Posted on by Randy Turner

The Complete Guide to Using a Moving Company in Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties

Moving to or within Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties — prominent counties in what is known as Wine Country or the North Bay region of California — opens up exciting opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to Napa’s renowned vineyards, Sonoma’s charming communities, or Solano County’s affordable Bay Area access, the transition should be exciting—not stressful.

DIY moves may look budget-friendly until hidden costs appear: rental trucks, fuel, packing supplies, time off work, and potential injuries. Professional movers deliver efficiency, regional expertise, and protection for your belongings at a better overall value.

Turner Moving & Storage has been in business for over 75 years, serving the moving and storage needs of homeowners and businesses across Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties. Here’s everything you need to know about using a moving company in Wine Country.

 

Finding a Trustworthy Moving Company in Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties

Not all movers provide the same quality. Some prioritize profit over service, while others treat your possessions with genuine care. Here’s how to know the difference.

Verifying California Licensing and Insurance

California requires specific licensing for moving companies. Any company handling moves within California must hold a Household Mover Permit (T Number or MTR number) from the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). For interstate moves, they need a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Verify licenses through the BHGS website before hiring anyone. 

Understanding Moving Valuation Coverage

California law requires movers to offer valuation coverage:

Basic Released Value Protection: California’s minimum of $0.60 per pound per article. A 50-pound TV would only be covered for $30 regardless of actual value.

Full Value Protection: Comprehensive coverage where the mover replaces or repairs damaged items at full value. Costs more but provides significantly better protection.

Additional Coverage: For wine collections, antiques, or artwork, discuss supplemental options with your mover.

Research Company Reputation

Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook. Look for patterns in feedback, not just star ratings. Verify reviews are legitimate—be skeptical if many appear on the same date. Request references from customers who completed similar moves.

“Find out whether the company has a report with the Better Business Bureau, which has reviews of more than 20,000 moving-related companies,” advises Consumer Reports.

Watch for Red Flags

Avoid movers who:

  • Offer estimates significantly lower than competitors
  • Refuse to provide licensing or insurance information
  • Pressure you to sign contracts immediately
  • Present contracts with blank sections or missing costs
  • Request large deposits or cash-only payments
  • Have no physical address or local office

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, keep looking.

Value Expertise in the Local Area

Movers familiar with Napa, Solano, and Sonoma counties understand:

Traffic Challenges: State Route 37 experiences chronic congestion. Highway 29 through Napa Valley sees heavy tourist traffic from nearly five million annual visitors.

Road Conditions: Sonoma and Napa counties have some of the Bay Area’s most challenging roads, requiring careful navigation.

Rural Access: Vineyard properties, rural roads, and hillside homes need specialized planning.

Seasonal Considerations: Harvest season (August-October) creates increased activity. Summer heat requires special care for wine collections and temperature-sensitive items.

Local expertise directly impacts efficiency, protects belongings, and affects final costs.

 

Understanding Moving Costs

How Movers Calculate Prices

Local Moves (within 40-50 miles): Charged at hourly rates. According to MoveBuddha, “Local moving costs in Napa, California typically range from $428 to $4,020,” depending on size and complexity, “with an average hourly rate of $122.” This cost is fairly consistent between Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties.

Hourly rates depend on:

  • Crew size needed (typically 2-4 people)
  • Truck size for your belongings
  • Stairs, elevators, or long carries
  • Specialty items (pianos, wine collections, antiques)
  • Access challenges

Long-Distance Moves (over 40-50 miles): Calculated by total weight and distance, plus fuel surcharges, tolls, and seasonal demand.

California’s Pricing Protection

California law requires movers to provide a “Not to Exceed” price after visually inspecting your belongings. “This is the maximum amount you can be charged unless you request additional services and those changes are then detailed in a ‘Change Order for Moving Services,’” explains the Bureau of Household Goods and Services.

Verbal or internet estimates are illegal in California. Legitimate movers insist on seeing your belongings before providing binding estimates.

Getting Accurate Moving Estimates

Request detailed written estimates from at least three companies. Compare what’s included, not just bottom-line numbers:

  • All labor and transportation
  • Packing materials if included
  • Insurance and valuation coverage
  • Additional fees for stairs or difficult access
  • Fuel charges and surcharges
  • Storage fees if needed

Important Questions to Ask Movers

  • What triggers charges beyond the estimate?
  • How do you handle unexpected complications?
  • Are there fees for stairs, long carries, or difficult parking?
  • What payment methods do you accept, and when is payment due?
  • Do you charge extra for common local challenged like vineyard access or rural properties?
  • What’s included in your hourly rate versus what costs extra?

