The BEST Moving Companies in Santa Barbara, CA
Our Top Pick: If you’re moving locally in Santa Barbara, our top pick is Blvd Moving. We’ve rated them 4.66 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for an interstate moving company to handle your California move, we recommend Safeway Moving.
With 88,665 people living in Santa Barbara, the city sees its fair share of moving trucks. With an average moving cost of $100 per hour in Santa Barbara, finding a moving company that balances cost and quality is key.
Whether your new place is down the road or you’re looking for the best long-distance moving company, we’ve reviewed the best moving companies in Santa Barbara to make your next move a smooth transition.
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How we chose the best movers in Santa Barbara
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 313 California movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
Best movers for those moving locally in Santa Barbara
- Blvd Moving, 4.66 out of 5
- Meathead Movers, 4.9 out of 5
- Air 1 Moving & Storage, 4.86 out of 5
- Smooth Move USA, 4.86 out of 5
- Rockstar Pro Movers, 4.8 out of 5
Blvd Moving
DOT #: 2892909
Years in Business: 7
21622 Plummer St,Chatsworth, CA 91311
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2892909
- State license #: 0191513
Meathead Movers
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
Air 1 Moving & Storage
DOT #: 1095485
Years in Business: 20
9556 Cozycroft Ave,Chatsworth, CA 91311
Air 1 Moving & Storage, a staple in the Chatsworth, CA community, has been providing exceptional moving services since 2003. Offering local, long-distance, and even international moving services, they stand out among the local competition. Their comprehensive services extend beyond mere moving; they also provide packing, unpacking, and crating services. Specializing in moving delicate and valuable items such as pianos, art, antiques, and grandfather clocks, they are a trusted choice for those looking for expertise in handling precious belongings. Customers appreciate their transparency and ease of payment, with credit cards accepted and full valuation insurance coverage provided. A credible and reputable company, Air 1 Moving & Storage boasts strong online reviews, including a 4.0 on Yelp from 301 reviews and a 4.4 on Google My Business from 311 reviews. They have also earned a solid A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. A deposit is required, but given their track record of reliability and excellence, customers often find it well worth the initial investment.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1095485
- State license #: 0189688
Alternative Business Names
- Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Smooth Move USA
DOT #: 2911596
Years in Business: 17
3101 Gilmore Avenue,Bakersfield, CA 93308, US
Smooth Move USA has positioned itself as a standout player in the moving industry around Bakersfield, CA. Serving the community since 2007, it has grown to become a trusted name for both local and long-distance residential moving, even outshining competitors through its diverse service offerings. Not limited to residential moving, Smooth Move USA extends its expertise to office moving, piano moving, while also offering packing, unpacking, and crating services. Unlike most movers, it requires no deposit, making it a cost-effective choice for many. The company's excellent reputation is reflected in its 101 Yelp reviews and 189 Google My Business reviews, both averaging high ratings of 4.5 and 4.7 respectively. Plus, with a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, Smooth Move USA is leaving a strong impression in the industry and setting the bar high for local competitors.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- DOT #: 2911596
- State license #: 0192521
Alternative Business Names
- Smooth Move & Smooth Move USA
- Excel Relocation Systems
Local Associations
Rockstar Pro Movers
DOT #: 2774464
Years in Business: 9
13609 Victory Blvd #245,Van Nuys, CA 91401
Rockstar Pro Movers, a moving company based in Van Nuys, CA, has been a reliable name in the moving industry since 2014. In comparison to other local moving services, they stand out for their comprehensive array of services, which includes local, long-distance, and international residential moving along with office relocations. They are known for their meticulous packing and unpacking services, as well as special services like crating and provision of crane vans. They also offer labor-only services for those who need it. Unique to their service is the ability to securely move specialty items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, and even safes. They provide a convenient and flexible payment system, accepting not only cash and credit cards, but also cryptocurrency, and require no upfront deposit. As proof of their competency, Rockstar Pro Movers holds a commendable average rating of 4.4 based on 202 Yelp reviews, and an exceptional 4.9 rating from 285 reviews on Google My Business. Their reputable service quality has also earned them an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They also ensure customer peace of mind with full valuation insurance coverage, and offer storage options for their clients' convenience. In comparison to other moving companies in the vicinity, Rockstar Pro Movers indeed lives up to its name, ensuring a rockstar-level, hassle-free moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2774464
- State license #: 0191955
Alternative Business Names
- Rockstar Pro Movers, Inc
Best movers for those moving out of 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
Alternative Santa Barbara moving options
Moving Containers
- 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
- 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
- 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 movers in Santa Barbara
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Santa Barbara area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in California for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimates.
Local moving costs in Santa Barbara
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Santa Barbara, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Santa Barbara, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.79 per mile to $1.09 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Santa Barbara is $100 per hour.
Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio | $464 | $140 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
1 Bedroom | $604 | $140 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
2 Bedroom | $912 | $196 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
3 Bedroom | $1,968 | $274 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
4 Bedroom | $2,242 | $274 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
5+ Bedroom | $3,396 | $384 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
How do I find a reputable Santa Barbara mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Santa Barbara, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Santa Barbara or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over California, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Santa Barbara has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Santa Barbara may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Santa Barbara movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Santa Barbara movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in California.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for movers in Santa Barbara?
The Residential Permit Parking Program manages parking in mixed-use areas by restricting non-resident vehicles to encourage turnover. Residents in designated areas may be eligible for parking permits exempting them from these restrictions.
For more info on parking permits in Santa Barbara, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Santa Barbara moving company?
It’s almost always cheaper to hire a moving company in Santa Barbara outside of their busy season. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
Now that you know when moving companies in Santa Barbara are less busy, you can use that to negotiate your moving costs.
Do Santa Barbara movers offer storage?
Yes, depending on your storage needs most moving companies in Santa Barbara do offer both short and long-term storage units.
However, while some have their own storage facilities, others don't, in which case they may store your items at a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about storage facilities and getting quotes when screening prospective movers early on in the moving process.
If your Santa Barbara mover doesn’t offer storage - or you need services beyond what they can provide - reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
What is there to do in Santa Barbara?
Some popular attractions in Santa Barbara include:
- Santa Barbara County Courthouse
- Old Mission Santa Barbara
- Shoreline Park
- Santa Barbara Zoo
- Cold Spring Tavern
- Stearns Wharf
- State Street Underpass
- Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
- Arroyo Burro County Beach Park
- Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
How’s the job market in Santa Barbara?
Santa Barbara’s unemployment rate is at 4.1%. Looking for a job in the “American Riviera”? Let us help you start looking, here’s a list of the top employers in Santa Barbara:
- UC Santa Barbara
- Curvature
- Allergan Medical
- Partners Personnel
- Yardi
- Well Health
- Mentor
- QAD
- Santa Barbara County
- Sonos
How can I see all moving companies in California?
You can find all moving companies in California be clicking here.
Helpful Santa Barbara Resources
Santa Barbara Moving Services
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