The National Council of Moving Associations (NCMA) has elected CMSA President Steve Weitekamp as a director.

NCMA has been meeting since 1968. Members are comprised of bona fide associations representing movers: state associations, AMSA, International Association of Movers, Canadian Association of Movers, and van line agents associations. The Council’s mandate is to work together to improve the moving and storage industry, including educating consumers and our member companies. The Council meets formally once per year, communicates regularly by e-mail and conducts informal meetings at national events. CE2MPSYVN945

About the CMSA – California Moving and Storage Association:

Comprised of 12 Chapters strategically located throughout California, the CMSA is highly organized and provides effective leadership for the California moving industry. The CMSA also has effective committees focusing on topics such as Government Affairs, Insurance, and Military Affairs. These Committees provide the membership with valuable information and provide a voice for the membership.

As a condition of CMSA membership, each mover member must be licensed and agrees to abide by a Code of Ethics promising to provide California moving consumers honest, legal, and efficient service. Trained personnel, operating clean and safe equipment, are standard CMSA member service characteristics.

The CMSA also includes more than 140 associate member companies. These organizations provide California movers the very best in goods and services to assist in generating a quality service to the California moving public.

The CMSA also plays a valuable role for the California consumer. Through the establishment of membership criteria, consumers who choose a mover that is a member of the CMSA, are more likely to obtain a qualified mover that will provide excellent service.

For more information about the CMSA, or to become a member, call

(562) 865-2900 or (800) 672-1415

Here is a list of CMSA Chapters and Contact Information:

About Priority Moving – San Diego Movers

Priority Moving is an Award Winning San Diego moving company with professional San Diego movers.  Also an agent for Wheaton World Wide moving, Priority Moving performs over 3,500 moves per year.

People have trusted the BBB (Better Business Bureau) for moving advice and information for years.  This article appeared on movers on the BBB website.

Spring is in the air and for sale signs are sprouting up along with crocuses and daffodils, as many families prepare to change residences. Those who decide to relocate may opt to leave the moving to professionals instead of doing it themselves. Be warned though, rogue movers are operating coast to coast, blending into the crowd of legitimate movers and luring unsuspecting consumers.

The Better Business Bureau System logged more than 9,000 complaints in 2006 against movers. While there are thousands of reputable moving companies, there are times when the experience is not so positive.

Rogue movers can be hard to spot. They often give low-ball estimates over the phone or Internet without ever visiting your home or seeing the items you want to move. Once your household goods are on their truck, they demand more money before they will deliver or unload them. Consumers tell BBBs that their goods have been held hostage and many have been forced to pay more than the initial estimate they agreed to in order to get their goods back.

The BBB and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration suggest that your best defense is to recognize a rogue mover before they have your household goods. Here are some “red flags” to look for:

• The mover or broker does not offer or agree to an on-site inspection of your household goods. They only give you an estimate over the phone or Internet. The estimates often sound too-good-to-be-true. In reality, they usually are.
• The moving company’s only form of acceptable payment is cash or a large deposit before the move.
• The company’s Web site has no local address and no information about licensing or insurance.
• The company claims all goods are covered by their insurance.
• The mover does not provide you with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to supply to their customers in the planning stages of interstate moves.
• Offices and warehouse are in poor condition or nonexistent.
• On moving day a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned and marked fleet truck.

The BBB advises consumers to:

• Obtain a cost estimate in writing, preferably after a walk-through of your home or apartment.
• Don’t select a mover based on price alone. In many cases, you get what you pay for.
• If you have a bad feeling about your mover’s tactics or charges, stop the move before your household goods are loaded on the truck; and,
• Start planning your move by reviewing BBB business reliability reports at www.bbb.org to help you find trustworthy carriers before making any hiring decisions or signing any contracts.

Here is a Great YouTube Video on Avoiding Rogue Movers:

About Priority Moving – San Diego Movers:

Priority Moving is an Award winning San Diego Moving Company performing over 3,000 moves per year.  As a San Diego agent for Wheaton Worldwide Van Lines, Priority Moving provides local San Diego moves, long distance moving and secure storage.

Priority Moving – San Diego Movers is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau

Adam Lowy is the Executive Director of Move for Hunger.  Recently Adam announced the following:

I am pleased to announce that we now have more than 85 movers in 30 states working with Move For Hunger. In just under one year, we have collected more than 30,000 pounds of food for our local food banks. This is a tremendous accomplishment in the effort to fight hunger across the country.

