Compare Cost of Palo Alto, CA Movers ($119/hour)
Quick answer: Moving within Palo Alto, California will typically cost you from $588 to $6,159, or about $119 per hour. For longer moves out of state, long-distance movers in Palo Alto price jobs based on total distance, home size, and services like packing.
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Average cost of local Palo Alto, CA movers
Hiring a moving company in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto:
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $588 | $266 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 | $277 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,454 | $372 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,524 | $538 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $4,056 | $527 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $6,159 | $753 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Read more cost details
Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Palo Alto move using our free and instant moving cost estimator.
Best local movers in Palo Alto, CA
If you're moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in Palo Alto:
- NOR-CAL Moving Services: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Chipman Relocation & Logistics: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- The One Move Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service (29%)
- Professional and polite staff (27%)
- Careful handling (26%)
- Damage to items (33%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
- Lack of communication (21%)
Company Info
State license #: 0145636
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1844592
NOR-CAL Moving Services has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Hayward, CA, since 1984. While the company has a solid Better Business Bureau rating of A+, their consumer reviews present a mixed yet generally positive picture, with a 4.5 average rating on Google but a somewhat lower 3.2 average on Yelp. NOR-CAL sets itself apart from many nearby movers by also offering long-distance and international moving services, as well as specialized packing for fragile items and full valuation insurance coverage. Their comprehensive services and long-standing reputation make them a reliable choice for a range of moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (38%)
- Efficient service (34%)
- Careful handling (30%)
- Unexpected charges (20%)
- Damage to items (15%)
- Lack of communication (12%)
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Gentle Giant Moving Company has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in South San Francisco, CA since 1981. With stellar consumer reviews reflecting an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 5.0 on Google My Business, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out for its reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby movers, Gentle Giant also offers office moving services, comprehensive packing and unpacking services, and even storage options if needed. Additionally, they do not require a deposit and accept credit cards, making the moving process as seamless and convenient as possible for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (29%)
- Efficient service (27%)
- Careful handling (25%)
- Unexpected charges (31%)
- Damage to items (28%)
- Poor communication (26%)
Company Info
State license #: 0191848
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2967361
Alternate Names: Ninja Movers
Ninja Movers, Inc. offers top-notch local residential moving services throughout Santa Clara, CA and has been a trusted name in the industry since 2018. They stand out from nearby competitors with their strong consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.1 on Google My Business, and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customers frequently praise their efficiency and professionalism. In addition to local moves, Ninja Movers provides packing and unpacking services, and they are equipped to handle specialty items such as pianos, art, and safes. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the moving process flexible and convenient for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service (25%)
- Professional and polite staff (20%)
- Good communication (18%)
- Damage to items (30%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
- Lack of communication (20%)
Company Info
State license #: 0114272
Years in Business: 86
DOT #: 233667
Alternate Names: Chipman Corporation, Chipman Adjusting Services/Chipman Van Lines, Chipman United, Caton Moving & Storage, Inc.
Chipman Relocation & Logistics stands out among local moving companies in Hayward, CA, with a rich history dating back to 1939. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer extensive services including local and long-distance residential moves, office relocations, and specialized handling for art and antiques. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with a 3.7 average rating on Yelp and a 4.2 average on Google, along with an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, Chipman provides comprehensive packing and unpacking services, no deposit requirement, and full valuation insurance coverage, making them a reliable choice for a stress-free moving experience.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (40%)
- Efficient service (38%)
- Careful handling (36%)
- Unexpected charges (22%)
- Damage to items (20%)
- Lack of communication (18%)
Company Info
State license #: 0190519
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1785090
Alternate Names: K.H World Wide Inc
The One Move Movers, a local moving company based in Palo Alto, CA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2006. With impressive consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and 5.0 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out for its reputation. Unlike many local competitors, The One Move Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, crating services, and the expertise to handle delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Moving costs in other nearby California cities
Average cost to move out of state with Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Palo Alto 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:
- California to New York City: $3,611 - $6,684
- California to Chicago: $3,089 - $6,062
- California to Houston: $3,084 - $6,004
- California to Phoenix: $2,126 - $3,937
- California to Philadelphia: $3,373 - $7,178
Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Palo Alto
Out-of-state moving costs from Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto:
- California to New York City: $4,831 - $8,854
- California to Chicago: $4,168 - $7,057
- California to Houston: $3,672 - $6,875
- California to Phoenix: $2,548 - $5,184
- California to Philadelphia: $4,790 - $8,688
Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Palo Alto
Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from Palo Alto. 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 Palo Alto of four or more bedrooms:
- California to New York City: $8,901 - $13,754
- California to Chicago: $7,585 - $13,183
- California to Houston: $6,988 - $11,565
- California to Phoenix: $4,551 - $8,355
- California to Philadelphia: $9,104 - $13,783
Best interstate moving companies in Palo Alto
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 Palo Alto.
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
rating
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- 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
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
Average cost of moving containers in Palo Alto, CA
The average cost of moving containers in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
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 Palo Alto, but here are some of our favorites:
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Average cost of moving truck rentals in Palo Alto, CA
The average cost to rent a moving truck in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto
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 Palo Alto. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Palo Alto, CA
It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in Palo Alto. 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 Palo Alto
If you're looking for labor assistance in Palo Alto, 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.
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Factors that affect the cost of your Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto website.
Helpful Palo Alto Resources
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