Best Movers Near Ridgecrest, CA (2026 Reviews)

Last Updated: Jun 15, 2026 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc. is Ridgecrest's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.26/5 stars. Rankings are based on 0 verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Ridgecrest, CA, drawing on 371 California movers serving the area.

Local movers in Ridgecrest are priced hourly. The California average is $122/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate.

Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc.

rating

4.26 / 5

74% positive reviews
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(760) 253-7212

Speedwell Transportation Inc.

rating

4.16 / 5

81% positive reviews
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(661) 338-5998

Why use moveBuddha for your Ridgecrest, CA move

moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by getting multiple Ridgecrest mover quotes through our moving cost calculator before booking.
Book a moveBuddha Certified Ridgecrest mover and get an extra $1,000 in move coverage plus dedicated support throughout your move.
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha steps in with direct dispute mediation between you and your Certified mover.

Moving in Ridgecrest, CA right now: Peak summer moving season is here. The 4th of July is one of the busiest moving weekends of the year. Prices spike and availability drops sharply around the holiday. If your Ridgecrest move is scheduled near that window, you should already have a mover locked in. If not, move quickly.

What are the top-rated moving companies in Ridgecrest, CA?

moveBuddha has not yet tracked local movers in Ridgecrest. Rankings draw on moveBuddha's reviews of 371 California movers and 129,793 verified California customer reviews to surface the closest and highest-rated companies serving Ridgecrest from nearby locations.

Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc.: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Speedwell Transportation Inc.: 4.16 out of 5 stars

Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc.

Professional and polite staff

Careful handling

Efficient service

Quick moving process

Helpful movers

Get Free Quote

No obligation • Free estimates

Positive reviews

74%

Years active

4.2

Grade A+

Show details Hide details

Services offered

Full-service moves
Packing
Unpacking
Custom crating
Storage available
International moves
Interstate moves
Intrastate moves
Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review

Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 45 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and office moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc. has about 74% positive reviews across roughly 57 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.

Quote accuracy 3.9

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc..

Customer service 4.1

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

Barstow T&S packed up our house. Our items were moved, reloaded, and nothing broken. Two china cabinets of glass, not a scratch. Would recommend. First move with no damage after 7 moves!

The packers were prompt, approachable, fast, and thorough. They packaged things in a careful manner and were extremely quick. Great team, made our move less stressful.

DOT number

3207241

Address

3649 Main St, Barstow, CA, 92311

Payment methods

Credit Card

State license

0189516

Phone

(760) 253-7212

Website

https://barstownational.com/

Speedwell Transportation Inc.

Professional and polite staff

Efficient service

Careful handling

Good communication

Quick moving process

Get Free Quote

No obligation • Free estimates

Positive reviews

81%

Years active

Show details Hide details

Services offered

Full-service moves
Packing
Unpacking
Packing materials available
Custom crating
Piano moves
Hot tub moving
Storage available
Shipment tracking
International moves
Interstate moves
Intrastate moves
Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review

Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Speedwell Transportation Inc. has been in business for 38 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and international moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Speedwell Transportation Inc. has about 81% positive reviews across roughly 36 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.

Quote accuracy 3.8

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Speedwell Transportation Inc., and Speedwell Transportation Inc. makes deposit expectations clear upfront.

Customer service 3.5

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Speedwell Transportation Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.

Recent reviews

"The best movers we have ever had, hands down! Professional, courteous, and careful. Everything arrived safely and unbroken. Would definitely recommend!"

"Lee and his team were amazing—on time, efficient, answered every question, and packed everything securely. The move went smoothly and quickly. Highly recommended!"

DOT number

1861478

Address

860 W. Avenue L8, Lancaster, CA, 93534

Payment methods

Credit Card

State license

159158

Phone

(661) 338-5998

Website

https://www.speedwellmovers.com/

How do Ridgecrest, CA moving companies compare?

Company	Our rating	Positive reviews	BBB	Quote
Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc. 45 years in business	4.26	74%	A+	Get a quote
Speedwell Transportation Inc. 38 years in business	4.16	81%	A+	Get a quote

Proximity to Ridgecrest is a ranking factor, so a mover appearing higher on the list may have a lower score than one listed below it. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.