As we enter the busy summer season, there’s no time like present to increase our collection amount. I challenge each of you to collect at least 50 pounds of food by the end of June. The food we collect makes a significant difference to those who truly need it. Remember, even one pound of food can go a long way in feeding a hungry neighbor in need.

Move For Hunger not only benefits the local food banks, but also can have a positive impact on your business. Let your customers know what you are doing as a good corporate citizen to give back to the community in which you serve. Move For Hunger is a unique program and an excellent tool to help boost sales.  

Are you up to the challenge? If everyone does their part in collecting food from customers, we easily can reach a total of more than 4,300 pounds of food collected by the end of June.

MOVE For HUNGER has been created to help strengthen the efforts of our community’s food banks.  By teaming up with moving companies across the United States, MOVE For HUNGER will bring a tremendous amount of relief to those most desperate for our help.

Approximately 40 million people relocated in the United States in 2008.  MOVE For HUNGER will enlist those who are selling their homes and  relocating to donate unopened food that they will not take to their new destination. Our professional moving staff will assist in  boxing the donations.  MOVE For HUNGER will then make arrangements for these items to be delivered to local food banks throughout the country.  With your help, we will turn the average food drive into one of the nation’s largest, year-round service programs influencing millions across this great country.

It is during these trying times that our nation’s charitable organizations most need your support.  Your donations will directly impact thousands of families living locally throughout your own communities.  MOVE For HUNGER is truly thankful for your generosity

About Move for Hunger:

Founded in Neptune, NJ, by the Lowy family, Move For Hunger was established to strengthen the efforts of our communities’ food banks, while actively engaging in America’s hunger fight. By using our unique knowledge and experience, Move For Hunger will leverage its existing national network of transportation companies to create one of the nation’s largest, year-round service programs. 

Move For Hunger enlists those who are relocating to donate unopened food that they will not take to their new destination. As you are aware, many people throw out a good deal of “stuff” during the moving process.  Unfortunately, some of this “stuff” is food that could be delivered to a family in need rather than thrown away. 

Every time our movers go out on an estimate or perform a move, they leave behind a box for food items. You can pack it yourself, or their professional moving staff will pack it for you. Move For Hunger then makes arrangements for these items to be delivered to the local food bank, where it can be distributed to families in need.  Click Here to find a moving company in your area working with us to fight hunger.

You can follow Move for Hunger on Facebook by clicking below:

About Priority Moving, Inc. – San Diego Movers

Priority Moving, Inc. is an Award Winning San Diego Moving Company.  Performing over 3,000 local and long distance moves per year, Priority Moving – San Diego Movers is proud to partner with Move for Hunger.

Moving to or from National City? Then you need National City Movers

If you live in National City or are moving to National City, you have found your National City movers. Priority Moving is the highest rated mover in National City and performs more National City  moves than any other moving company.

It is easy to check us out on Yelp and Kudzu for example. Take a look and see what other customers needing National City Movers say.

Please feel free to contact us at 858-689-2525 for your National City move. You won’t be disappointed.

We are Award Winning National City Movers and you can watch us work in the Fox 6 News story about us.

Moving to or from Chula Vista?  Then you need Chula Vista Movers

If you live in Chula Vista or are moving to Chula Vista, you have found your Chula Vista movers. Priority Moving is the highest rated mover in Chula Vista and performs more Chula Vists moves than any other moving company.

It is easy to check us out on Yelp and Kudzu for example. Take a look and see what other customers needing Chula Vista Movers say.

Please feel free to contact us at 858-689-2525 for your Chula Vista  move. You won’t be disappointed.

We are Award Winning Chula Vista Movers and you can watch us work in the Fox 6 News story about us.

About Capital Growth Properties:

Capital Growth Properties, Inc. is a full service property management and real estate brokerage firm, specializing in the management, sale and leasing of income properties located throughout San Diego County. The firm has been active in the property management and brokerage business since 1976, and currently manages a portfolio of apartment communities, shopping centers, office buildings and industrial facilities.  Our clients include a broad spectrum of investors, from individuals to institutional investors.

Capital Growth Properties prides itself on the high quality of its staff as evidenced by the longevity of its senior management/sales personnel and the long term relationships the company has established with its clients.

