How Much Do California Movers Cost?
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in California is $122 per hour, with an average total move cost between $442 and $4,032. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.
Of course, it’s crucial to get a personalized moving quote for your California move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Moving Cost Calculator
To figure out how much your California move will cost, it’s a good idea to compare multiple quotes. With our cost calculator, you can get pricing information from the best moving companies in CA — including Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Mayzlin Relocation, North American Van Lines, JK Moving Services, and some of the top national moving companies provided below.
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Average cost to hire a moving company in California
The cost to hire a California moving company depends primarily on the size of your home, how many belongings you have, and the distance of your move. Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional movers in California.
Cost to move a home in California
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $442 | $171 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $613 | $171 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $990 | $240 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,286 | $336 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,622 | $336 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $4,032 | $470 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in California to move a studio apartment is $442. You'll need two movers for three hours at $171 per hour.
- One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $613 for local California movers. You'll need two movers for four hours at $171 per hour.
- Two bedrooms: The average cost to hire California movers to move a two-bedroom home is $990. You'll need three movers for five hours at $240 per hour.
- Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay $2,286 for local California movers. A three-bedroom typically requires four movers for eight hours at $336 per hour.
- Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in California will cost $2,622, on average. The cost to move a larger home can vary, but typically requires four movers for nine hours at $336 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring California movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $4,032. You'll need five movers for 10 hours at $470 per hour.
City moving costs in California
- Cost of Adelanto movers
- Cost of Agoura Hills movers
- Cost of Alameda movers
- Cost of Alamo movers
- Cost of Albany movers
- Cost of Alhambra movers
- Cost of Aliso Viejo movers
- Cost of Alpine movers
- Cost of Altadena movers
- Cost of Alum Rock movers
- Cost of American Canyon movers
- Cost of Anaheim movers
- Cost of Anderson movers
- Cost of Antelope movers
- Cost of Antioch movers
- Cost of Apple Valley movers
- Cost of Arcadia movers
- Cost of Arcata movers
- Cost of Arden-Arcade movers
- Cost of Arroyo Grande movers
- Cost of Artesia movers
- Cost of Arvin movers
- Cost of Ashland movers
- Cost of Atascadero movers
- Cost of Atwater movers
- Cost of Auburn movers
- Cost of Avenal movers
- Cost of Avocado Heights movers
- Cost of Azusa movers
- Cost of Bakersfield movers
- Cost of Baldwin Park movers
- Cost of Banning movers
- Cost of Barstow movers
- Cost of Bay Point movers
- Cost of Beaumont movers
- Cost of Bell movers
- Cost of Bell Gardens movers
- Cost of Bellflower movers
- Cost of Belmont movers
- Cost of Benicia movers
- Cost of Berkeley movers
- Cost of Beverly Hills movers
- Cost of Big Bear City movers
- Cost of Blackhawk movers
- Cost of Bloomington movers
- Cost of Blythe movers
- Cost of Bonita movers
- Cost of Bostonia movers
- Cost of Brawley movers
- Cost of Brea movers
- Cost of Brentwood movers
- Cost of Buena Park movers
- Cost of Burbank movers
- Cost of Burlingame movers
- Cost of Calabasas movers
- Cost of Calexico movers
- Cost of California City movers
- Cost of Calimesa movers
