10 Best Moving Companies in California (2024 Reviews)
Fact Checked by: Whether you’re relocating within the Golden State or moving from Adelanto to another state, finding the best movers in California is a crucial first step. The best way to find reliable CA movers is to compare quotes from multiple companies.
Our top pick if you are moving locally in California is College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving. We rated them a 4.66 out of 5 stars. On average, local movers in the Golden State cost about $122 per hour. If you’re moving out of California, Safeway Moving is the best interstate moving company when it comes to quality and overall value.
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Keep reading to learn more about each of the best moving companies in California so you can pick the mover best-suited for your unique needs.
Why trust moveBuddha?
Since 2015, we’ve used our inside knowledge of the moving industry to help more than 400,000 people with their moves.
We go beyond the standard online review to dig deep into our readers’ personal moving experiences through our Better Moves Project. We’ve also developed our own rating system to evaluate each moving company based on their services, reputation, customer satisfaction, and other key factors.
Our content is thoroughly fact-checked and reviewed by our team of in-house experts to ensure the information you get is relevant, accurate, and up-to-date.
How we chose the best moving companies in California
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 279 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.
Best movers for those moving locally in California
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, 4.66 out of 5
- Bellhop Moving, 3.86 out of 5
- Meathead Movers, 5 out of 5
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc., 4.9 out of 5
- One Stop Moving & Storage, 4.9 out of 5
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 2378173
Years in Business: 5
317 W Bedford, Suite 106,Fresno, CA 93711
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been a trusted local moving service provider in Fresno, CA since 2019. Renowned for their comprehensive residential and office moving solutions, they also offer packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Customers consistently praise the company, reflected in their impressive average ratings of 4.0 on Yelp and 5.0 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, College Hunks accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, making the moving process seamless and convenient for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2378173
- State license #: 0192505
Alternative Business Names
- 4G International, Inc.
Bellhop Moving
rating
3.86 / 5
DOT #: 2878240
San Francisco, CA 94105
Bellhop Moving is a local residential moving company serving the San Francisco, CA area, known for its comprehensive packing and unpacking services. Unlike some nearby movers, Bellhop also caters to customers needing labor-only services, making them a versatile choice. While they accept credit cards, a deposit is required to secure your moving date. Consumer reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 3.0 from two Google My Business reviews, which is lower than some competitors in the region.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2878240
- State license #: 192091
Meathead Movers
rating
5 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 26
3600 S Higuera St,San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 649215
Years in Business: 27
25958 Commercentre Dr,Lake Forest, CA 92630
Terry Moving and Storage Inc., located in Lake Forest, CA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving services since 1997. With outstanding consumer reviews—235 on Yelp with an average rating of 4.7 and 141 on Google My Business with an average rating of 4.9, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau—they’re a standout choice among local movers. Unlike many competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and the specialized handling of fragile items, as well as piano and pool table moving. No deposit is required and they accept credit cards, simplifying the moving process for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 649215
- State license #: 189603
Alternative Business Names
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc
- Richards Moving Company
- Orange County Storage Movers
One Stop Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1956864
Years in Business: 14
6260 Marindustry Dr STE B,San Diego, CA 92121
One Stop Moving & Storage offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, having served the community since 2010. Renowned for their reliability, they outshine other nearby moving companies by providing comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and the ability to move delicate items like pianos, antiques, and art. With an impressive average Yelp rating of 4.1 from 399 reviews and a 4.3 rating on Google My Business from 169 reviews, they boast a solid reputation complemented by an A rating from the Better Business Bureau. Whether you're looking for full-service moving or just labor, One Stop Moving & Storage stands as a trusted choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1956864
- State license #: 0190616
Alternative Business Names
- One Stop Moving & Storage Inc
- San Diego Expert Movers
- Quick San Diego Movers
- Coastal Movers
- Manpower Movers
Best movers for those moving out of California
- Safeway Moving: 4.5 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.45 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.25 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.25 out of 5
- GPS tracked trucks and tractors
- Barcode scanned and tracked inventory of your possessions
- Dedicated move coordinator assigned to each client
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
93% of users select this mover
- Over 20 years in business
- Excellent customer service score
- Best pricing we've seen
- Can handle last minute moves
93% of users select this mover
- Family owned with locations covering the east coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- Packing and unpacking services available
- Handle residential, corporate, and military moves
93% of users select this mover
- Over 74 years in business
- More than 1,800 trucks in the fleet
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Top major moving company in the U.S.
