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How Much Do Santee, CA Movers Cost?

Quick answer: The average cost for local movers in Santee, California is between $447 and $4,038, or roughly $122 per hour. If you’re relocating beyond California, the cost for long-distance movers in Santee varies based on the size and scope of your move.

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Average cost of local movers in Santee, CA

Securing the services of a moving company in Santee simplifies the moving process significantly, offering exceptional convenience. This convenience, however, comes with a higher cost than moving on your own would.

Here’s how much professional movers cost in Santee 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: A studio apartment move typically requires two movers and can take up to three hours, depending on the amount and types of belongings, at an hourly rate of $171.
  • One bedroom: Planning to move from a one-bedroom apartment or home? Anticipate costs of about $171 per hour for a team of two movers working for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: For a move involving a two-bedroom house in California, expect to pay roughly $240 hourly. Usually, it requires three movers working about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: In California, movers charge $336 per hour for managing a three-bedroom home. Completing this move typically involves a team of four over the course of eight hours.
  • Four bedrooms: Expect a four-bedroom move in California to require four movers, taking roughly nine hours, at a rate of $336 per hour.
  • Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring California movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $470 an hour. Homes this size usually require five movers and take about 10 hours.

Heads up, Santee: Movers charge an average of $122 per hour across CA — that’s below the national average of $139.

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

Best local moving companies in Santee, CA

Through meticulous evaluation of license status, insurance offerings, customer testimonials, and a variety of other data, our dedicated team has identified the top moving companies in Santee.

  1. McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  5. Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unprofessional behavior
  • Unexpected charges
Review Analysis
Customers rave about McCarthy Transfer & Storage’s professionalism and efficiency. Out of 221 feedback entries, over 91% praise the team’s politeness, careful handling, prompt communication, and quick moving process, reporting moves completed with speed and concern for personal property. Input frequently emphasizes courteous, skilled crews and services handled with respect for homes and belongings.
Some note that the company regularly exceeds experiences with other movers—especially for military relocations—earning more trust for reliability and staff friendliness. A small portion of feedback points out issues such as damaged or lost items, unprofessional conduct, or unexpected extra charges, particularly during military moves. Despite these isolated problems, most customer feedback compares McCarthy Transfer favorably to other moving companies for dependability and quality service.
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Get a Quote (619) 596-2594

Company Info

State license #: 0154190

DOT #: 2059504


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving day stress gets left behind with Best California Movers, according to an overwhelming 1,177 reviews—of which 98.5% were positive. Customers repeatedly point out efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moving, and excellent communication—attributes not seen as consistently in most moving companies. Feedback shows that belongings arrive safe and undamaged, with movers working swiftly and showing courtesy at every stage.
Many notice that clear communication and transparent pricing make the process easier, and crews are praised for problem-solving in tough situations. A handful of reviewers, though, cite incidents involving damaged items, unexpected charges from inaccurate price quotes, or difficulty with claims and follow-up. These lapses are rare compared to industry averages but noteworthy for those prioritizing accountability. While neutral reviews mention minor flaws with after-move support, they still highlight professionalism and care by the moving teams. Compared to other moving services, Best California Movers stands out for reliability, speed, and the personal touch so often missing in the industry.
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Get a Quote (858) 997-2487

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: 109/hr

DOT #: 3489907


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Customer input for Grizzly Moving points to standout performance: more than 92% of the 434 reviews highlight prompt, efficient, and careful service. Clients consistently mention that the team handles furniture cautiously and communicates well from booking to delivery. Movers show up on time, treat property with respect, and complete jobs swiftly, which sets Grizzly apart from standard moving companies.
The staff is repeatedly described as professional, polite, and considerate, making stressful relocations easier for families, businesses, and individuals alike. On the downside, around 7% of reviewers cite real concerns, especially about damage to belongings, unexpected final costs, and, less frequently, delays or missed arrival windows. While complaints are few compared to the high volume of positive feedback, the nature of issues—such as significant item damage or underestimated costs—are important for potential customers to consider before booking. Compared to competitors, Grizzly’s consistent execution, fair communication, and efficient process earn high marks, though diligence is still advisable to clarify insurance, costs, and special handling when booking. With such a dominant trend of satisfied feedback, Grizzly ranks as a top contender, though a minority of experiences remind customers to confirm all details upfront.
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Get a Quote (844) 474-9959

Company Info

State license #: 0191376

DOT #: 2642040


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Misplaced or lost items
Review Analysis
One Stop Moving & Storage stands out for its efficient, professional service, with a remarkable 76% of customer feedback describing a positive experience. Out of 628 reviews, most customers report quick moves, careful handling of belongings, polite staff, and clear communication—qualities that set this company above many competitors. Many mention moving day being stress-free thanks to a hardworking team skilled at protecting furniture and executing moves seamlessly.
Pricing is usually transparent and estimates tend to be accurate compared to other movers. On the downside, about 23% of feedback details more serious problems: some moves resulted in furniture damage, missing items, or unexpected charges, and customers who experienced these issues struggled to get satisfactory help after the fact. A few reviews also describe poor claims handling and communication gaps. While most people recommend One Stop Moving & Storage for careful, professional relocations, anyone booking a move should confirm all terms and insurance coverage in writing to help avoid surprises.
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Get a Quote (858) 633-8600