You can search for Captial Growth Properties apartments on For Rent

Recently Priority Moving – San Diego Movers had the pleasure to move Yas Ghafouri, Capital Growth’s Regional Property Manager.  This is Yas’s review of our services:

“Abigail Rex who is my co-worker referred me to your company and I wanted to thank you guys for the move. I’ve had a lot of moving companies that I’ve worked with in the past but the two gentleman that did my move were very courteous and professional. I believe their names were Peter and Derek. They called before they arrived, went over all the paperwork and process and kept me in the loop throughout the entire process. I was very please with the customer service I received from these two gentlemen and would recommend them to anyone. Please make sure that they get recognized for their exceptional customer service.”

About Priority Moving – San Diego Movers:

Priority Moving is San Diego’s Award Winning moving company.  We work with every major apartment management company including Capital Growth Properties.

Both Priority Moving and Capital Growth Properties are proud members of the San Diego County Apartment Association

Moving to or from Del Mar – then you need Del Mar Movers

If you live in Del Mar or are moving to Del Mar, you have found your Del Mar movers.  Priority Moving is the highest rated mover in Del Mar and performs more Del Mar moves than any other moving company.

It is easy to check us out on Yelp and Kudzu for example.  Take a look and see what other customers needing Del Mar movers say.

Please feel free to contact us at 858-689-2525 for your Del Mar move.  You won’t be disappointed.

We are Award Winning Del Mar Movers and you can watch us work in the Fox 6 News story about us.

On April 7th 2010 Community Housing Works was proud to celebrate the renovation of Oak Knoll Villas in Poway.

OAK KNOLL VILLAS

A Community Transformed

Community HousingWorks just completed a multimillion dollar renovation of the 52 apartment homes at Oak Knoll Villas. Oak Knoll Villas is a part of a larger revitalization plan the Poway Redevelopment Agency initiated which includes roadway and sidewalk improvements, undergroundingof utilities, business park development, and a new community park. The Agency supported Community HousingWorks’ acquisition in 2008 and renovations in 2009 withan $8.2 million loan because it wanted an active, responsible owner that will work with the City, the Sheriff, and other community organizations to stabilize the neighborhood. The City financing would enable us to lower the rents from market rate to permanently restricted affordable rents for residents earning 50%-60% of area median income and provide CHW’s award winning Learning Communities program, training and support to help residents move up in the world.

Constructed in 1973, Oak Knoll Villas sits on a 2.11 acre site and originally included six residential buildings, two laundry rooms, and 52two bedroom units that had suffered from years of deferred maintenance. As the general partner of a limited partnership, Community HousingWorks acquired Oak Knoll Villas in April 2008 and began planning the upgrades and renovations for the apartments’ interiors and exteriors. We were ready to close construction financing in November but Oak Knoll Villas was among hundreds of projects throughout California that was stalled due to the collapse of the financial markets in late 2008. After months of uncertainty, Community HousingWorks was able to restructure the financing with newpartners and closed construction financing in May 2009 with Union Bank as the investor and Bank of America Merrill Lynch Community Banks as the construction and permanent bond lender.

As a pioneer of green and sustainable building, Community HousingWorks’ designed the renovations to include energy efficiency, water conservation, sustainable materials and healthy in-door air quality. Oak Knoll Villas’ renovated apartments and community center now include low flow toilets; linoleum; low-E windows: low-VOC carpet and paint. The roofs were replaced with “cool” roofs that reflect the sun’s heat and insulate to make the building maintain a more consistent, comfortable and energy efficient temperature for the residents. The landscape includes Xeroscape to conserve water and edible fruit trees and garden planters to promote healthy lifestyle choices.

The new Community Center houses the Learning Communities programs, leasing office, community room and kitchen. The unit interiors all received new carpets, bathroom flooring, kitchen countertops, sinks, and cabinets, bath tubs, bathroom cabinets, AlC and heating wall units. Three units were also transformed to meet accessibility standards. The exterior of each building received a facelift designed by Zagrodnik +Thomas Architects, LLP after removing the old mansard facades.

We appreciate the cooperation and patience of the residents and the excellent teamwork between the general contractor, Sun Country Builders, the rehab architect, The John Stewart Company, and ConAm Property Management which enabled this project to be completed on time.