- Highest rated agent van line among moveBuddha customers
93% of users select this mover
- Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
- Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
- Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
- Over 40k moves in the past 3 years
- Available Financing as low as 0% Interest for low monthly payments
- Extremely responsive customer service
93% of users select this mover
Alternative California moving options
Moving Containers
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
93% of users select this mover
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
93% of users select this mover
Labor Only
- HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
- Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
93% of users select this mover
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
93% of users select this mover
Full DIY
- U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
- Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
93% of users select this mover
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
93% of users select this mover
Average cost of moving companies in California
The pricing table below shows ballpark moving costs for local moves within California. Or check out our post on the cost to move in California for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual moving costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move and whether the moving company offers flat-rate pricing.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimates.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $460 | $171 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $632 | $171 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedroom | $1,009 | $240 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedroom | $2,305 | $336 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedroom | $2,641 | $336 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedroom | $4,051 | $470 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- California moving companies will cost about $460 to move a studio locally.
- If you're moving one bedroom, a moving company in California will charge about $632.
- A two-bedroom move in California will cost about $1,009.
- A three-bedroom move costs $2,305 on average in California.
- To move a four-bedroom house in California, you should expect to pay $2,641.
- For a house that's five bedrooms or larger, your move will cost $4,051 in California.
Factors that affect moving costs in California
Getting an online moving quote can lead to confusion, but these factors will affect the cost of your California move.
- Distance: The time and fuel can affect local moves, but if you’re moving out of California you may see additional fees
- Size: Larger homes with more belongings require more labor and larger trucks, resulting in higher costs
- Time of year: Peak moving seasons in California, like summer or around holidays, often come with higher rates due to increased demand
- Additional services: Services like packing, unpacking, or assembly/disassembly of furniture will add to the total cost
If you’re moving from California to a different state, make sure your mover is equipped and licensed to handle your move.
If you’re not sure, check out our list of the
best long distance moving companies.
Considerations for moving to California
California is a state with so it makes sense to want to move there. These are some of the things to keep in mind to help your move to the Golden State go smoothly:
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 Rules: Many neighborhoods and communities have rules about moving, have a smooth transition to your new home by checking ahead of time.
Elevator Reservation: If you're moving to a building with an elevator,
there may be things you need to know ahead of time such as using a service elevator, time restrictions, or reservations.
Parking Permits: Some cities have rules about parking large vehicles.
Check with your new city ahead of time to ensure you have everything in order.
State Licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC).
Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. All of the movers on our list are fully licensed.
State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
Change of Address: You should submit your change of address form with USPS
at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to California.
Mover's Insurance: Every state has its own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn't cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
California Movers FAQs
What should I look for when choosing a moving company in California?
You can find the best moving companies in California by reading moveBuddha's top picks. When rating and reviewing moving companies in California, we considered their reputation, pricing, services, and insurance options. We recommend obtaining quotes — including flat-rate pricing, where available – from several moving companies in California to compare prices and services.
You can also use our guide for finding the best flat-rate moving companies.
Do California moving companies offer services for long-distance or interstate moves?
Many moving companies in California provide long-distance or interstate moving services. These companies should have a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for interstate moves.
For more information, check out our guide on the best long-distance movers in California.
How can I see all moving companies in California?
You can find all moving companies in California be clicking here.
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
Helpful California resources
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