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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.
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 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 Santa Maria, CA movers

Hiring a moving company in Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $466 $133 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $605 $137 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $873 $192 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,876 $260 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,136 $263 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,301 $365 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: Hiring movers in Santa Maria for a studio will run you about $133 per hour. Plan for three hours with a two-person team.
  • One bedroom: A typical one-bedroom move in Santa Maria costs around $137 an hour and takes four hours with two movers.
  • Two bedrooms: For a two-bedroom apartment or house, you'll likely pay $192 per hour. These moves often take five hours with three people.
  • Three bedrooms: The average cost to move a three-bedroom home in Santa Maria is $260 per hour. You’ll need four movers for about eight hours.
  • Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom home in Santa Maria usually means paying $263 hourly, with four movers working nine hours.
  • Five or more bedrooms: Expect hourly costs of about $365 for large homes in Santa Maria, requiring ten hours from a five-person crew.

Compare multiple moving quotes tailored to your Santa Maria move with our free, fast cost calculator tool.

Best local movers in Santa Maria, CA

If you're moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in Santa Maria:

  1. Meathead Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Martian Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Aloha Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. ASAP Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/MeatheadMovers
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Professional and polite staff (24%)
  • Careful handling (22%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (21%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—fast, careful, and professional. Across 534 customer accounts, 85% were satisfied with Meathead Movers, who consistently impress with prompt, efficient service, courteous staff, careful attention to belongings, and effective communication. Many point to their speed, skill, and ability to reduce moving stress as unmatched compared to other movers. Staff go out of their way to ensure everything is handled safely and customers feel supported throughout. Most praise the company’s organization and transparency, with workers often finishing ahead of schedule and providing clear updates. While Meathead stands out for reliability, a number of customers highlighted problems including damage to items, higher-than-expected costs than initial estimates, and issues with packing quality—especially when using packing services. Some experienced final bills much greater than the quotes they received, contributing to frustration. A few customers also reported items arriving broken or poor claim handling after reporting damage. Compared to other moving firms, feedback shows Meathead’s team typically provides a smoother, faster, and friendlier move—but attention to better estimate accuracy and meticulous packing would boost trust even further.
Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Packers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/martianmoversca,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Friendly and polite staff (25%)
  • Careful handling (20%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (35%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (15%)
Review Analysis
Rave reviews pour in for Martian Movers, spotlighting efficient service, polite staff, careful handling, fast move times, and reliable communication. Among 295 reviews, 95% of feedback describes stress-free moves by friendly, professional crews attentive to property and timing. Clients often mention rapid service, courteous demeanor, and exceptional care with belongings—even challenging items like pianos—setting them apart from less consistent competitors. For value, they frequently finish under quoted prices, with transparent estimates and easy scheduling. Less than 5% of feedback details significant issues during long-distance moves, including damaged items, late deliveries, unreliable timing, and poor handling. Some clients cite missed arrival windows, mishandling, or lack of follow-up on claims for damages. For most customers, though, reviews indicate Martian Movers outperforms other moving companies on efficiency, professionalism, and customer care, while a few experienced notable problems with high-value or out-of-area jobs.
Get a Quote (805) 549-5122

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3196615

Alternate Names: Cal-Safe Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/alohamovingsb/, https://x.com/AlohaMoving1
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (60%)
  • Professional and polite staff (57%)
  • Careful handling (53%)
Customer Complaints
  • Higher-than-expected costs (15%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)
  • Lack of communication (8%)
Review Analysis
Aloha Moving stands out as a trusted choice for relocation in the Santa Barbara area, with 102 pieces of feedback analyzed. A remarkable 97% of customer input rates their service positively. Most people praise the professional and polite staff, efficient service, and the careful handling of belongings. Customers often highlight excellent communication, quick moving processes, and consistently stress-free experiences compared to other movers. Costs are typically seen as fair, estimates accurate, and appointments handled on schedule. The company's owner, Paul, frequently receives personal mentions for his direct involvement and reliability. On the downside, a small number of negative comments mention higher-than-expected costs and instances of pushy or unprofessional behavior, but these are rare in comparison to the volume of praise. In terms of reliability, service, and care, Aloha Moving repeatedly exceeds what’s expected from moving companies, setting a high standard in the local industry.
Get a Quote (805) 564-8800

