Best Movers Near San Francisco, CA (2026 Reviews)
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NorthStar Moving Company is San Francisco's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.66/5 stars. NorthStar Moving Company also ranks #7 out of 1127 movers statewide in California. Rankings are based on 59,643 verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to San Francisco, CA, covering 264 local San Francisco movers.
Local movers in San Francisco on average charge $150/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate.
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Moving in San Francisco, CA right now: October is one of the best months to move in San Francisco. Demand is well below summer highs, prices typically drop 15 to 20%, and movers have real scheduling flexibility. If you can move now or in November, you'll get better rates and more options.
What are the top-rated moving companies in San Francisco, CA?
NorthStar Moving Company is San Francisco's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.66/5. NorthStar Moving Company also ranks #7 out of 1127 movers statewide in California.
moveBuddha scored 264 San Francisco movers drawing on 59,643 verified customer reviews, with a market average score of 3.68/5. Rankings include movers based in San Francisco and those serving the area from nearby locations.
- NorthStar Moving Company: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Dependable Movers, LLC: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Jay's Small Moves: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Affordable rates
Quick moving process
Consistency and follow-up
Quick response times
Flexibility
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. NorthStar Moving Company has been in business for 31 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. NorthStar Moving Company has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 1870 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from NorthStar Moving Company.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. NorthStar Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
They also were one of the cheapest options that we were able to find.
Gustavo, Rodolfo, and Agustin were quick and efficient. Completed an estimated 4 hour move in half the time. Friendly guys, would hire again.
Organized packing
Experienced movers
Good communication
Flexibility
Respectful of property
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Dependable Movers, LLC has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Dependable Movers, LLC has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 2554 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 quotes from Dependable Movers, LLC.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Dependable Movers, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Everything was packed quickly and loaded safely for the long trip. The leader of the crew was especially helpful and made sure everything went as planned. He made sure I understood the process and answered all my questions.
The crew was organized, knew what they were doing, and didn't waste any time. The heavy pieces were no problem for them.
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Respectful of property
Efficient service
Quick response times
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Pure Moving Company has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Pure Moving Company has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 2911 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.9.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Pure Moving Company.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Pure Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
The crew showed up on time, were clean and efficient. Nothing was damaged, and everything was packed with care. Best movers I have ever used.
Znehya, Max and Rai carefully blanketed, wrapped, protected the corners, lifted and moved my entire household, treating each piece of furniture as if it was their own. Nothing was broken, harmed or scratched.
Transparent pricing
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Consistency and follow-up
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 16 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office 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 675 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
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
Tess offered a backup time for traffic, kept me updated, and the crew loaded and unloaded quickly. This was my second move with Eagle, and I’ll happily use them again.
Communication was excellent from start to finish, and their pricing was fair and transparent with no surprises. Every item was packed with care, and the team went above and beyond.
Special handling available
Flexibility
Affordable rates
Consistency and follow-up
Experienced movers
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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 office moving and intrastate 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 134 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 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
At any rate, we had a huge headboard that needed to make it into our bedroom via a backyard, balcony, and very narrow hall. The guys from Gentle Giant were awesome, efficient, well priced, and caused no damage.
They were SUPER NICE about me needing to reschedule my move last minute when I got Covid. The guys were kind, fast, careful, and thorough.
Environmental commitment
Affordable rates
Consistency and follow-up
Flexibility
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Good Green Moving has been in business for 13 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Good Green Moving has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 353 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Good Green Moving.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Good Green Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
The reusable bins saved us the cost of buying boxes and reduced packing waste, a huge sustainability win. The warehouse team was easy to communicate with.
They gave me a very fair estimate, moved the furniture when promised, and charged me even less than their estimate. No scratches or damage to the items.
Transparent pricing
Affordable rates
Consistency and follow-up
Experienced movers
Flexibility
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc has been in business for 19 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 699 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.9.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from West Coast Moving Systems, Inc. Discounts may be available for groups like military.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
West Coast provided a fixed-price quote that was highly competitive, arrived on time, protected our furniture, and finished at the quoted price with no hidden fees.
