The Best Long-Distance Movers in Irvine, CA
The best long-distance mover in Irvine is NorthStar Moving Company (4.64/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of California, per moveBuddha's analysis of 374 California movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Irvine?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Irvine residents moving out of California are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Irvine for in-state moves?
NorthStar Moving Company (4.64/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Irvine-based mover for long-distance moves within California, followed by Meathead Movers (4.52/5) and Maison Moving (4.5/5). Of the 86 intrastate-capable movers serving Irvine, 88 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Irvine are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Irvine but stay within California:
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Best Fit Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. NorthStar Moving Company has been in business for 31 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. NorthStar Moving Company has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 68 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from NorthStar Moving Company .
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. NorthStar Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The movers were prompt, professional, and made the move stress-free—even reassembling all my furniture. Would highly recommend!"
"Super efficient and easy move! They were very nice, professional and respectful to me and my items. Everything arrived quickly, in good condition and under budget. Would def use North Star again!"
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Meathead Movers has been in business for 23 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Meathead Movers has about 77% positive reviews across roughly 596 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Meathead Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Meathead Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"From start to finish, they were professional, efficient, and incredibly kind. They handled everything with care, packed and moved my entire home seamlessly, and made what could’ve been a stressful day feel smooth and manageable."
"Jeremy and his crew were amazing. They efficiently and cheerfully moved our furniture and tons of boxes into a second floor apartment. There were no surprises at any point in the booking process. I'd hire Meathead Movers again in a heartbeat."
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Maison Moving has been in business for 17 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Maison Moving has about 84% positive reviews across roughly 293 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Maison Moving.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Maison Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They were on time, professional, and very efficient. All my things arrived safely, and the movers were friendly and took great care. Their communication was clear and upfront. Highly recommend Maison Moving!"
"Maison Moving made my move way easier. Reasonably priced and worth every penny. The crew was hardworking, respectful, and quick! Would definitely recommend them to a friend."
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Best Fit Movers has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.6
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Best Fit Movers has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 227 total reviews.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Best Fit Movers, and Best Fit Movers makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Best Fit Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Great communication and the guys arrived on time. Well organized and very efficient. It took less time than I anticipated and everything arrived in great condition."
"Eugene and Dmitrii were very fast and careful with my property. Very satisfied and will repeat. Thank you"
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company has been in business for 11 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company has about 99% positive reviews across roughly 142 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.5.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company, and California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Movers were careful with all our stuff. We moved twice with Pure movers and they did a fantastic job both time. Totally recommend them."
"Our move from San Francisco to San Diego with Pure Moving Company was fantastic, all thanks to Nick. He made sure everything was covered and wrapped securely, taking the stress out of the process."
What add-on services do Irvine movers offer?
Not every mover in Irvine offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 88 Irvine movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 62.5% of Irvine movers, compared to 61.76% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 14.77% of Irvine movers, compared to 19.25% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 29.55% of Irvine movers, compared to 28.61% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 85.23% of Irvine movers, compared to 86.1% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 28.41% of Irvine movers, compared to 32.09% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 76.14% of Irvine movers, compared to 79.41% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Irvine's cost of living.
Does Irvine have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 55 of 88 Irvine movers (62.5%), compared to 61.76% statewide and 45.83% nationally. NorthStar Moving Company (4.64/5) and Maison Moving (4.5/5) rate highest for art handling in Irvine. Per-piece handling runs $83 to $825, with custom crates adding $248 to $330 per item.
| Art handling in Irvine | Details |
|---|---|
| Irvine movers offering this | 55 of 88 (62.5%) |
| California statewide | 231 of 374 (61.76%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Irvine art movers | NorthStar Moving Company , Maison Moving |
| Per-piece handling fee | $83 to $825 |
| Custom crating per item | $248 to $330 |
Standard moving blankets offer no protection against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures, the 3 damage modes most likely to affect framed artwork and sculpture in transit. Archival materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece address all 3. Ask any prospective art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing a contract.
Does Irvine have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 13 of 88 Irvine movers (14.77%), compared to 19.25% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Standalone junk removal typically runs $248 to $825 per load.
| Junk removal in Irvine | Details |
|---|---|
| Irvine movers offering this | 13 of 88 (14.77%) |
| California statewide | 72 of 374 (19.25%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Typical cost per load | $248 to $825 |
| Single large item | $124 to $248 |
Downsizing before a move has a compounding cost effect on long-distance quotes. Every 500 lbs removed from a weight-based shipment reduces the base rate, and junk removal handles the heavy or awkward pieces most people prefer not to haul to donation centers themselves. Confirm whether the mover's junk removal covers electronics and appliances, since disposal regulations vary by state.
