Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | NorthStar Moving Company

A California local move is any move that is under 100 miles AND happens within the state of California. Here’s an example of an intrastate move we do: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA (yep, inside California and less than 100 mile distance). If you’re moving more than 100 miles and your Point A and Point B are still in California, you want more information about California intrastate moves. Any move that crosses state lines is a long distance move. For more on California local moves, check out our local moves page.

What is a long distance move?

A long distance move is any move that crosses state lines. Los Angeles, CA to Portland, OR? Yep. Portland, OR to Chicago, IL? Mmhmm. If you’re moving within California, you’ll want to head over to our California local moves or California intrastate moves pages. For more information about long distance moving, check out our long distance moves page.

What is an interstate move?

An interstate move is any move that crosses a state line. These moves are also known as long distance moves. For more information about interstate AKA long distance moves, check out our long distance moving page.

What is a California intrastate move?

An intrastate move is a move that is over 100 miles AND happens within a state. Since we’re in California, we only do California intrastate moves. We do not do intrastate moves in any other state. Here’s an example of an intrastate move we do: Los Angeles, CA to San Francisco, CA ( yep, inside California and greater than 100 mile distance). But a move that just stays in California and doesn’t go over 100 miles is a local move to us – example: Los Angeles, CA to San Diego, CA. And a long distance move would be a move that crosses a state line so Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, Arizona would be a long distance move. For more on California intrastate moves, check out our California Moves 100+ Miles page.

What is an international move?

An international move is any move that crosses country boundaries. U.S.A. to France. U.K. to U.S.A. You name it. For more information about international moving, check out our international moves page.

What is a commercial/office move?

A commercial or office move involves moving a business, whether that means moving an office, specific facilities, or anything else a business may need moved. NorthStar Moving Company has a stellar reputation performing office moves and is well equipped to handle any type of business move. Priceless puppets, swivel chairs, the world’s best artwork: you name it, we can probably move it and probably have. Whatever unique needs your business has, we can help. For more information about commercial moves, check out our office moves page, or go ahead now and discuss your move with a Client Loyalty team member by calling 1-800-ASK-PROS.

What is a celebrity move?

From ambassadors to movie stars, NorthStar Moving Company has years of experience moving high-profile clients. Moving can be stressful. Add the added stress of paparazzi or the need for extra security, and well…that’s when you need a moving company you can trust. With past experience moving celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Diana Ross and Derek Fisher, we’ve learned a thing or two about avoiding unwanted attention. In fact, we are more than happy to send out decoy trucks and sign nondisclosure agreements. Whatever your unique moving needs may be, we are happy to help. For more information about celebrity moves, check out our celebrity moves page or start discussing your move today with a Client Loyalty team member by calling 1-800-ASK-PROS.

What is a production move?

A production move has to do with moving anything from film locations to production companies. With years of experience moving entertainment industry stars such as The Jim Henson Company and Dick Clark Productions, Inc., NorthStar Moving Company is here to help behind the scenes. Whatever your unique moving needs may be, our team is ready to assist you. For more information about production moves, check out our production moves page or start planning your move today with a a Client Loyalty team member by calling 1-800-ASK-PROS.

Pricing

Do you offer free on-site estimates?

Yes, we do. All of our on-site estimates are free, but unfortunately we can’t offer an on-site estimate to everyone. Maybe if we cloned our on-site estimators, we could. Call us to find out if we offer free on-site estimates in your neighborhood.

How do you charge for local moves versus long distance moves?

The cost for local moves is mostly based on the number of movers needed, the time it takes to move your belongings and the drive time between your old and new residence. Check out our local moves page for more information about pricing.

The cost of a long distance move depends on the distance you are moving and the weight of your shipment. To determine the weight of your shipment, we weigh our truck without your shipment loaded at a government-regulated weigh station, then we load your shipment, and reweigh the truck. The difference between the two weights is the weight of your shipment.

For long distance moves, NorthStar Moving Company is able to provide low rates because we do something called consolidated shipping. Instead of sending a giant moving truck across the state with only your belongings on board, we consolidate your shipment with other clients’ shipments. This method allows you to receive a greatly reduced rate. Check out our long distance moves page for more information about pricing.

Can I get a flat rate price?

