ryan carrigan moving expert
Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
Need more help? Build your move plan.
Get Quote

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local Palo Alto, CA movers

Hiring a moving company in Palo Alto is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You'll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you'd rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Palo Alto:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $613 $277 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $873 $269 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,519 $376 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $3,543 $522 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,992 $533 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $6,177 $753 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: Expect to pay around $277 per hour for studio moves in Palo Alto. These usually take three hours with a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: A one-bedroom move in Palo Alto averages $269 hourly. You'll need two movers for approximately four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: The going hourly rate for moving a two-bedroom home in Palo Alto is $376. It generally takes five hours with a three-person crew.
  • Three bedrooms: In Palo Alto, the average cost to move a three-bedroom home is about $522 per hour, requiring four movers and eight hours of work.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom home in Palo Alto, you're looking at $533 per hour. This job typically takes nine hours with a four-person team.
  • Five or more bedrooms: Large homes with five or more bedrooms in Palo Alto can cost about $753 per hour. Expect ten hours of work by a five-person crew.

Quickly compare moving quotes for your Palo Alto move with our instant, free cost calculator.

Best local movers in Palo Alto, CA

For moves that keep you in or around Palo Alto, these trusted local movers are our top picks to get the job done right:

  1. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  3. All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. Upline Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. Lunardi Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/EagleMovingStorage/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving made easy is how customers describe Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., with 86.9% of the 634 feedback entries rating their services positively. Reviewers consistently mention efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. The booking process is straightforward and communication is strong, making moves feel stress-free compared to larger companies. Many highlight how quickly items are moved and the competitive pricing, with exceptional care towards fragile and valuable belongings. In contrast, 11.7% report issues, mainly with damaged items, late arrivals, or communication lapses during scheduling and claims. While the company receives high praise for their courteous movers and fast work, cases of lost or broken property and delayed deliveries set them apart from top-tier providers who resolve complaints faster and provide more consistent updates. Neutral input often cites both efficient execution and minor damages. Eagle stands out for its efficiency and customer-focused approach but should address recurring concerns with item handling and reliability during high-stress moves.
Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Company Info

State license #: 0190673

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 3670248


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/, https://x.com/BestCAMovers_
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Overly complex pricing
  • Misleading marketing
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Customer input for Best California Movers paints a clear picture: this company impresses with professionalism, efficient teams, careful handling of belongings, excellent communication, and speedy work. Out of 54 reviews, 94% are positive, highlighting these strengths repeatedly. Many praised accommodating movers who protected valuables, remained punctual, and communicated thoroughly. Transparent rates and easy booking also stand out. Negative feedback, making up just 3.7%, centers on unclear or unexpectedly high pricing and aggressive marketing tactics. A few clients noted delays or pressure to leave reviews. Compared to competitors, Best California Movers stands out for the dedication of its staff and consistent care, though reading terms closely can avoid pricing surprises. Most clients would confidently use or refer their services again.
Get a Quote (408) 200-0452

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3489907

Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/allreasonsmoving/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Word of mouth meets reliability at All Reasons Moving & Storage. Out of 306 customer inputs, 90.5% were favorable, underscoring exceptional service. Clients repeatedly cite the team's professionalism, careful handling, quick and efficient moves, positive staff attitudes, and reliable communication as stand-out features. Customers appreciate on-time arrivals, accuracy in cost estimates, and meticulous treatment of their property—qualities that set the company above most competitors. Negative feedback accounts for 8.2% of responses, mainly describing damaged items, surprise fees, or rare poor staff interactions. Most concerns focus on breakage during moves or storage and disputes about extra charges. Neutral comments, at 1.3%, describe higher-than-expected costs or minor miscommunication but rarely mention major setbacks. All Reasons earns strong trust for its emphasis on permanent, well-trained crews rather than temporary day labor—a rare trait. Compared to typical moving companies, customer input shows they provide a notably stress-free moving experience.
Get a Quote (408) 240-0244

Company Info

State license #: 0189789

Years in Business: 33

DOT #: 70719

Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/uplinemoving/, https://twitter.com/uplinemoving?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
Moving reviews don’t get much more glowing than this. Among 600 customer reviews analyzed, 82.8% were positive, highlighting Upline Moving's strong reputation compared to most moving companies. Customers repeatedly praised the efficient service, professionalism, careful handling of belongings, rapid moving process, and clear communication—qualities that are often hard to find elsewhere. Staff members showed politeness and organization, with many moves completed faster than expected and items well protected. Some customers appreciated transparent pricing and the flexibility to accommodate last-minute changes, placing Upline above industry norms for reliability. A minority of feedback focused on damage to items, late deliveries, or lost pieces. Reviews reported missing boxes or valuable items, and some moves took longer than the promised timeline. Customers also noted that claims and complaint resolution were slow or unhelpful in some cases. While these issues are common across the moving industry, Upline’s employees received praise for making efforts to address concerns post-move. Most customers who experienced problems still saw responsive communication and fair attempts at resolution. In summary, the vast majority found moves with Upline to be smoother and less stressful than with other movers, mainly due to their skilled teams and attention to customer needs.
Get a Quote (510) 973-4450

Company Info

State license #: 0191033

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 1881933

Alternate Names: JM Moving Systems, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/LunardiMovingServices/, https://twitter.com/lunardimovers
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Unexpected charges
  • Damage to items
Review Analysis
Moving made easy: Out of 544 customer feedback entries, 94.7% praised Lunardi Moving for efficiency, care with belongings, professionalism, and helpful staff. Customers repeatedly highlighted attentive and polite crews, swift moving, and careful handling of items. Some reviewers described consistent experiences across multiple moves, including delicate items and complex jobs. A small number of clients, about 3.5%, cited higher-than-expected bills, unexpected fees, or occasional item damage. Neutral feedback often referenced additional charges or less-than-perfect estimates, despite generally satisfactory service. Compared to other moving companies, Lunardi stands out with strong service consistency and attentive staff, though clarity in quoting could be improved to match industry leaders on price transparency.
Get a Quote (408) 849-9630

Company Info

State license #: 0190625

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2762936


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

Average cost to move out of state with Palo Alto movers

The cost of moving out of California mostly depends on where you're headed, so we’ve listed some sample prices below. For more precise costs, explore your moving route to California or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Palo Alto

Several factors influence the price of a one-bedroom move from Palo Alto — mainly how far you’re going, how much you're bringing, and how you plan to get it there.

