The Best Long-Distance Movers in San Diego, CA
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The best long-distance mover in San Diego is Republic Moving & Storage (4.66/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of California, per moveBuddha's analysis of 372 California movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving San Diego?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for San Diego residents moving out of California are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), BLVD Moving (4.3/5), 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 Diego for in-state moves?
Republic Moving & Storage (4.66/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated San Diego-based mover for long-distance moves within California, followed by We Like To Move It Moving (4.56/5) and 24/7 Moving and Storage (4.5/5). Of the 32 intrastate-capable movers serving San Diego, 32 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 Diego are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve San Diego but stay within California:
- Republic Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- 24/7 Moving and Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Aloha Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
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. Republic Moving & Storage has been in business for 31 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Republic Moving & Storage has about 75% positive reviews across roughly 501 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.3.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Republic Moving & Storage, and Republic Moving & Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Republic Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"The crew showed up on time and made quick work moving our storage unit. They were friendly, thoughtful, helpful and professional. Would recommend them to anyone. Two thumbs up!"
"Efrain, Victor, and Alfonso were very professional. They assessed our house before and after packing. They worked so fast and were very considerate when our baby was sleeping. Communication was great."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. We Like To Move It Moving has been in business for 9 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. We Like To Move It Moving has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 379 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from We Like To Move It Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. We Like To Move It Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"We hired We Like To Move It Movers for a local move in San Diego and could not have been happier. The three movers were on time, worked quickly, polite, clean, very careful with our belongings and were able to (just barely with VERY efficient loading skills…think TETRIS) get everything into their truck. They were equally as careful and quick while unloading and placing our belongings where instructed. Further, when it came to signing the invoice there were no hidden fees or charges. We paid exactly what we had been quoted."
"Showed up on time. Were very hard workers while taking very good care of everything being moved. Everything about this company is excellent - very good pre-move job estimating, communication about the move, etc. Moving day itself couldn't have gone smoother. Great company!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. 24/7 Moving and Storage has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. 24/7 Moving and Storage has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 787 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.9.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from 24/7 Moving and Storage, and 24/7 Moving and Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront. Discounts may be available for groups like military, students.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. 24/7 Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"They showed up on time, packed my things quickly and handled everything with care. Price was exactly as quoted, and the crew was friendly. Would absolutely recommend and will use again for future moves."
"Movers were extremely polite, quick, and very careful with all my belongings. Booking was easy; the move stayed on budget. The furniture arrived unharmed and absolutely nothing went missing."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Stella Moving & Delivery has been in business for 6 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Stella Moving & Delivery has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 331 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Stella Moving & Delivery, and Stella Moving & Delivery makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Stella Moving & Delivery emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"We moved four times in last six years and we always have things broken but that's not the case with Stella. Our move was done in a timely manner and everything went smooth. Highly recommend Stella moving company!"
"Alex, Hercules, & Eddie went above and beyond during my move. The whole process was extremely fast & stress free! Thank you so much!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Affordable rates
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Aloha Movers has been in business for 14 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like and .
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Aloha Movers has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 186 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.
Quote accuracy 4.3
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Aloha Movers.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Aloha Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Aloha movers went above board in two moves my husband and I accomplished this past week. Not only were they professional and timely, they treated my possessions with care and concern. I would hire them again in a moment."
"The team of guys were very professional and efficient with helping us move from our townhome to our single family home. The estimate was very accurate. Aloha Movers were very reasonably priced and I was very pleased with their service."
What add-on services do San Diego movers offer?
Not every mover in San Diego offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 32 San Diego movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 59.38% of San Diego movers, compared to 62.1% statewide and 45.86% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 18.75% of San Diego movers, compared to 19.62% statewide and 36.41% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 37.5% of San Diego movers, compared to 28.49% statewide and 23.81% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 100.0% of San Diego movers, compared to 86.02% statewide and 84.88% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 40.63% of San Diego movers, compared to 32.26% statewide and 21.99% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 75.0% of San Diego movers, compared to 80.38% statewide and 72.72% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for San Diego's cost of living.
Does San Diego have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 19 of 32 San Diego movers (59.38%), compared to 62.1% statewide and 45.86% nationally. Republic Moving & Storage (4.66/5) and We Like To Move It Moving (4.56/5) rate highest for art handling in San Diego. Per-piece handling runs $78 to $775, with custom crates adding $233 to $310 per item.
| Art handling in San Diego | Details |
|---|---|
| San Diego movers offering this | 19 of 32 (59.38%) |
| California statewide | 231 of 372 (62.1%) |
| National average | 45.86% |
| Top-rated San Diego art movers | Republic Moving & Storage, We Like To Move It Moving |
| Per-piece handling fee | $78 to $775 |
| Custom crating per item | $233 to $310 |
Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline for art moving, not an upgrade. Standard blankets protect against surface scratches but offer no defense against UV exposure or humidity shifts that cause paint to crack, canvas to warp, or sculpture finishes to degrade. Before booking, confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium and ask whether crates are built in-house or outsourced to a third party.
