10 Best Moving Companies in California (2025 Reviews)

Quick answer: We recommend Best California Movers for local moves in California based on their professionalism and transparent pricing. If you’re leaving California, Safeway Moving is our pick for best interstate moving company, thanks to their balance of affordability and quality service.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers for those moving locally in California

If you are moving within Los Angeles, Bakersfield, or another California city — or relocating to a nearby town 50 miles away or less — a local CA mover may be your best choice.

After reviewing 280 local California movers, here are our top five recommendations:

  1. Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. Rockstar Pro Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Perfectly Fast Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  5. Double Move: 4.2 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (41%)
  • Professional and polite staff (37%)
  • Good communication (36%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (18%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (14%)
  • Unexpected charges (10%)
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.
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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
https://www.facebook.com/RockStarProMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (26%)
  • Good communication (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (29%)
  • Damage to items (27%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (23%)
Review Analysis
Rockstar Pro Movers receives high marks for getting the job done quickly and treating items with care. Over 80% of feedback highlights efficient work, friendly and professional staff, strong communication, and impressive attention to detail. Customers often mention reasonable and transparent pricing, especially compared to competitors. A small portion of customers, however, report paying much more than their initial quotes, as well as cases of damage to their belongings and delays in arrivals or deliveries. Complaints of slow-moving crews and unresponsive support appear more than is typical for top-rated moving services. The company stands out for speed and professionalism, but customers should stay vigilant about costs and confirm all price details before booking.
Get a Quote (323) 762-5668

Company Info

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2774464

Alternate Names: Rockstar Pro Movers, Inc


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/EagleMovingStorage/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Professional and polite staff (27%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (32%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (29%)
  • Lack of communication (26%)
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: 14

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
,
Customer Praise
  • Quick moving process (43%)
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Good communication (38%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (60%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (55%)
  • Lack of communication (49%)
Review Analysis
Fast moves grab attention, but reliability seals the deal. In 66 customer reviews, 59% praised Perfectly Fast Moving for efficiency, rapid relocations, polite staff, careful handling, and wallet-friendly rates. People liked the hard-working, fast, and professional teams that showed respect for property and kept moves smooth. Customers highlighted careful packing and fair, transparent prices as key strengths, placing this company ahead of typical movers for speed and cost. Conversely, about 41% flagged serious issues. Top concerns were surprise extra charges—often doubling quoted amounts—lost or damaged belongings, and unresolved or ignored complaints about missing items. Several reported property damage and late deliveries. If budget moves and speed are a priority, this company may shine, but customers seeking absolute reliability or peace of mind were disappointed by significant inconsistencies and lack of accountability.
Get a Quote (310) 499-2977

Company Info

Years in Business: 3

DOT #: 3516489


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Hot Tubs
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • 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:

Best movers for those moving out of California

If you’re leaving the Golden State altogether, we recommend these top-rated interstate moving companies:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(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
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(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
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 825-0554
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
(866) 825-0554
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(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
(844) 950-2963

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:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Best rental trucks for your California move

Rental trucks are the most cost-effective method of moving… and the most labor-intensive. You’ll need to do the packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking, but doing it all yourself means you’ll be paying significantly less, particularly on local moves.

While moving trucks are certainly a thrifty option for long-distance moves, keep in mind that related expenses like mileage fees and gas can add up quickly the further you have to go. Be sure to factor in these often overlooked charges to see if this really is your cheapest option.

These are our picks for best rental moving trucks in California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Labor-only hourly movers in California

Want a hand with the heavy lifting without having to hire a full-service mover? Labor-only companies can send crews to help you with loading, packing, and even disassembly and reassembly of furniture and electronics. However, you’ll still need to rent a moving truck and handle the driving.

Take a look at these highly rated labor-only movers for your California move:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Get multiple labor quotes
  • Online booking system
  • Available nationwide

Top-rated movers in nearby cities

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How we chose the best moving companies in California

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 280 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

The pricing table below shows ballpark moving costs for local moves within California. For more pricing information, check out our post on the cost to move in California.

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 free moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimates.

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $444 $171 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $616 $171 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedroom $993 $240 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedroom $2,289 $336 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedroom $2,625 $336 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedroom $4,035 $470 5 movers 10 hours

Read more about the average cost of CA movers:

  • California moving companies will cost about $444 to move a studio locally.
  • If you're moving one bedroom, a moving company in California will charge about $616.
  • A two-bedroom move in California will cost about $993.
  • A three-bedroom move costs $2,289 on average in California.
  • To move a four-bedroom house in California, you should expect to pay $2,625.
  • For a house that's five bedrooms or larger, your move will cost $4,035 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

Things to keep in mind when moving

Whether you are moving one town over in California or are making a big cross-country relocation, here are some common considerations:

  • 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: If you are moving to or from a neighborhood that has an HOA, it’s a good idea to brush up on the handbook. Many HOAs have established restrictions on which days and/or times moving is allowed, as well as guidelines on permissible truck sizes, parking, and notifying residents about when your move will occur. Checking the rules before moving day will ensure you won’t get hit with fines — or end up with angry neighbors!
  • Elevator reservation: If you're moving to or from a multi-level building with an elevator, property management may require you to you a service elevator or reserve an elevator ahead of time. You may also have some restrictions on when you can move, so be sure to check on the guidelines ahead of time.
  • Parking permits: California does not require special permits for moving rental trucks and vans or moving containers, but your destination state and/or city might. You can visit the municipal website for your new location for a list of parking rules and restrictions, or a contact number to call for additional help.
  • Licensing and compliance: All the movers on our list are verified as licensed and insured, but you can check licensing, USDOT status, and safety violations for a mover in California or any other U.S. state, by searching by their name in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database.
  • Change of address: You should submit your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. This will notify the postal service of your official moving date and help ensure all of your mail is forwarded to your new California or out-of-state residence. .
  • Moving insurance: Federal law mandates that movers provide basic coverage — known as released value protection — at no charge to customers. While it is free, this insurance offers very minimal coverage, however — just $0.60 per pound per item. So, if a 25-pound TV valued at $2,000 is lost or damaged, your compensation would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). For high-value items, you may want to consider purchasing more comprehensive protection directly through your moving company or with a third-party insurance provider.

FAQs

What should I look for when choosing a moving company in California?

When choosing a moving company in California, you should look for a solid reputation, fair and transparent pricing, a variety of services, and multiple insurance options. We consider those key factors, among others, in our analysis and rating of moving companies, so you can find the best moving companies in California by reading our top picks.

We recommend obtaining quotes from at least three moving companies — including a top flat-rate mover — in California to compare prices and services.

Do California moving companies offer services for long-distance or interstate moves?

Yes, many moving companies in California offer 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 see all moving companies in California in our comprehensive list of California movers.

Helpful California resources

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