Below are some common price ranges to help estimate the cost of long-distance moves from California:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Palo Alto

Out-of-state moving costs from Palo Alto for two- or three-bedroom homes depend on the total volume and weight of everything you’re bringing. For instance, the cost to move a three-bedroom home that’s lightly furnished and compact might be lower than that of a large, fully furnished two-bedroom space.

That said, here’s a general look at the price ranges you can expect for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distance from Palo Alto:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Palo Alto

Relocating a four-bedroom or larger home from Palo Alto involves a number of variables. The costs can vary significantly depending on distance, volume, and seasonality.

Here’s a general idea of what long-distance moves from Palo Alto with four or more bedrooms might cost:

Best interstate moving companies in Palo Alto

Now that you’ve got a clearer idea of what your move from California might cost, it’s a good time to start comparing the best long-distance moving companies in Palo Alto.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Palo Alto, CA

In Palo Alto, using moving containers typically starts at around $480 for a local move. For longer in-state or regional relocations, that number can rise to about $2,980. If you're planning a coast-to-coast move, expect rates in excess of $6,930. Your final price will largely depend on how far you're moving and your container size.

We recommend PODS in Palo Alto as a strong option. PODS offers three container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), allowing you some flexibility in picking the one that best fits your needs. Their rates are competitive, and customers overwhelmingly give them high marks for their service. To make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, though, get quotes from PODS and at least two other companies before locking in a decision.

For more trusted providers, browse this list of top moving container companies.

Best moving container companies in Palo Alto

A moving container company is a good fit if you don’t mind doing some heavy lifting. You’ll have to pack up everything and load it up yourself but you’ll get the benefit of a professional driver to safely transport your belongings to your new home. There are several solid choices in Palo Alto — these are some of our favorites:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Palo Alto, CA

The average cost to rent a moving truck in Palo Alto is $60 per day, but prices can be anywhere from $19–$38.355555555556 daily, with an additional per-mile fee of $1.698–$1.2122222222222, depending on how far you're moving and the truck size you need. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you'll also need to drive the truck to your new home.

Best moving truck rentals in Palo Alto

The cheapest way to move is to just pack and drive it yourself with a moving truck. There’s no shortage of options for moving truck rental companies in Palo Alto. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Palo Alto, CA

Expect to pay between $30 and $40 an hour for each labor-only mover in Palo Alto. Depending on how many crew members you need, the total hourly rate can range from $60 to $80.

Most studios and one-bedrooms require just two movers. Larger homes — two or three bedrooms — generally need three or four movers, and anything beyond that will require a team of four to five movers.

Best labor-only moving companies in Palo Alto

Not all labor-only moving services in Palo Alto are created equal. The best ones combine fair pricing with dependable service. Some even go the extra mile by helping with packing or providing supplies.

Here’s a look at our favorite labor-only moving companies.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.52 / 5
  • Years in Business: 7
  • Yelp: 4.8 / 5
  • BBB: NR
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.62 / 5
  • Years in Business: 20
  • Yelp: 4.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.62 / 5
  • Years in Business: 11
  • Yelp: 4.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Factors that affect the cost of your Palo Alto move

Since every move is a little different, your total cost will depend on your individual needs. Still, here are some of the key factors that commonly affect Palo Alto moving costs:

  • Distance: Long-distance moves tend to cost more due to added mileage, fuel charges, and labor hours. Staying within the same city or region is typically more affordable.
  • Move size: More items = more money. Larger households usually need extra hands and a bigger truck, both of which increase the price.
  • Moving method: Full-service movers offer convenience, but they charge for it. If you go with a moving container company, you can cut costs by handling the packing and lifting yourself.
  • Add-on services: Want help packing or extra coverage for your stuff? These kinds of add-ons cost more — and even DIY moves cost extra if you hire help for the heavy lifting.
  • Move date: Prices spike during the busy season (summer), weekends, and the beginning or end of the month. You’ll often save by moving mid-week or mid-month when demand is lower.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Consider extra insurance. Full-service movers must provide basic coverage — called released value protection — at no additional charge. It’s free, but offers very limited protection: just $0.60 per pound per item, no matter what it’s worth. So, if a 25-pound TV valued at $1,000 gets damaged, you’d only be reimbursed $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Many movers — and some home insurers — also offer full-value insurance based on your item’s actual worth for an added fee.
  • Confirm your move is approved. Certain neighborhoods, especially those with HOAs, may restrict moving days or hours. Be sure to check those policies ahead of time and notify your property manager of your planned move-in or move-out date.
  • Keep key documents ready. If you’re moving in or out of an apartment complex, you may need to present proof of mover’s insurance and possibly an elevator reservation. These details are often found in your moving agreement, so pull them together early to avoid last-minute scrambling.

Helpful Palo Alto Resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All