-site visit gives the most accurate picture.
- He writes the estimated weight, rate and minimum into your estimate.
Ready to start? Use the quote form, or read more on our long-distance moving page.
You might also wonder
AQuestions and answers
QIs the minimum the same for out-of-state moves?
The 3,000 lb figure applies within California. David lists the minimum for your specific move on the written estimate.
QCan I lower the cost if I have very little?
Not below the minimum, which stays as the floor. Above it you pay only for the actual weight, at the same rate per pound.
QWhat if I want the truck all to myself?
You can reserve the whole truck for a binding flat price instead of paying by weight.