The Best Long-Distance Movers in San Carlos, CA
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The best long-distance mover in San Carlos is Zapt Movers (4.48/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of California, per moveBuddha's analysis of 374 California movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving San Carlos?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for San Carlos residents moving out of California are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in San Carlos for in-state moves?
Zapt Movers (4.48/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated San Carlos-based mover for long-distance moves within California, followed by Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.62/5) and Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.58/5). Of the 104 intrastate-capable movers serving San Carlos, 103 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving San Carlos are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve San Carlos but stay within California:
- Zapt Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Ontrack Moving, LLC: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Flat Rate Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Zapt Movers has been in business for 6 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Zapt Movers. Discounts may be available for groups like law enforcement.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Zapt Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 15 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. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 634 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.4.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers wrapped all my furniture and moved quickly. Nothing was damaged, and they were efficient and professional. Highly recommend their service and would definitely use them again!"
"Fantastic team! They showed up on time, worked hard, took great care with our stuff, and got the move done faster than quoted. The best moving experience I’ve had."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Gentle Giant Moving Company has been in business for 46 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Gentle Giant Moving Company has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 130 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Gentle Giant Moving Company.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gentle Giant Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Gentle Giant packed up everything for me and moved me into my new apartment within three hours! Courteous, efficient, and careful with all my belongings. Highly recommend!"
"They moved our two-bedroom apartment with incredible speed and care. Not a dent or scratch anywhere. The crew was professional, friendly, and really impressive. Worth every penny!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Ontrack Moving, LLC has been in business for 15 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. Ontrack Moving, LLC has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 994 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.9.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Ontrack Moving, LLC.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Ontrack Moving, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Ontrack was excellent. Movers were professional and didn’t damage anything. Will definitely hire again."
"Movers were fast and very organized. Totally recommended. Thanks Jerome and Justin!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Transparent pricing
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Flat Rate Moving has been in business for 34 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Flat Rate Moving has about 47% positive reviews across roughly 130 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.2.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Flat Rate Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Flat Rate Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Flat Rate was beyond professional, courteous, efficient. I got an amazing deal, the crew was incredibly friendly and efficient. No hidden fees, no b.s. Most seamless experience yet."
"Movers showed up on time and got right to work. Courteous, respectful, careful with our belongings, and very helpful. Would not hesitate to use and highly recommend them."
What add-on services do San Carlos movers offer?
Not every mover in San Carlos offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 105 San Carlos movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 75.24% of San Carlos movers, compared to 61.76% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 21.9% of San Carlos movers, compared to 19.25% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 26.67% of San Carlos movers, compared to 28.61% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 83.81% of San Carlos movers, compared to 86.1% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 26.67% of San Carlos movers, compared to 32.09% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 81.9% of San Carlos movers, compared to 79.41% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for San Carlos's cost of living.
Does San Carlos have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 79 of 105 San Carlos movers (75.24%), compared to 61.76% statewide and 45.83% nationally. Zapt Movers (4.48/5) and Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.62/5) rate highest for art handling in San Carlos. Per-piece handling runs $67 to $670, with custom crates adding $201 to $268 per item.
| Art handling in San Carlos | Details |
|---|---|
| San Carlos movers offering this | 79 of 105 (75.24%) |
| California statewide | 231 of 374 (61.76%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated San Carlos art movers | Zapt Movers, Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $67 to $670 |
| Custom crating per item | $201 to $268 |
Standard moving blankets offer no protection against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures, the 3 damage modes most likely to affect framed artwork and sculpture in transit. Archival materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece address all 3. Ask any prospective art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing a contract.
Does San Carlos have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 23 of 105 San Carlos movers (21.9%), compared to 19.25% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Standalone junk removal typically runs $201 to $670 per load.
| Junk removal in San Carlos | Details |
|---|---|
| San Carlos movers offering this | 23 of 105 (21.9%) |
| California statewide | 72 of 374 (19.25%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Typical cost per load | $201 to $670 |
| Single large item | $101 to $201 |
Downsizing before a move has a compounding cost effect on long-distance quotes. Every 500 lbs removed from a weight-based shipment reduces the base rate, and junk removal handles the heavy or awkward pieces most people prefer not to haul to donation centers themselves. Confirm whether the mover's junk removal covers electronics and appliances, since disposal regulations vary by state.
Does San Carlos have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 28 of 105 San Carlos movers (26.67%), compared to 28.61% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Zapt Movers (4.48/5) and Flat Rate Moving (4.52/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in San Carlos. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in San Carlos | Details |
|---|---|
| San Carlos movers offering this | 28 of 105 (26.67%) |
| California statewide | 107 of 374 (28.61%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated San Carlos providers | Zapt Movers, Flat Rate Moving |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Full-service packing adds $0.15 to $0.21 per pound to a move's total cost across the entire shipment. Fragile-only packing applies that cost only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps, the items that account for the majority of in-transit breakage claims. For movers who plan to pack most of their own belongings, fragile-only is the most cost-efficient way to get professional help where it matters most.
