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We know every move in Berkeley is different. Jump to compare movers that fit your unique needs.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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Average cost of local Berkeley, CA movers

Hiring a moving company in Berkeley is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You'll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you'd rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Berkeley:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $471 $200 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $687 $204 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,130 $285 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,680 $383 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,955 $395 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,713 $542 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Berkeley to move a studio apartment is $200 per hour. A move this size will typically take three hours to complete using a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom house or apartment, expect to pay around $204 per hour for local Berkeley movers. You'll need two movers for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: On average, it will cost an hourly rate of $285 to move a two-bedroom Berkeley home. Moving a two-bedroom house or apartment will take about five hours using a three-person crew.
  • Three bedrooms: You can expect to pay $383 an hour to have local Berkeley movers relocate your three-bedroom home. A home this size will require four movers and take eight hours to complete.
  • Four bedrooms: If you're moving a four-bedroom Berkeley home, you'll pay $395 per hour for nine hours, on average, and need a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: It will cost an hourly rate of $542 for ten hours (using a five-person crew) to move a Berkeley home with five or more bedrooms.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Berkeley move using our free and instant moving cost estimator.

Best local movers in Berkeley, CA

If you're moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in Berkeley:

  1. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Sweet Lemon Moving Services: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Jay's Small Moves: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Big Family Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/NorthStarMoving,
Customer Praise
  • Excellent Service
  • Professional Staff
  • Reasonable Prices
Customer Complaints
  • No Major Issues Reported
Review Analysis
Moving dreams made easier: NorthStar Moving Company impresses with consistent high marks from more than 1,100 customer reviews, and more than 91% of that input is positive. Feedback repeatedly praises NorthStar’s efficient and friendly movers, careful handling of belongings, and prompt, open communication. Customers highlight quick moving processes, responsible care for fragile items, and smooth, stress-free experiences from booking to delivery. The price is regularly described as reasonable, and transparent quotes are common. When compared to other companies, NorthStar stands out for its professionalism and reliability. Some customers report issues such as damage to furniture, delayed arrival or delivery, or difficulties reaching customer service for status updates or claims. The most common negative feedback involves item damage, poor communication during or after moves, and occasional scheduling errors. While these issues are in the minority, prospective clients may want to clarify all details and ask specific questions about protection policies. NorthStar Moving consistently maintains better customer satisfaction rates than most competitors, making it a leading choice for efficient, careful, and responsive moving services.
Get a Quote (415) 635-3844

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576


NorthStar Moving Company, established in 1996, offers premier local residential moving services throughout San Francisco, CA, and its surrounding areas. With an impressive track record, they boast 931 Yelp reviews averaging 4.6 stars and 701 Google My Business reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, NorthStar stands out among local competitors. They also provide comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring a seamless moving experience. Notably, NorthStar accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, offering convenience and peace of mind for customers.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/WestCoastMovingSystems/?ref=page_internal,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Careful handling (35%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (15%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)
  • Lack of communication (9%)
Review Analysis
Moving with West Coast Moving Systems means efficiency meets professionalism—over 96% of customer feedback is positive out of 635 reviews analyzed. Customers consistently highlight fast and organized service, courteous staff, careful handling of belongings, clear communication, and a streamlined moving process. Clients appreciate that movers are prompt, wrap and protect all items, and communicate thoroughly from scheduling to completion. Some feedback suggests opportunities for better handling of high-value items, clearer communication in complex situations, or avoiding unexpected charges, but such issues are rare. With overwhelmingly positive comments about helpful attitudes and reliability, West Coast Moving Systems stands out from competitors who frequently receive lower marks for damaged items or disorganized crews. This feedback points to a company that delivers quality and peace of mind at rates considered very reasonable for the quality of service. Those seeking careful, professional movers with responsive support can expect a top-tier experience here.
Get a Quote (510) 430-2667

Company Info

State license #: 0192456

Years in Business: 18

DOT #: 3071646

Alternate Names: West Coast Movers, West Coast Moving Systems


West Coast Moving Systems, Inc, a reputable local moving company serving Oakland, CA, has been easing moves since 2007. Unlike many competitors, they offer an extensive range of services, including office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized care for fragile items and art. Their strong consumer feedback, with 476 Yelp reviews averaging 4.8 stars and 51 Google reviews at 4.7 stars, highlights their commitment to quality service. Additionally, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau underscores their reliability and customer satisfaction.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/SweetLemonMoving/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (27%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
  • Unexpected charges (15%)
  • Damage to items (12%)
Review Analysis
Moving doesn't have to be stressful—Sweet Lemon Moving Services proves it with truly outstanding feedback. Out of 540 reviews, 98.7% were positive. Customers praise the team's efficiency, gentle handling of belongings, and the movers' professionalism and politeness. Quick moving times and clear communication stand out, helping set Sweet Lemon apart from other movers whose services are often slower or less reliable. The most common concerns in negative feedback center on a few cases of slow or delayed moves, unexpected higher costs, or rare issues with professionalism. Still, with only five negative reviews and two neutrals, Sweet Lemon's track record is exceptional compared to most moving companies, making it a top choice for dependability and care in the industry.
Get a Quote (415) 500-4298