West Coast was the only company to send a visual estimator. The estimate was thorough and honest, and the crew handled the move carefully and efficiently.
Experienced movers
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Consistency and follow-up
Respectful of property
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage has been in business for 47 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 354 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Rolando and his team were incredible to work with. They arrived on time, worked diligently, and communicated clearly. Mike made several inventory trips before the movers. Would 100% use them again.
Oscar and his crew were courteous, professional, and careful. They laid runners everywhere and patiently rearranged living room furniture. I’m a real estate broker and confidently refer them to clients.
Special handling available
Affordable rates
Flexibility
Organized packing
Consistency and follow-up
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Luigy's Moving & Storage has been in business for 26 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Luigy's Moving & Storage has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 126 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Luigy's Moving & Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Luigy's Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
The men at Luigys were available last minute, offered great rates, accommodated two pickup locations, and finished early, which saved money.
They wrapped each piece beautifully, offered protection options, and had seven people create a well-orchestrated moving day. They were professional, courteous, and easy to work with.
Affordable rates
Experienced movers
Flexibility
Consistency and follow-up
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Jay's Small Moves has been in business for 18 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Jay's Small Moves has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 1109 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Jay's Small Moves.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Jay's Small Moves emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
From start to finish, Jay's was an A plus company. The scheduling was easy, they showed up right on time, and the pricing was more than fair.
These guys really know what they are doing. They are fast, kind, and professional. They take care to wrap things up and protect fragile items.
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How do San Francisco, CA moving companies compare?
| Company | Our rating | City rank | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.66 |
#1 of 266
Top 10 in California |
93% | A+ | ||
|
4.58 |
#5 of 266 | 96% | A+ | ||
|
4.56 |
#11 of 266 | 99% | A+ | ||
|
4.58 |
#8 of 266 | 87% | A+ | ||
|
4.58 |
#4 of 266 | 95% | A+ | ||
|
4.44 |
#19 of 266 | 88% | F | ||
|
4.62 |
#3 of 266 | 96% | A+ | ||
|
4.58 |
#9 of 266 | 94% | A+ | ||
|
4.44 |
#22 of 266 | 94% | A+ | ||
|
4.42 |
#26 of 266 | 94% | A+ |
Proximity to San Francisco 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
- Adelanto movers
- Agoura Hills movers
- Alameda movers
- Alamo movers
- Albany movers
- Alhambra movers
- Aliso Viejo movers
- Alpine movers
- Altadena movers
- Alum Rock movers
- American Canyon movers
- Anaheim movers
- Anderson movers
- Antelope movers
- Antioch movers
- Apple Valley movers
- Arcadia movers
- Arden-Arcade movers
- Arroyo Grande movers
- Artesia movers
- Arvin movers
- Ashland movers
- Atascadero movers
- Atwater movers
- Auburn movers
- Avenal movers
- Avocado Heights movers
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- Baldwin Park movers
- Banning movers
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- Bell movers
- Bell Gardens movers
- Bellflower movers
- Belmont movers
- Benicia movers
- Berkeley movers
- Beverly Hills movers
- Big Bear City movers
- Blackhawk movers
- Bloomington movers
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- Camp Pendleton South movers
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- Canyon Lake movers
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- Carlsbad movers
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- Casa de Oro-Mount Helix movers
- Castaic movers
- Castro Valley movers
- Cathedral City movers
- Ceres movers
- Cerritos movers
- Cherryland movers
- Chico movers
- Chino movers
- Chino Hills movers
- Chowchilla movers
- Chula Vista movers
- Citrus movers
- Citrus Heights movers
- Claremont movers
- Clayton movers
- Clearlake movers
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- Colton movers
- Commerce movers
- Compton movers
- Concord movers
- Corcoran movers
- Corona movers
- Coronado movers
- Corte Madera movers
- Costa Mesa movers
- Coto de Caza movers
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- Culver City movers
