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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
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Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
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:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

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 $309 $101 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $400 $101 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $635 $146 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,385 $200 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $1,583 $200 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $2,461 $279 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Rancho Santa Margarita to move a studio apartment is $101 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 $101 per hour for local Rancho Santa Margarita movers. You'll need two movers for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: On average, it will cost an hourly rate of $146 to move a two-bedroom Rancho Santa Margarita 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 $200 an hour to have local Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita home, you'll pay $200 per hour for nine hours, on average, and need a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: It will cost an hourly rate of $279 for ten hours (using a five-person crew) to move a Rancho Santa Margarita home with five or more bedrooms.

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

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:

  1. Best California Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  2. Next Stop Moving & Storage: 4.24 out of 5 stars
  3. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Meathead Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. VIP Transport, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (41%)
  • Professional and polite staff (37%)
  • Good communication (36%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (18%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (14%)
  • Unexpected charges (10%)
Review Analysis
Moving perfection is rare, but Best California Movers comes close. Out of 1,177 pieces of customer feedback, over 98% are positive. Customers highlight the company's efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, professional staff, and great communication. Moves are completed swiftly without sacrificing care, and teams are consistently polite and attentive. Transparent pricing and quick response times also set this company apart from many others. On the flip side, a small number of people mention issues like item damage, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and slow resolution to complaints. While most customers found pricing and final charges accurate, those few negative experiences reflect the main risks found in the industry—miscommunication, claim delays, and the rare mishandling of belongings. Compared to typical movers, Best California Movers receives far fewer complaints about property damage and shows higher reliability and responsiveness. The feedback shows why so many recommend them for hassle-free, well-managed moves.
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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/NextStop.MovingStorage/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (27%)
  • Professional and polite staff (23%)
  • Good communication (21%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (14%)
  • Unexpected charges (11%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (9%)
Review Analysis
A torrent of praise floods the feedback for Next Stop Moving & Storage. Out of 210 reviews evaluated, 98% express satisfaction, lauding the crew for their professionalism, efficiency, careful handling, fast process, and excellent communication. People frequently highlight polite, capable staff who handle belongings with attention. Customers appreciate that the booking process is smooth and pricing is usually clear. The company’s service stands out in a market where moving horror stories are common, with many reviewers calling the team the best they’ve worked with and the process seamless. Negative input is rare (1.4%) but concentrated on cases of surprise charges, subcontracted movers, and damaged or missing items. A recurring issue cited in negative input was being charged extra beyond the quoted price, sometimes due to secondary companies being involved. The limited neutral feedback also noted unclear or unhonored pricing. Compared with other movers, Next Stop consistently provides a more reliable and courteous experience, but a small number of cases raise concerns about third-party involvement and unexpected costs. Most customers walk away relieved, often calling Next Stop their go-to recommendation, while a few urge caution about ensuring all project details are confirmed in writing.
Get a Quote (877) 307-0101

Company Info

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 3756197

Alternate Names: Domus Logistics Inc


Services Offered

  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
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


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/meatheadmovers?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (24%)
  • Professional and polite staff (21%)
  • Careful handling (19%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
  • Unexpected charges (16%)
Review Analysis
Meathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process. On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.
Get a Quote (949) 485-7883

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
https://www.facebook.com/VIPMayflower/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Professional and polite staff (34%)
  • Good communication (31%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (21%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
Review Analysis
Stellar service and professionalism are at the heart of most customer input for VIP Transport, Inc. Out of 244 reviews analyzed, 88.5% reflect positive feedback with standout praise for the company’s professional staff, reliable communication, and careful handling of possessions. Movers are routinely described as efficient, friendly, and willing to go the extra mile, making the moving process much less stressful. Customers also highlight helpful attitudes and strong organizational skills from both office and field staff, setting VIP Transport ahead of many competitors. The main negative feedback, making up about 9%, centers on damaged items, slow resolution of claims, or lapses in communication and delivery timelines. Still, these issues appear in a small minority of cases. A few neutral comments mention price competitiveness and the condition of vehicles. With consistent praise for attentive and skilled teams, transparent communication, and a reputation for reducing the hassle of relocation, VIP Transport remains a top choice for complex or long-distance moves—even if some room for improvement persists regarding claims and rare mishandled items.
Get a Quote (951) 272-3700

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

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

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

The price of moving a one-bedroom home from Rancho Santa Margarita to another state largely depends on how far you're going, the size of your move, and the moving method you choose.

To help set expectations, here are a few example price ranges for long-distance moves leaving California:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Rancho Santa Margarita

Costs for moving a two- or three-bedroom home out of Rancho Santa Margarita are mostly influenced by the total load. A modest three-bedroom move can sometimes come in cheaper than a larger, well-furnished two-bedroom home with heavier belongings.

Here’s a general overview of what you might pay for two- to three-bedroom moves covering comparable distances:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Rancho Santa Margarita

Relocating a four-bedroom or larger home from Rancho Santa Margarita involves a number of variables. The costs can vary significantly depending on distance, volume, and seasonality.

Here’s a general idea of what long-distance moves from Rancho Santa Margarita with four or more bedrooms might cost:

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.

Best Overall Value
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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
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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
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
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
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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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 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

The average cost of moving containers in Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita 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 Rancho Santa Margarita

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 Rancho Santa Margarita, but here are some of our favorites:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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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 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, plus a per-mile charge between $2 and $1. 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:

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
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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
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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 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.

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 Rancho Santa Margarita move

The exact amount you’ll pay for your move depends on the specific details of your move. That said, here are some of the most common factors that can influence the price of your Rancho Santa Margarita move:

  • Where you’re moving: The farther the distance between your current home and your new one, the more you can expect to pay. A local move within the same city or nearby area will usually cost less than a long-distance or cross-country relocation due to fuel, mileage, and labor time.
  • How much stuff you have: More belongings mean more work. Larger moves often need a bigger truck and additional crew members, which increases the overall cost.
  • Your moving method: Full-service movers handle everything for you, but that convenience comes at a price. Choosing a DIY option, like a moving container company, can be more affordable if you’re willing to do the heavy lifting yourself.
  • The services you select: Extra services like packing, unpacking, or premium insurance will add to your total. Even if you're going DIY, hiring help for loading and unloading will bump up your budget.
  • Your moving date: Moving prices fluctuate based on demand. You'll pay more during the summer, on weekends, or at the start or end of the month. Mid-week and mid-month moves usually come with lower rates.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Consider extra insurance. Full-service movers must provide basic coverage — called released value protection — at no additional charge. It’s free, but offers very limited protection: just $0.60 per pound per item, no matter what it’s worth. So, if a 25-pound TV valued at $1,000 gets damaged, you’d only be reimbursed $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Many movers — and some home insurers — also offer full-value insurance based on your item’s actual worth for an added fee.
  • Confirm your move is approved. Certain neighborhoods, especially those with HOAs, may restrict moving days or hours. Be sure to check those policies ahead of time and notify your property manager of your planned move-in or move-out date.
  • Keep key documents ready. If you’re moving in or out of an apartment complex, you may need to present proof of mover’s insurance and possibly an elevator reservation. These details are often found in your moving agreement, so pull them together early to avoid last-minute scrambling.
  • Secure a parking spot. For complete guidelines, check the Rancho Santa Margarita website.

Helpful Rancho Santa Margarita Resources

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