Company Info

State license #: 0191518

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3277021

Alternate Names: Bay Investment Group, Inc., Bay Moving Services


Sweet Lemon Moving Services, based in Alameda, CA, has been providing outstanding local residential moving services since 2017. Known for their reliability and professionalism, they stand out from other nearby moving companies with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and near-perfect scores on Yelp and Google. Their range of services includes packing, unpacking, and specialized moves for pianos and antiques, making them a versatile choice for any local move. With no deposit required and flexible payment options, Sweet Lemon Moving Services consistently earns high praise from satisfied customers.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/jaymoves, https://twitter.com/jaysmallmoves
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
  • Efficient service (22%)
  • Careful handling (20%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (15%)
  • Unexpected charges (10%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (8%)
Review Analysis
Jay's Small Moves earns praise from nearly every customer, with 96% of the 641 reviews describing positive experiences. Feedback highlights their efficient service, professional and polite movers, careful handling of belongings, speedy moving process, and excellent communication. Customers value how the company stays on schedule, protects items, and makes moving stress-free. They often mention accurate quotes and a transparent booking process, setting Jay's apart from other local moving companies. On the other side, a few clients encountered problems, mainly involving damage to items, unexpected charges, and unreliable timing. Negative feedback points to occasional lack of care with furniture, higher final bills than quoted, or teams running late. Neutral feedback overlaps, noting inconsistent team quality and a slower pace during some moves. Jay's Small Moves delivers better reliability, professionalism, and efficiency than most competitors, making them a leading choice in the region, though some isolated complaints indicate the value of clear communications and attention to detail for every move.
Get a Quote (510) 501-5800

Company Info

State license #: 0190688

Pricing: $140/hr

Years in Business: 17

Alternate Names: Jays Small Moves


Jay's Small Moves has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Oakland, CA, since 2008. With stellar consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, coupled with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out among nearby movers. In addition to residential moves, they offer specialized services like office moving, packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items such as art and antiques. At $140 per hour for a local move with no deposit required, Jay's Small Moves provides reliable and cost-effective solutions tailored to meet clients' needs.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Fragile-only packing
https://www.facebook.com/bigfamilymovers/, https://twitter.com/BigFamilyMovers
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (29%)
  • Careful handling (27%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (21%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Moving made simple: that's the message from customer feedback on Big Family Movers. Of 269 reviews analyzed, 95% praised the company, placing them well above competitors in consistency. Customers highlighted efficient service, careful handling, affordable rates, professionalism, and a helpful, upbeat staff. Feedback repeatedly mentioned how staff turned stressful days into easy experiences through communication and kindness. Many noted that belongings arrived safely and on time, and that prices were fair. A handful of negative reviews cited issues with damaged items, difficulty reaching the company for bookings, or minor delays. Some dissatisfied customers experienced miscommunication or unexpected handling of their property. Still, most found the company's service reliable and courteous, often better than other local movers. Nearly every review underlined trust in Big Family Movers for repeat moves and referrals, making them a standout choice for anyone seeking a dependable moving service in the Bay Area.
Get a Quote (510) 839-5239

Company Info

State license #: 0189403

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 2916075


Big Family Movers offers dependable local residential moving services in Oakland, CA, and has been a trusted name in the community since 2024. With impressive consumer reviews, boasting an average Yelp rating of 4.7 from 163 reviewers and a 4.9 average on Google My Business from 27 reviews, the company stands out as a reliable choice among nearby moving companies. Their A- rating from the Better Business Bureau further underscores their reputation for excellent service. In addition to standard moving services, Big Family Movers excels in packing, unpacking, and safely transporting delicate items like pianos and antiques. For those seeking a reputable company for a local move, Big Family Movers offers quality and peace of mind.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

Average cost to move out of state with Berkeley movers

Since the cost of moving out of California depends largely on where you're moving, we've provided some example costs below. To get the most accurate pricing based on your specific destination, find your moving route to California or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Berkeley

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Berkeley and across California state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.

