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How Much Do Movers Cost in San Clemente, CA ?

Quick answer: In San Clemente, California, local movers usually charge between $428 and $4,020, or around $122 per hour. If you’re heading out of California, the cost of long-distance movers in San Clemente depends on the move size, mileage, and any extra services you request.

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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 fit’s your budget.
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 fit’s your budget.
Use our moving cost calculator to get an accurate quote for your move.
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Average cost of local movers in San Clemente, CA

When you choose to hire a moving company in San Clemente, the ease and efficiency of the process cannot be overlooked. However, this convenience typically requires a bigger budget compared to handling the move on your own.

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

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $428 $171 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $600 $171 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $977 $240 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $2,273 $336 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $2,609 $336 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $4,020 $470 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost details

  • Studio: The typical studio apartment move involves two skilled movers, taking approximately three hours. The time needed is influenced by how many possessions you have and their type, and the cost is set at $171 per hour.
  • One bedroom: Expect to spend around $171 per hour when moving from a one-bedroom home. This includes a two-person team working for approximately four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: Relocating a two-bedroom home in California generally costs around $240 an hour. Expect to need three movers for a duration of about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay an hourly rate of $336 for California movers. A three-bedroom home typically takes eight hours to complete using a four-person crew.
  • Four bedrooms: Relocating a four-bedroom home in California requires four movers and will take around nine hours, with a pricing of $336 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: When you hire California movers for a home with five or more bedrooms, the rate is $470 per hour. Generally, a move of this magnitude demands five movers and takes approximately 10 hours.

Here’s a perk: The average hourly rate for movers in San Clemente, CA, is lower than the national average — $122 vs. $139.

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

Best local moving companies in San Clemente, CA

Our expert team has thoroughly analyzed licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to identify the top local moving companies in San Clemente.

  1. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  2. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
  3. Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  4. Meathead Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
  5. SafeWay Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
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.
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Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Company Info

State license #: 189603

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 649215


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Lack of communication
  • Difficult to reach
  • Unreliable timing
Review Analysis
Moving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customers—94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the movers’ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies.
Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.
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Get a Quote (800) 275-7767

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Poor complaint handling
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


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Poor packing quality
Review Analysis
Moving with Meathead Movers feels less like a hassle and more like a well-organized project. After reviewing 529 pieces of customer feedback, 84% express satisfaction with professional, efficient crews known for careful handling and great communication. Most describe staff as polite and reliable, remarking on quick booking and prompt service.
Positive input consistently references efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and strong coordination as standout qualities—qualities that set this company apart from many moving firms. Some clients encountered issues, notably with damage to items, underestimates leading to higher costs, and occasional poor packing by certain crews. These concerns represent about 13% of the feedback and highlight areas where attention to detail could be improved. Around 3% of reviews were neutral, often focusing on high costs, inconsistent packing, or small mistakes offset by decent customer support. Compared to most moving companies, Meathead Movers ranks high for service consistency and professionalism, but customers should clarify estimates and discuss special packing needs in advance.
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Get a Quote (951) 501-8866

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Customers rave about SafeWay Moving & Storage’s outstanding professionalism and care. Of the 482 feedback items analyzed, nearly 95% were positive, showing deep satisfaction with efficient service, respectful movers, careful handling, prompt communication, and speedy move times. Many highlight a seamless booking process and clear pricing, with numerous comparisons stating SafeWay outperformed larger chains and local competitors in both reliability and overall experience.
Negative input, though rare, centers on item damage, unexplained extra charges, or difficulty reaching staff. A few cite poor packing or missing items as major issues. While almost all users report secure, worry-free moves—often calling SafeWay the best they’ve used—potential customers should still verify pricing details and special service needs up front given the few complaints about costs and communication. SafeWay stands out among moving companies for professionalism, but, as with any mover, diligence before booking is wise.
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Get a Quote (949) 639-0330

Company Info

State license #: 0190459

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 70719


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

Average cost to hire interstate movers in San Clemente, CA

The cost of moving out of California depends heavily on where you’re headed. To give you a clearer picture, we’ve included a few sample price points below. For the most accurate numbers, be sure to check your specific moving route from California or use our moving cost calculator.