Nope. We do not believe in flat rates. A flat rate means that you are treated just like everyone else. We think you’re special. We think your move is special. We don’t think you should pay for services you don’t use.

What does “not-to-exceed price” mean?

The not-to-exceed price is a contract where we give you our word that your move, as specified in the contract, will not cost more than this amount. In fact, some of the time, your move will cost less than the not-to-exceed price. If your move goes over the not-to-exceed price, the extra cost is on us, not you. We pinky promise.

Do you charge extra for stairs/elevators?

If you are moving locally, we do not charge for stairs and elevators, but charges apply to long distance moves. Local moves are charged by the hour, so the time it takes to use stairs and elevators will be included in your price. Since long distance moves are charged by weight, stairs and elevators are called an accessorial charge. An accessorial charge is anything that keeps the truck away from the door. Stairs, elevators, long long driveways and walkways, zombie garden gnomes, you know, things like that.

Am I getting charged for movers taking their breaks?

No. You will not be charged for movers’ break time. Take a break with them. They have some pretty funny stories.

Is gratuity included?

No, gratuity is not included and also not required. It’s a tip. Tip what you want or don’t tip. It’s up to you.

What forms of payment do you accept?

For local moves, we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or cash.

For long distance moves we accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card, cash or cashier’s check. Please note that there will be a 3% surcharge for using a credit card to pay for a long distance move.

No personal or business checks will be accepted for any type of move.

Moving Logistics

Do you move on Sundays? Weekends? Holidays?

Yes. We move all year round. We really love it that much.

Can I ride with the movers?

We’re flattered that you’d want to spend that much time with us, but for liability purposes, we do not allow clients to ride with the movers. You can always follow our big red trucks with your personal car.

Are my items insured with you? What is valuation?

A moving company provides valuation protection for goods, which is not full-coverage insurance. Valuation refers to how much a moving company pays for belongings that are damaged or lost during a move. Valuation is regulated by the State government for local moves and the Federal government for moves that cross state lines. All licensed moving companies include basic valuation in the cost of a move, which in California is $.60 per pound per item.

Valuation is based on how much an item weighs, so a one-pound bag of sugar and a one-pound bag of diamonds are valued exactly the same at $.60 in California. If an item is worth more to you than $.60 per pound, you may want to purchase additional valuation. Another option is to purchase moving insurance for your belongings during your move.

Why don’t you tell me the exact number of hours it’s going to take for a local move?

The law also forbids us and any other reputable moving company from giving exact quotes over the phone. Instead, the law requires us to give you rates. The government knew we didn’t have a crystal ball to see into the future and give you an exact time. Wouldn’t that be useful if we did, though? Moving from a two bedroom place to a three bedroom place just doesn’t tell the whole story about your move. You could be a packrat. You could be a zen minimalist. You could be a pro packer do-it-yourselfer. You could be a pro delegator. Your move is unique to you so the time it takes will be, too. For more about local move pricing, check out the local moves page.

Why are you giving me a delivery window for my long distance move?

If it were up to us, every move would go smoothly without interruptions. Unfortunately, we can’t control things like weather, road conditions, and just how fast consolidated shipping will take. We give you a delivery window to account for all the “what ifs” that come with long distance moving. While we can’t always give you an exact answer of when your stuff will get to your new home, our dispatch team tracks all shipments. For an update on your shipment, call 1-800-ASK-PROS and ask for our dispatch team.

Why are you giving me a range of weights for my long distance move?

We give you a range of weights so that you can estimate for budget purposes. The cost of a long distance move depends on the distance you are moving and the weight of your shipment. To determine the weight of your shipment, we weigh our truck without your shipment loaded at a government-regulated weigh station, then we load your shipment, and reweigh the truck. The difference between the two weights is the weight of your shipment. Because we can’t weigh your shipment before we actually move you, we provide you with a range of weights, instead.

Do you offer commercial/office moves?

We can help you with every step of your commercial/office move. For more information, go to our Office Moves page.

How big are the trucks?

So size matters to you, does it? For local and long distance pickups, we use our 26-foot Biodiesel trucks. Wanna see one?

For long distance deliveries, we use 18-wheeler tractor trailers.

Packing and Boxes

What things should I be doing before moving day?

We’ve created this handy move calendar to help you prepare for moving day.

