10 Best Moving Companies in California (2025 Reviews)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Dec 14, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.

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.

Best local CA mover:

Best California Movers

4.66
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Best California Movers

4.66
Best rental truck:

Budget Truck Rental

4.3

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

North American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

1,800 trucks
Storage available
Customized moving plans

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Our track record

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Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers for those moving locally in California

Staying local in Los Angeles, San Diego, or somewhere else in California within a 50-mile radius? A local mover in CA could be the way to go.

Out of 289 local California companies we reviewed, Best California Movers earned the top spot for California moves for their excellent service and fair rates.

Best California Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Double Move: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591

99% of all reviews were positive

1% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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.

Get a Quote

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

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080

87% of all reviews were positive

12% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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.

Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Company Info

State license #: 0190673

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 3670248

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Double Move

7224 CatBoat Circle, Citrus Heights, CA 95621

99% of all reviews were positive

1% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Movers who turn stress into relief—that's what shines through in nearly all 203 customer reviews analyzed for Double Move. Over 98% of the feedback praised their efficient service, careful item handling, professionalism, speed, and willingness to help. Positive input often highlighted how careful the crews were with valuable or fragile furniture, and many customers noted that every team member was polite and attentive. Fast and smooth moving days were a consistent theme. In comparison to many moving companies, Double Move stands out for making the entire process seamless and low-stress at rates that were typically seen as fair. Negative feedback was rare, with only two complaints: one cited a major delay and lack of transparency on fees, while another felt overcharged for heavy items. One neutral review mentioned a somewhat disorganized unload and costs higher than expected. On balance, Double Move's customer input sets a high bar for trustworthiness and care in the moving industry, with only isolated concerns about pricing and punctuality.

Get a Quote (916) 252-2959

Company Info

Years in Business: 2

DOT #: 4027902

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Grace Moving Company

800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA 95351 US

92% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Grace Moving Company stands out for its fast, friendly, and highly professional crews, making challenging moves less stressful for hundreds of customers. Among 467 reviews, 91.6% praised the team's efficiency, careful handling, and clear communication. Movers consistently arrive on time, protect customer belongings, and deliver quick service without hidden fees, with many feedback reports highlighting friendly, polite, and respectful staff. Customers often find costs fair or lower than expected, which is uncommon in this industry. Negative input, representing only 7% of reviews, typically notes property damage, missing items, or final costs above estimates. Some reported unresponsiveness during claims or concerns about lost belongings. Neutral feedback usually involves minor quirks like inconsistency among moving team members or delays in follow-up but still describes a generally satisfactory experience. Compared to typical movers, Grace Moving receives a higher rate of glowing endorsements and personal recommendations, solidifying its reputation for reliability and care. Most customers would choose them again.

Get a Quote (209) 821-1520

Company Info

State license #: 0189642

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 2806730

Grace Moving Company, based in Modesto, CA, has been reliably serving local residents since 1999, earning a stellar reputation for their top-notch residential moving services. Unlike many competitors, Grace Moving Company also offers specialized services like piano and art moving, packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Notably, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local relocations.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Pay by credit card

Sterling Van Lines

6850 Suva St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201

85% of all reviews were positive

14% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Sterling Van Lines earns consistent praise for professionalism, careful handling, strong communication, efficient service, and competitive rates. Most feedback highlights that movers are polite, possessions arrive safely, and jobs are finished promptly. On the other hand, the company receives criticism for missed delivery estimates, delayed arrivals, and occasional lost or missing items. A few customers report lack of communication or difficulty getting updates. Compared to competitors, Sterling stands out for specializing in small moves, responsive support, and reliable pricing, but may miss the mark on punctuality and resolving claims promptly. Out of 362 reviews analyzed, 84.5% were positive, showing Sterling Van Lines is trusted by most clients for careful moves at a fair price, though some experience logistical hiccups or delays.

Get a Quote (866) 266-8751

Company Info

State license #: 0189566

Years in Business: 33

DOT #: 568254

Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.