- Cost of Camarillo movers
- Cost of Cameron Park movers
- Cost of Camp Pendleton South movers
- Cost of Campbell movers
- Cost of Canyon Lake movers
- Cost of Capitola movers
- Cost of Carlsbad movers
- Cost of Carmichael movers
- Cost of Carpinteria movers
- Cost of Carson movers
- Cost of Casa de Oro-Mount Helix movers
- Cost of Castaic movers
- Cost of Castro Valley movers
- Cost of Cathedral City movers
- Cost of Ceres movers
- Cost of Cerritos movers
- Cost of Cherryland movers
- Cost of Chico movers
- Cost of Chino movers
- Cost of Chino Hills movers
- Cost of Chowchilla movers
- Cost of Chula Vista movers
- Cost of Citrus movers
- Cost of Citrus Heights movers
- Cost of Claremont movers
- Cost of Clayton movers
- Cost of Clearlake movers
- Cost of Clovis movers
- Cost of Coachella movers
- Cost of Coalinga movers
- Cost of Colton movers
- Cost of Commerce movers
- Cost of Compton movers
- Cost of Concord movers
- Cost of Corcoran movers
- Cost of Corona movers
- Cost of Coronado movers
- Cost of Corte Madera movers
- Cost of Costa Mesa movers
- Cost of Coto de Caza movers
- Cost of Covina movers
- Cost of Cudahy movers
- Cost of Culver City movers
- Cost of Cupertino movers
- Cost of Cypress movers
- Cost of Daly City movers
- Cost of Dana Point movers
- Cost of Danville movers
- Cost of Davis movers
- Cost of Del Aire movers
- Cost of Delano movers
- Cost of Delhi movers
- Cost of Desert Hot Springs movers
- Cost of Diamond Bar movers
- Cost of Diamond Springs movers
- Cost of Dinuba movers
- Cost of Discovery Bay movers
- Cost of Dixon movers
- Cost of Downey movers
- Cost of Duarte movers
- Cost of Dublin movers
- Cost of East Bakersfield movers
- Cost of East Hemet movers
- Cost of East Los Angeles movers
- Cost of East Niles movers
- Cost of East Palo Alto movers
- Cost of East Rancho Dominguez movers
- Cost of East San Gabriel movers
- Cost of Eastern Goleta Valley movers
- Cost of Eastvale movers
- Cost of El Cajon movers
- Cost of El Centro movers
- Cost of El Cerrito movers
- Cost of El Dorado Hills movers
- Cost of El Monte movers
- Cost of El Paso de Robles movers
- Cost of El Segundo movers
- Cost of El Sobrante movers
- Cost of Elk Grove movers
- Cost of Emeryville movers
- Cost of Encinitas movers
- Cost of Escondido movers
- Cost of Eureka movers
- Cost of Exeter movers
- Cost of Fair Oaks movers
- Cost of Fairfield movers
- Cost of Fairview movers
- Cost of Fallbrook movers
- Cost of Farmersville movers
- Cost of Fillmore movers
- Cost of Florence-Graham movers
- Cost of Florin movers
- Cost of Folsom movers
- Cost of Fontana movers
- Cost of Foothill Farms movers
- Cost of Fortuna movers
- Cost of Foster City movers
- Cost of Fountain Valley movers
- Cost of Fremont movers
- Cost of French Valley movers
- Cost of Fresno movers
- Cost of Fullerton movers
- Cost of Galt movers
- Cost of Garden Acres movers
- Cost of Garden Grove movers
- Cost of Gardena movers
- Cost of Gilroy movers
- Cost of Glendale movers
- Cost of Glendora movers
- Cost of Golden Hills movers
- Cost of Goleta movers
- Cost of Grand Terrace movers
- Cost of Granite Bay movers
- Cost of Grass Valley movers
- Cost of Greenfield movers
- Cost of Grover Beach movers
- Cost of Hacienda Heights movers
- Cost of Half Moon Bay movers
- Cost of Hanford movers
- Cost of Hawaiian Gardens movers
- Cost of Hawthorne movers
- Cost of Hayward movers
- Cost of Healdsburg movers
- Cost of Hemet movers
- Cost of Hercules movers
- Cost of Hermosa Beach movers
- Cost of Hesperia movers
- Cost of Highland movers
- Cost of Hillcrest movers
- Cost of Hillsborough movers
- Cost of Hollister movers
- Cost of Home Gardens movers
- Cost of Huntington Beach movers
- Cost of Huntington Park movers
- Cost of Imperial movers
- Cost of Imperial Beach movers
- Cost of Indio movers
- Cost of Inglewood movers
- Cost of Irvine movers
- Cost of Isla Vista movers
- Cost of Jurupa Valley movers
- Cost of Kerman movers
- Cost of King City movers
- Cost of Kingsburg movers
- Cost of La Cañada Flintridge movers
- Cost of La Crescenta-Montrose movers
- Cost of La Habra movers
- Cost of La Mesa movers
- Cost of La Mirada movers