Community HousingWorks is especially grateful for the commitment and support of the City of Poway and Poway Redevelopment Agency, and of Union Bank and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, for stepping up in the financial storm to finance the renovations at Oak Knoll Villas which offer families in Poway affordable homes, support and training to help them move up in the world for many years to come.

At the 4th Annual SANDEE Awards Community Housing Works was awarded best project for Solara.  The project boasts an extraordinary accomplishment-95% of their
energy needs are met by on-site, renewable energy. SOLARA achieves energy efficiency through passive design features such as site orientation, shade overhangs and natural ventilation that replaces air conditioning. Building materials include EnergyStar Low-E windows, appliances and a radiant barrier. In addition, SOLARA uses high-efficiency tank-less boilers, low flow tap and shower devices and dual flush toilets. SOLARA has also installed photovoltaic panels on the roofs and carports to supply the electrical demand for all of the common areas and apartment units.

Mission of Community Housing Works:

Community HousingWorks(CHW) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a mission to help people and neighborhoods move up in the world by providing a full range of housing options, combined with training and support. We build and own beautiful affordable apartments, provide first time home buyer loans, and provide support and training that strengthens communities and helps kids and adults build a wealthier future. Since its inception in 1982, CHW has served the San Diego County region through our affordable housing developments, HomeOwnership Center, and community programs, which strengthen neighborhoods and help families become more financially independent. Since its inception in 1982, CHW has built or renovated 29 developments that provide nearly 1,600 apartment homes.

About Priority Moving – San Diego Movers:

Priority Moving – San Diego Movers is an award winning San Diego Moving company that performed the poway moves at Oak Knoll Villas. Priority Moving was proud to be a chosen as the Poway moving company to perform the move of the residents from their existing to their renovated and beautiful new residences.  Thank you to Community Housing Works for choosing Priority Moving to be a part of this wonderful and successful project.

Many consumers get confused about “double drive time”.  It is there to protect the consumer in California although the name they gave it implies that you are being charged twice for the same thing. 

What is “double drive time”? Here in California, the California Public Utilities Commission requires all movers to charge “double drive time” on hourly rated moves.

Double drive time actually saves you money and also protects you from unscrupulous movers that might charge “portal to portal”.  In essence double drive time means you don’t get charged for the time it takes to get to your home from our warehouse, or in other words the drive to your origin. 

We also don’t charge you for the time it takes after the move is complete to get back to our warehouse. 

Instead, the time to get from your origin (starting point – where you are moving from) to your destination (ending point – where you are moving to) is logged, and then doubled.  This is supposed to represent all of the drive time involved in your move. 

If you think about it it makes sense.  The reason the PUC does it that way is because you can actually “see” the amount of time it takes to get from your origin to your destination.  You would not be able to know how long it takes to get to your origin from the warehouse, or to get to the warehouse from your destination so movers aren’t allowed to use this.  So instead, the law says to pay twice for the time in the “middle” to represent the total drive time involved with your move.

For further questions or clarification, please feel free to call our San Diego moving offices at 858-689-2525.  Priority Moving – San Diego movers is always happy to answer any questions you may have and to ensure that you are getting a move that is lawful and fair.

On the California P.U.C.’s website the have a Consumer Information Center:

It suggests the following…

The CPUC licenses and regulates companies that move household goods within California. The companies must prove their financial and safety fitness. They must also prove to the CPUC that they have adequate insurance and they are subject to criminal background clearance by the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Planning a Move

If you are planning a move and have a list of possible moving companies, you can call the CPUC at 1-800-877-8867 to find out if the companies are licensed and insured.  Or, you can search our List of Companies to find out if a company is licensed and insured, the location of its headquarters, and more!

If you would like to know whether consumers have filed any complaints against a particular company, you can call us at 1-800-366-4782.

For more advice on planning a move, please see:

• Moving Tips and Checklist (PDF) Moving Tips
• Mover’s Guide with information to help you with your move
• Maximum Rate Tariff 4, which is the maximum rates and rules for movers
• Resolution TL-19098, amending Maximum Rate Tariff 4 effective February 25, 2010
• Ongoing and past CPUC investigations of moving companies

The Max Rate Tariff 4 among other things provides information on allowable California moving rates, double drive time, what a mover can charge for and other regulations and rules.