Moving day is stressful enough without last‑minute surprises at the truck. San Diego has a mix of ocean air, canyon heat, and seemingly endless microclimates that complicate what can and cannot go on a moving van. Add in state rules, mover liability limits, and building policies, and you get the real reason some boxes never leave the driveway. After years of watching crews load everything from surfboards to saltwater aquariums, I’ve learned that a smooth move starts with one hard truth: not everything belongs on the truck.
This guide focuses on what to keep off the movers’ inventory, why it matters for safety and insurance, and how to avoid hidden costs. Along the way, I’ll cover common money questions San Diego clients ask, like how much movers charge locally, whether it’s cheaper to DIY, and what counts as a fair tip.
Why movers say no: safety, legality, and insurance
Movers carry federal and state licenses, and those licenses come with rules. Crews have to protect their people, the truck, and your new home. That’s why there’s a long list of items they’re not allowed to transport. Even if a company says yes, insurance may say otherwise. If a prohibited item causes a fire or leak, you as the shipper can still be on the hook.
San Diego adds quirks. Summer heat can turn pressurized cans into missiles, long freeway stretches magnify spill risks, and condo elevators restrict certain items and timing. If you’re moving out of state, the federal hazmat restrictions tighten the screws further. The safest plan is to know the no‑go list, make a disposal or carry plan, and communicate with your mover at booking time. Surprises get expensive.
The no‑go list, explained by category
There are universal bans across the moving industry, but framing them by risk makes it easier to plan.
Hazardous materials. Anything flammable, explosive, or corrosive should not go on the truck. That includes propane cylinders, gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, paint thinner, automotive batteries, pool chemicals, and many cleaning agents with strong solvents. Pressurized containers, from butane canisters to certain aerosol paints, fall here too. In San Diego heat, these are exactly the items that vent or rupture behind a closed box door.
Perishables. Movers usually refuse open food, fresh produce, and anything that can spoil, mold, or attract pests. Long drives from, say, Carmel Valley to Otay Mesa in August can bake a truck. No one wants an ant trail unpacking party. Sealed pantry goods may be allowed, but ask first and think about weight versus value.
Plants. Some local moves will take plants if the distance is short and the truck won’t sit in sun. Interstate moves are a different story due to agricultural restrictions. California protects crops, and that extends to what crosses state lines. Even within the county, plants are fragile. A few hours in a hot trailer is enough to shock succulents and kill tropicals.
Personal or irreplaceable items. https://canvas.instructure.com/eportfolios/4053891/home/the-fine-print-hidden-fees-with-2-hour-movers-in-san-diego Movers typically advise that you carry jewelry, cash, passports, medical prescriptions, hard drives, and sentimental small items yourself. Even with full value protection, money and securities often fall outside coverage. More important, you’ll want immediate access to meds and documents the first night.
Specialty items with unique handling or liability risks. Firearms, safes with live locks, high‑value art without crating, aquariums with water or live fish, and some musical instruments require special preparation. Movers may transport them if properly emptied, disassembled, or crated, and if declared in writing before move day. If the mover says they can’t safely handle it, respect that judgment. It’s usually about liability, not a lack of effort.
What to not let movers pack, even if they offer
Sometimes a crew member will say, “We can just throw that in.” That’s generous in the moment and a headache later. A more conservative rule protects you.
Do not let them pack medication you need within 72 hours. Keep it on you, alongside any medical devices, chargers, or paperwork. Delivery hiccups happen, even on local moves. The only thing worse than a delay is a delay when you need an inhaler or insulin.
Keep working laptops, phones, external drives, and essential cords in your own vehicle. Movers can pack electronics, but you likely need them immediately. Also, data losses aren’t covered by standard valuation. A $1,000 monitor is replaceable, your thesis drive is not.
Carry legal documents personally. Passports, green cards, Social Security cards, birth certificates, marriage licenses, tax records, home closing files, and moving contracts should never leave your custody. You’ll often need them during the move and your mover’s valuation won’t replace the hassle of reissuing them.
