The Best Long-Distance Movers in Martinez, CA
The best long-distance mover in Martinez, CA is Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.62/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of California, per moveBuddha's analysis of 371 California movers and 26,199 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Martinez average $132/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across California range from $621 for a 1-bedroom to $2,630 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Martinez right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Martinez, CA?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 71 full-service interstate movers serving Martinez, drawing on 26,199 verified customer reviews across Martinez.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Martinez based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Martinez, CA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 75 local movers serving Martinez licensed for long-distance moves within California, drawing on 26,199 verified customer reviews across Martinez. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.62/5) was named the top-rated Martinez-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 75 of the 75 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Martinez are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Martinez but stay within California:
- Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Thrifty Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- 680 Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- The Handy Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage has been in business for 47 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 216 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage. Discounts may be available for groups like AAA members.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"I highly recommend Johnson & Daly for all moving services in Marin! Michael Volpe was fantastic, the team was incredibly responsive, helpful, and trustworthy. Packed up our house efficiently and moved us out the next day."
"Julian, Mario, Oscar, and Edy worked hard and had incredible attitudes—no items were broken or damaged. Worth every penny. If you want the most professional, careful movers in the Bay Area, call Johnson and Daly."
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. NorthStar Moving Company has been in business for 31 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. NorthStar Moving Company has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 1172 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from NorthStar Moving Company .
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. NorthStar Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Edgar and his team were professional, efficient, and friendly. They took great care of our things and finished ahead of schedule. Would hire again in a heartbeat!"
"The movers were so quick and careful with every piece of furniture! Everything went smoothly and not a single thing was broken. Highly recommend!"
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Thrifty Moving & Storage has been in business for 34 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Thrifty Moving & Storage has about 91% positive reviews across roughly 188 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Thrifty Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Thrifty Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The movers were on time, friendly and fast. Even though it was raining, they took care of my furniture. Nothing got wet."
"Oscar and Bryan were so professional and kind. They took good care of everything and the unusual location without any qualms!"
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. 680 Movers has been in business for 15 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. 680 Movers has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 861 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from 680 Movers, and 680 Movers makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. 680 Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Movers were prompt, efficient, and handled my belongings with care. They wrapped everything, worked hard, and the price was fair. Not a scratch on anything! I would recommend 680 Movers to anyone moving in the Bay Area."
"Have used them three times now! And will continue to use when I move again. Prompt, efficient, friendly, and took care of my belongings. The price point works perfectly for me."
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. The Handy Movers has been in business for 16 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. The Handy Movers has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 382 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.9.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from The Handy Movers.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. The Handy Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Efficient and careful, they handled all our items like pros. Not a scratch or ding, and the cost was very reasonable. We were moved in record time. I’d recommend them to anyone."
"The Handy Movers team was so professional and friendly. They packed, loaded, and unpacked quickly, with zero damage. Prices matched the quote and communication was clear. Highly recommend them for your next move!"
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 371 California moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of California. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Martinez, CA movers offer?
Not every mover in Martinez offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 75 Martinez movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 80% of Martinez movers, compared to 62% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage.
- Junk removal: offered by 20% of Martinez movers, compared to 20% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Waters Moving & Storage.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 31% of Martinez movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: JC Express Movers, Inc..
- Storage: offered by 88% of Martinez movers, compared to 86% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 31% of Martinez movers, compared to 32% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: 680 Movers.
- Piano moving: offered by 79% of Martinez movers, compared to 80% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage.
Does Martinez have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 60 of 75 Martinez movers (80.0%), compared to 61.99% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.62/5) and NorthStar Moving Company (4.58/5) rate highest for art handling in Martinez.
| Art handling in Martinez | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Martinez providers |
Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage
NorthStar Moving Company |
| Per-piece handling fee | $88 to $875 |
| Custom crating per item | $263 to $350 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Standard blankets do not protect framed artwork or sculpture against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures. Custom crates and archival packing are the baseline, not an upgrade. Ask any art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing.
Does Martinez have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 15 of 75 Martinez movers (20.0%). Waters Moving & Storage (4.3/5) rate highest in Martinez.
| Junk removal in Martinez | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Martinez providers | Waters Moving & Storage |
| Typical cost per load | $263 to $875 |
| Single large item | $131 to $263 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Items removed before a weight-based quote is locked in lower the base moving rate. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear furniture and appliances on load day. Confirm they cover electronics and appliances before booking.
Does Martinez have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 23 of 75 Martinez movers (30.67%). JC Express Movers, Inc. (4.48/5) rate highest in Martinez.
| Fragile-only packing in Martinez | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Martinez providers | JC Express Movers, Inc. |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing applies professional packing only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps (the items that account for most in-transit breakage claims) without the cost of a full-service contract. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide is useful if you're handling any items yourself.
