Top local movers for Indianapolis to Oakland moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Indianapolis that also provides long-distance services to Oakland can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 27 local movers in Indianapolis who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Indianapolis to Oakland.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving and Storage Company , Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies , Planes Specialized Logistics , Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: Crown Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Oakland?
Movers in Indiana generally charge an average of $130 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,165 – $5,080 | $1,278 – $2,929 | $1,278 – $2,543 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,209 – $7,263 | $2,121 – $4,611 | $1,357 – $2,999 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,463 – $10,749 | $3,121 – $6,243 | $1,663 – $3,534 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Oakland
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Oakland typically costs between $1,165 and $5,080. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,209 and $7,263 when moving from Indianapolis to Oakland. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Indianapolis to Oakland, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,463 up to $10,749.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Oakland
If you’re relocating from Indianapolis to Oakland, you’ll typically spend between $1,278 and $2,929 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,121 up to $4,611. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,121 and $6,243. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Oakland
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Indianapolis to Oakland move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,278 and $2,543. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,357 to $2,999. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,663 and $3,534.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Indianapolis to Oakland
The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Indianapolis to Oakland might be as low as $2,393, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,952.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Indianapolis.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,278 to $3,289 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Oakland
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Oakland runs about 12% higher for singles and 29% higher for families than Indianapolis.
Singles spend around $3,146 in Indianapolis versus $2,804 in Indianapolis; families pay $8,584 compared with $6,667.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Indianapolis | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,969 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $4,450 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $94,389 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $3,146 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $8,584 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 10.25% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 13.3% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 57% higher in Oakland than in Indianapolis, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 234% higher in Oakland than in Indianapolis.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 60% higher in Oakland than in Indianapolis, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Oakland, as the cost of living for a single person in Oakland is 12% greater than in Indianapolis. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Oakland, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 29% more than it is in Indianapolis.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 20% lower than Indianapolis, Oakland boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes in Oakland exceed those in Indianapolis by 46%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 322% higher in California than in Indiana. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Indianapolis and Oakland, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | Oakland |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $277.25 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $53.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $6.71 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $5.09 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $30.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $140.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $54.28 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Indianapolis than in Oakland, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Indianapolis than in Oakland.
- Eggs are less expensive in Indianapolis than in Oakland.
- Bread costs less in Indianapolis than in Oakland.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Indianapolis than in Oakland.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in Oakland.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Indianapolis than in Oakland.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Oakland
| Indianapolis | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 440,646 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 65 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 68.62 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 31.38 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Oakland’s population is about 50% less than Indianapolis.
- Oakland’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Indianapolis’s score of 5.
- Oakland is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 65 out of 100, Oakland is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Oakland’s crime rate is higher than Indianapolis with a score of 68.62 compared to Indianapolis’s 60.71. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
- Oakland is considered to be less safe than Indianapolis with a score of 31.38 vs Indianapolis’s 39.29.
- Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis to Oakland move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Oakland without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Oakland
Ready to relocate to The Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Oakland.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Grand Lake
- Piedmont Avenue
- Rockridge
- Temescal
Best neighborhoods for families
- Fairview Park
- Rockridge
- Bushrod
- Upper Rockridge
- Lakeshore
Things to do in Oakland
Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Oakland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Oakland include museums and art centers like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, and Oakland Aviation Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Oakland?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Indianapolis to Oakland. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Oakland?
With many people choosing to move from Indianapolis to Oakland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Indianapolis to Oakland take?
Covering 2,248 miles, the move from Indianapolis, IN to Oakland, typically takes six to 17 days. Some Indianapolis movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Oakland can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Indianapolis offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts. 3 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Indianapolis can handle specialty items for my move to Oakland?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Indianapolis, 18 movers can handle pianos. 10 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of IN, there are 43 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
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