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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.
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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
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  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local South Lake Tahoe, CA movers

Hiring a moving company in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $461 $180 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $628 $173 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,038 $242 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,401 $353 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,671 $350 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,062 $479 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: On average, hiring movers in South Lake Tahoe for a studio apartment will cost about $180 per hour. This type of move usually takes three hours with a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: For a one-bedroom apartment or house, local movers in South Lake Tahoe typically charge $173 per hour. Plan for two movers working four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom home in South Lake Tahoe generally costs $242 per hour. Expect it to take around five hours with a three-person team.
  • Three bedrooms: The typical rate for moving a three-bedroom place in South Lake Tahoe is $353 an hour. You'll likely need four movers for about eight hours.
  • Four bedrooms: Expect to spend $350 per hour to move a four-bedroom home in South Lake Tahoe, which usually requires nine hours and a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: For homes with five or more bedrooms in South Lake Tahoe, moving services typically charge $479 an hour. You'll need a five-person team for around ten hours.

Use our free moving cost estimator to quickly compare personalized quotes for your South Lake Tahoe move.

Best local movers in South Lake Tahoe, CA

If you're moving within South Lake Tahoe or just a short distance away, these local moving companies come highly recommended:

  1. Auburn Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Move 4 Less, LLC: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Colonial Van & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Ernie's Van & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. House to Home Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/auburnmovingstorage,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Movers that go the extra mile make all the difference—Auburn Moving & Storage proves this with 329 feedback entries, where nearly 90% speak of efficient, professional service and careful handling of belongings. The most frequent praise highlights their polite, helpful staff, swift moving process, and attention to protecting customers’ property. Customers often return and recommend Auburn thanks to consistent, friendly assistance, and a sense that belongings—even fragile and valuable items—are well cared for. While most clients find pricing transparent and communication clear, a small segment reports significant issues. Chief complaints concern items damaged during moves, late arrivals without notification, and occasional communication break-downs, especially regarding claims and insurance. Compared to other movers, Auburn earns top marks for reliability, hard work, and care, but those seeking absolute assurance on valuables or expecting flawless insurance handling should review policies closely. Most feedback underlines Auburn as a standout choice for dependable, courteous moving and storage services.
Get a Quote (916) 251-4848

Company Info

State license #: 0190985

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2347808

Alternate Names: Auburn Moving Co, Inc., Auburn Moving & Storage Company


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/Move4LessNV, https://twitter.com/Move4LessNV
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Affordable rates
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Customers say Move 4 Less, LLC offers efficient service and careful handling at affordable rates, with two-thirds of feedback praising their speed, professionalism, and protection of property. Most clients mention polite and hard-working staff who finish jobs quickly, often under budget. Affordable pricing and effective communication appeal to clients who need reliable movers at a good rate. Some reviewers note that the friendly team consistently handles belongings with care, using proper equipment and moving heavy or delicate items smoothly compared to other companies. On the other hand, negative input highlights damage to items, surprise charges at payment, and unresolved complaints—especially for larger or long-distance moves. Customers report problems with furniture and home damage, denied claims, and an unresponsive complaint process, which leads to frustration despite earlier promises. Compared to similar movers, Move 4 Less attracts more feedback about successfully delivering efficient and budget-friendly service, but also collects more frequent criticism for damages and billing issues. Prospective clients should balance the high rate of efficient, courteous moves with the risk of damage or charge disputes.
Get a Quote (775) 899-6683

Company Info

State license #: 3344.7

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1251663

Alternate Names: Move4Less Moving Specialist


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage
https://www.facebook.com/colonialvan, https://twitter.com/colonialvan
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Efficient service
  • Transparent pricing
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Colonial Van & Storage stands out for its professional and polite staff, clear communication, careful handling, and transparent pricing. Most feedback praises their efficient service and reliability, exceeding the standards set by other movers. Pack crews protect homes and belongings, estimators detail pricing without hidden charges, and many moves finish early or on-time. While competitive rates and friendly teams attract many repeat customers, nearly 41% of responses highlight serious concerns. Some clients experienced damaged or missing items, delayed arrivals, and challenging communication during problems. A few reviews describe delivery windows missed by weeks, unresolved claims for broken furniture, or trouble getting updates and accountability after issues arise. The majority describes positive, stress-free experiences with good value, but recurring reports of lost property and slow resolutions place Colonial behind the most consistent moving companies.
Get a Quote (775) 553-0111

Company Info

State license #: 3151.2

Years in Business: 54

DOT #: 2973


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/evsmoving, https://twitter.com/EVSmoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Friendly and approachable staff
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Customers say Ernie's Van & Storage stands out for its professional staff, careful handling of belongings, efficiency, and friendly approach. Seventy-six percent of the 195 reviews praised attentive service and helpful movers who reduced relocation stress. Customers repeatedly highlighted respect for property, clear communication, and thoroughly trained crews—qualities not always seen with other movers. While most found the company reliable and friendly, one in five experienced significant issues. The biggest complaints involved damaged or lost items, extra charges, and slow or lacking company responses after problems. Neutral feedback mentioned unclear pricing and some minor breakages. Ernie's receives strong recommendations for professionalism and care, but the risk of costly damages and communication lapses may be higher than with some competitors. Customers looking for exceptional care often found it, but should be proactive in confirming costs and coverage before booking.
Get a Quote (530) 273-7836

