Compare Cost of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Movers ($120/hour)
Quick answer: Expect to pay $307 to $2,443 for a local move in Rancho Santa Margarita, California, or around $120 per hour. When moving out of state, the cost of hiring long-distance movers in Rancho Santa Margarita will depend on your move size, mileage, and service needs.
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$412 - $1,422
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$643 - $1,574
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$494 - $3,028
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$20 - $99/day
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$60 - $79/hour
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Average cost of local Rancho Santa Margarita, CA movers
Hiring a moving company in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita:
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $307 | $100 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $412 | $103 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $643 | $144 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,422 | $202 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,574 | $198 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $2,443 | $274 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Read more cost details
Best local movers in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
If you're moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in Rancho Santa Margarita:
- Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- VIP Transport, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Poor complaint handling
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
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Lack of communication
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
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Helpful movers
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 0137029
Years in Business: 41
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Mayflower Transit, VIP Transport East, Inc, VIP Transport - United Van Lines, VIP Transport - Mayflower Transit, United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Unreliable timing
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc, College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County, Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Moving costs in other nearby California cities
Average cost to move out of state with Rancho Santa Margarita movers
The cost of moving out of California can shift a lot depending on where you're headed. To give you an idea, we've listed a few sample routes below. For the most accurate estimate, take a look at your specific route from California or use our moving cost calculator.
Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Rancho Santa Margarita
When moving a one-bedroom home from Rancho Santa Margarita and out of California, the overall cost will mostly come down to distance, move size, and how you decide to move.
Still, to give you a rough idea, here are some sample cost ranges for long-distance moves from California:
- California to New York City: $3,539 - $7,245
- California to Chicago: $3,180 - $6,491
- California to Houston: $2,958 - $6,122
- California to Phoenix: $1,980 - $4,012
- California to Philadelphia: $3,612 - $7,251
Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Rancho Santa Margarita
Out-of-state moving costs from Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita:
- California to New York City: $5,025 - $9,207
- California to Chicago: $4,421 - $7,496
- California to Houston: $3,781 - $7,080
- California to Phoenix: $2,623 - $5,283
- California to Philadelphia: $5,232 - $8,771
Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Rancho Santa Margarita
Out-of-state moves from Rancho Santa Margarita involving four-bedroom homes can vary significantly in price. Factors like distance, volume, and seasonal demand all impact the total cost.
Below are sample price ranges for long-distance moves with four or more bedrooms from Rancho Santa Margarita:
- California to New York City: $10,130 - $14,015
- California to Chicago: $7,810 - $12,652
- California to Houston: $7,123 - $11,555
- California to Phoenix: $4,593 - $8,355
- California to Philadelphia: $9,656 - $14,192
Best interstate moving companies in Rancho Santa Margarita
Once you have a good idea of the cost to move out of California, your next move is to check out the best long-distance movers serving Rancho Santa Margarita.
- Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
rating
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- 10% discount for veterans and seniors
- Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
- Services local, long-distance, and international moves
- Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
- 24/7 customer service
- 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
- 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Moving containers in Rancho Santa Margarita generally cost about $540 for a local move, while long-distance jobs can push the total up to $2,970. If you’re heading across the country, it’s not uncommon to see prices close to $6,920 or even higher. The two biggest cost factors? Distance and the size of the container you choose.
We often recommend PODS in Rancho Santa Margarita. They have eight-, 12-, and 16-foot containers, keep pricing competitive, and have earned a solid reputation among customers. But don’t stop there. Get quotes from at least two other providers to see how everything compares.
Need more options? Take a look at these highly-rated moving container companies before making your decision.
Best moving container companies in Rancho Santa Margarita
If you want to save some money on your Rancho Santa Margarita move but don’t want the hassle of doing everything yourself, moving container companies are a great alternative. With a moving container, you’ll take care of the packing and loading but won’t have to worry about driving. Here are a few highly recommended options for moving containers in Rancho Santa Margarita:
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Average cost of moving truck rentals in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
The cheapest way to move from Rancho Santa Margarita is usually by renting a truck. Expect a daily base rate of around $60, though it can run anywhere from $19 to $38.355555555556, plus a per-mile charge between $1.698 and $1.2122222222222. While budget-friendly, this option means you’ll handle everything — from loading up to driving the truck to your new home.
Best moving truck rentals in Rancho Santa Margarita
If you're looking to save the most money, your best bet is to pack up and drive a rental truck yourself. Luckily, finding moving truck rental companies in Rancho Santa Margarita is easy. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, here are some of the top options:
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Hiring labor-only movers in Rancho Santa Margarita will run you about $30–$40 an hour per mover. So, if you’re working with a two-person crew, expect to pay $60–$80 per hour total.
Two people is typically all it takes to move studio apartments and one-bedrooms. But beyond that, you’ll probably need a larger crew. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually call for three or four movers, for example, and homes with four or more bedrooms require a four- or five-person crew.
Best labor-only moving companies in Rancho Santa Margarita
When hiring labor-only movers in Rancho Santa Margarita, go with a company that offers clear pricing and is known for reliable service. Companies that also help with packing or provide moving supplies can be a big plus.
Here are some of our favorite picks for labor-only movers.
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Factors that affect the cost of your Rancho Santa Margarita move
Since no two moves are exactly the same, neither are the costs. The amount you’ll pay will be based on the exact details of your move. There are some common cost factors to consider with your Rancho Santa Margarita move, including:
- How far you’re moving: The cost goes up the farther you’re moving. Local moves are typically less expensive than out-of-state or cross-country moves, which require more time, fuel, and labor.
- Move size: The more belongings you need to transport, the more it’ll cost. Bigger moves usually require larger trucks and more movers.
- The type of mover: Going with full-service movers generally costs more than doing it yourself with a moving container company, where you take on the packing and loading yourself.
- Optional services: Add-ons like packing, unpacking, or high-value insurance will raise your total. Even if you DIY, hiring labor to help load or unload will increase your costs.
- When you move: Timing matters. Summer, weekends, and month beginnings are in high demand—and more expensive. You can save by scheduling your move for mid-month or mid-week.
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.
Helpful Rancho Santa Margarita Resources
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