Sterling Van Lines, established in 1992, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Bell Gardens, CA. Renowned for their exceptional service, they boast an average Yelp rating of 4.0 from 145 reviews and a Google rating of 4.6 from 231 reviews, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they provide comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, fragile-only packing, and the specialized handling of items like pianos, safes, and antiques. Sterling Van Lines accepts various payment methods, including credit cards and cash, with no deposit required, making them a convenient choice for local moves.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Other local CA movers

While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Specialty services CA movers offer

Not all moving companies provide the same set of services. Availability of certain specialty offerings depends on location and the expertise of the movers in your area.

Below, you’ll find which services movers in California provide compared to the national average, along with our top recommendations for each category.

Piano moving

Comparing CA & national movers

California

296 (80%)

out of 370 total movers

Nationwide

2,300 (72.33%)

out of 3,180 total movers

Top California piano movers

Company	Quote	Rating
most popular Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.64 overall rating
most popular Double Move	Get A Quote	4.2 overall rating
Grace Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.76 overall rating
Sterling Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.7 overall rating
All Star Movers & Storage	Get A Quote	4.7 overall rating

Special handling of antiques

Comparing CA & national movers

California

227 (61.35%)

out of 370 total movers

Nationwide

1,465 (46.07%)

out of 3,180 total movers

Top California antique movers

Company	Quote	Rating
most popular Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.64 overall rating
Grace Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.76 overall rating
Sterling Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.7 overall rating
Rigo's Moving Company Inc	Get A Quote	4.66 overall rating
Republic Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.64 overall rating

Art packing & loading

Comparing CA & national movers

California

229 (61.89%)

out of 370 total movers

Nationwide

1,449 (45.57%)

out of 3,180 total movers

Top California art movers

Company	Quote	Rating
most popular Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.64 overall rating
Grace Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.76 overall rating
Sterling Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.7 overall rating
All Star Movers & Storage	Get A Quote	4.7 overall rating
Rigo's Moving Company Inc	Get A Quote	4.66 overall rating

Climate-controlled storage

Comparing CA & national movers

California

73 (19.73%)

out of 370 total movers

Nationwide

1,035 (32.55%)

out of 3,180 total movers

Top California climate-controlled storage movers

Company	Quote	Rating
most popular Sterling Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.7 overall rating
All Star Movers & Storage	Get A Quote	4.7 overall rating
Republic Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.64 overall rating
Air 1 Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.62 overall rating
McCarthy Transfer & Storage	Get A Quote	4.58 overall rating

Fragile-only packing

Comparing CA & national movers

California

105 (28.38%)

out of 370 total movers

Nationwide

748 (23.52%)

out of 3,180 total movers

Top California fragile-only packing movers

Company	Quote	Rating
most popular Sterling Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.7 overall rating
Republic Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.64 overall rating
Seka Moving	Get A Quote	4.64 overall rating
Merit Moving Systems	Get A Quote	4.62 overall rating
Unique Moving Inc.	Get A Quote	4.62 overall rating

Best movers for those moving out of California

Planning to move out of the Golden State? Check out our picks for top-rated interstate moving companies:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

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

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Best moving containers in California

If you want to save some money, need storage, or just prefer to move at your own pace, moving containers can be an ideal alternative to full-service movers. You’ll have to load your moving container yourself — but you’ll have multiple days to do so. When you’re ready, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home.

Here are our favorite moving containers in California:

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

(855) 394-4102

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices (844) 362-5303

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Get A Quote

(866) 586-5970

Best rental trucks for your California move

Going the rental truck route is the most affordable way to move, but it also comes with some heavy lifting. You’ll be in charge of everything, from packing and loading to driving and unloading. The savings can be big, though, especially for moves that stay close to home.

Rental trucks work well for longer distances, too, but be aware of additional costs like mileage charges and gas. These can add up quickly, so be sure to calculate them before deciding this is the most budget-friendly option.