- Cupertino movers
- Cypress movers
- Daly City movers
- Dana Point movers
- Danville movers
- Davis movers
- Del Aire movers
- Delano movers
- Delhi movers
- Desert Hot Springs movers
- Diamond Bar movers
- Diamond Springs movers
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- Discovery Bay movers
- Dixon movers
- Downey movers
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- Dublin movers
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- El Cerrito movers
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- El Monte movers
- El Paso de Robles movers
- El Segundo movers
- El Sobrante movers
- Elk Grove movers
- Emeryville movers
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- Escondido movers
- Exeter movers
- Fair Oaks movers
- Fairfield movers
- Fairview movers
- Fallbrook movers
- Farmersville movers
- Fillmore movers
- Florence-Graham movers
- Florin movers
- Folsom movers
- Fontana movers
- Foothill Farms movers
- Foster City movers
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- French Valley movers
- Fresno movers
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- Galt movers
- Garden Acres movers
- Garden Grove movers
- Gardena movers
- Gilroy movers
- Glendale movers
- Glendora movers
- Golden Hills movers
- Goleta movers
- Grand Terrace movers
- Granite Bay movers
- Grass Valley movers
- Greenfield movers
- Grover Beach movers
- Hacienda Heights movers
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- Hawaiian Gardens movers
- Hawthorne movers
- Hayward movers
- Healdsburg movers
- Hemet movers
- Hercules movers
- Hermosa Beach movers
- Hesperia movers
- Highland movers
- Hillcrest movers
- Hillsborough movers
- Hollister movers
- Home Gardens movers
- Huntington Beach movers
- Huntington Park movers
- Imperial movers
- Imperial Beach movers
- Indio movers
- Inglewood movers
- Irvine movers
- Isla Vista movers
- Jurupa Valley movers
- Kerman movers
- King City movers
- Kingsburg movers
- La Cañada Flintridge movers
- La Crescenta-Montrose movers
- La Habra movers
- La Mesa movers
- La Mirada movers
- La Palma movers
- La Presa movers
- La Puente movers
- La Quinta movers
- La Riviera movers
- La Verne movers
- Ladera Ranch movers
- Lafayette movers
- Laguna Beach movers
- Laguna Hills movers
- Laguna Niguel movers
- Laguna Woods movers
- Lake Elsinore movers
- Lake Forest movers
- Lake Los Angeles movers
- Lakeland Village movers
- Lakeside movers
- Lakewood movers
- Lamont movers
- Lancaster movers
- Larkspur movers
- Lathrop movers
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- Lemoore movers
- Lennox movers
- Lincoln movers
- Linda movers
- Lindsay movers
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- Livermore movers
- Livingston movers
- Lodi movers
- Loma Linda movers
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- Lompoc movers
- Long Beach movers
- Los Alamitos movers
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- Los Angeles movers
- Los Banos movers
- Los Gatos movers
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- Lynwood movers
- Madera movers
- Madera Acres movers
- Magalia movers
- Malibu movers
- Manhattan Beach movers
- Manteca movers
- Marina movers
- Martinez movers
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- Maywood movers
- McFarland movers
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- Mendota movers
- Menifee movers
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- Merced movers
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- Millbrae movers
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- Modesto movers
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- Montclair movers
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- Morgan Hill movers
- Morro Bay movers
- Mountain House movers
- Mountain View movers
- Murrieta movers
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- National City movers
- Newark movers
- Newman movers
- Newport Beach movers
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- North Auburn movers
- North Fair Oaks movers
- North Highlands movers
- North Tustin movers
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- Oak Park movers
- Oakdale movers
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- Oakley movers
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- San Diego Country Estates movers
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- San Ramon movers
- Sanger movers
- Santa Ana movers
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- Santa Clara movers
- Santa Clarita movers
- Santa Cruz movers
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- Santa Maria movers
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- Santa Paula movers
- Santa Rosa movers
- Santee movers
- Saratoga movers
- Scotts Valley movers
- Seal Beach movers
- Seaside movers
- Selma movers
- Shafter movers
- Shasta Lake movers
