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How Much Do San Carlos, CA Movers Cost?

Quick answer: Local moving costs in San Carlos, California typically range from $447 to $4,038, with an average hourly rate of $122. For out-of-state moves, what you’ll pay long-distance movers in San Carlos depends on how far you’re going, your home size, and service level.

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Average cost of local movers in San Carlos, CA

Opting for a moving company in San Carlos provides unmatched convenience, streamlining your move considerably. Be prepared, however, for this ease of transition to come with a steeper price than if you decide to dive into a DIY move.

Here’s how much professional movers cost in San Carlos based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $447 $171 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $618 $171 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $995 $240 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $2,291 $336 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $2,627 $336 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $4,038 $470 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost details

  • Studio: When relocating from a studio apartment, it’s common to have two movers handle the job, which can consume up to three hours. This timeframe can shift depending on your belongings, charged by the hour at $171.
  • One bedroom: When relocating from a one-bedroom residence, it’s reasonable to plan for a cost of $171 per hour. This accounts for a two-person crew over the course of four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom home in California will cost about $240 an hour. You’ll likely need three movers for five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: The cost to hire movers in California for a three-bedroom home is $336 per hour. Generally, it takes eight hours to finish with a crew of four.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom move in California, expect four movers to need about nine hours, billed at $336 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: The hourly rate for hiring California movers to handle a property with five or more bedrooms is $470. Moves of this scale typically involve five movers and around 10 hours.

Good news for San Carlos moves: Hourly moving rates in CA hover around $122, which undercuts the U.S. norm of $139.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your San Carlos move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in San Carlos, CA

With a comprehensive review of licenses, insurance policies, customer feedback, and myriad other factors, our skilled team has pinpointed the best local movers in San Carlos.

  1. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Luigy’s Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. AMS Bekins: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving made easy is how customers describe Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., with 86.9% of the 634 feedback entries rating their services positively. Reviewers consistently mention efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. The booking process is straightforward and communication is strong, making moves feel stress-free compared to larger companies.
Many highlight how quickly items are moved and the competitive pricing, with exceptional care towards fragile and valuable belongings. In contrast, 11.7% report issues, mainly with damaged items, late arrivals, or communication lapses during scheduling and claims. While the company receives high praise for their courteous movers and fast work, cases of lost or broken property and delayed deliveries set them apart from top-tier providers who resolve complaints faster and provide more consistent updates. Neutral input often cites both efficient execution and minor damages. Eagle stands out for its efficiency and customer-focused approach but should address recurring concerns with item handling and reliability during high-stress moves.
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Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Company Info

State license #: 0190673

DOT #: 3670248


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Unexpected charges
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.
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Get a Quote (510) 430-2667

Company Info

State license #: 0192456

DOT #: 3071646


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Insurance issues
Review Analysis
Customer stories about Luigy’s Moving & Storage highlight a company that stands out for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and friendly, supportive movers. Out of 125 customer reports, 93.6% praise efficient work, courteous teams, precise scheduling, and protected furniture. People frequently mention that staff went out of their way to assist, arriving on time and wrapping or moving items safely.
While most input speaks highly of dependable service and fair pricing, a few negative reports cite unexpected extra charges, missing belongings, and unresolved insurance concerns. These serious criticisms were rare compared to industry averages but are important for transparency. Compared to other movers, Luigy’s receives above-average marks for reliability, staff demeanor, and minimizing stress on moving day.
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Get a Quote (415) 413-4646

Company Info

State license #: 0192210

DOT #: 02740355


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Friendly and approachable staff
Customer Complaints
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Lack of communication
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Moving has never been this stress-free, according to feedback from 130 customers, and nearly 95% reflect positive experiences with Gentle Giant Moving Company. Clients highlight fast-moving teams, consistently polite and friendly staff, careful treatment of belongings, and swift, organized processes. Many describe their crews as efficient, hardworking, and genuinely committed to making moves smooth.
Attention to detail and respectful communication set Gentle Giant apart from most competitors. Some mention higher costs than expected and a handful report frustration with unclear estimates or communication lapses. A few note setbacks like rude customer service or lack of follow-up. Still, the overwhelming majority find Gentle Giant’s efficiency, professionalism, and care exceptional compared to other moving firms.
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Get a Quote (415) 544-7000

Company Info

State license #: 0167668

DOT #: 373544


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
AMS Bekins earns high marks from most customers, with 82% of feedback recognizing professional, courteous crews and consistently careful handling of belongings. Movers are praised for their promptness, efficiency, and transparent communication, making the process much less stressful than with other companies. Clients commonly highlight the team’s attention to detail and respectful treatment of both property and people.
On the other hand, about 17% of input, higher than industry leaders, flags issues with item damage, weak communication after problems arise, and instances of lost or misplaced goods. Delays and unsatisfactory resolution processes also appear, though less frequently. In direct comparison to other movers, AMS Bekins stands out for successful execution but risks frustrating clients when issues aren’t remedied swiftly. With 317 reviews analyzed, the vast majority strongly recommend AMS Bekins, making it a reliable option for those valuing professionalism and diligent service, yet potential customers should pay close attention to paperwork and policies to avoid disappointment if complications occur.
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Get a Quote (650) 239-2430

Company Info

State license #: 0168138

DOT #: 2256609


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

Average cost to hire interstate movers in San Carlos, CA

The cost of moving out of California mostly depends on where you’re headed, so we’ve listed some sample prices below. For more precise costs, explore your moving route to California or use our moving cost calculator.

