I Moved from Oregon to California and Paid Exactly $4,400
Fact Checked by: 
Portland, OR → Sacramento, CA
$4,400
One-bedroom apartment (650 sq ft)
$4,400
$0 over my original quote
584 mi
Long-distance, interstate
- I compared four quotes before I hired Bravo Moving for my Oregon to California move.
- My final bill matched Bravo Moving’s original estimate exactly. I didn’t pay a cent more than I was quoted.
- I shared all of it, my quotes, my bills, and my ratings, as part of moveBuddha’s Better Moves Project.
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This account is based on a conversation with Greg G., who moved from Portland, Oregon, to Sacramento, California, in July 2023 using Bravo Moving. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
My move from Oregon to California
My wife and I moved to Portland, Oregon, knowing it was only ever going to be for about a year. We always planned on heading to Sacramento, California, next for school and work, so by July 2023 it was time to go.
We didn’t have much to move, just the contents of a one-bedroom apartment, about 650 square feet. But we cared a lot about communication, and I wanted a mover who would stay in close contact with me, stick to their timeline, and take care of our stuff.
I used moveBuddha’s Moving Cost Calculator to line up quotes instead of calling every mover myself.
My Bravo Moving experience at a glance
Here’s how Bravo Moving performed on the things that mattered most to me:
- Communication: Bravo stayed in close contact with me by phone throughout the move, though I would have liked a single point of contact for my questions since I ended up talking with three different people there.
- Pricing accuracy and transparency: Bravo was upfront about every change to my estimate, and I paid exactly what they quoted me with no surprises on the final bill.
- Professionalism: The crew handled my belongings with real care and were some of the most professional movers I’ve worked with.
- Timeliness: Bravo showed up within their scheduled window and moved everything I owned within 24 hours, which is no small feat over 500 miles.
- Loss and damage: Every item arrived without so much as a scratch, thanks to how carefully Bravo wrapped everything before loading the truck.
- Would I use Bravo Moving again? Yes, without question.
over my original Bravo Moving quote
Find out what a move from Oregon → California actually costs before a mover tells you.
Why I chose Bravo Moving
After getting quotes from four companies, Bravo Moving’s estimate stood out right away since it came in far below everyone else. I also appreciated that they called me to gather details about my apartment before generating a number, which told me they cared about getting it right instead of lowballing me just to get the sale. Bravo handled the long-distance move, loading, and unloading, and included basic liability coverage in the price, so I didn’t feel like I needed to buy extra insurance on top of it.
The one thing that caught me off guard: Bravo asked if I could move my date up to accommodate other customers. I was behind on packing and asked to stick to my original date, and they worked with me on it. Looking back, that’s a normal part of moving during peak season, when a single crew can be juggling a lot of moves in one week.
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My move at a glance
Here’s a quick snapshot of the whole move, from quote to final bill:
| Move date | July 25, 2023 |
| Moved from | Portland, Oregon |
| Moved to | Sacramento, California |
| Distance | 584 miles |
| Move size | One-bedroom apartment (650 square feet) |
| Moving company | Bravo Moving |
| Moving quote | $4,400 |
| Actual cost | $4,400 |
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing quotes before booking. Comparing four movers is exactly how I found the $5,600 gap between Bravo Moving’s price and American Van Lines’ $10,000 estimate for the same size move.
Quotes I compared
I spent about two weeks Googling movers and checking out local companies before I found moveBuddha, which saved me a lot of legwork. I filled out a few forms and started getting quotes fast. Here’s how they stacked up:
| Company | Estimated volume/weight | Estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bravo Moving | 700 cubic feet | $4,400 |
| Gentle John’s Moving Company | 700 cubic feet | $6,000 |
| 2 Brothers Moving Company | 700 cubic feet | $6,000 |
| American Van Lines | 700 cubic feet | $10,000 |
Pickup day
To get ready, I started gathering packing supplies. Home Depot wanted a lot for boxes and tape, so my wife and I got creative instead. I bought used boxes on Facebook Marketplace that were still in good shape, and she asked a local jewelry store for unwanted bubble wrap, which they were happy to give away. That scrappy approach saved us at least $100 on packing materials we would have otherwise had to buy.
