Last-minute and short-notice moves in the Bay Area

Short answer

Leases fall through, closings move, a previous mover cancels. When you need a crew this week, you need a straight answer fast. Spartan Moving sometimes has room for a move tomorrow or later in the week, and we work 7 days a week, but we cannot promise it. A same-day move is rarely possible, because our crews leave at 7 AM already committed to the day's booked jobs. Call and we will check the calendar while you are on the phone. If the date you want is full, we say so plainly and name the closest days that are open.

The longer answer

Why today is usually full

We run our own team, and our trucks are dispatched at 7 AM. Morning moves arrive in a window of 8 to 10 AM in the South Bay and Peninsula, and 9 to 11 AM in San Francisco and the East Bay. An afternoon start depends on when the morning jobs finish, so afternoon windows are wider, for example 12 to 4 PM, and we cannot hold a team waiting for a specific hour. When today is full, we check the calendar and offer the nearest open days.

Booking late does not change the rate

Our hourly rates are the same every day: 3 movers and a truck $175 per hour, 4 movers $235 per hour for larger homes, and 2 movers $145 per hour for very small moves. The minimum is 3 hours, then 15-minute increments. There is no deposit to confirm a local move, and payment is due at the end by cash, money order, Visa or Mastercard (3% fee on cards).

What a short-notice move usually costs

These are the time ranges David gives customers, at the 3-mover rate, before packing materials:

Studio, 3 to 4 hours: $525 to $700 with 3 movers
1 bedroom, 3 to 5 hours: $525 to $875 with 3 movers
A home of about 1,200 sq ft, 5 to 6 hours including double drive time: $875 to $1,050 with 3 movers

These are guides, not quotes. Local moves are billed by actual time, and we do not give binding totals on hourly moves. A free on-site inspection gives a not-to-exceed price when there is time for one.

What to send to get booked in one message

Your move date, and a second-choice date if you have one
Pickup and drop-off ZIP codes
The size of the home: bedrooms and approximate square footage
Whether you are packed, or need us to pack
Any stairs, elevators or building rules at either end

We reply with the rate, the crew size and the arrival window. Once you confirm, send the full addresses and the name and number of whoever will meet the team. You can sign the quote online from the email link, but your reservation is confirmed as soon as we confirm it.

Not packed yet?

That happens a lot on short notice, and it can be solved. The Golden Package adds $70 per hour and our team packs everything, with all supplies included. The only thing to do yourself is set aside valuables and documents. If you are mostly packed and just short on boxes, the truck carries boxes, tape and packing supplies, charged as used, so you do not need a store run the night before.

Short-notice building and parking issues

Certificate of insurance. If your building needs a COI, send the HOA or management name, mailing address and email the moment you book. The certificate is free, and the sooner we have the details, the sooner we can request it from our insurance agent.
Parking. Our 26 ft truck needs about 40 feet. In San Francisco, a temporary sign permit may not be possible on short notice; read our SF parking permit guide and plan a legal spot.
Elevators. Reserve it for the whole window. Elevator wait time is billed as part of the move.