10 Best Long-Distance Movers in California for 2024
Fact Checked by: Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Mayzlin Relocation, North American Van Lines, and JK Moving Services are the best long-distance moving companies available in California. The average cost of California movers is $122 per hour.
|
|
|
|
|
|
How we picked the best long-distance movers in California
Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best long-distance moving companies in California.
We look at:
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery, and more.
Read more about our moving company rating methodology.
Best Interstate Moving Companies in California
These are the best interstate moving companies available in California:
- Safeway Moving, 4.5 out of 5
- American Van Lines, 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation, 4.45 out of 5
- North American Van Lines, 4.25 out of 5
- JK Moving Services, 4.25 out of 5
- GPS tracked trucks and tractors
- Barcode scanned and tracked inventory of your possessions
- Dedicated move coordinator assigned to each client
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
93% of users select this mover
- Over 20 years in business
- Excellent customer service score
- Best pricing we've seen
- Can handle last minute moves
93% of users select this mover
- Family owned with locations covering the east coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- Packing and unpacking services available
- Handle residential, corporate, and military moves
93% of users select this mover
- Over 74 years in business
- More than 1,800 trucks in the fleet
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Top major moving company in the U.S.
- Highest rated agent van line among moveBuddha customers
93% of users select this mover
- Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
- Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
- Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
- Over 40k moves in the past 3 years
- Available Financing as low as 0% Interest for low monthly payments
- Extremely responsive customer service
93% of users select this mover
Best long-distance movers if you’re staying in California
While it’s not as common, if you’re staying in California but still moving a couple hundred miles, these are the best long distance movers for you:
- Meathead Movers, 5 out of 5
- Maison Moving, 4.96 out of 5
- Two Men and a Truck, 4.9 out of 5
- All Star Movers & Storage, 4.9 out of 5
- Luigy's Moving & Storage, 4.9 out of 5
Meathead Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 26
3600 S Higuera St,San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Meathead Movers, based in San Luis Obispo, CA, stands out amongst local moving companies due to their extensive experience, having been in the industry since 1997. They offer a full range of services which extends beyond local residential moves. They excel in providing long-distance residential moving services, office moves, as well as meticulous packing and unpacking services. One distinguishing feature of Meathead Movers is their no-deposit policy, a rare quality amongst their competitors. This beloved company has earned customers' trust, confirmed by over 500 reviews across Yelp and Google My Business, maintaining an admirable average rating of 4.0 and 4.3 respectively. Their commitment to excellence is further endorsed by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, making them a top choice for individuals and businesses on the move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
Maison Moving
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 76628
Years in Business: 16
1371 Santa Fe Dr.,Tustin, CA 92780
Maison Moving is a reputable moving company based in Tustin, CA, offering a full suite of services from packing and unpacking to specialized moving of musical instruments and precious antiques. With over a decade of experience, Maison Moving has proven to be a reliable and comprehensive moving solution for both local and international residential and office moves. Unlike other moving companies in the region, they accept credit cards and do not require any upfront deposit, reducing the financial burden on their customers. Maison Moving also stands out for its exemplary customer service, as attested by the hundreds of positive reviews and high average ratings on Yelp and Google My Business. Moreover, their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau testifies to their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, setting them a notch above their competitors.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 76628
- State license #: 0190726
Alternative Business Names
- Orange County Movers Inc
- College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County
- Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Local Associations
Two Men and a Truck
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 19
8362 Galena Ave,Sacramento, CA 95828
Two Men and a Truck is a premier moving service company based in Sacramento, CA, providing exceptional local and long-distance residential moving services since 2004. Unlike other moving companies in the area, they offer a comprehensive package encompassing packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, setting themselves apart with their versatility and attention to detail. They are uniquely qualified to handle specialty items; whether it's a piano or a grandfather clock, you can trust them to move your precious possessions with utmost care. With a no-deposit required policy, they simplify the moving process and give customers immediate peace of mind. Their track record of customer satisfaction is exemplified by their 183 reviews on Google My Business, garnering an average rating of 3.8. Additionally, their A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau further attests to their commitment to excellent service delivery. Compared to other local movers, Two Men and a Truck consistently deliver a superior, comprehensive, and worry-free moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
Additional Information
- DOT #: 2527384
- State license #: 0190058
Alternative Business Names
- Snyir Inc.