From there I packed boxes, broke down furniture, and wrapped everything ahead of moving day. I also paid a deposit online with a credit card. Bravo called me two days beforehand to give me a time window, and asked if I could move my date up to accommodate other moves. I was behind on packing, so I asked to stick to the original date.
The movers arrived on July 25 at 5:30 p.m., which was within the 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. window Bravo gave me. I had a few questions during the move and wasn’t always sure who to call since I’d spoken with three different people at Bravo by that point. It would have helped to have a single point of contact from the start.
I directed the crew to the loading dock and elevators at my apartment complex. I’d booked the dock through my building’s office in advance, but when we got there, other people were using it without a reservation. I didn’t feel bad asking them to clear out since I’d booked it ahead of time.
Bravo wrapped every one of my belongings before loading the truck and handled everything with real care. Loading took three hours total. I’ve since come around to the idea that movers who load and wrap your things for you tend to take better care of your belongings than you would loading and wrapping them yourself, which made the professional crew worth it to me.
Delivery day
It took less than 24 hours for my stuff to travel from Portland to Sacramento, which is fast for a move that long. Bravo called before delivery to let me know I’d need to pay the remainder of my bill in cash, so I made a bank run before the crew showed up.
Bravo delivered my items within the time frame they promised, and thanks to how carefully everything was packed and handled, there wasn’t a single scratch on anything I own. The truck driver showed up alone, since Bravo had high demand for moves around that time of year, so I felt for the guy handling the unload solo. I pitched in and helped him carry boxes and furniture so the whole thing went faster.
Looking back, I understand why it played out that way. A one-man unloading crew is unusual but not uncommon during peak season, and my move was small enough that it probably didn’t justify sending two people. If I had agreed to move my date up when Bravo first asked, they may have had the staff available to send a second person.
Final thoughts
Looking back, Bravo Moving nailed this move for me. I wanted a little more communication from them, which I’ve learned is a common theme for people who move during the summer. When a crew is handling hundreds of moves a day during peak season, it makes sense that they can’t always offer the same level of contact you’d get during a slower month. That’s why I’d tell anyone moving in peak season to ask for a single point of contact up front.
Bravo did ask me to move up my date, but again, that’s a symptom of peak season demand, not a red flag. You’re the customer, and you don’t have to accommodate a request like that if it doesn’t work for you.
Everything arrived at my new home quickly, safely, and within budget. I’d use Bravo Moving again without hesitation, especially considering they were also the cheapest option I found.
Ready to compare your own quotes before you book? Try moveBuddha’s Moving Cost Calculator to see real price ranges in minutes.
My ratings
Here’s how I’d rate Bravo Moving’s performance on a scale of one to five:
- Communication: I gave this a 4. Bravo stayed in touch throughout, but I wanted one point of contact instead of three.
- Timeliness: I gave this a 5. They hit their pickup window and delivered within 24 hours.
- Quote accuracy: I gave this a 5. I paid exactly what I was quoted, with no surprise fees.
- Overall experience: I gave this a 5. Nothing was damaged, and I’d book them again.
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Tips for future movers
These are the practical steps we recommend based on Greg G.’s experience:
- Ask for a single point of contact before moving day. You won’t be stuck guessing who to call if a question comes up.
- Expect less availability during peak season. If you’re moving in the summer, remember that crews are often juggling hundreds of moves a day, which can limit how communicative they can be.
- You’re the customer. If a mover asks you to shift your date to fit their schedule, you don’t have to say yes.
- Get a full night’s sleep before move day. You’ll want to be sharp enough to handle any last-minute issues.
- Source free packing materials before you buy any. Check Facebook Marketplace for used boxes, and ask local businesses, like a jewelry store, for unwanted bubble wrap. See our guide to packing materials.
- Let professional movers load and wrap fragile items. They typically handle your belongings with more care than you would doing it yourself.
- Book your building’s loading dock or freight elevator in advance. That way you’re not fighting for access on moving day.
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