Does San Carlos have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 88 of 105 San Carlos movers (83.81%), compared to 86.1% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Zapt Movers (4.48/5) and Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.62/5) rate highest for storage in San Carlos. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $344/month.
| Storage in San Carlos | Details |
|---|---|
| San Carlos movers offering this | 88 of 105 (83.81%) |
| California statewide | 322 of 374 (86.1%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated San Carlos storage movers | Zapt Movers, Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $344 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $670 |
Storage-in-transit is priced at approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. A 1-bedroom load (around 514 cu ft) runs about $344 per month. Costs scale with shipment volume, so a larger home will see proportionally higher storage fees. Verify billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing any contract that includes a storage window.
Does San Carlos have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 28 of 105 San Carlos movers (26.67%), compared to 32.09% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Zapt Movers (4.48/5) and Cross Country Moving Company (4.56/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in San Carlos. Hot tub moves typically run $201 to $536 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in San Carlos | Details |
|---|---|
| San Carlos movers offering this | 28 of 105 (26.67%) |
| California statewide | 120 of 374 (32.09%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated San Carlos hot tub movers | Zapt Movers, Cross Country Moving Company |
| Bundled with full-service move | $201 to $536 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $402 to $1,072 |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and require full drainage before any move. Disassembly, draining, and specialized dollies are required to move them safely. Bundling a hot tub into a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than booking a specialty carrier separately.
Does San Carlos have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 86 of 105 San Carlos movers (81.9%), compared to 79.41% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Zapt Movers (4.48/5) and Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.62/5) rate highest for piano moving in San Carlos. A standalone piano move typically costs $1,072 to $4,690, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in San Carlos | Details |
|---|---|
| San Carlos movers offering this | 86 of 105 (81.9%) |
| California statewide | 297 of 374 (79.41%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated San Carlos piano movers | Zapt Movers, Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. |
| Upright piano | $1,072 to $2,010 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,608 to $3,350 |
| Grand piano | $2,412 to $4,690 |
A standard upright piano weighs 400 to 800 lbs and a grand piano tops 1,200 lbs, putting both well beyond what general moving equipment is built to handle safely. Purpose-built piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are the minimum required to move the instrument without cracking the soundboard or damaging the legs. For most households, adding piano moving to a full-service move costs less than booking a dedicated piano-only carrier separately.
Who are the best movers in San Carlos for small long-distance moves?
Cross Country Moving Company leads San Carlos's small-move providers with a 4.56/5 moveBuddha score. 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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from San Carlos?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of San Carlos. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for San Carlos 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 are the best labor-only movers in San Carlos?
53 of 105 San Carlos movers (50.48%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.14% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Zapt Movers (4.48/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in San Carlos, followed by Flat Rate Moving (4.52/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for San Carlos 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 San Carlos 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 San Carlos. 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.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in San Carlos?
Moving costs across California range from $436 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $171/hour) to $4,028 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. Your actual cost in San Carlos 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 | $436 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $608 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $985 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,281 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,617 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,028 |
*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 San Carlos?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance San Carlos move:
- Distance: The farther you move from San Carlos, 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.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in San Carlos
Are long-distance movers in San Carlos required to be federally licensed?
Federal law requires every mover transporting household goods across state lines to carry a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. In San Carlos, 85 of the 105 movers moveBuddha has evaluated hold that federal credential. Every mover on this page meets that standard. Cross-check any company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database before signing anything.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move details the legal protections and obligations that apply to your interstate shipment.
Local vs. national movers: what's best for your San Carlos move?
For moves staying within California, hiring a local mover in San Carlos is almost always the more economical pick. moveBuddha tracks 105 movers in the area, with average hourly rates of $133, and 85 holding FMCSA interstate authorization.
National movers carry higher price tags, but their experience coordinating multi-state relocations can reduce the risk of delays on longer routes where logistics complexity is high.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from San Carlos?
November and December are the slowest months for San Carlos movers, driven by winter lows near 39°F and the combined effect of school calendars and the holiday season. Lower demand means more open slots and more pricing flexibility, making it the best time to negotiate a lower rate. If your timeline is flexible, booking an off-peak winter date is the most straightforward way to cut your total moving cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of San Carlos?
DIY options are the most affordable route out of San Carlos, especially for moves within 50 miles. According to moveBuddha's research, rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving. The lowest-cost options are renting a moving truck from companies like U-Haul, or booking a moving container such as PODS. For longer relocations, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