Does Martinez have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 66 of 75 Martinez movers (88.0%). Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.62/5) and NorthStar Moving Company (4.58/5) rate highest in Martinez.
| Storage in Martinez | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Martinez providers | Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage NorthStar Moving Company |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $450 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $875 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit is priced at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $450/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does Martinez have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 23 of 75 Martinez movers (30.67%). 680 Movers (4.5/5) and Seven Bridges Moving (4.36/5) rate highest in Martinez.
| Hot tub relocation in Martinez | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Martinez providers | 680 Movers Seven Bridges Moving |
| Bundled with full-service move | $263 to $700 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $525 to $1,400 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and require full drainage before pickup. Bundling into a full-service move is almost always cheaper than a standalone specialty carrier. See moveBuddha's guide on how to move a hot tub for what to expect.
Does Martinez have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 59 of 75 Martinez movers (78.67%). Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage (4.62/5) and NorthStar Moving Company (4.58/5) rate highest in Martinez.
| Piano moving in Martinez | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Martinez providers | Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage NorthStar Moving Company |
| Upright piano | $1,400 to $2,625 |
| Baby grand piano | $2,100 to $4,375 |
| Grand piano | $3,150 to $6,125 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs, both beyond what standard moving equipment handles safely. Piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are required. moveBuddha's piano mover guide covers what to look for when vetting a crew.
Who are the best movers in Martinez, CA for small long-distance moves?
Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage leads Martinez's small-move providers with a 4.62/5 moveBuddha score, followed by NorthStar Moving Company at 4.58/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
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DIY options for your Martinez, CA long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Martinez residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Martinez?
44 of 75 Martinez movers (58.67%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.02% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Thrifty Moving & Storage (4.52/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Martinez, followed by 680 Movers (4.5/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Martinez residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Martinez moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Martinez. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose.
Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Martinez, CA?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Martinez. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Martinez residents who can handle their own loading and unloading.
Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What to know before booking a long-distance mover in Martinez, CA
- Property access: Hillside properties, high-rise buildings, and gated communities may require a shuttle truck, elevator booking, or a COI from your mover, particularly common in Martinez's higher-density neighborhoods. Flag any access restrictions when requesting quotes so movers can price them accurately.
- Timing: Avoid booking the last week of any month (high demand) and peak summer weekends. Fall and winter moves typically offer better rates and availability.
- USDOT verification: Interstate moves require a USDOT-registered carrier. Verify credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing anything.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Martinez, CA?
Moving costs across California range from $450 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $171/hour) to $4,041 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of California mover quotes. The table below shows California statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Martinez. Your actual cost will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from California* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $450 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $621 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $998 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,294 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,630 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,041 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in California. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects California statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Martinez?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Martinez move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Martinez, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Martinez, CA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of California | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage | 4.62/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| NorthStar Moving Company | 4.58/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage | 4.62/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Martinez, CA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Martinez, CA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 75 movers moveBuddha tracks in Martinez, 58 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Martinez against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within California.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Martinez, CA move. Interstate costs from California range from $450 for a studio to $4,041 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from Martinez, CA: frequently asked questions
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Martinez need?
58 of the 75 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Martinez hold a valid FMCSA registration and USDOT number, the 2 federal credentials required before any company can transport household goods across state lines. All movers recommended on this page carry both. Confirm any company's status independently in the FMCSA's carrier database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move covers what to expect during an interstate move and what protections apply at every stage.
Should I hire locally or go national when moving from Martinez?
Local Martinez movers offer the best value for moves within California, with average hourly rates of $132 across the 75 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 58 of those hold FMCSA interstate authorization for cross-state routes. The top-rated options on this page cover both.
For moves that cross into another state, national carriers bring purpose-built long-distance logistics, a meaningful advantage when coordinating a move over a long distance.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Martinez?
Movers in Martinez run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 39°F and moving demand falls well below its summer peak. Reduced competition for mover calendars creates a genuine window to push back on the initial estimate. Off-peak moves in Martinez typically come with better availability and shorter booking lead times than any other time of year.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Martinez?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of Martinez, especially within 50 miles. moveBuddha's research shows that rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% versus full-service movers. The cheapest options are renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For longer moves, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
Will my Martinez apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in Martinez frequently require a certificate of insurance (COI) from any moving company working on the property. Ask your building management what coverage limits and additional insured language they require, then confirm your mover can match them before booking. Request the COI at least 10 to 14 business days before your move.
Do Martinez movers charge extra for hills, narrow streets, or elevator buildings?
They can. Shuttle fees apply when a full-size truck cannot access your property, common for hillside homes, narrow residential streets, and properties with tight turns. High-rise elevator buildings may also charge a long-carry fee if the elevator is far from truck parking. Disclose all access conditions when getting quotes: a mover who knows about constraints upfront will price them into the original estimate rather than adding a surcharge at delivery.
Your next step for a long-distance move from Martinez, CA
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for interstate relocations. Confirm USDOT/FMCSA credentials for any company you consider, ask for a binding estimate, and book at least 4 weeks ahead. moveBuddha has reviewed 75 Martinez movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.