Company Info

State license #: 0189906

Years in Business: 90

DOT #: 125550

Alternate Names: Sowell Bros., Inc., Ernie's Van and Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/HouseToHomeMoving, https://twitter.com/MovingEasy
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Helpful movers
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving doesn’t get much easier than with House to Home Moving, according to nearly 93% of customer feedback from 388 reviews. Most clients mention the team’s professionalism, help with handling possessions, and efficiency. Movers consistently show care for items, communicate well, and go out of their way to make the process smooth. Customers highlight friendly service and say that booking and payment are straightforward, with prices often matching or coming in under quoted estimates. A small percentage report problems—primarily with items accidentally damaged during the move, surprise charges, or less responsive communication from office staff during issues. These complaints are more common in longer or complex moves and typically involve follow-up or compensation questions. Compared to other moving companies, House to Home earns high marks for reliability, careful handling, and positive staff interactions. Still, for larger or out-of-area jobs, ensure all details are written and agreed upon to avoid misunderstandings. The company’s strong base of repeat customers and personal referrals sets it apart in the industry.
Get a Quote (916) 484-1144

Company Info

State license #: 0190786

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2395707


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

Average cost to move out of state with South Lake Tahoe movers

Since the cost of moving out of California depends largely on where you're moving, we've provided some example costs below. To get the most accurate pricing based on your specific destination, find your moving route to California or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from South Lake Tahoe

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from South Lake Tahoe and across California state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.

To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of California:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from South Lake Tahoe

Moving a two- or three-bedroom home out of South Lake Tahoe comes with costs that vary depending on how much stuff you're taking. A three-bedroom move with minimal furniture could actually cost less than a heavily decorated two-bedroom with more square footage.

Still, for reference, here are the typical cost ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves covering similar distances from South Lake Tahoe:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from South Lake Tahoe

Out-of-state moves from South Lake Tahoe involving four-bedroom homes can vary significantly in price. Factors like distance, volume, and seasonal demand all impact the total cost.

Below are sample price ranges for long-distance moves with four or more bedrooms from South Lake Tahoe:

Best interstate moving companies in South Lake Tahoe

Now that you have an idea of what your out-of-state move from California will cost, it's time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in South Lake Tahoe.

Best Overall Value
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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
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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
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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 South Lake Tahoe, CA

In South Lake Tahoe, moving container prices usually start around $530 for local moves and can run as high as $2,950 for longer hauls. Cross-country relocations tend to be more expensive, with some topping out near $6,950 or more. The final price depends heavily on the distance and size of the container you go with.

Our favorite container mover in South Lake Tahoe is PODS, largely because they offer a versatile range of container sizes — eight, 12, and 16 feet — along with reasonable pricing and consistently positive feedback from customers. However, you should get quotes from PODS and two other moving container companies before making a decision.

You can always start by checking out these other top-rated moving container companies.

Best moving container companies in South Lake Tahoe

Choosing a moving container company is a smart option if you’re comfortable packing and loading on your own but would rather leave the driving to a pro. We recommend these dependable container companies In South Lake Tahoe:

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 South Lake Tahoe, CA

In South Lake Tahoe, daily rental costs for a moving truck usually start at $60, with most people paying between $19 and $38.355555555556, plus mileage fees of $1.698 to $1.2122222222222. It’s a solid choice for those looking to cut costs, but keep in mind it’s a fully DIY approach. You'll be doing the heavy lifting and the driving.

Best moving truck rentals in South Lake Tahoe

The most budget-friendly way to move is by packing everything up and hitting the road with a rental truck. There are plenty of moving truck rental companies to choose from in South Lake Tahoe. If you don’t mind the extra effort, here are a few of the best ones:

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 South Lake Tahoe, CA

In South Lake Tahoe, labor-only movers typically charge $30–$40 per hour per person. That means your total hourly cost will be around $60–$80, depending on how many movers you hire.

It typically only takes a two-person crew to handle smaller spaces like studios and one-bedrooms. For two- and three-bedroom homes, plan on three to four movers. It’ll likely take a crew of four or five people to move homes with four or more bedrooms.

Best labor-only moving companies in South Lake Tahoe

Finding reliable moving help in South Lake Tahoe means looking for labor-only companies with upfront pricing and solid service reviews. It’s even better if they offer extras like packing assistance or moving supplies.

These are our top picks for labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
  • Years in Business: 19
  • Yelp: 4 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 54
  • Yelp: 1.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 90
  • Yelp: 3.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Factors that affect the cost of your South Lake Tahoe move

Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your South Lake Tahoe move:

  • Distance: How far you're moving has a big impact on your total moving costs. Moving within a city or even to a nearby town will usually cost far less than relocating out of state or across the country. That's because longer distances involve mileage and fuel expenses, as well as more labor hours.
  • The size of your move: Naturally, the more stuff you have, the more it will cost to move it. Larger moves are more expensive because they typically require a bigger truck and moving crew.
  • The type of mover you choose: In most cases, hiring a full-service mover to assist with loading, unloading, and transport of your belongings will cost more than DIY options like moving container companies, where you handle all the heavy lifting yourself.
  • The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.
  • When you move: The time of year and month, as well as the day of the week, you move can all impact costs. The reason centers around demand. You'll pay more to relocate during the summer months, since that is the peak moving season. Mid-month moves are normally a little cheaper than those at the start or end of the month, when most rental leases begin or end. Moving mid-week instead of weekends can also save you some money, since most people choose a Saturday or Sunday for their moving day.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Check your community’s moving rules. Many areas, especially those with HOAs, have moving restrictions on specific days or times. Be sure to review these rules and notify your building or HOA ahead of time.
  • Purchase extra insurance, if needed. By law, full-service movers include basic released value protection at no cost, but it only covers $0.60 per pound per item. That means an original sculpture worth $750 and weighing 12 pounds would only be covered for $7.20 ($0.60 x 12). For peace of mind, ask your mover or home insurer about full-value protection based on your belongings' actual worth.
  • Have documentation ready. You might need to show proof of insurance or elevator reservations when moving in or out of an apartment. This info is usually outlined in your moving contract, so gather it before the big day arrives.

Helpful South Lake Tahoe Resources

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