- Sierra Madre movers
- Signal Hill movers
- Simi Valley movers
- Solana Beach movers
- Soledad movers
- Sonoma movers
- Soquel movers
- South El Monte movers
- South Gate movers
- South Lake Tahoe movers
- South Pasadena movers
- South San Francisco movers
- South San Jose Hills movers
- South Whittier movers
- Spring Valley movers
- Stanford movers
- Stanton movers
- Stevenson Ranch movers
- Stockton movers
- Suisun City movers
- Sun Village movers
- Sunnyvale movers
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley movers
- Tehachapi movers
- Temecula movers
- Temescal Valley movers
- Temple City movers
- Thousand Oaks movers
- Torrance movers
- Tracy movers
- Truckee movers
- Tulare movers
- Turlock movers
- Tustin movers
- Twentynine Palms movers
- Ukiah movers
- Union City movers
- University of California-Santa Barbara movers
- Upland movers
- Vacaville movers
- Valinda movers
- Valle Vista movers
- Vallejo movers
- Valley Center movers
- Victorville movers
- View Park-Windsor Hills movers
- Vincent movers
- Vineyard movers
- Visalia movers
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- Walnut movers
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- Westmont movers
- Whittier movers
- Wildomar movers
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- Windsor movers
- Winter Gardens movers
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- Woodcrest movers
- Woodland movers
- Yorba Linda movers
- Yuba City movers
- Yucaipa movers
- Yucca Valley movers
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 San Francisco, CA
Local movers in San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA for route-specific recommendations and pricing.
How much do movers cost in San Francisco, CA?
Local movers in San Francisco charge $150/hour on average for a 2-person crew, compared to the California average of $122/hour. The actual cost depends on home size, hours on the clock, and any add-on services.
| Home size | Estimated local move cost in San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Studio | $735 – $1,225 |
| 1 bedroom | $980 – $1,715 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,470 – $2,450 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,205 – $3,675 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,940 – $5,390 |
Estimates based on national average local move costs, adjusted for San Francisco's cost of living. Actual costs vary by crew size, hours, and services.
Ready to compare San Francisco mover prices? See our full guide on San Francisco, CA mover costs →
Fuel surcharge alert: October 2026 moveBuddha's most recent move cost data shows moving company pricing has increased by approximately 21% as of October 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 San Francisco estimate that reflects these conditions.
Which San Francisco, CA movers offer specialty services?
Not every San Francisco mover handles specialty items. moveBuddha tracked 264 San Francisco moving companies across 5 specialty service categories. The breakdown below shows availability rates for this market and the top-rated mover in each category:
- Piano moving: 101 of 264 San Francisco movers (38.26%) offer it. NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5) is San Francisco's top-rated piano mover.
- Antique handling: 75 of 264 San Francisco movers (28.41%) offer it. NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5) rates highest for antique care in San Francisco.
- Art packing: 81 of 264 San Francisco movers (30.45%) offer it. NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5) rates highest for art packing in San Francisco.
- Climate-controlled storage: 44 of 264 San Francisco movers (16.54%) offer it. Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.58/5) also offers climate-controlled storage.
- Fragile-only packing: 28 of 264 San Francisco movers (10.61%) offer it. Dependable Movers, LLC (4.58/5) also offers fragile-only packing.
What movers in San Francisco offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 101 of 264 San Francisco movers (38.26%). NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5) is San Francisco's top-rated piano mover.
| Piano moving in San Francisco | Details |
|---|---|
| San Francisco movers offering this | 101 of 264 (38.26%) |
| Top-rated San Francisco piano movers | NorthStar Moving Company, Dependable Movers, LLC |
| Upright piano | $1,960 to $3,675 |
| Baby grand piano | $2,940 to $6,125 |
| Grand piano | $4,410 to $8,575 |
Piano weight (300 to 800 lbs for uprights, 500 to 1,200 lbs for baby grands, over 1,200 lbs for concert grands) is the primary cost driver, as heavier instruments require more crew and specialized equipment. Bundling a piano into a full household move is usually cheaper than booking a piano-only carrier. See moveBuddha's guide to the best piano movers for vetted options and how to pack and move a piano for prep tips.