- Cost of La Palma movers
- Cost of La Presa movers
- Cost of La Puente movers
- Cost of La Quinta movers
- Cost of La Riviera movers
- Cost of La Verne movers
- Cost of Ladera Ranch movers
- Cost of Lafayette movers
- Cost of Laguna Beach movers
- Cost of Laguna Hills movers
- Cost of Laguna Niguel movers
- Cost of Laguna Woods movers
- Cost of Lake Elsinore movers
- Cost of Lake Forest movers
- Cost of Lake Los Angeles movers
- Cost of Lakeland Village movers
- Cost of Lakeside movers
- Cost of Lakewood movers
- Cost of Lamont movers
- Cost of Lancaster movers
- Cost of Larkspur movers
- Cost of Lathrop movers
- Cost of Lawndale movers
- Cost of Lemon Grove movers
- Cost of Lemon Hill movers
- Cost of Lemoore movers
- Cost of Lennox movers
- Cost of Lincoln movers
- Cost of Linda movers
- Cost of Lindsay movers
- Cost of Live Oak movers
- Cost of Livermore movers
- Cost of Livingston movers
- Cost of Lodi movers
- Cost of Loma Linda movers
- Cost of Lomita movers
- Cost of Lompoc movers
- Cost of Long Beach movers
- Cost of Los Alamitos movers
- Cost of Los Altos movers
- Cost of Los Angeles movers
- Cost of Los Banos movers
- Cost of Los Gatos movers
- Cost of Los Osos movers
- Cost of Lynwood movers
- Cost of Madera movers
- Cost of Madera Acres movers
- Cost of Magalia movers
- Cost of Malibu movers
- Cost of Manhattan Beach movers
- Cost of Manteca movers
- Cost of Marina movers
- Cost of Martinez movers
- Cost of Marysville movers
- Cost of Maywood movers
- Cost of McFarland movers
- Cost of McKinleyville movers
- Cost of Mead Valley movers
- Cost of Mendota movers
- Cost of Menifee movers
- Cost of Menlo Park movers
- Cost of Merced movers
- Cost of Mill Valley movers
- Cost of Millbrae movers
- Cost of Milpitas movers
- Cost of Mission Viejo movers
- Cost of Modesto movers
- Cost of Monrovia movers
- Cost of Montclair movers
- Cost of Montebello movers
- Cost of Monterey movers
- Cost of Monterey Park movers
- Cost of Moorpark movers
- Cost of Moraga movers
- Cost of Moreno Valley movers
- Cost of Morgan Hill movers
- Cost of Morro Bay movers
- Cost of Mountain House movers
- Cost of Mountain View movers
- Cost of Murrieta movers
- Cost of Muscoy movers
- Cost of Napa movers
- Cost of National City movers
- Cost of Newark movers
- Cost of Newman movers
- Cost of Newport Beach movers
- Cost of Nipomo movers
- Cost of Norco movers
- Cost of North Auburn movers
- Cost of North Fair Oaks movers
- Cost of North Highlands movers
- Cost of North Tustin movers
- Cost of Norwalk movers
- Cost of Novato movers
- Cost of Oak Park movers
- Cost of Oakdale movers
- Cost of Oakland movers
- Cost of Oakley movers
- Cost of Oceanside movers
- Cost of Oildale movers
- Cost of Olivehurst movers
- Cost of Ontario movers
- Cost of Orange movers
- Cost of Orangevale movers
- Cost of Orcutt movers
- Cost of Orinda movers
- Cost of Oroville movers
- Cost of Oxnard movers
- Cost of Pacific Grove movers
- Cost of Pacifica movers
- Cost of Palm Desert movers
- Cost of Palm Springs movers
- Cost of Palmdale movers
- Cost of Palo Alto movers
- Cost of Palos Verdes Estates movers
- Cost of Paramount movers
- Cost of Parkway movers
- Cost of Parlier movers
- Cost of Pasadena movers
- Cost of Patterson movers
- Cost of Perris movers
- Cost of Petaluma movers
- Cost of Phelan movers
- Cost of Pico Rivera movers
- Cost of Piedmont movers
- Cost of Pinole movers
- Cost of Pittsburg movers
- Cost of Placentia movers
- Cost of Placerville movers
- Cost of Pleasant Hill movers
- Cost of Pleasanton movers
- Cost of Pomona movers
- Cost of Port Hueneme movers
- Cost of Porterville movers
- Cost of Potomac Park movers
- Cost of Poway movers
- Cost of Prunedale movers
- Cost of Quartz Hill movers
- Cost of Ramona movers
- Cost of Rancho Cordova movers
- Cost of Rancho Cucamonga movers
- Cost of Rancho Mirage movers
- Cost of Rancho Palos Verdes movers
- Cost of Rancho San Diego movers
- Cost of Rancho Santa Margarita movers
- Cost of Red Bluff movers
- Cost of Redding movers
- Cost of Redlands movers
- Cost of Redondo Beach movers
- Cost of Redwood City movers
- Cost of Reedley movers