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

When moving a one-bedroom home from San Clemente 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:

  • San Clemente to Mesa $1,301 – $2,955
  • San Clemente to Portland $2,109 – $4,458
  • San Clemente to Baltimore $2,458 – $5,298

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

Costs for moving a two- or three-bedroom home out of San Clemente 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:

  • San Clemente to Phoenix $1,597 – $4,003
  • San Clemente to Denver $2,327 – $5,222
  • San Clemente to Des Moines $2,775 – $5,488

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

Moving a four-bedroom or larger home from San Clemente is a complex task with many factors to consider. The expenses can fluctuate greatly based on the distance, the amount of belongings, and the time of year.

Below is an estimate of what long-distance moves originating from San Clemente for homes with four or more bedrooms might entail:

  • San Clemente to Tucson $2,973 – $5,581
  • San Clemente to Denver $3,884 – $6,314
  • San Clemente to San Antonio $4,196 – $7,303

Best interstate moving companies in San Clemente, CA

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 San Clemente .

Best overall value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most experienced mover
Licensedcheckmark
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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 Clemente, CA

In San Clemente, moving container prices usually start around $530 for local moves and can run as high as $2,950 for longer hauls. Cross-country relocations tend to be more expensive, with some topping out near $6,950 or more. The final price depends heavily on the distance and size of the container you go with.

Best moving containers in San Clemente, CA

For more trusted providers, browse this list of top moving container companies.

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 Clemente, CA

In San Clemente, daily rental costs for a moving truck usually start at $60, with most people paying between $19 and $38, plus mileage fees of $2 to $1. It’s a solid choice for those looking to cut costs, but keep in mind it’s a fully DIY approach. You’ll be doing the heavy lifting and the driving.

Here are the typical costs of San Clemente 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:

  • Mileage on the rental truck
  • Number of days you rent it
  • Tolls along your route
  • Hotel and restaurant expenses
  • Added coverage or insurance plans
  • Fuel usage
  • Renting gear like hand trucks or straps
  • Urban parking costs

Best moving truck rentals in San Clemente, CA

Opting for a DIY move using a rental truck often turns out to be the most budget-friendly choice. In San Clemente, there’s a wide selection of moving truck rental companies eager to assist you in starting your journey. If you’re prepared to handle the physical work yourself, here are some leading options worth considering:

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 Clemente

Finding reliable moving help in San Clemente means looking for labor-only companies with upfront pricing and solid service reviews. It’s even better if they offer extras like packing assistance or moving supplies.

These are our top 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 Clemente, CA

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 San Clemente move, including:

  • The distance of your move: The further you travel, the more the expenses increase. Generally, local moves are less costly compared to interstate or nationwide relocations, which demand greater time, fuel, and manpower.
  • The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Purchase extra insurance, if needed. By law, full-service movers include basic released value protection at no cost, but it only covers $0.60 per pound per item. That means an original sculpture worth $750 and weighing 12 pounds would only be covered for $7.20 ($0.60 x 12). For peace of mind, ask your mover or home insurer about full-value protection based on your belongings’ actual worth.
  • Verify your moving approval. Some communities, particularly those governed by HOAs, might have specific restrictions on moving days or times. Ensure you review these guidelines in advance and inform your property manager of your scheduled move-in or move-out 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.

What discounts do San Clemente movers offer?

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

Type of discount San Clemente California National average
AAA members 0.0% 1.89% 1.13%
Seniors 2.44% 1.89% 4.31%
Students 0.0% 0.54% 1.17%
Teachers 2.44% 0.54% 0.35%
Law enforcement 0.0% 1.08% 0.72%
Military 0.0% 1.89% 3.97%

Not every company promotes discounts publicly, so ask your mover directly about available savings in San Clemente.

What is the cheapest way to move to San Clemente?

To cut costs, consider hiring a container service that allows you to pack and load your items while they manage the transportation in San Clemente. Alternatively, you can opt to rent a moving truck and take care of everything independently.

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

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Little Rock $2,955 – $6,601 $1,932 – $3,827 $1,012 – $2,228
Burlington $4,092 – $8,133 $2,541 – $5,161 $1,767 – $3,623
Seattle $2,698 – $6,029 $1,515 – $3,131 $783 – $1,626

How to pay for your San Clemente move

Credit cards are common, but many San Clemente movers also accept cash or money orders. Below, see how payment options stack up across city, state, and national movers.

Payment method San Clemente California U.S.
Credit card 36 347 2863
Cash 15 121 824
Money order 1 38 272

Payment options vary, so be sure to ask what’s accepted when contacting San Clemente movers.

Helpful San Clemente resources

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