Does San Diego have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 6 of 32 San Diego movers (18.75%), compared to 19.62% statewide and 36.41% nationally. Standalone junk removal typically runs $233 to $775 per load.
| Junk removal in San Diego | Details |
|---|---|
| San Diego movers offering this | 6 of 32 (18.75%) |
| California statewide | 73 of 372 (19.62%) |
| National average | 36.41% |
| Typical cost per load | $233 to $775 |
| Single large item | $116 to $233 |
Removing items before a weight-based long-distance quote is finalized directly reduces the shipment total and the move cost. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear unwanted furniture and appliances on load day, eliminating a separate scheduling step. Verify the service covers the item types you need removed, since some movers exclude electronics, hazardous materials, and large appliances from standard junk removal pricing.
Does San Diego have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 12 of 32 San Diego movers (37.5%), compared to 28.49% statewide and 23.81% nationally. Republic Moving & Storage (4.66/5) and 24/7 Moving and Storage (4.5/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in San Diego. 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 Diego | Details |
|---|---|
| San Diego movers offering this | 12 of 32 (37.5%) |
| California statewide | 106 of 372 (28.49%) |
| National average | 23.81% |
| Top-rated San Diego providers | Republic Moving & Storage, 24/7 Moving and Storage |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.
Does San Diego have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 32 of 32 San Diego movers (100.0%), compared to 86.02% statewide and 84.88% nationally. Republic Moving & Storage (4.66/5) and We Like To Move It Moving (4.56/5) rate highest for storage in San Diego. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $398/month.
| Storage in San Diego | Details |
|---|---|
| San Diego movers offering this | 32 of 32 (100.0%) |
| California statewide | 320 of 372 (86.02%) |
| National average | 84.88% |
| Top-rated San Diego storage movers | Republic Moving & Storage, We Like To Move It Moving |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $398 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $775 |
Movers that offer storage-in-transit hold belongings in their warehouse between pickup and delivery. The standard rate is approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. For a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft), that is roughly $398 per month. Ask how the mover calculates the billing start date before committing to a storage window longer than 30 days.
Does San Diego have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 13 of 32 San Diego movers (40.63%), compared to 32.26% statewide and 21.99% nationally. Republic Moving & Storage (4.66/5) and We Like To Move It Moving (4.56/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in San Diego. Hot tub moves typically run $233 to $620 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in San Diego | Details |
|---|---|
| San Diego movers offering this | 13 of 32 (40.63%) |
| California statewide | 120 of 372 (32.26%) |
| National average | 21.99% |
| Top-rated San Diego hot tub movers | Republic Moving & Storage, We Like To Move It Moving |
| Bundled with full-service move | $233 to $620 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $465 to $1,240 |
Hot tubs are heavy, fragile, and access-dependent. Empty weight runs 500 to 1,000 lbs. Full drainage is required before any move. Tight backyard access may require a crane or a shuttle relay, both of which add to the final cost. Confirm the mover has moved hot tubs specifically, not just bulky items, before booking, since the shell and plumbing require different handling than furniture.
Does San Diego have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 24 of 32 San Diego movers (75.0%), compared to 80.38% statewide and 72.72% nationally. Republic Moving & Storage (4.66/5) and We Like To Move It Moving (4.56/5) rate highest for piano moving in San Diego. A standalone piano move typically costs $1,240 to $5,425, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in San Diego | Details |
|---|---|
| San Diego movers offering this | 24 of 32 (75.0%) |
| California statewide | 299 of 372 (80.38%) |
| National average | 72.72% |
| Top-rated San Diego piano movers | Republic Moving & Storage, We Like To Move It Moving |
| Upright piano | $1,240 to $2,325 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,860 to $3,875 |
| Grand piano | $2,790 to $5,425 |
The weight range for upright pianos is 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Neither can be safely moved with standard furniture dollies or blankets. Crews certified for piano moving carry piano boards, rigging straps, and padded blankets designed for the instrument's weight distribution and finish. Adding a piano to a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than contracting a piano-only specialist.
Who are the best movers in San Diego for small long-distance moves?
Republic Moving & Storage leads San Diego's small-move providers with a 4.66/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Stella Moving & Delivery at 4.48/5. 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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from San Diego?
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 Diego. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for San Diego 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 Diego?
26 of 32 San Diego movers (81.25%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.15% statewide and 54.58% nationally. Republic Moving & Storage (4.66/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in San Diego, followed by We Like To Move It Moving (4.56/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for San Diego 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 Diego 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 Diego. 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 Diego?
Moving costs across California range from $444 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $171/hour) to $4,036 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 Diego 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 | $444 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $616 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $993 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,289 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,625 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,036 |
*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 Diego?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance San Diego move:
- Distance: The farther you move from San Diego, 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 Diego
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in San Diego?
Any moving company transporting goods from San Diego to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 29 of the 32 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in San Diego meet that standard — and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my San Diego relocation?
For moves within California, a local mover in San Diego is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 32 movers in the area, averaging $109/hour, with 32 licensed for intrastate routes and 29 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving California, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from San Diego?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in San Diego. Winter lows average 46°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity — all of which create real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of San Diego?
Budget-friendly moves from the America's Finest City almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