Company Info

State license #: 0190616

DOT #: 1956864


Services Offered

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Good communication
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving with care and professionalism stands out at Coleman Worldwide Moving. Out of 218 reviews analyzed, 82% reflect positive experiences, with many customers highlighting courteous, efficient crews and frequent, helpful communication. Feedback praises the company’s skillful staff, prompt service, and careful handling of belongings.
Customers often mention organized moves and proactive updates, which help ease the stress of relocating. Some report accurate pricing and responsive coordinators, noting these factors set Coleman apart from less reliable competitors. In contrast, the negative feedback centers on damage to items, missing boxes, and communication lapses, resulting in claims frustrations. While most customers enjoy smooth, attentive moves, a minority reports that lost or broken items and claim issues impacted their confidence. Compared to similar companies, Coleman receives consistent praise for professionalism and problem-solving but could improve the moving experience by tightening quality control and claims support.
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Get a Quote (877) 693-7060

Company Info

State license #: 0190444

DOT #: 2897746


Services Offered

  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

Average cost to hire interstate movers in Santee, CA

Since the cost of moving out of Santee depends so much on where you’re moving, we’ve included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to Santee or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.

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

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Santee and across California state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.

To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of California:

  • Santee to Phoenix $1,324 – $2,967
  • Santee to Denver $2,203 – $4,238
  • Santee to Louisville $2,715 – $4,873

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

Out-of-state moving costs from Santee for two- or three-bedroom homes depend on the total volume and weight of everything you’re bringing. For instance, the cost to move a three-bedroom home that’s lightly furnished and compact might be lower than that of a large, fully furnished two-bedroom space.

That said, here’s a general look at the price ranges you can expect for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distance from Santee:

  • Santee to Phoenix $1,706 – $4,188
  • Santee to El Paso $2,154 – $4,827
  • Santee to Philadelphia $3,704 – $6,735

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

Out-of-state moves from Santee involving moving 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 Santee:

  • Santee to Tucson $2,714 – $5,864
  • Santee to Portland $4,438 – $7,356
  • Santee to Nashville $5,909 – $9,782

Best interstate moving companies in Santee, CA

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 Santee .

Best overall value
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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 Santee, CA

In Santee, the cost of moving containers begins at approximately $480 for local relocations. For more distant in-state or regional moves, this cost can increase to around $2,980. Should you be considering a coast-to-coast journey, you might face expenses over $6,930. The total cost will primarily be influenced by the distance of your move and the size of the container you choose.

Best moving containers in Santee, CA

You can always start by checking out these other top-rated 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 Santee, CA

The average cost to rent a moving truck in Santee is $60 per day, but prices can be anywhere from $19- $38 daily, with an additional per-mile fee of $2- $1, depending on how far you’re moving and the truck size you need. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you’ll also need to drive the truck to your new home.

Here are the typical costs of Santee 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:

  • Rental duration
  • Distance driven
  • Fuel costs
  • Lodging and meals
  • Parking permits or fees
  • Toll charges
  • Rental of moving tools or dollies
  • Optional insurance coverage

Best moving truck rentals in Santee, CA

The most budget-friendly way to move is by packing everything up and hitting the road with a rental truck. There are plenty of moving truck rental companies to choose from in Santee. If you don’t mind the extra effort, here are a few of the best ones:

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 Santee

The best Santee labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.

We like these top-notch 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 Santee, CA

Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your Santee move:

  • 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.
  • Move date: Prices spike during the busy season (summer), weekends, and the beginning or end of the month. You’ll often save by moving mid-week or mid-month when demand is lower.
  • The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
  • The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.

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.
  • Make sure you’re following the rules. HOAs and managed properties often enforce specific moving times or days. Double-check these restrictions and give your building manager a heads-up to stay compliant and avoid delays.
  • 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.

What discounts do Santee movers offer?

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

Type of discount Santee California National average
AAA members 3.57% 1.98% 1.21%
Seniors 0.0% 1.98% 4.46%
Students 3.57% 0.57% 1.21%
Teachers 0.0% 0.57% 0.38%
Law enforcement 0.0% 1.13% 0.8%
Military 3.57% 1.98% 3.88%

Ask upfront about discounts when calling Santee movers — offers vary from one company to the next.

What is the cheapest way to move to Santee?

If you’re looking to save some cash, you could hire a container company to let you handle the packing and loading while they move your items through Santee. Alternatively, you might rent a moving truck and manage the entire job solo.

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

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Phoenix $1,694 – $5,103 $1,193 – $2,227 $358 – $719
Kansas City $3,000 – $7,293 $1,917 – $3,627 $1,056 – $2,271
Columbus $3,527 – $8,159 $2,304 – $4,949 $1,396 – $2,997

How to pay for your Santee move

Looking for flexible payment options? See how many movers in Santee take cash, money orders, or checks, and how that compares to others across CA and the nation.

Payment method Santee California U.S.
Credit card 27 333 2652
Cash 10 113 755
Money order 4 38 268

Whether you’re paying in cash or card, it’s smart to double-check your options before moving day.

Helpful Santee resources

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