To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of California:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Berkeley

Out-of-state moving costs from Berkeley for two- or three-bedroom homes vary based on the actual total volume and weight of your belongings. Move costs for a three-bedroom that is sparsely furnished and relatively small, for example, could be less than a two-bedroom home with a lot of square footage and decor.

In general, though, you can expect to pay within these ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distances from Berkeley:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Berkeley

Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from Berkeley. Remember, your exact price will ultimately be based on the amount of belongings you have, what time of year you are moving, and how far you're moving.

Sample ranges for interstate moves from Berkeley of four or more bedrooms:

Best interstate moving companies in Berkeley

Now that you have an idea of what your out-of-state move from California will cost, it's time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Berkeley.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Berkeley, CA

The average cost of moving containers in Berkeley is approximately $500 for local relocations and as much as $3,000 for long-distance moves. Cross-country moves can reach as high as $7,000 or more. Costs are largely based on distance and the container size you choose.

Our top recommendation for moving containers in Beverly Hills is PODS, thanks to its multiple container sizes (eight, 12 and 16 feet), competitive pricing, and solid customer reviews. However, you should get quotes from PODS and two other moving container companies before making a decision.

To help you get started, take a look at these other top-notch moving containers.

Best moving container companies in Berkeley

If you want to handle the packing and loading but leave the driving to a professional, consider a moving container company. There are lots of options to choose from in Berkeley, but here are some of our favorites:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Berkeley, CA

The average cost to rent a moving truck in Berkeley is $60 per day, but prices can be anywhere from $19–$38 daily, with an additional per-mile fee of $2–$1, depending on how far you're moving and the truck size you need. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you'll also need to drive the truck to your new home.

Best moving truck rentals in Berkeley

The cheapest way to move is to just pack and drive it yourself with a moving truck. There are no shortages to finding moving truck rental companies in Berkeley. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Berkeley, CA

It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in Berkeley. That hourly rate is per moving crew member, so you can expect total costs to be $60–$80 per hour, depending on the size of your moving crew.

Studio and one-bedroom apartments usually require two movers, while two- and three-bedroom homes will need crews of three and four movers, respectively. Homes that are four or more bedrooms will need between four and five movers.

Best labor-only moving companies in Berkeley

If you're looking for labor assistance in Berkeley, you'll want to find a company that offers fair and transparent pricing and a good reputation for quality service. A labor-only moving company that can handle packing or supply boxes and moving supplies may also be a plus.

Here are our favorite labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of your Berkeley move

Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your Berkeley move:

  • Distance: How far you're moving has a big impact on your total moving costs. Moving within a city or even to a nearby town will usually cost far less than relocating out of state or across the country. That's because longer distances involve mileage and fuel expenses, as well as more labor hours.
  • The size of your move: Naturally, the more stuff you have, the more it will cost to move it. Larger moves are more expensive because they typically require a bigger truck and moving crew.
  • The type of mover you choose: In most cases, hiring a full-service mover to assist with loading, unloading, and transport of your belongings will cost more than DIY options like moving container companies, where you handle all the heavy lifting yourself.
  • The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.
  • When you move: The time of year and month, as well as the day of the week, you move can all impact costs. The reason centers around demand. You'll pay more to relocate during the summer months, since that is the peak moving season. Mid-month moves are normally a little cheaper than those at the start or end of the month, when most rental leases begin or end. Moving mid-week instead of weekends can also save you some money, since most people choose a Saturday or Sunday for their moving day.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Buy additional insurance. Full-service movers are required by federal law to provide basic insurance, known as released value protection, at no cost. While you can't beat free, released value protection provides very minimal coverage — $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of the item's value. So, your reimbursement on a damaged 25-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Most moving companies — and some home insurance providers — offer optional comprehensive insurance plans. While these come at an added cost, they will protect your items based on estimated value instead of weight.
  • Get your move approved. Many neighborhoods — particularly those with HOAs — have restrictions around moving. Typically, these restrictions outline which days and times moving is allowable. It's best to double-check the rules ahead of time and to proactively inform a property management group of your moving date.
  • Have your paperwork handy. If you are moving to or from an apartment complex, you may need to show proof on moving day of your mover's insurance coverage and, if applicable, an elevator reservation. Go ahead and gather this information — which is usually available in your moving contract — so you aren't scrambling for it when your moving date arrives.
  • Reserve parking. You can learn more about the rules and regulations on the Berkeley website.

Helpful Berkeley Resources

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