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.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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Best movers for those moving locally in California
Staying local in Los Angeles, Bakersfield, or somewhere else in California within a 50-mile radius?
A CA mover could be the way to go.
Out of 278 local California companies we reviewed,
Best California Movers earned the top spot for California moves for their excellent service and fair rates.
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.
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.
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.
A torrent of praise floods the feedback for Next Stop Moving & Storage. Out of 210 reviews evaluated, 98% express satisfaction, lauding the crew for their professionalism, efficiency, careful handling, fast process, and excellent communication. People frequently highlight polite, capable staff who handle belongings with attention. Customers appreciate that the booking process is smooth and pricing is usually clear. The company’s service stands out in a market where moving horror stories are common, with many reviewers calling the team the best they’ve worked with and the process seamless. Negative input is rare (1.4%) but concentrated on cases of surprise charges, subcontracted movers, and damaged or missing items. A recurring issue cited in negative input was being charged extra beyond the quoted price, sometimes due to secondary companies being involved. The limited neutral feedback also noted unclear or unhonored pricing. Compared with other movers, Next Stop consistently provides a more reliable and courteous experience, but a small number of cases raise concerns about third-party involvement and unexpected costs. Most customers walk away relieved, often calling Next Stop their go-to recommendation, while a few urge caution about ensuring all project details are confirmed in writing.
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.
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
Other local CA movers
While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:
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.
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.
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.
How we chose the best moving companies in California
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed 278 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’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.
On average, moving a studio within California costs about $450.
Moving a one-bedroom apartment locally in California will cost around $621.
Two-bedroom moves in California come in at approximately
$998.
The typical cost of moving a three-bedroom home in California is
$2,294.
A four-bedroom move in California generally runs about
$2,630.
Need to move a five-bedroom or larger house in California? Expect to spend about
$4,040.
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 can I find a reliable moving company in California?
Look for moving companies in California that have strong customer reviews,
transparent pricing policies, a diverse range of services, and flexible insurance plans.
These are the main areas we use in our evaluations to help you discover the most reliable movers in California.
It’s always best to collect estimates from at least three providers,
including a top-rated flat-rate mover
— to compare options.
Do movers in California provide long-distance or interstate moving services?