What movers in San Francisco offer antique handling?
Antique handling is available from 75 of 264 San Francisco movers (28.41%). NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5) rates highest for antique care in San Francisco.
| Antique handling in San Francisco | Details |
|---|---|
| San Francisco movers offering this | 75 of 264 (28.41%) |
| Top-rated San Francisco antique movers | NorthStar Moving Company, Dependable Movers, LLC |
| Added cost to a household move | $2,450 to $6,125 |
| Per-piece handling fee | $123 to $1,225 |
| Custom crating per item | $368 to $490 |
Custom crating and per-piece handling fees are the main cost factors. Standard released-value coverage ($0.60/lb) is inadequate for high-value antiques, so full-value protection adds to the total. The more pieces requiring individual crating, the higher the cost. See moveBuddha's guide to best antique moving companies for specialists in this market.
What movers in San Francisco offer art packing?
Art packing is available from 81 of 264 San Francisco movers (30.45%). NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5) rates highest for art packing in San Francisco.
| Art packing in San Francisco | Details |
|---|---|
| San Francisco movers offering this | 81 of 264 (30.45%) |
| Top-rated San Francisco art movers | NorthStar Moving Company, Pure Moving Company |
| Per-piece handling fee | $123 to $1,225 |
| Custom crating per item | $368 to $490 |
Cost scales with piece count and crating complexity. Framed canvases and sculptures require custom-built crates at $150 to $200 each. Confirm the mover has handled similar media before booking. See how to pack and move art for what to verify before signing.
What movers in San Francisco offer climate-controlled storage?
Climate-controlled storage is available from 44 of 264 San Francisco movers (16.54%). Gentle Giant Moving Company (4.58/5) also offers climate-controlled storage.
| Climate-controlled storage in San Francisco | Details |
|---|---|
| San Francisco movers offering this | 44 of 264 (16.54%) |
| Top-rated San Francisco providers | Gentle Giant Moving Company, Luigy's Moving & Storage |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $630 |
Cost is driven by unit size and duration. Longer storage gaps and larger loads raise the monthly total. Climate control is most relevant for wood furniture, electronics, and vinyl; standard units can handle hardier items at lower cost. See moveBuddha's climate-controlled storage guide for a full cost and provider breakdown.
What movers in San Francisco offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 28 of 264 San Francisco movers (10.61%). Dependable Movers, LLC (4.58/5) also offers fragile-only packing.
| Fragile-only packing in San Francisco | Details |
|---|---|
| San Francisco movers offering this | 28 of 264 (10.61%) |
| Top-rated San Francisco providers | Dependable Movers, LLC, |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing costs less than full-service packing because it covers only breakables: dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps. It's the most cost-effective way to add professional packing without paying to have the whole home packed. See how to pack breakables for what movers look for and how to prepare.
Apartment and high-rise moving in San Francisco
Moving in or out of an apartment or high-rise in San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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: 16% of San Francisco movers offer labor-only service (loading and unloading without a truck), which pairs well with a rented container or truck. also offers labor-only service.
If your building has strict move-in rules, ask your mover for references from similar San Francisco apartment moves before committing.
DIY moving options in San Francisco, CA
Not every San Francisco move needs a full-service crew. These alternatives cost significantly less:
Rental trucks
The best rental truck options for a DIY move in San Francisco, 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.
Moving containers
The best moving container companies available in San Francisco, 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.
Labor-only movers + rented truck
The best labor-only movers in San Francisco, CA start with California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (4.36/5) and Got2Move (4.38/5), both offering loading, packing, and assembly services. You drive, they lift. Rent a truck, put these crews on the loading and unloading, and keep full control of your timeline and route.
Moving in San Francisco, CA: what you need to know
A San Francisco 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. San Francisco residents can start at USPS Mover's Guide. Also update your address with California DMV, your bank, employer, and any subscription services.
- Parking and permits: Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
- Certificate of Insurance (COI): many San Francisco 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. 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 San Francisco, CA
How much do movers cost in San Francisco, CA?