How ready do I have to be for the movers?

That’s up to you. You can pack as little or as much as you like. For more information about packing services, check out our Packing & Unpacking page or discuss your move with a Client Loyalty team member by calling 1-800-ASK-PROS.

Can you help with the packing/unpacking, or do I have to pack and unpack everything myself?

We would love to help! How much you pack or unpack is up to you. For more information about packing and unpacking services, check out our Packing & Unpacking page or discuss your move with a Client Loyalty team member by calling 1-800-ASK-PROS.

How can I learn how to pack?

Our Packing Tips page is full of important information. We recommend that you learn to pack like a pro from our packing videos. You will be a master in no time, young grasshopper.

How many boxes will I need?

Our Boxes and Supplies page has estimates of how many boxes you will need based on your type of dwelling. While there you can also learn about the different boxes we offer. Not all moving boxes are alike. Watch this video to determine which box will fit your needs.

Do you provide wardrobe boxes?

We are happy to lend you free wardrobe boxes for local moves as long as you give them back at the end of the move. For long distance moves, we sell wardrobe boxes that are yours to keep and reuse. Our Boxes and Supplies page has more information about wardrobe boxes.

Do you have mobile storage units?

Yes. We use wooden vaults for storage. Our wooden vaults are mobile, green and friendly.

Storage

Can I keep my items with NorthStar Moving while I look for a place out of state?

Sure! If you’re in the Los Angeles area or the San Francisco Bay area, we have storage facilities there. We can store your belongings for a monthly fee. We promise to tuck them in a night and maybe even read them a bedtime story. For more information about storage, check out our Storage page.

Do you provide short-term and long-term storage?

You can store items in our warehouse for a long as you wish. For more information, check out our Storage page.

Is it self-storage?

Nope, we’re better and more affordable than that. We are a full-service storage company. When you’re ready to store things, we can take care of everything, or you can pack and we’ll do the pickup. Our professional movers will show up at your door with all the correct equipment. They can wrap, protect, box, pack, carry, lift, inventory, drive and move your belongings into storage. When you want to get something out of storage, you can schedule a storage access appointment, or we will even deliver your stored item(s) to your door. For more information check out our Storage page.

How do you store my things?

You only pay for the exact amount of storage space you need.

For personal storage, we offer storage units that fit your belongings and your budget. Each unit is a wooden vault that measures 5’x7’x8’. You can add more units if needed and even pay for less space when you move things out of storage. Our clients are charged only for the number of storage units they need. We also have special places in our warehouse for extra large items.

For commercial storage, how we store your items depends on what they are. With over 100,000 sq. ft. of warehouse space in Los Angeles County, we are equipped with a well trained professional warehouse team, multiple loading dock stations, dock levelers, high clearance and a highly skilled operations team on site. Think of our warehouse as your own warehouse at the back of your facility.

For more information about storage, check out our Storage page.

Do you offer commercial storage?

We do! No matter the size of your company, we’ll take care of your warehouse and inventory control needs as if we were an integral part of your company. For more information check out our Commercial Storage page or discuss your needs with one of our Storage Specialists at 1-800-ASK-PROS.

What We Do and Don’t Move

Do you move cars?

Our Civic and Jay Leno luxury packages can take care of all of your auto shipping needs.

Do you move pianos?

Get ready to sing us some praises because we do! Our professionally-trained movers are piano moving experts. Check out our Art & Piano Moving page for more information about piano moving.

Do you move plants?

We only move plants for local moves. Unfortunately, we’re not allowed to move plants across state lines or for intrastate moves due to government regulations. Also, plants need water and light; our trucks aren’t equipped to show them that kind of love.

Do you handle antiques/artwork?

We do! Let our professionally-trained movers pack up your Picasso and move your Matisse. Seriously, we move The Getty. We literally have moved Picassos. Check out our Art & Piano Moving page for more information about art and antique moving.

Do you move lithium batteries?

No, we do not move or store lithium batteries or anything with lithium batteries. You must transport anything with lithium batteries yourself.

Do you move alcohol cross-country?

No, we do not move alcohol or any type of liquids across the country.

Moving Mumbo Jumbo

Do you offer free on-site estimates?

What does “not-to-exceed price” mean?

What is valuation?