- Two Men And A Truck
All Star Movers & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2971368
Years in Business: 8
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517,Dublin, CA 94568
Founded in 2015, All Star Movers & Storage has made a name for itself as an industry leader in Dublin, CA, offering top-tier local and long-distance residential moving services, as well as corporate relocations. With their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, they ensure a hassle-free move for their clients. Unlike many nearby moving companies, All Star Movers & Storage exhibits an unmatched level of expertise in relocating sensitive items like pianos and art pieces. Giving top priority to customer convenience, the company accepts credit cards and does not mandate any deposits. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and trust is further underscored by their full valuation insurance coverage, a feature that separates them from their competitors. The high level of service delivered by All Star Movers & Storage is reflected in their impressive online reputation, boasting a 4.8 average rating from 143 reviews on Yelp, and a 4.2 average score from 55 Google My Business reviews. They also maintain an A+ standing with the Better Business Bureau, underscoring their reliability and commitment to excellence.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2971368
- State license #: 0191302
Luigy's Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 02740355
Years in Business: 23
5550 Mission St,San Francisco, CA 94112
Luigy's Moving & Storage has been a reliable presence in the San Francisco moving industry since 2000. Going beyond the typical services of local residential and long-distance moving competitors, Luigy's also offers comprehensive office moving services. Their extensive list of offerings spans from packing and unpacking, to specialized services for moving pianos, hot tubs, art, and antiques. Luigy's stand out in the market with its unique crating services and labor-only services. They accept all major credit cards and a deposit is required for their highly demanded services, all of which come with full valuation insurance coverage for customer peace of mind. The company's reputation for top-notch service is solidified by an impressive average Yelp and Google rating of 4.7 from a substantial number of reviews, and an impeccable A+ Better Business Bureau rating.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 02740355
- State license #: 0192210
Alternative long-distance moving options
While hiring full-service moving companies out of California is usually the easiest option, it’s not for everyone. Find alternative options below:
Moving Containers
If you’re comfortable doing the packing and loading, but don’t want to drive from California to your new state, a moving container can be a great cost-saving alternative.
Expect to pay somewhere around $1,258 to $6,842 for a moving container coming out of California. The cost depends on several factors, so we recommend getting multiple moving quotes.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
93% of users select this mover
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
93% of users select this mover
Labor Only
If you’re comfortable doing the driving from California to your new state but want some help packing, loading, and unloading, look for labor-only moving companies.
You’ll typically pay $24 to $38 per hour per worker for California-based labor-only movers.
- HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
- Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
93% of users select this mover
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
93% of users select this mover
Full DIY
If budget is the biggest concern, the best long-distance moving options in California are U-Haul Truck Rental and Penske Truck Rental. These moving rental trucks do require the most work on your part, but will save you the most money.
- U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
- Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
93% of users select this mover
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
93% of users select this mover
Average cost of a long-distance move out of California
The average cost of a long-distance move out of California is $1,069 up to $12,739+. There are several factors that factor into the total cost of moving.
Factors that affect the cost
- Size: The volume of items you're moving directly affects costs. Evaluate what you truly need in California – every extra item adds up.
- Distance: The distance you’re moving away from California is a major cost factor. Whether it's a couple hundred miles or a cross-country trek, distance plays a key role in your moving budget.
- Type of Move: How you choose to move out of California is crucial. Your options include a full-service moving company, truck rental, moving container, or a freight trailer. Each offers different advantages and costs.
- Services: Consider whether to do it yourself or hire help for packing and unpacking. Professional services add convenience but also increase costs.
- Seasonal Timing: When you move affects the price. Summer moves are typically more expensive. Planning your move during off-peak seasons can be more cost-effective.
To get an accurate cost estimate, check out our free
moving cost calculator.
Thing to consider before hiring a mover in California
Whether you’re staying in California for the ample economic opportunity, pleasant weather, and abundant recreational options, or moving out due to the high cost of living, heavy tax burdens, and natural disasters, here’s what you need to consider before your big move.
Check the company’s licensing
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
Ask about their insurance options
Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
When to move
Weather factors influence how busy movers are, so those things play into the availability of movers and the cost.
In California, you have to consider that the average winter temperature is 59°F, the average summer temperature is 87°F, you’ll see 22” of rain, and about 7” of snow each year. That’s a lot of weather that can determine when to plan your move.
Taking your car
If you’re moving across the country and don’t want to leave your car in California (or drive it cross-country), consider using a car shipping company.
You’ll also want to consider vehicle inspections in your new state as they may be different. Take California’s requirements, as an example. California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