Separate heirlooms and small valuables. Dad’s watch, a coin collection, a vintage camera, or a small sculpture are better in your own car. Movers can crate and cover high‑value items, but that coverage requires prior written declaration and specific packing. If you didn’t set that up at the estimate, don’t improvise on move day.
Pull out the first‑night essentials. Bedding, a change of clothes, toiletries, kids’ comfort items, pet food, basic tools, and chargers make the first night livable. If those end up on a truck that parks overnight at a warehouse, you’ll pay more than inconvenience.
San Diego‑specific pitfalls that surprise people
Humidity and heat cycles. Inland neighborhoods like Rancho Bernardo and Santee run hotter than the coast. A box that rides from a cool garage in La Jolla to an afternoon unload in El Cajon will see a big temp swing. Candles warp, bottled cleaners pressurize, and wine corks creep. Pack these with climate in mind or carry them yourself.
HOA and high‑rise rules. Downtown towers in East Village or Little Italy often restrict move windows, elevator reservations, and loading dock time. If prohibited items show up and the crew needs to pause, you can lose your elevator slot. That turns a two‑hour move into an all‑day affair and fees stack fast.
Military restrictions. Many San Diego households include service members. Government‑funded moves follow stricter inventory rules. Ammunition and many cleaning chemicals are out. Some bases require specific checklists. If any part of your move touches base housing, confirm guidelines with your transportation office before the movers arrive.
Cross‑border temptations. It’s common to shop in Tijuana, then relocate later with extra pharmaceuticals or specialty liquids. Those may be perfectly legal to own but problematic to transport. Movers won’t risk questionable items that trigger inspection delays or fines.
How much do movers charge in San Diego?
Local movers generally charge by the hour, with a crew size based on home size and complexity. Expect rates per hour for two movers and a truck to fall in the 120 to 170 dollar range, sometimes higher during peak months. Three movers and a truck often run 160 to 220 dollars per hour. That usually includes basic equipment like dollies, pads, and straps. It may or may not include fuel or a travel fee to and from your location.
Local moves under 50 miles are typically hourly. Longer in‑state moves can be flat‑rated based on cubic feet or an inventory. The total matters more than the hourly. A well‑trained three‑person crew can finish faster than a cheaper but slower two‑person crew, so you pay for quality either way.
Packing services add cost. Professional packers might charge a similar hourly rate plus materials. A full pack for a two‑bedroom condo can run from the high hundreds to over 1,500 dollars depending on kitchen complexity and artwork.
The best way to get a solid number is to request a written estimate after a video or in‑person walk‑through. Ask for all line items, especially materials and fees, in writing.
What are the hidden costs of 2 hour movers?
The two‑hour special sounds great until it doesn’t. Most companies have a two or three hour minimum. Here’s where people get tripped up.
Travel time. That minimum often applies to the on‑site work only. Travel to and from the warehouse is billed separately, usually 30 to 60 minutes each way. If you’re in North County and the company is based in South Bay, you’ll feel that.
Materials. Tape, boxes, mattress bags, TV boxes, and shrink wrap may be extra. Some companies include stretch wrap and pads but charge for specialty boxes. Confirm before move day so you’re not approving charges under pressure.
Stairs and long carries. Anything beyond a certain distance from door to truck can incur fees, as can multiple flights without an elevator. High‑rise moves add elevator prep time that chews into your minimum.
Assembly and disassembly. Basic tool work is often included, but complex furniture systems or custom bed frames may be billed at a higher rate or require a specialist.
Overtime or peak pricing. Late afternoon jobs that roll into the evening, or weekend slots during summer and end‑of‑month days, can carry higher rates. If your two‑hour move starts at 4 p.m., build in a cushion.
Two hours can work for a studio with good access and light furniture. It rarely covers a fuller one‑bedroom unless you’ve prepped aggressively.
What to do with the items movers can’t take
The no‑go list is only useful if you have a plan B. San Diego’s recycling and disposal network is better than most, but it takes a little coordination.
Household chemicals and paint. The city runs hazardous waste drop‑offs, typically by appointment. Check the Environmental Services Department for times and accepted items. Many paint stores participate in PaintCare, which takes leftover latex and oil‑based paints in original containers.