Top-rated movers in nearby California cities

More people are searching to leave California than move in. For roughly every 10 people looking to move in, about 14 are looking to leave. Bakersfield and Riverside have the highest out-migration rates of any cities in the entire country. See moveBuddha's full 2026 Moving Trends Report →

Popular moving routes from Ridgecrest, CA

Local movers in Ridgecrest are the right choice for moves under 500 miles, typically along I-5, I-10, and I-80. For longer moves, you need a full-service interstate carrier with USDOT authority, binding estimate practices, and the logistics to handle cross-country delivery. See our guide to the best long-distance movers from Ridgecrest, CA for route-specific recommendations and pricing.

Safeway Moving

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Veteran owned
Portion to charity

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

American Van Lines

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

(866) 835-2392

North American Van Lines

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

How much do movers cost in Ridgecrest, CA?

Local movers in Ridgecrest are priced hourly. The California average is $122/hour for a 2-person crew. Total cost depends on home size and hours on the clock.

Home size	Estimated local move cost in Ridgecrest
Studio	$300 – $500
1 bedroom	$400 – $700
2 bedrooms	$600 – $1,000
3 bedrooms	$900 – $1,500
4+ bedrooms	$1,200 – $2,200

Estimates based on national average local move costs, adjusted for Ridgecrest's cost of living. Actual costs vary by crew size, hours, and services.

Ready to compare Ridgecrest mover prices? See our full guide on Ridgecrest, CA mover costs →

Fuel surcharge alert: June 2026 moveBuddha's most recent move cost data shows moving company pricing has increased by approximately 21% as of June 2026 due to rising fuel costs. California movers have seen some of the largest price increases in the country. Use the moving cost calculator to get a current Ridgecrest estimate that reflects these conditions.

Which Ridgecrest, CA movers offer specialty services?

moveBuddha has not yet tracked local movers in Ridgecrest. The specialty service breakdown below draws on ranked movers serving the area and moveBuddha's statewide review of 371 California companies:

Apartment and high-rise moving in Ridgecrest

Moving in or out of an apartment or high-rise in Ridgecrest adds logistical steps that ground-floor moves don't require. Before booking, confirm the following with your mover:

Elevator reservation: most buildings require a reserved service elevator window. Book it as soon as you have your move date. Slots fill quickly, especially on weekends and the first of the month.
Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Ridgecrest apartment buildings and high-rises require a COI from your mover before they'll allow access to service elevators or loading docks. Ask your mover for a COI early. This is a standard request and any licensed mover should provide it without charge.
Long carry and shuttle fees: if the moving truck can't park within a short distance of the building entrance, a shuttle vehicle or long-carry charge ($75–$500+) may apply. Confirm the loading dock situation before signing your estimate.
Labor-only movers: Some Ridgecrest movers offer labor-only service (loading and unloading without a truck), which is useful when you're supplying the container or rental truck. is Ridgecrest's top-rated labor-only provider.

If your building has strict move-in rules, ask your mover for references from similar Ridgecrest apartment moves before committing.

DIY moving options in Ridgecrest, CA

Not every Ridgecrest move needs a full-service crew. These alternatives cost significantly less:

Rental trucks

The best rental truck options for a DIY move in Ridgecrest, CA are Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5), U-Haul (4.2/5), and Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5). Budget leads on transparent pricing and discount availability. U-Haul offers 7 truck sizes and one-way rentals for moves that won't bring you back. Penske carries the most consistently maintained fleet, with unlimited mileage on select routes. Use moveBuddha's moving truck size guide to match the right truck to your home size before booking.

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Penske Truck Rental

rating

4.0 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Most expensive
4 truck sizes
Unlimited mileage

Check prices (844) 847-9517

U-Haul Truck Rental

rating

4.2 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Greatest coverage
7 truck sizes
One way rentals

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Moving containers

The best moving container companies available in Ridgecrest, CA are PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5), based on moveBuddha's ratings. Container moves work by dropping a portable unit at your door, giving you several days to load at your own pace, then the company handles pickup and delivery. See our full moving container company guide for cost comparisons by move size, or the moving container sizes guide to find the right unit for your load.

PODS

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

(855) 394-4102

Units Moving and Portable Storage

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Flexible timelines
Local franchise support
Fits tight spaces

Check prices (866) 345-1919

MovingYourself

rating

5.0 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Get A Quote

(352) 322-2920

Labor-only movers + rented truck

Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading while you drive the rental truck. You keep full control of your timeline and route, at a fraction of full-service cost. See moveBuddha's guide to the best moving labor companies for vetted options.