A moving company offers valuation for your goods, which is not technically insurance. Valuation refers to how much a moving company will pay for your belongings if they are damaged or lost by the moving company. Valuation is regulated by the State or the Federal Government. (The State when you’re making a local move. The Federal Government when you’re making a move that crosses State lines.) All licensed moving companies include the basic valuation in the cost of your move. In California, basic valuation is $.60 per pound per item.

Valuation is based on how much something weighs. So a one pound bag of sugar and a one pound bag of diamonds is valued exactly the same. Its valuation in California is: $.60. If it’s worth more than $.60 per pound per item to you, you may want to purchase additional insurance from a third party that sells insurance NOT from your moving company. You can also purchase additional valuation directly from your moving company.

For more information about insurance, see our Insurance page.

What is a California local move?

What is a long distance move?

What is an interstate move?

What is a California intrastate move?

What is an international move?

What is a commercial/office move?

What is a celebrity move?

What is a production move?

What is consolidated shipping?

What is double drive time?

Double drive time only applies to local moves. Double drive time is the time it takes the truck to drive from your old house to your new house times two. It’s something the government has all licensed moving companies charge. By the way, the clock on your move doesn’t start until the movers arrive at your door. You are not charged for the amount of time it took the truck to get from the moving company’s headquarters to your house.

How To Choose A Mover – Ask them these questions:

Are you licensed?

We are fully licensed with a US DOT number, ICC MC number, and Cal T number. Links to our licenses can be found at the bottom of this webpage. For more information about what all those mean, check out the How To Choose a Mover page.

Are you insured?

We are fully insured, which you can verify on the same website you use to check our license numbers. Never use a moving company that is not fully insured.

Do you offer a free on-site estimate?

How do I know if my mover is reputable?

Anyone can say they are reputable. We, actually, happen to be, but don’t take our word for it–listen to what other people have to say about us. Our letters of recommendation, video testimonials, and other client reviews on external review sites like Yelp and the BBB all attest to our excellence. Also, check for awards for service. If a mover hasn’t won any awards for services, chances are they aren’t going to win any awards from you either.

What’s your BBB (Better Business Bureau) rating?

A+! We have been on their honor roll for seven years!

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a private, non-profit organization that monitors businesses and rates them on a scale from “F” to “A+” based on their practices. They are a well-known and widespread organization that consumers can trust when searching for a moving company. It’s important to check your moving company’s rating and how long they have had their rating. A moving company that has had an “A+” rating for a substantial amount of time is a solid choice. Currently, the Los Angeles BBB office is run by the Business Consumer Alliance.

Do you have letters of recommendation?

Do we ever!! We even have hundreds of video testimonials. Head over to our Client Reviews page to read some letters of recommendation for yourself.

Have you won any awards for service?

We’re so happy you asked! We don’t want to toot our own horn, but wait… yes, we do! We have won more awards for outstanding service than any other moving company in history, including induction into the BBB Hall of Fame. A full list can be found on our Awards page.

How do I know that you will give me a great rate?

Because we have a great reputation, and great reputation = great rates. Thankfully, no one wins awards and accolades for overcharging. If a moving company has a great reputation, that means they don’t slap you with a bill the size of a moving truck after the boxes have been unpacked. People don’t write five star reviews when they think they’ve overpaid. No hidden charges. No rip-offs. A great reputation is really the best way to make sure you’ll be getting a great rate.

How long have you been in business? Why does it matter how long a mover has been in business?

We’ve been in business since 1994–over 20 years! Does it show? We hope so! Using a well-established moving company is a critical factor for getting stellar service. Not only does practice make perfect, but years of experience are proof that clients keep coming back for more. Our company has over 20 years of experience and isn’t here to turn a fast buck. We’re in business to keep moving you, your family and your friends.

What are your business practices like?

Well, they are actually award-winning. We can brag for days, but we are most proud of our multiple “Best Places to Work” awards and our fan club of happy clients. We are proud to say we have been honored multiple times for our stellar customer service, bright green initiatives, growth, philanthropy and as a great place to work.

We’re super happy we’re a great place to work because happy movers make happy clients who make happy homes. Yep, we are moving happiness home.

Are you green? Do you care about the earth?