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

Several factors influence the price of a one-bedroom move from San Carlos — mainly how far you’re going, how much you’re bringing, and how you plan to get it there.

Below are some common price ranges to help estimate the cost of long-distance moves from California:

  • San Carlos to Las Vegas $1,486 – $3,161
  • San Carlos to Denver $2,199 – $4,859
  • San Carlos to Fort Worth $2,667 – $5,157

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

When moving either a two- or three-bedroom home from San Carlos, the primary factor impacting cost is the overall weight of your belongings. Interestingly, a larger two-bedroom home with numerous possessions might end up costing more than a more modestly furnished three-bedroom move.

Below, you’ll find a typical cost range for moves spanning similar distances for homes with two to three bedrooms:

  • San Carlos to Las Vegas $2,004 – $4,340
  • San Carlos to Seattle $2,203 – $4,953
  • San Carlos to Oklahoma City $3,138 – $6,045

Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from San Carlos

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

  • San Carlos to Las Vegas $3,108 – $6,340
  • San Carlos to Portland $4,101 – $6,854
  • San Carlos to Boston $7,817 – $11,948

Best interstate moving companies in San Carlos, CA

Understanding the potential cost of your move from California is a great starting point. From here, you’ll want to connect with the top-rated long-distance movers in San Carlos to get things rolling.

Best overall value
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most experienced mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best for contents coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years’ experience
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best customer service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best customized plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in San Carlos, CA

Moving containers in San Carlos 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.

Best moving containers in San Carlos, CA

Check out this list of top moving container companies for reliable providers you can trust.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 5.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount

Average cost to rent a moving truck in San Carlos, CA

Renting a moving truck in San Carlos usually costs about $60 per day, but prices can range from $19 to $38 daily. You’ll also pay a per-mile fee of $2- $1, depending on your move’s distance and the truck size. While this is the most affordable moving method, just know it also means doing all the heavy lifting — and driving — yourself.

Here are the typical costs of San Carlos rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19 – $38 per day
  • Mileage fee: $2 – $1 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20-$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • Total drive distance
  • Timeframe of your rental
  • Insurance add-ons
  • Where and how you park
  • Highway tolls
  • Fuel needed for the trip
  • Dining stops and hotel stays
  • Extra equipment rentals like ramps or blankets

Best moving truck rentals in San Carlos, CA

The cheapest way to move is to just pack and drive it yourself with a moving truck. There’s no shortage of options for moving truck rental companies in San Carlos. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Best labor-only moving companies in San Carlos

When hiring labor-only movers in San Carlos, 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.

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

Factors that affect the cost of movers in San Carlos, CA

Since every move is a little different, your total cost will depend on your individual needs. Still, here are some of the key factors that commonly affect San Carlos moving costs:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Add-on services: Want help packing or extra coverage for your stuff? These kinds of add-ons cost more — and even DIY moves cost extra if you hire help for the heavy lifting.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Evaluate the need for additional insurance. While full-service movers include basic coverage known as released value protection at no extra cost, it provides minimal security: a mere $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of its actual value. Therefore, if your 25-pound TV worth $1,000 gets damaged, reimbursement would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). To bridge this gap, many movers and some home insurers offer full-value insurance that covers the true value of your belongings for an extra fee.
  • 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.
  • 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.

What discounts do San Carlos movers offer?

Some movers in San Carlos advertise discounts for specific groups. Here’s a breakdown of what’s available locally compared to state and national averages:

Type of discount San Carlos California National average
AAA members 1.89% 1.98% 1.21%
Seniors 0.0% 1.98% 4.46%
Students 0.0% 0.57% 1.21%
Teachers 0.0% 0.57% 0.38%
Law enforcement 0.94% 1.13% 0.8%
Military 0.0% 1.98% 3.88%

Discounts aren’t universal — be sure to ask your San Carlos movers if they offer any when requesting quotes.

What is the cheapest way to move to San Carlos?

For a budget-friendly move, you might look into a container company where you do the packing and loading. They’ll handle the transport of your goods in San Carlos. Another option is to rent a moving truck and manage the entire process yourself.

Here are the average moving costs from San Carlos to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Houston $3,470 – $7,986 $2,165 – $4,359 $1,231 – $2,607
Washington $4,216 – $8,718 $2,677 – $5,819 $1,794 – $3,788
Castle Pines $2,896 – $6,596 $1,715 – $3,626 $887 – $1,824

How to pay for your San Carlos move

Wondering how to pay your movers? While most accept credit cards, some also take checks, cash, or money orders. Here’s how payment methods in San Carlos compare to those across CA and the U.S.

Payment method San Carlos California U.S.
Credit card 103 333 2652
Cash 30 113 755
Money order 15 38 268

Some San Carlos movers offer more flexibility than others — ask how you can pay before booking.

Helpful San Carlos resources

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