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 Meathead Movers. We rated them a 4.96 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.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
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
- Meathead Movers: 4.96 out of 5
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.86 out of 5
- Oakley Relocation: 4.86 out of 5
Meathead Movers
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Meathead 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
Luigy's Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 02740355
Years in Business: 23
5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112Luigy's Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Francisco, CA since 2001. Compared to other nearby companies, Luigy's stands out with their comprehensive service offerings, including packing, unpacking, and crating services, as well as specialized handling for pianos, hot tubs, art, and antiques. Boasting exceptional consumer reviews with an average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.6 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Luigy's reputation for reliability and quality is well-earned. While a deposit is required, they accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring flexible payment options for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 02740355
- State license #: 0192210
Air 1 Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1095485
Years in Business: 20
9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1095485
- State license #: 0189688
Alternative Business Names
- Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
All Star Movers & Storage
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 2971368
Years in Business: 8
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA 94568All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.
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
- State license #: 0191302
Oakley Relocation
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 070851
Years in Business: 15
992 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069Oakley Relocation has been providing local residential moving services in and around San Marcos, CA, since 2009. They stand out among nearby moving companies with their comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and the ability to move delicate items such as pianos, art, and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they do not require a deposit and accept credit cards, making the process smoother for customers. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.8 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Oakley Relocation is a reputable and reliable choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 070851
- State license #: 0190480
Alternative Business Names
- Agent for North American Van Lines
Local Associations
Best movers for those moving out of California
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- 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
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- White-glove handling of fragile & high-end items
- Guaranteed pickup & delivery
- $250 deposit for interstate moves
- Mobile app with 24/7 customer service
- Financing available
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
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
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
- 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
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
- 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
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 | $442 | $171 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $613 | $171 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedroom | $990 | $240 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedroom | $2,286 | $336 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedroom | $2,622 | $336 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedroom | $4,032 | $470 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- California moving companies will cost about $442 to move a studio locally.
- If you're moving one bedroom, a moving company in California will charge about $613.
- A two-bedroom move in California will cost about $990.
- A three-bedroom move costs $2,286 on average in California.
- To move a four-bedroom house in California, you should expect to pay $2,622.
- For a house that's five bedrooms or larger, your move will cost $4,032 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 by clicking here.
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