Local movers in San Francisco, CA charge by the hour. Based on moveBuddha's data from 35 San Francisco movers, hourly rates range from $70/hour to $195/hour, with a median of $140/hour. Our preferred San Francisco mover is Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc..
Key cost factors for a San Francisco 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: 11% of San Francisco movers require a deposit to hold your move date. Confirm refund terms before paying.
- Full valuation coverage: 15% of San Francisco movers (40 companies) offer it. 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 San Francisco across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 62% of San Francisco movers (165 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%–15% to transportation charges.
- Packing services: 76% of San Francisco movers (202 companies) offer full packing, and 54% supply packing materials. 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 San Francisco include, and what costs extra?
A standard full-service move in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.
| Add-on service | % of San Francisco movers | Typical cost impact |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | 76% (202 companies) | +$0.15–$0.21 per pound on average |
| Packing materials | 54% | Priced per box or kit; confirm before booking |
| Storage | 53% | ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$630/month |
| Full valuation coverage | 15% (40 companies) | 1%–2% of declared shipment value (~$300–$600 on a $30,000 shipment); default released-value protection pays only $0.60/lb |
| Crating (fragile/high-value items) | 20% (53 companies) | $150–$200 per item for antiques and artwork; $150–$400 for oversized pieces (safes, sectionals, appliances) |
| Labor-only (load/unload, no transport) | 16% (42 companies) | Hourly rate only; no truck or transport charge |
| 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 San Francisco offer senior, military, or other discounts?
San Francisco movers are tracked across 6 discount categories by moveBuddha, drawing on 225,179 verified customer reviews across California. The table below lists each discount type available from at least 1 San Francisco mover, the percentage and count of companies offering it, and which specific movers to ask. Discount types with 0 confirmed San Francisco movers are excluded. CA state averages appear where city-level data is unavailable.
| Discount type | % of San Francisco movers | # of movers | San Francisco movers offering it | Data source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | 2% | 5 | -- | San Francisco |
| Military | 11% | 28 | West Coast Moving Systems, Inc | San Francisco |
| AAA | 0% | 1 | -- | San Francisco |
Ask each mover whether the discount applies to your specific move date, what proof of eligibility is required, and whether it stacks with seasonal pricing or off-peak rates. Discounts are not automatically applied. Request them at the quote stage, before signing.
How far in advance should I book movers in San Francisco?
Book San Francisco 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 San Francisco movers charge a fee for changes made within 48–72 hours of the move.
What is a Certificate of Insurance (COI) and do San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
Local San Francisco moves are billed by the hour, so understanding time estimates helps you budget accurately. Based on moveBuddha's San Francisco-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 San Francisco movers have experience with apartments and high-rises?
Yes. Most San Francisco 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 San Francisco
- 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
The cheapest time to move in San Francisco 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. San Francisco's summer highs reach 67°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 San Francisco's top-rated movers and the most flexibility on scheduling.
How does moveBuddha rank moving companies in San Francisco?
moveBuddha scores 264 moving companies in San Francisco on a weighted five-factor system covering customer satisfaction, dispute resolution, industry reputation, online reputation, and service options.
How moveBuddha selects and reviews San Francisco, CA moving companies
moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 783 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 San Francisco draw on 225,179 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 San Francisco's top movers stack up. Get free quotes from San Francisco's top movers →
How to move in San Francisco: permits, COI, and city logistics
A step-by-step guide to planning a local move in San Francisco, 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco street. Book these at least 2 weeks before your move date.
- Get a binding written estimate. Request a binding estimate from at least 3 San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA
- Best overall: NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5), moveBuddha's #1-ranked San Francisco mover, also ranking in the top 10 movers statewide in California.
- Best runner-up: Dependable Movers, LLC (4.58/5).
- Best for specialty items (piano, antiques, art): NorthStar Moving Company (4.66/5).
- Best labor-only / DIY assist: (/5). Hire for loading and unloading while you supply the truck.
- Going rate: $150/hour for a San Francisco moving crew.
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.