Care? Yes, we even have won awards to prove it. Go ahead, call us tree huggers. We do more than just care about the earth; we are kind of obsessed with it. From our Biodiesel fleet of moving trucks to our 100% recyclable boxes, biodegradable eco bubble to wooden vault storage, we try to be green in every way possible. We’ve even been mentioned in college textbooks for our green practices and won awards for our green practices. In fact, we’re at the head of the list of the top green moving companies in the entire country. Check out our Going Green page for more information.

Are you really the leading experts?

Well, our phone number is (800) ASK-PROS… The buzz around our name proves that we really are the leading experts. Big names in press like NBC Nightly News, The Huffington Post, Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine, MSN Living, The Robb Report and Vanity Fair have all picked our brains about moving, and you can, too. Experts aren’t born overnight; they have a long established track record for excellence. We’ve been in business over 20 years, do more than 8,000 moves a year and have won more awards than any other moving company in history. Yep, we’re good, real good.

Are you active in your community?

A moving company that is active in the community plans on being part of the community for a long long time. If they are community-conscious, they are most likely consumer-conscious, too. NorthStar Moving believes that community counts. From hosting annual food drives to donating free services to a variety of nonprofit charities like The Make-A-Wish Foundation®, Habitat for Humanity ®, and Claire’s Place Foundation, giving back to the community is what really moves us.

Pet Care

What do I do with my cats and dogs on moving day?

Shower them with love, of course! But you should also try to make the day as stress-free as possible for your BFF (Best Furry Friends). That’s why we’ve partnered with The Loved Dog and The California Cat Center to bring you The Paris and The A.L. Webber luxury packages. Your dog will be picked up and taken to play with other dogs in a big open facility. Your cat can watch live birds, a large flat-screen TV and fountains while listening to relaxing music. It’s pretty much pet paradise.

For more ideas about how to make your BFF’s move a happy one, check out our veterinarian-approved Moving with Pets tips.

Do you move pets?

They will have to ride along with you or we offer The Toto luxury package for all your pet transport needs. With this package, Pet Transport will carefully transport pets across the street, across the country and even across the globe. Pet Transport is certified by the USDA for handling your animals – whether it’s a cat, dog, mouse, turtle, guinea pig or bird – and they have a specially trained staff to ensure that your other species family member arrives as happy as can be.

Need some tips? Learn how to make the moving process gentler for pets with our veterinarian-approved Moving with Pets tips.

How else should I prepare my pets for moving?

Moving can be very stressful for animals. There’s no way around the stress, but there are some ways to try to make it easier. Learn how to make the moving process gentler for pets with our veterinarian-approved Moving with Pets tips.

Family Care

What do I do with my kids on moving day?

Step one: do not feed them lots of sugar. Step two: let us help with The Angelina luxury package. We’ve partnered with Nanny Poppinz so that your children are well taken care of while you deal with your move. Don’t want a professional nanny? Then maybe it’s time to cash in on all those play dates, sleepovers and Grandma time. Here are a few ideas and tips to keep the little ones happy on moving day.

Do I have to eat pizza on moving day?

Nothing says moving like pizza and beer. But if you don’t like beer and pizza, how about gourmet/vegan/gluten-free/paleo/raw-food? You really don’t have to break your diet. Instead, enlist the services of the culinary masterminds at Annie’s Edibles through The Julia Child luxury package. Have your favorite food custom made and delivered for moving day, the day before, the day after, or hey, the whole year! Good food shouldn’t have to be reserved just for moving, right?

Home Care

Do you know a good handyman?

So you need some help with those projects in your old or new home? We’ve got you covered with The Bob Vila luxury package. Our partners at Let’s Build It, Inc. can help with almost anything. Whether you need to add a new room, fix a leaky faucet or just finish up the project you never got around to, put down the power drill and pick up the phone.

Do you have anybody who can help me set my electronics up?

When did electronics get so complicated?! Luckily our Steve-tini luxury package can help. Experts from Home Tech will set up video, audio, phones, automation, and home security while you just sit on the couch and wait for the game to start. They will even help you figure out that universal remote control. Touchdown!

Can you help me clean up my home?

No time to scrub your new house before moving day? Or, really want no tell tale signs left behind in your old place? For our Green Goddess luxury package, we’ve partnered with Harmony Maids to give your home a green deep-clean. Using environmentally-safe products, their professionally-trained cleaners will make your home sparkle. Oooh, shiny!