Propane and fuel. Grill tanks can be exchanged at big box retailers. Camping canisters and gasoline require designated disposal. Your local fire station may provide guidance, but don’t expect them to accept the items directly. For mowers and yard tools, run the tank dry before the move.
Plants and soil. Transport them in your own car with towels and plastic trays. Water lightly the day before, not the morning of. If you’re crossing state lines, review agricultural rules. For large outdoor planters, remove as much soil as possible to cut weight, and consider rehoming established plants you can replace later.
Firearms and ammo. Follow California law. Transport unloaded firearms in a locked container in your vehicle, separate from ammunition. Movers generally will not handle ammo or unlock safes. If you have a large gun safe, empty it and provide the combination or key to the crew leader to adjust shelves and secure the door. They move the empty safe, you transport the contents.
Aquariums and pets. Rehome fish temporarily or coordinate with a local aquarium service to bag and aerate for short moves. Drain the tank fully before movers load it. Pets should ride with you, not on the truck, even in crates. Moving days are chaotic, and stressed pets bolt.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself?
It depends on your time, your friends’ backs, and the kind of building you’re leaving. For a one‑bedroom apartment, a DIY move with a 15‑foot truck might cost 120 to 200 dollars for the vehicle, 80 to 150 dollars in fuel and fees, and 100 dollars in pads, tape, and other materials. Add pizza and favors and you could keep it under 400 dollars if nothing breaks and you return the truck on time.
Professional movers for the same job might run 400 to 900 dollars locally, depending on access and prep. That buys speed, protection, and fewer trips. It also buys risk transfer. If a crew damages a wall, they fix it. If your friend slips on the stairs, your costs are personal.
Where DIY falls apart is when elevators and parking get tight, or when bulky furniture requires disassembly and reassembly. Experienced crews solve those problems quickly. If you’re moving a family home, juggling kids and pets, or closing on a sale the next morning, the cost of a stress‑free day is often worth it.
How much does it cost to physically move a 2000 sq ft house?
The phrase “physically move a house” can mean two very different things. If you mean moving the contents of a 2,000 square foot home within San Diego County, expect a wide range. A well‑packed, single‑story 2,000 square foot home with good access might come in between 1,800 and 4,000 dollars for labor and local travel, depending on volume, stairs, and how much disassembly the crew handles. Add packing services and high‑value crating, and the total can reach 5,000 to 8,000 dollars or more.
If you mean lifting the entire structure and transporting it across town on dollies, that’s a specialized project handled by structural moving companies. Costs can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands, influenced by route permits, utility lines, the new foundation, and engineering. That is a different industry from residential movers.
When getting estimates, supply photos or a video walkthrough, specify garage and outdoor items, and list any artwork, pianos, safes, or gym equipment. Accurate inventories are the difference between a fair flat rate and a surprise change order.
Valuation and liability: how protection really works
Moving companies offer valuation, not insurance in the traditional sense. It sets the mover’s liability if items are lost or damaged. Two common options exist for local moves.
Released value protection. The basic option, often included at no extra cost, limits liability to a low dollar amount per pound, such as 60 cents per pound. A 10‑pound lamp damaged in transit would see a reimbursement of around 6 dollars. It’s designed for catastrophic loss across many items, not individual high‑value replacements.
Full value protection. This comes with a higher rate or deductible. The mover is liable to repair, replace, or pay for replacement at current value, up to the valuation amount you declare. Coverage can exclude specific items if improperly packed or prohibited. If you want full value protection on artwork or a designer couch, ask for professional packing and note those pieces on the high‑value inventory.
Either way, coverage usually excludes things movers never should have packed, like hazardous chemicals or open liquids. If a jug of bleach you packed bursts and stains a rug, many companies will deny the claim under the hazardous materials exclusion. That’s the core reason to keep the no‑go items out of the truck in the first place.
Timing and heat management on move day
San Diego’s temperate reputation hides inland spikes. If you’re moving from coastal Point Loma to Rancho Peñasquitos in July, book a morning slot. Crews work faster in cooler air. Electronics, vinyl records, wine, candles, and artwork tolerate the truck better before noon. If you must move in the afternoon, stage heat‑sensitive boxes near the door so they load last and unload first.
