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Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

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Average cost of local Carlsbad, CA movers

Hiring a moving company in Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $503 $266 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $785 $269 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,367 $380 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $3,350 $544 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,954 $544 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $6,313 $730 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Carlsbad to move a studio apartment is $266 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 $269 per hour for local Carlsbad movers. You'll need two movers for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: On average, it will cost an hourly rate of $380 to move a two-bedroom Carlsbad 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 $544 an hour to have local Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad home, you'll pay $544 per hour for nine hours, on average, and need a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: It will cost an hourly rate of $730 for ten hours (using a five-person crew) to move a Carlsbad home with five or more bedrooms.

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

Best local movers in Carlsbad, CA

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

  1. Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. We Like To Move It Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. Oakley Relocation: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (39%)
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Careful handling (32%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
  • Damage to items (19%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
Review Analysis
Moving day stress gets left behind with Best California Movers, according to an overwhelming 1,177 reviews—of which 98.5% were positive. Customers repeatedly point out efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moving, and excellent communication—attributes not seen as consistently in most moving companies. Feedback shows that belongings arrive safe and undamaged, with movers working swiftly and showing courtesy at every stage. Many notice that clear communication and transparent pricing make the process easier, and crews are praised for problem-solving in tough situations. A handful of reviewers, though, cite incidents involving damaged items, unexpected charges from inaccurate price quotes, or difficulty with claims and follow-up. These lapses are rare compared to industry averages but noteworthy for those prioritizing accountability. While neutral reviews mention minor flaws with after-move support, they still highlight professionalism and care by the moving teams. Compared to other moving services, Best California Movers stands out for reliability, speed, and the personal touch so often missing in the industry.
Get a Quote (858) 997-2487

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3489907

Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/weliketomoveitsd, https://x.com/san_movers
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Friendly and approachable staff (28%)
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (18%)
  • Unexpected charges (15%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (12%)
Review Analysis
Moving made nearly effortless—We Like To Move It Moving receives consistently impressive customer feedback. Out of 379 reviews analyzed, 94% describe positive experiences citing efficient service, attention to detail with belongings, and truly professional movers. Many customers mention a quick, organized moving process and commend the team’s friendly, communicative attitude. Movers arrive promptly, handle items with care, and communicate clearly throughout, making stressful moves much easier. Transparent pricing and easy booking also earn high praise. While negative feedback is rare, some customers saw final costs higher than expected, and a few reported damage to belongings or delays. Compared to typical moving companies, We Like To Move It Moving reliably delivers fast, careful, and personable service. High satisfaction rates and strong recommendations set them apart as a leader in the San Diego area.
Get a Quote (619) 483-1505

Company Info

State license #: 0191446

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2843171


We Like To Move It Moving is a trusted local moving company serving San Diego, CA, and nearby areas since 2017. Specializing in local residential moves, they provide comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and moving specialty items such as pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. With an impressive track record of 175 Yelp reviews averaging 4.8 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out among other local movers for its reliability and customer satisfaction. For convenience, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making them an excellent choice for stress-free moving.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/terrymoving/, https://twitter.com/terrymovingco
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Professional and polite staff (27%)
  • Careful handling (24%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
  • Damage to items (16%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Review Analysis
Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customers—nearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful. Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.
Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Company Info

State license #: 189603

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 649215

Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers


Terry Moving and Storage Inc., located in Lake Forest, CA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving services since 1997. With outstanding consumer reviews—235 on Yelp with an average rating of 4.7 and 141 on Google My Business with an average rating of 4.9, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau—they’re a standout choice among local movers. Unlike many competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and the specialized handling of fragile items, as well as piano and pool table moving. No deposit is required and they accept credit cards, simplifying the moving process for their clients.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/Onestopmoving, https://x.com/1StopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (26%)
  • Professional and polite staff (22%)
  • Careful handling (19%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Unexpected charges (21%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
One Stop Moving & Storage stands out for its efficient, professional service, with a remarkable 76% of customer feedback describing a positive experience. Out of 628 reviews, most customers report quick moves, careful handling of belongings, polite staff, and clear communication—qualities that set this company above many competitors. Many mention moving day being stress-free thanks to a hardworking team skilled at protecting furniture and executing moves seamlessly. Pricing is usually transparent and estimates tend to be accurate compared to other movers. On the downside, about 23% of feedback details more serious problems: some moves resulted in furniture damage, missing items, or unexpected charges, and customers who experienced these issues struggled to get satisfactory help after the fact. A few reviews also describe poor claims handling and communication gaps. While most people recommend One Stop Moving & Storage for careful, professional relocations, anyone booking a move should confirm all terms and insurance coverage in writing to help avoid surprises.
Get a Quote (858) 633-8600

Company Info

State license #: 0190616

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 1956864

Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers


One Stop Moving & Storage offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, having served the community since 2010. Renowned for their reliability, they outshine other nearby moving companies by providing comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and the ability to move delicate items like pianos, antiques, and art. With an impressive average Yelp rating of 4.1 from 399 reviews and a 4.3 rating on Google My Business from 169 reviews, they boast a solid reputation complemented by an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. Whether you're looking for full-service moving or just labor, One Stop Moving & Storage stands as a trusted choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/OakleyRelocation, https://twitter.com/oakleyrelo
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (31%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Customer feedback for Oakley Relocation showcases consistent professionalism, efficient service, and care for customer belongings, with 93% of reviews being positive across 229 total inputs. Clients frequently describe the staff as polite, effective, and reliable, often highlighting quick and seamless moves, attentive communication, and careful handling of items. Many mention that the employees go out of their way to make the moving process less stressful, offering peace of mind from start to finish. On the flip side, a small number of clients experienced significant problems, most commonly citing damage to items, difficulty reaching the company when issues arose, or unexpected charges. Compared to similar moving companies, Oakley earns standout marks for staff professionalism and speed, but the occasional unresolved damage claim or communication gap keeps a small number of users from full satisfaction.
Get a Quote (858) 602-1756

Company Info

State license #: 0190480

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 070851

Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines


Oakley Relocation has been providing local residential moving services in and around San Marcos, CA, since 2009. They stand out among nearby moving companies with their comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and the ability to move delicate items such as pianos, art, and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they do not require a deposit and accept credit cards, making the process smoother for customers. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Oakley Relocation is a reputable and reliable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

Average cost to move out of state with Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad

Out-of-state moving costs from Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad:

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

Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad of four or more bedrooms:

Best interstate moving companies in Carlsbad

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 Carlsbad.

Best Overall Value
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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 Carlsbad, CA

The average cost of moving containers in Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad

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 Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad, CA

The average cost to rent a moving truck in Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad

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 Carlsbad. 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
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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 Carlsbad, CA

It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in Carlsbad. 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 Carlsbad

If you're looking for labor assistance in Carlsbad, 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
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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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad 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 Carlsbad website.

Helpful Carlsbad Resources

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