Company Info

State license #: 0191816

Years in Business: 24

DOT #: 2660138


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063674645817, https://x.com/asapmoversslo
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (35%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
ASAP Movers earns top scores with 94% of customer feedback highlighting efficient service and highly professional, polite staff. Most people praise how carefully their belongings are handled and how quickly moves are completed, with clear communication throughout each step. While most customers note friendly, attentive teams, a handful cite concerns over damaged items or unprofessional behavior, and some mention lapses in communication. The company’s strong record for reliability and care outpaces many competitors, but those seeking flawless handling should remain mindful of rare, but notable, incidents involving broken or mishandled property. With over 400 reviews analyzed, ASAP Movers stands out for dependable, courteous service at a competitive price.
Get a Quote (805) 544-9222

Company Info

State license #: 0190288

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 1278931

Alternate Names: A S A P Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/MammothMoving/, https://x.com/mammothmoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Careful handling (36%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
  • Lack of communication (12%)
Review Analysis
A resounding chorus of praise sets Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. apart. Among 182 pieces of customer feedback, 94.5% describe excellent service, with standout mentions for their professionalism, efficient team, careful handling of belongings, strong communication skills, and swift work pace. Movers are frequently described as polite, helpful, and highly attentive, resulting in a stress-free move for many clients. Customers appreciate scheduling flexibility, transparency in pricing, and the company’s willingness to go the extra mile. In contrast, 3.8% voiced concerns such as unexpected charges, property damage, and negative interactions with office staff. A handful of neutral comments note dissatisfaction with claims reimbursements and clarity on insurance coverage. Mammoth’s high satisfaction rate and attention to detail put them a step ahead of most moving companies, especially in a field where reliability and professional conduct are paramount.
Get a Quote (805) 968-8643

Company Info

State license #: 0173549

Years in Business: 36

DOT #: 2645059


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

Average cost to move out of state with Santa Maria movers

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 Santa Maria

When moving a one-bedroom home from Santa Maria 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:

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

Out-of-state moving costs from Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria:

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

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

Best interstate moving companies in Santa Maria

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 Santa Maria to get things rolling.

Best Overall Value
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
Licensedcheckmark
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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 Santa Maria, CA

In Santa Maria, using moving containers typically starts at around $480 for a local move. For longer in-state or regional relocations, that number can rise to about $2,980. If you're planning a coast-to-coast move, expect rates in excess of $6,930. Your final price will largely depend on how far you're moving and your container size.

We recommend PODS in Santa Maria as a strong option. PODS offers three container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), allowing you some flexibility in picking the one that best fits your needs. Their rates are competitive, and customers overwhelmingly give them high marks for their service. To make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, though, get quotes from PODS and at least two other companies before locking in a decision.

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

Best moving container companies in Santa Maria

A moving container company is a good fit if you don’t mind doing some heavy lifting. You’ll have to pack up everything and load it up yourself but you’ll get the benefit of a professional driver to safely transport your belongings to your new home. There are several solid choices in Santa Maria — these 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
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Santa Maria, CA

Renting a moving truck in Santa Maria 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.

Best moving truck rentals in Santa Maria

A full DIY move with a rental truck is almost always the lowest-cost option. In Santa Maria, you’ll find lots of moving truck rental companies ready to help you get on the road. If you're ready to do the heavy lifting — literally — these are some of the top companies to check out:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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 Santa Maria, CA

It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in Santa Maria. 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 Santa Maria

If you're looking for labor assistance in Santa Maria, 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.

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 Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria 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

  • Check your community’s moving rules. Many areas, especially those with HOAs, have moving restrictions on specific days or times. Be sure to review these rules and notify your building or HOA ahead of time.
  • 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.
  • Have documentation ready. You might need to show proof of insurance or elevator reservations when moving in or out of an apartment. This info is usually outlined in your moving contract, so gather it before the big day arrives.
  • Don’t forget about parking. Visit the Santa Maria website for more details on parking regulations.

Helpful Santa Maria Resources

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