If your mover stages at a warehouse overnight, pull anything that can’t handle a hot box and carry it in your car. That includes small paintings, cameras, and any liquids you plan to keep. A single day in a closed trailer can exceed 120 degrees. People often assume a “local move” means same‑day delivery. Verify that during booking.
Two simple checklists to keep you out of trouble
Essential carry‑with‑you items:
- Wallets, keys, passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, titles, and home closing documents Medications, medical devices, eyeglasses and contacts with solution Laptops, hard drives, phones, chargers, and a power strip A first‑night kit: sheets, towels, basic toiletries, change of clothes, kids’ and pets’ needs Small valuables and irreplaceables: jewelry, heirlooms, photos, collectibles
Common no‑go items for movers:
- Propane, gasoline, motor oil, paint thinner, and other flammables or pressurized cans Household chemicals like bleach, ammonia, strong solvents, pool supplies, and pesticides Perishables and open food, especially in summer Plants for long or interstate moves, or any plant likely to suffer heat shock Ammunition, live animals, water‑filled aquariums, and cash
How to prep your home so crews can say yes more often
Good prep keeps more of your belongings eligible for loading and reduces gray‑area judgment calls. Empty and defrost refrigerators and freezers at least 24 hours before move day, with towels in place to catch drip water. Drain fuel from lawn equipment and power washers. Box non‑fragile items tightly and label rooms clearly so crews don’t lose time asking where things go. For TVs and monitors, original boxes are gold. If you don’t have them, ask your mover about rentable TV cartons.
For art and mirrors, request mirror packs or custom crating in advance. Movers are more willing to take responsibility when they control the packing method. For rugs, get them rolled, taped gently, and, if valuable, wrapped. If you own a safe, remove contents and secure the door per the manufacturer. The heavier the safe, the more a crew appreciates good information on weight and stair runs.
Is 20 dollars enough to tip movers?
Tipping is optional, but common. Think of it like a restaurant, adjusted for sweat and time. For a small local move with two movers over two to three hours, 20 dollars per mover is on the low side but appreciated, especially if the job was easy. For half‑day jobs, 30 to 60 dollars per mover is more typical. Full‑day or complex jobs with stairs, heavy pieces, or great care on fragile items often see 60 to 100 dollars per mover. You can also tip as a percentage, roughly 5 to 10 percent of the labor total, split among the crew.
Cash is easiest. If you’d rather tip by card, ask the office before the job closes. Cold water, sports drinks, and snacks go a long way, especially in summer. More valuable than any tip is a safe environment: clear pathways, reserved parking, and an elevator booked and ready.
Communication that saves time and money
Ask your mover for a written list of prohibited items and valuation options as soon as you book. Declare high‑value pieces before move day so the crew arrives with the right materials. Tell them about tight driveways, low branches, or HOA rules. If you have a long carry from unit to truck, ask for a second set of dollies. A five‑minute email saves an hour on site.
If you’re comparing companies, check whether their hourly rate includes the same things. Ask explicitly about travel time, fuel surcharges, materials, and stair or long‑carry fees. If you want packed boxes taken away, ask about debris removal. Some include one pickup after unpacking if you schedule within a week.
Finally, decide early which items you will carry yourself. Stage them in a clearly marked corner, or even in your car the night before. Label that zone “Do Not Pack.” When crews arrive, walk them through the plan. Most disputes vanish when you show you’ve done your homework.
The last glance around the garage
On move day, the biggest problems start in the garage. That’s where the paint cans live, the propane hides under the grill, and a bag of fertilizer leaks from a corner. Take fifteen minutes the night before to pull hazardous items into a bin you’ll dispose of separately. Drain the mower and the trimmer. Box your car fluids tightly with lids taped and keep them in your trunk, or better yet, take them to a disposal site. If the crew never has to touch a restricted item, they won’t have to tell you they can’t load it.
San Diego moves can be fast, courteous, and even pleasant when everyone knows the rules. Keep the wrong items off the truck, carry the essentials yourself, and approach cost like a pro, with clear questions and written answers. Do that, and your biggest surprise on move day will be how quickly the last box crosses the threshold.