Does Irvine have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 26 of 88 Irvine movers (29.55%), compared to 28.61% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Best Fit Movers (4.52/5) and California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (4.5/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Irvine. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Irvine | Details |
|---|---|
| Irvine movers offering this | 26 of 88 (29.55%) |
| California statewide | 107 of 374 (28.61%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Irvine providers | Best Fit Movers, California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Full-service packing adds $0.15 to $0.21 per pound to a move's total cost across the entire shipment. Fragile-only packing applies that cost only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps, the items that account for the majority of in-transit breakage claims. For movers who plan to pack most of their own belongings, fragile-only is the most cost-efficient way to get professional help where it matters most.
Does Irvine have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 75 of 88 Irvine movers (85.23%), compared to 86.1% statewide and 84.85% nationally. NorthStar Moving Company (4.64/5) and Meathead Movers (4.52/5) rate highest for storage in Irvine. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $424/month.
| Storage in Irvine | Details |
|---|---|
| Irvine movers offering this | 75 of 88 (85.23%) |
| California statewide | 322 of 374 (86.1%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Irvine storage movers | NorthStar Moving Company , Meathead Movers |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $424 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $825 |
Storage-in-transit is priced at approximately $0.50 per cubic foot per month. A 1-bedroom load (around 514 cu ft) runs about $424 per month. Costs scale with shipment volume, so a larger home will see proportionally higher storage fees. Verify billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing any contract that includes a storage window.
Does Irvine have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 25 of 88 Irvine movers (28.41%), compared to 32.09% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Best Fit Movers (4.52/5) and California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (4.5/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Irvine. Hot tub moves typically run $248 to $660 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Irvine | Details |
|---|---|
| Irvine movers offering this | 25 of 88 (28.41%) |
| California statewide | 120 of 374 (32.09%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Irvine hot tub movers | Best Fit Movers, California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company |
| Bundled with full-service move | $248 to $660 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $495 to $1,320 |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and require full drainage before any move. Disassembly, draining, and specialized dollies are required to move them safely. Bundling a hot tub into a full-service household move is almost always cheaper than booking a specialty carrier separately.
Does Irvine have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 67 of 88 Irvine movers (76.14%), compared to 79.41% statewide and 72.52% nationally. NorthStar Moving Company (4.64/5) and Maison Moving (4.5/5) rate highest for piano moving in Irvine. A standalone piano move typically costs $1,320 to $5,775, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Irvine | Details |
|---|---|
| Irvine movers offering this | 67 of 88 (76.14%) |
| California statewide | 297 of 374 (79.41%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Irvine piano movers | NorthStar Moving Company , Maison Moving |
| Upright piano | $1,320 to $2,475 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,980 to $4,125 |
| Grand piano | $2,970 to $5,775 |
A standard upright piano weighs 400 to 800 lbs and a grand piano tops 1,200 lbs, putting both well beyond what general moving equipment is built to handle safely. Purpose-built piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are the minimum required to move the instrument without cracking the soundboard or damaging the legs. For most households, adding piano moving to a full-service move costs less than booking a dedicated piano-only carrier separately.
Who are the best movers in Irvine for small long-distance moves?
NorthStar Moving Company leads Irvine's small-move providers with a 4.64/5 moveBuddha score, followed by California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company at 4.5/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Irvine?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Irvine. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Irvine residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Irvine?
46 of 88 Irvine movers (52.27%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.14% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Best Fit Movers (4.52/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Irvine, followed by California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company (4.5/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Irvine residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Irvine moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Irvine. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Irvine?
Moving costs across California range from $436 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $171/hour) to $4,028 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of California mover quotes. The table below shows California statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Irvine will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from California* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $436 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $608 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $985 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,281 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,617 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,028 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in California. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects California statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Irvine?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Irvine move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Irvine, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Irvine
Are long-distance movers in Irvine required to be federally licensed?
Federal law requires every mover transporting household goods across state lines to carry a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. In Irvine, 81 of the 88 movers moveBuddha has evaluated hold that federal credential. Every mover on this page meets that standard. Cross-check any company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database before signing anything.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move details the legal protections and obligations that apply to your interstate shipment.
Local vs. national movers: what's best for your Irvine move?
For moves staying within California, hiring a local mover in Irvine is almost always the more economical pick. moveBuddha tracks 88 movers in the area, with average hourly rates of $126, and 81 holding FMCSA interstate authorization.
National movers carry higher price tags, but their experience coordinating multi-state relocations can reduce the risk of delays on longer routes where logistics complexity is high.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Irvine?
November and December are the slowest months for Irvine movers, driven by winter lows near 46°F and the combined effect of school calendars and the holiday season. Lower demand means more open slots and more pricing flexibility, making it the best time to negotiate a lower rate. If your timeline is flexible, booking an off-peak winter date is the most straightforward way to cut your total moving cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Irvine?
DIY options are the most affordable route out of the , especially for moves within 50 miles. According to moveBuddha's research, rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving. The lowest-cost options are renting a moving truck from companies like U-Haul, or booking a moving container such as PODS. For longer relocations, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.