Moving in Ridgecrest, CA: what you need to know

A Ridgecrest move involves logistics that go beyond booking a crew and loading a truck. The checklist below covers the practical steps specific to moving in this market.

Before move day

Update your address: file a change of address with the USPS before your move date. Ridgecrest residents can start at USPS Mover's Guide. Also update your address with California DMV, your bank, employer, and any subscription services.
Certificate of Insurance (COI): many Ridgecrest buildings require a COI from your moving company before granting loading dock or elevator access. Request this from your mover as soon as you book. It's a standard document and any licensed mover should provide it free of charge.
Reserve your elevator: if you're in a building with a service elevator, reserve a time window as early as possible. Weekend and month-end slots fill fast.
Get a binding estimate: a binding estimate locks your final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. Always confirm in writing before signing.

Timing your move

Peak season (May–September): demand is highest in summer. Ridgecrest's summer highs reach 103°F, which pushes prices up and crew availability down. Book at least 4–6 weeks ahead during this window.
Off-peak savings: moves booked in October–April, on weekdays, or mid-month typically cost 10%–20% less. If your schedule is flexible, ask movers about off-peak pricing. See moveBuddha's best time to move guide for a month-by-month breakdown.

California moving regulations and your rights

Verify your mover is licensed: all California movers are required to be licensed with the state. Check your mover's license at California's licensed movers directory. Ask for their USDOT number for interstate moves.
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.
Released-value coverage: movers are required to offer basic protection at $0.60 per pound per item at no extra cost. This covers almost nothing on high-value items. Ask about full valuation coverage before signing.
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.
Your rights as a shipper: for interstate moves, the FMCSA requires movers to provide "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" before your move. Read it. It covers estimates, liability, dispute resolution, and the 110% rule. Download it at fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move.
Industry oversight: California Moving & Storage Association sets professional standards for California movers. Membership is voluntary but signals accountability. Ask your mover if they hold membership.

Frequently asked questions: moving in Ridgecrest, CA

How much do movers cost in Ridgecrest, CA?

Local movers in Ridgecrest, CA charge by the hour. The California average is $122/hour for a 2-person crew.

Key cost factors for a Ridgecrest move, based on moveBuddha's review data:

Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
Deposit requirement: many Ridgecrest movers require a deposit to secure your booking. Confirm refund terms before paying.
Full valuation coverage: available from select Ridgecrest movers. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
Long-distance pricing: moves leaving Ridgecrest across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%–15% to transportation charges.
Packing services: packing service and material availability vary by company. Professional packing adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound on average.

DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.

What do full-service movers in Ridgecrest include, and what costs extra?

A standard full-service move in Ridgecrest, CA includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what Ridgecrest movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.

Add-on service	% of Ridgecrest movers	Typical cost impact
Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle)	Situational	$75–$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200

Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.

Do movers in Ridgecrest offer senior, military, or other discounts?

moveBuddha found no confirmed senior, military, AAA, student, teacher, or law enforcement discounts among the Ridgecrest movers in its database. That does not mean discounts are unavailable. Ask each mover directly at the quote stage, since some companies offer unpublished rates for eligible groups. Confirm any discount in writing before signing.

How far in advance should I book movers in Ridgecrest?

Book Ridgecrest movers at least 4–6 weeks ahead during peak moving season (May through September) and on month-end dates. For off-peak moves (October through April, mid-month, or on a weekday), 2–3 weeks is usually sufficient. Last-minute bookings (under 1 week) are possible but limit your options to movers with open capacity, which may not include your preferred company or the best-rated crews.

Once you have a date, request a binding written estimate before paying any deposit. Confirm the mover's cancellation and reschedule policy in writing at booking. Some Ridgecrest movers charge a fee for changes made within 48–72 hours of the move.

What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and do Ridgecrest movers provide one?

A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document from your mover's insurance carrier that names your building as an additional insured and confirms the mover carries active liability coverage. Many Ridgecrest apartment buildings, condos, and commercial properties require a COI before they'll permit a moving crew to use service elevators or loading docks.