- Cost of Rialto movers
- Cost of Richmond movers
- Cost of Ridgecrest movers
- Cost of Rio Linda movers
- Cost of Ripon movers
- Cost of Riverbank movers
- Cost of Riverside movers
- Cost of Rocklin movers
- Cost of Rohnert Park movers
- Cost of Rosamond movers
- Cost of Rosedale movers
- Cost of Rosemead movers
- Cost of Rosemont movers
- Cost of Roseville movers
- Cost of Rossmoor movers
- Cost of Rowland Heights movers
- Cost of Sacramento movers
- Cost of Salida movers
- Cost of Salinas movers
- Cost of San Anselmo movers
- Cost of San Bernardino movers
- Cost of San Bruno movers
- Cost of San Buenaventura movers
- Cost of San Carlos movers
- Cost of San Clemente movers
- Cost of San Diego movers
- Cost of San Diego Country Estates movers
- Cost of San Dimas movers
- Cost of San Fernando movers
- Cost of San Francisco movers
- Cost of San Gabriel movers
- Cost of San Jacinto movers
- Cost of San Jose movers
- Cost of San Juan Capistrano movers
- Cost of San Leandro movers
- Cost of San Lorenzo movers
- Cost of San Luis Obispo movers
- Cost of San Marcos movers
- Cost of San Marino movers
- Cost of San Mateo movers
- Cost of San Pablo movers
- Cost of San Rafael movers
- Cost of San Ramon movers
- Cost of Sanger movers
- Cost of Santa Ana movers
- Cost of Santa Barbara movers
- Cost of Santa Clara movers
- Cost of Santa Clarita movers
- Cost of Santa Cruz movers
- Cost of Santa Fe Springs movers
- Cost of Santa Maria movers
- Cost of Santa Monica movers
- Cost of Santa Paula movers
- Cost of Santa Rosa movers
- Cost of Santee movers
- Cost of Saratoga movers
- Cost of Scotts Valley movers
- Cost of Seal Beach movers
- Cost of Seaside movers
- Cost of Selma movers
- Cost of Shafter movers
- Cost of Shasta Lake movers
- Cost of Sierra Madre movers
- Cost of Signal Hill movers
- Cost of Simi Valley movers
- Cost of Solana Beach movers
- Cost of Soledad movers
- Cost of Sonoma movers
- Cost of Soquel movers
- Cost of South El Monte movers
- Cost of South Gate movers
- Cost of South Lake Tahoe movers
- Cost of South Pasadena movers
- Cost of South San Francisco movers
- Cost of South San Jose Hills movers
- Cost of South Whittier movers
- Cost of Spring Valley movers
- Cost of Stanford movers
- Cost of Stanton movers
- Cost of Stevenson Ranch movers
- Cost of Stockton movers
- Cost of Suisun City movers
- Cost of Sun Village movers
- Cost of Sunnyvale movers
- Cost of Susanville movers
- Cost of Tamalpais-Homestead Valley movers
- Cost of Tehachapi movers
- Cost of Temecula movers
- Cost of Temescal Valley movers
- Cost of Temple City movers
- Cost of Thousand Oaks movers
- Cost of Torrance movers
- Cost of Tracy movers
- Cost of Truckee movers
- Cost of Tulare movers
- Cost of Turlock movers
- Cost of Tustin movers
- Cost of Twentynine Palms movers
- Cost of Ukiah movers
- Cost of Union City movers
- Cost of University of California-Santa Barbara movers
- Cost of Upland movers
- Cost of Vacaville movers
- Cost of Valinda movers
- Cost of Valle Vista movers
- Cost of Vallejo movers
- Cost of Valley Center movers
- Cost of Victorville movers
- Cost of View Park-Windsor Hills movers
- Cost of Vincent movers
- Cost of Vineyard movers
- Cost of Visalia movers
- Cost of Vista movers
- Cost of Walnut movers
- Cost of Walnut Creek movers
- Cost of Walnut Park movers
- Cost of Wasco movers
- Cost of Watsonville movers
- Cost of West Carson movers
- Cost of West Covina movers
- Cost of West Hollywood movers
- Cost of West Puente Valley movers
- Cost of West Rancho Dominguez movers
- Cost of West Sacramento movers
- Cost of West Whittier-Los Nietos movers
- Cost of Westminster movers
- Cost of Westmont movers
- Cost of Whittier movers
- Cost of Wildomar movers
- Cost of Willowbrook movers
- Cost of Windsor movers
- Cost of Winter Gardens movers
- Cost of Winton movers
- Cost of Woodcrest movers
- Cost of Woodland movers
- Cost of Yorba Linda movers
- Cost of Yuba City movers
- Cost of Yucaipa movers
- Cost of Yucca Valley movers
Average cost to hire an interstate mover in California
The cost of an interstate move from California to another state has even more variables than a local move.