We’ve rounded up the best rental moving trucks in California:

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Penske Truck Rental

rating

4 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Most expensive
4 truck sizes
Unlimited mileage

Check prices (844) 847-9517

U-Haul Truck Rental

rating

4.15 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Greatest coverage
7 truck sizes
One way rentals

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Labor-only hourly movers in California

If you want some muscle but don’t need the whole moving package, labor-only movers are a great solution. These teams can help with heavy lifting, furniture disassembly, and even packing. You’ll still need to rent a truck and take care of the drive yourself.

Here are some of the best labor-only moving crews available in California:

Best California Movers

rating

4.66 / 5

Years in Business: 6
Yelp: 4.9 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

Visit Website

Double Move

rating

4.2 / 5

Years in Business: 2
Yelp: 4.4 / 5
BBB: NR

Get A Quote

(916) 252-2959

Sterling Van Lines

rating

4.7 / 5

Years in Business: 33
Yelp: 3.9 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(866) 266-8751

Top-rated movers in nearby cities

See less

How we chose the best moving companies in California

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed 289 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of moving companies in California

Here’s a quick look at approximate moving costs for local moves in California. Take a look at our guide on the cost to move in California for a thorough breakdown of pricing.

Keep in mind that the listed ranges are just averages. Your actual costs may vary depending on your moving needs and the company’s pricing structure.

Need a more specific estimate? Try our free moving cost calculator.

Home size	Avg. total cost	Cost/hour	# of movers	# hours
Studio	$423	$171	2 movers	3 hours
1 bedroom	$595	$171	2 movers	4 hours
2 bedroom	$972	$240	3 movers	5 hours
3 bedroom	$2,268	$336	4 movers	8 hours
4 bedroom	$2,604	$336	4 movers	9 hours
5+ bedroom	$4,014	$470	5 movers	10 hours

Factors that affect moving costs in California

An online moving quote doesn’t always tell the full story, so keep these factors in mind when planning your California move.

Distance: Fuel and time can impact local moves, and out-of-state relocations may bring added expenses.
Size: The more items and space you have, the more you'll pay in labor and truck size.
Time of year: In California, the busy moving seasons like summer and holidays often come with premium rates.
Additional services: Tasks like packing or furniture setup take time and add to your moving costs.

Things to keep in mind when moving

No matter if you're heading to a nearby city in California or embarking on a long-distance cross-country journey, here are a few key things to consider:

Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
HOA guidelines: California neighborhoods with HOAs often have specific moving rules regarding times, truck types, and parking. Reading the handbook ahead of time can help you avoid fees and friction with your new neighbors.
Elevator logistics: In buildings with elevators, management may require you to reserve one in advance — usually a designated service elevator. They might also require you to adhere to specific move-in hours.
Permits for parking: Though California doesn’t usually require special permits for moving vehicles, other cities or states might. It’s best to check with your new municipality for parking details.
Check mover credentials: The movers we suggest are licensed and insured, but you can also research them through the FMCSA database to view their safety record and compliance.
USPS notification: To avoid mail interruptions, complete your change of address form with USPS at least one week before your move date.
Moving coverage: Movers provide free basic coverage by law, but it’s minimal. For expensive items, additional insurance may be a smart investment to protect against loss or damage.

FAQs

How do I choose the right moving company in California?

To find the right moving company in California, focus on reputation, clear and competitive pricing, service variety, and insurance options. These are the core factors we evaluate in our reviews, making it easier for you to find the top-rated movers in California.

Our advice? Get pricing details from at least three movers, and make sure one of them is a recommended flat-rate mover. This will give you a more accurate comparison of costs and offerings.

Can California movers handle relocations across state lines?

Yes. A strong share of movers in California are qualified for interstate work. Of the 370 total movers in CA, 317 carry authorization to manage interstate relocations. This ensures plenty of choice if you need a mover with a USDOT number regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

To find the most reliable fit, take a look at our picks for the best long-distance movers in California.