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:
Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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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 277 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.
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.
Moving made easy—fast, careful, and professional. Across 534 customer accounts, 85% were satisfied with Meathead Movers, who consistently impress with prompt, efficient service, courteous staff, careful attention to belongings, and effective communication. Many point to their speed, skill, and ability to reduce moving stress as unmatched compared to other movers. Staff go out of their way to ensure everything is handled safely and customers feel supported throughout. Most praise the company’s organization and transparency, with workers often finishing ahead of schedule and providing clear updates. While Meathead stands out for reliability, a number of customers highlighted problems including damage to items, higher-than-expected costs than initial estimates, and issues with packing quality—especially when using packing services. Some experienced final bills much greater than the quotes they received, contributing to frustration. A few customers also reported items arriving broken or poor claim handling after reporting damage. Compared to other moving firms, feedback shows Meathead’s team typically provides a smoother, faster, and friendlier move—but attention to better estimate accuracy and meticulous packing would boost trust even further.
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.
Customers say Republic Moving & Storage stands out for speed, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings. Crews consistently arrive punctually, work efficiently, and communicate clearly, making moving days less stressful for families and individuals. Many highlight how staff go above and beyond to protect delicate items and accommodate client needs. Affordable rates and accurate pricing set the company apart from other movers, as does their polite and knowledgeable team. Issues arise mainly with damage to items during transit, late arrivals, and breakdowns in communication, especially during long-distance or complex moves. While most feedback is positive, a sizable portion of input points to frustration with handling claims, delays, and some property loss. Republic's track record for efficient, courteous service positions them above many competitors, but persistent complaints about item damage and occasional administrative issues indicate room for improvement and more reliable service for every customer. A total of 501 reviews were analyzed, with about 75% giving positive input.
Alternate Names:
Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services
Republic Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, since 1995. With a strong reputation bolstered by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they offer a variety of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, hot tubs, and art. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with an average rating of 3.8 on Yelp and 4.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.
Services Offered
Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Crane vans
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required
DOD certified
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 277 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 $460.
Moving a one-bedroom apartment locally in California will cost around $632.
Two-bedroom moves in California come in at approximately
$1,009.
The typical cost of moving a three-bedroom home in California is
$2,305.
A four-bedroom move in California generally runs about
$2,641.
Need to move a five-bedroom or larger house in California? Expect to spend about
$4,051.
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?