Out-of-state, or Interstate, moves mean longer distances, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices. Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and time of year are additional cost factors that can drive up your overall expenses. Rather than pay an hourly rate (like you would with local movers), an interstate moving company will charge you based on the total weight of your belongings.
Below are some cost examples from popular moving routes.
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of California
- California to New York: $4,584–$8,068
- California to Illinois: $3,733–$6,645
- California to Texas: $3,088–$6,397
- California to Arizona: $2,454–$5,020
- California to Pennsylvania: $4,387–$7,286
Now that you have an idea of what your move from California should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance moving movers in California.
Best interstate moving companies in California
These are the best interstate moving companies available in California:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5
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Best local moving companies in California
Staying in California and moving just a short distance? Check out the best moving companies in California.
- Meathead Movers: 4.96 out of 5
- Grace Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5
- Ruff and Ready Moving: 4.9 out of 5
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5
Factors that affect the cost of your California move
The following common factors will affect the cost of your California move:
- The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor means you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure that you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in California.
- The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from California to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
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The type of move:
You have four main options for your California move:
- Hiring a full-service moving company
- Renting a moving truck
- Getting a moving container
- Using a freight trailer
- Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
- Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your California move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
- The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of California between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.
The average cost of living in California
- The cost index in California is 100. This means it's similar to the national average.
- The average rent in California for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,586 which is 19.61% higher than the national average
- The average home value in California is $746,055 which is about 109.55% more expensive than the national average.
- The average income in California is $91,905 which is about 41.41% higher than the national average.
Options you have when moving in California
Hire a professional moving company
Hiring a professional mover in California is most likely going to be the most expensive option, but you are paying for some extra convenience, like not having to load and drive a truck yourself.
Below is a list of the best moving companies in California to hire for your move.
Moving truck rental
Rent a moving truck from a company like U-Haul to pack, load, and transport your belongings from one California location to another or to another state. This is the cheapest option but will require the most amount of work — you’ll need to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place.
Best Availability
At A Glance
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
Best Value Rental
At A Glance
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Moving containers or PODS
Rent a moving container if you’re looking for a balance of affordability and convenience. With this moving option, you load the container and the professionals drive it to your new location in California for you. Moving containers typically cost more than a rental truck but less than hiring a professional mover.
This is also a great option if you need storage with your move. Many container companies like PODS include 30-days of free storage with all moves.
Best value container
At A Glance
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Best Nationwide Coverage
At A Glance
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Hire a freight shipper
Use freight shipping if you are moving a large amount of stuff across the country from California. With a freight shipper, you pack a large 28-foot trailer at your house and they drive it for you. This is a good option for large cross-country moves.
How do I ship a car in California?
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in CA:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy Auto Ship |
4.9 / 5
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| Sherpa Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Ship A Car Direct |
4 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| AmeriFreight Car Transport |
4.3 / 5
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Things to know about your California move
Although cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you should consider about your move.
- 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.
- Mover's 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.
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
Tips to save money on your California move
Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your California move:
- Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
- Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
- Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
- Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
- Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your California move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.
What is the cheapest way to move in California?
The cheapest way to move within California is by using a DIY option. For some people in California, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.
While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of California, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.
To help you decide, use our moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.
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