 

Selecting Your Service Package

Full-Service Moving

Full-service means the company handles everything:

  • Pre-move consultation and planning
  • Complete packing with professional materials
  • Furniture disassembly
  • Loading with proper equipment
  • Transportation to the destination
  • Unloading and furniture reassembly
  • Unpacking and debris removal

Full-service moving costs more but delivers maximum convenience when you’re short on time or want to avoid physical labor.

Customized Service Options

Mix and match services to fit your needs and budget:

Loading and Unloading: Professional handling ensures proper care and placement.

Transportation: Experienced drivers navigate hilly and winding Wine Country roads efficiently.

Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly: Protects large pieces and ensures everything fits through doorways.

Packing Services: Full home packing or targeted assistance with fragile items. Professional packers use commercial-grade materials.

Storage Solutions: Turner Moving & Storage offers 26,000 square feet of secure warehouse space for short or long-term needs.

Specialty Item Handling: Expert care for wine collections, antiques, pianos, artwork, gun safes, and hot tubs.

Senior Moving Services: Specialized assistance for seniors relocating or downsizing.

 

Preparing for Your Move

When to Book Your Move

Local Moves: Book 2-8 weeks in advance.

Long-Distance Moves: Schedule 1-4 months out.

Peak Season: Summer and harvest season (August-October) see the highest demand. Book as early as possible during these periods.

Declutter Before Moving

Reducing belongings saves money and simplifies the process:

Fewer items mean lower costs, faster loading, and less to unpack.

What Can’t Be Moved

California regulations prohibit transporting:

  • Hazardous chemicals (cleaning products, pesticides, pool chemicals)
  • Propane tanks and compressed gases
  • Paint products and solvents
  • Ammunition and certain firearms
  • Perishable food items
  • Plants for long-distance moves
  • Opened liquids

Wine Collections: While wine can be transported, discuss temperature control with your mover, especially during hot summer months.

Prepare Your Property

Before movers arrive:

  • Clear pathways from rooms to exits
  • Complete all packing (unless you hired packing services)
  • Secure pets in a closed room or off-site
  • Arrange childcare if needed
  • For vineyard or rural properties, ensure clear access and provide detailed directions
  • For hillside properties, discuss access challenges during the estimate
  • Reserve elevator time if applicable
  • Obtain parking permits if required by your city

 

Moving Day Expectations

Initial Walkthrough

Your crew conducts a property walkthrough to:

  • Identify items requiring extra care
  • Clarify what’s being moved versus staying
  • Answer final questions
  • Confirm delivery address and access details

Mention features specific to the Napa, Sonoma, and Solano areas, like wine cellar access, narrow staircases in historic homes, or steep driveways.

Professional Loading

Movers use furniture pads, shrink wrap, and straps to protect your belongings. They maximize truck space while preventing damage during transport over the North Bay’s varied terrain.

Essential Documentation

Bill of Lading: Your contract and receipt listing all service details, addresses, and charges. Review carefully before signing.

Inventory Sheet: Lists every item with numbered labels or tags and notes their condition before loading. Crucial for filing claims if needed.

Review both documents thoroughly. Address discrepancies immediately before the truck leaves.

 

Completing Your Move

Verify Delivery

Use your inventory sheet to confirm everything arrived safely:

  • Match tags to your inventory list
  • Inspect items as they’re unloaded
  • Check for damage during transit
  • Verify all boxes and items are accounted for
  • Ensure furniture is in the correct rooms
  • Document concerns with photos immediately
  • Note any damage or missing items on the Bill of Lading
  • Keep copies of all signed documents

Note any issues on the delivery paperwork before signing. Sign the Bill of Lading once you’ve confirmed everything is present and acceptable. 

Filing Claims

If you discover damage or missing items, contact your mover immediately. You have nine months to file claims under California law, but report issues quickly for faster resolution.

You’ll need:

  • Photos of damaged items
  • Inventory sheet and Bill of Lading
  • Detailed descriptions
  • Purchase receipts for high-value items

Compensation is based on the valuation coverage you selected on your contract.

 

Keys to a Successful Move in Napa, Sonoma, and Solano Counties

Moving in Wine Country and the North Bay doesn’t have to be stressful. Success comes down to three essentials: choosing the right moving partner, preparing thoroughly, and understanding what to expect.

Start by verifying credentials and comparing detailed estimates from licensed movers with local expertise. Select services that match your actual needs, and prepare early by decluttering, understanding what can’t be moved, and booking well in advance during peak season. When moving day comes, review all documentation carefully, verify your delivery thoroughly, and address any concerns immediately. 

If you follow these steps, you should be set up for a smooth and successful experience with a moving company in Napa, Sonoma, or Solano Counties.