Any licensed, insured Ridgecrest mover should provide a COI at no charge. Request it as soon as you book. Your building management may need it 5–10 business days before your move. If a mover hesitates or charges for a COI, that is a red flag worth taking seriously.

Are movers in Ridgecrest licensed and insured?

California requires moving companies operating within the state to hold a valid state license. Verify a mover's license at the California licensed movers directory. For interstate moves (crossing state lines), movers must also hold a USDOT number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.

Always ask your Ridgecrest mover for their license number and USDOT number before signing. moveBuddha verifies licensing and insurance status for all movers in its database as part of the review process.

How long does a local move take in Ridgecrest?

Local Ridgecrest moves are billed by the hour, so understanding time estimates helps you budget accurately. Based on moveBuddha's Ridgecrest-area data:

Studio/1 bedroom: 2–4 hours with a 2-person crew
2 bedrooms: 4–6 hours with a 2-person crew
3 bedrooms: 6–8 hours with a 3-person crew
4+ bedrooms: 8–12 hours with a 3–4 person crew

These are averages. Actual time increases with stairs, elevator waits, long carries from truck to door, and the amount of packing the crew handles. Pre-packing boxes, reserving an elevator, and ensuring a clear loading path are the most effective ways to keep hourly costs on track.

Do Ridgecrest movers have experience with apartments and high-rises?

Yes. Most Ridgecrest movers regularly handle apartment and high-rise moves. When evaluating a mover for this type of move, ask specifically about their experience with:

Service elevator scheduling and building move-in procedures in Ridgecrest
Providing a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for building management
Shuttle vehicles or alternative loading setups when a truck can't park close to the entrance
Stair carries if the service elevator is unavailable or too small for large pieces

A mover with genuine Ridgecrest apartment experience will ask about your building's move-in process during the quoting stage, not after you've signed. If they don't ask, bring it up yourself before committing.

What is the best time of year to move in Ridgecrest?

The cheapest time to move in Ridgecrest is October through April, particularly on weekdays and mid-month dates when mover demand drops. Moving during this window can reduce your total cost by 10%–20% compared to peak summer rates.

Peak season runs May through September. Ridgecrest's summer highs reach 103°F, which makes physically demanding moves harder on crews and can slow load times on the hottest days. Demand is highest on weekends, the first and last days of the month, and during the school-year transition in late August.

Regardless of season, booking 4–6 weeks ahead gives you the best pick of Ridgecrest's top-rated movers and the most flexibility on scheduling.

How moveBuddha selects and reviews Ridgecrest, CA moving companies

moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 371 California moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%). Rankings for Ridgecrest draw on 129,793 verified customer reviews across California: real move experiences submitted by customers, not scraped from third-party platforms.

That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.

Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.

See how Ridgecrest's top movers stack up. Get free quotes from moveBuddha's #1-ranked Ridgecrest movers →

How to move in Ridgecrest: permits, COI, and city logistics

A step-by-step guide to planning a local move in Ridgecrest, CA, including permit requirements, certificate of insurance, elevator booking, and mover verification.

Verify your mover's license and insurance. 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. Verify a license.
Request a Certificate of Insurance (COI). If your Ridgecrest building requires a COI for loading dock or elevator access, request one from your mover immediately after booking. Any licensed mover should provide it free of charge within a few business days.
Reserve your parking and elevator access. Contact your building manager to reserve a service elevator window and, if needed, a parking permit for the moving truck on your Ridgecrest street. Book these at least 2 weeks before your move date.
Get a binding written estimate. Request a binding estimate from at least 3 Ridgecrest movers. A binding estimate locks your final price. Review all line items (including access fees, packing, and valuation coverage) before signing.

The final verdict: moving in Ridgecrest, CA

Best overall: Barstow Transfer & Storage, Inc. (4.26/5), moveBuddha's #1-ranked Ridgecrest mover.
Best runner-up: Speedwell Transportation Inc. (4.16/5).
Best for specialty items (piano, antiques, art): Speedwell Transportation Inc. (4.16/5).
Best labor-only / DIY assist: (/5). Hire for loading and unloading while you supply the truck.
Going rate: hourly; get 3 binding estimates to set your baseline.

Collect at least 3 binding estimates, confirm your mover's license and insurance, and request a COI if your building requires one. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to set your budget baseline before reaching out to movers.