Can you help me fix my old and funky furniture?

Our Furniture Rehab luxury package can restore the ailing health of any furniture. Whether your furniture is on its last legs or just needs some TLC, we’ve partnered with A/G Refinishing to give your furniture a new chance at life. These furniture restoration specialists can do everything from upholstery to structure repair, so hand over the chair, and let ‘em take it from here.

Can you help me find and set up home service providers for free?

The Connected Concierge luxury package can! Our partners at Kandela concierge service will do the research and help you set up your home service needs all at no cost to you. Although Kandela can’t help with basic utilities, they can help with everything else. From setting up TV service and a home security system to arranging bottled water delivery and magazine subscriptions, their team will handle the details while you deal with more important things.Gone are the days of being on hold to compare pricing and service options, activate services and schedule installation times. Ah, the not-so-good old days.

Home Organization

Can you help me get my house sold?

Selling a home is hard work. While we wish we had a magic wand to give you, here’s the next best thing: home staging. With The Martha luxury package, you can get your home ready for showings with the help of one of the country’s top master home stagers Michelle Minch of Moving Mountain Designs. If you stage it, they will come.

Do you know someone who can Feng Shui my home?

Chi betcha! With our Balanced Buddha luxury package, Feng Shui whiz Jennifer Bonetto of Real Feng Shui SOULutions can help you create the best living environment possible through the professional practice of classical Feng Shui. You can just sit back now and go with the flow.

Do you offer organization services?

Some people say we’re a bit OCD and we take that as a compliment. A happy home is an organized home! With The Britney luxury package, you can also have a happy home. A team of professional organizers from Operation Organization will save you from the clutter.

Can you clone me so I can finish my long to-do list?

We don’t want any sci-fi end-of-the-world situation on our hands, so no. But we can offer you a right-hand helper with our Busy Bee luxury package! Your own personal part-time or full-time assistant from The Help Company will assist you in crossing off everything on your moving to-do list and your regular hugemongous to-do list. From contacting and meeting all those utility companies to doing everyday chores, a qualified personal assistant will almost be like the clone you always wanted.

Can you help me auction off my unwanted things?

Sold! The Treasure Hunter luxury package has got you covered. Through our partnership with Abell Auction Co., we make moving and estate sales an easy process. Abell Auction will evaluate your auction items, remove them from your home, and deliver them safely to their warehouse where they will be stored and insured until auction. After auction day, Abell will send the check straight to you. I said it was easy, right?

Do you know a fashionista who can help me clean out my closet?

Our idea of haute couture involves eco bubble and cardboard. Fabulous! But for those of you into real fashion, The Rachel Zoe luxury package employs the fashion-forward thinking of personal stylist Lauren Messiah. Lauren’s “Closet Cleanse” service, backed by TLC’s Stacy London, can inspect your closet before a move, or she can help after you’ve tried to squeeze all those clothes you never wear into your new closet. She’ll teach you “What Not to Wear,” help you decide what stays, what goes, what can be repaired and what will be donated or consigned. Your closet (and you) will be looking great in no time!

Vehicle Care

What do I do with my car on moving day?

If you don’t want to drive your car from your Point A to Point B, we know some people that can help. From Fords to Ferraris, our auto shipping luxury packages can move any car without you having to be behind the wheel.

Community Care

Will you save me a trip and donate all that stuff I don’t want?

Gladly! Whether you’re getting rid of clothes, books, or that set of inflatable couches, check out our Mother Teresa luxury package. We donate your unwanted goods to our local charitable partners Goodwill Southern California and Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.

Can you give all those cans of soup I don’t want to someone who needs them?

Through our partnership with Move for Hunger, NorthStar Moving collects usable food items which are then delivered to local food banks. From there, they’ll be sorted and organized so they can be delivered to families in need throughout the area. We will also happily take those food items during our annual food drives.

What do I do with that old dinosaur of a computer and all my other e-waste?

Our Al Gore luxury package can take care of that. NorthStar Moving has partnered with E-Cycle Environmental recyclers who will pick up your old electronics and other large items. They recycle them properly and domestically under strict environmental laws. It’s a win-win situation: one win for you, one win for the earth.