The Best California Moving Companies

Last Updated: May 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Company	Quote	Rating
most popular Meathead Movers	Get A Quote	4.9 overall rating
Courtesy Movers	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating
Gentle Giant Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating
Grace Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating
All Star Movers & Storage	Get A Quote	4.86 overall rating

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

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, expedited delivery, and more.

Meathead Movers

Licensed

Insured

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 26

4744 North El Capitan Avenue,
Fresno, CA 93722, US

Check Prices (559) 785-0316

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

Local moves
Interstate moves

Available services

Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage

Additional Information

DOT #: 921143

Alternative Business Names

Meathead Movers, Inc.
Princess Packers

Courtesy Movers

Licensed

Insured

Years in Business: 49

3515 North Sabre Drive,
Fresno, CA 93727, US

Check Prices (559) 402-3800

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves

Available services

Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crating
Storage

Additional Information

Pay by credit card

Alternative Business Names

Rich Harvest, Inc.

Local Associations

California Moving and Storage Association (CMSA)

Gentle Giant Moving Company

Licensed

Insured

DOT #: 373544

Years in Business: 43

361 Swift Ave,
South San Francisco, CA 94080

Check Prices (415) 544-7000

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves

Available services

Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crane vans
Storage

Additional Information

Pay by credit card
DOT #: 373544
State license #: 373544

Alternative Business Names

Great Giant Moving Company

Grace Moving Company

Licensed

Insured

Years in Business: 24

800 Janopaul Lane,
Modesto, CA 95351, US

Check Prices (209) 551-7772

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

Local moves
Interstate moves

Available services

Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating

Additional Information

Pay by credit card

All Star Movers & Storage

Licensed

Insured

DOT #: 2971368

Years in Business: 8

101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517,
Dublin, CA 94568

Check Prices (925) 905-9889

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

Local moves
Interstate moves

Available services

Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Crating
Full-valuation coverage

Additional Information

Pay by credit card
DOT #: 2971368

Moving Company	Rating
Smooth Move USA	4.86 overall rating
Silicon Valley Moving and Storage	4.8 overall rating
Ruff and Ready Moving	4.8 overall rating
Seka Moving	4.8 overall rating
Luigy's Moving & Storage	4.8 overall rating

Average moving company cost in California

The pricing table below shows ballpark 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 costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.

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	$74	$29	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$102	$29	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$165	$40	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$381	$56	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$437	$56	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$672	$78	5 movers	10 hours

A California mover will cost about $74 to move a studio locally.
If you’re moving a 1 bedroom, a moving company in California will charge about $102.
A 2 bedroom move in California will cost about $165.
A 3 bedroom move costs $381 on average in California.
To move a 4 bedroom house in California, you should expect to pay $437.
For a house that’s 5 bedrooms or larger, your move will cost $672 in California.

Other ways to move in California

Although a professional mover will offer the most convenience and expertise, a rental truck or a moving container company may be a better choice for you.

Rental truck: You may be familiar with U-Haul, these are the cheapest options but require you to handle the entire moving process yourself.
Moving containers: These are companies like PODS, more expensive than truck rentals but cheaper than professional movers. With these companies, you load the containers and they drive them to your new home.

Best Interstate Moving Companies

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5

Considerations for moving to California

California is a state with ample economic opportunity, pleasant weather, abundant recreational options, high quality of life, and fresh and healthy foods 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.

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