The Best Long-Distance Movers in Brea, CA
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The best long-distance mover in Brea, CA is Seka Moving (4.76/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of California, per moveBuddha's analysis of 371 California movers and 50,712 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Brea average $125/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across California range from $621 for a 1-bedroom to $2,630 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Brea right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Brea, CA?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 112 full-service interstate movers serving Brea, drawing on 50,712 verified customer reviews across Brea.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Brea based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Brea, CA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 103 local movers serving Brea licensed for long-distance moves within California, drawing on 50,712 verified customer reviews across Brea. Seka Moving (4.76/5) was named the top-rated Brea-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 105 of the 105 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Brea are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Brea but stay within California:
- Seka Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Seka Moving has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Seka Moving has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 34 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Seka Moving, and Seka Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Seka Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The team that packed us and moved us were efficient, careful, and personable. Moving is clearly stressful, but with Seka running the show, it was a lot less stressful than it could have been."
"Everything went smooth. We also stored our items using their storage- nothing breaks and well maintained. They offer wrapping, disassemble and assemble services. Very professional, caring, effective!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Rigo's Moving Company Inc has been in business for 11 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and labor-only moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Rigo's Moving Company Inc has about 80% positive reviews across roughly 522 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Rigo's Moving Company Inc.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Rigo's Moving Company Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Rigos Moving Company made my move a breeze! Their team was punctual, professional, and handled my belongings with care. From start to finish, their communication was excellent, and they delivered on their promises. I highly recommend!"
"They showed up right on time, were very courteous, quick, and efficient. They packed my things in a U-Box and fit everything inside with expert skill in an hour flat. I would highly recommend Rigo's."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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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 intrastate moving and interstate 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."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Efficient service
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Sterling Van Lines has been in business for 35 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like estate moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Sterling Van Lines has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 362 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.6
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Sterling Van Lines. Discounts may be available for groups like military, seniors, law enforcement.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Sterling Van Lines emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They moved a very old family piano along with other furniture across the country and delivery was perfect. They kept me informed of timings and any hold ups. The guys were very nice, respectful and made an emotional move easier."
"Sterling Van Lines delivered my piano efficiently. The delivery crew worked like clockwork. Everything arrived in perfect shape. I would recommend them for any important move."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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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 international moving and intrastate 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!"
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 371 California moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of California. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Brea, CA movers offer?
Not every mover in Brea offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 105 Brea movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 63% of Brea movers, compared to 62% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
- Junk removal: offered by 13% of Brea movers, compared to 20% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick in California: Johnson Storage & Moving.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 30% of Brea movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
- Storage: offered by 85% of Brea movers, compared to 86% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 31% of Brea movers, compared to 32% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
- Piano moving: offered by 79% of Brea movers, compared to 80% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
Does Brea have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 66 of 105 Brea movers (62.86%), compared to 61.99% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.7/5) rate highest for art handling in Brea.
| Art handling in Brea | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Brea providers |
Seka Moving
Rigo's Moving Company Inc |
| Per-piece handling fee | $83 to $825 |
| Custom crating per item | $248 to $330 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Standard blankets do not protect framed artwork or sculpture against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures. Custom crates and archival packing are the baseline, not an upgrade. Ask any art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing.
Does Brea have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 14 of 105 Brea movers (13.33%).
| Junk removal in Brea | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical cost per load | $248 to $825 |
| Single large item | $124 to $248 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Items removed before a weight-based quote is locked in lower the base moving rate. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear furniture and appliances on load day. Confirm they cover electronics and appliances before booking.
Does Brea have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 32 of 105 Brea movers (30.48%). Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Sterling Van Lines (4.66/5) rate highest in Brea.
| Fragile-only packing in Brea | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Brea providers | Seka Moving Sterling Van Lines |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing applies professional packing only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps (the items that account for most in-transit breakage claims) without the cost of a full-service contract. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide is useful if you're handling any items yourself.
Does Brea have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 89 of 105 Brea movers (84.76%). Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.7/5) rate highest in Brea.
| Storage in Brea | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Brea providers | Seka Moving Rigo's Moving Company Inc |
| 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 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit is priced at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $424/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does Brea have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 33 of 105 Brea movers (31.43%). Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Sterling Van Lines (4.66/5) rate highest in Brea.
| Hot tub relocation in Brea | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Brea providers | Seka Moving Sterling Van Lines |
| Bundled with full-service move | $248 to $660 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $495 to $1,320 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and require full drainage before pickup. Bundling into a full-service move is almost always cheaper than a standalone specialty carrier. See moveBuddha's guide on how to move a hot tub for what to expect.
Does Brea have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 83 of 105 Brea movers (79.05%). Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.7/5) rate highest in Brea.
| Piano moving in Brea | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Brea providers | Seka Moving Rigo's Moving Company Inc |
| Upright piano | $1,320 to $2,475 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,980 to $4,125 |
| Grand piano | $2,970 to $5,775 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs, both beyond what standard moving equipment handles safely. Piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are required. moveBuddha's piano mover guide covers what to look for when vetting a crew.
Who are the best movers in Brea, CA for small long-distance moves?
Seka Moving leads Brea's small-move providers with a 4.76/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Rigo's Moving Company Inc at 4.7/5. 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.
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DIY options for your Brea, CA long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Brea residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Brea?
59 of 105 Brea movers (56.19%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.02% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Sterling Van Lines (4.66/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Brea, followed by Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.7/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Brea 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 Brea 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 Brea. 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.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Brea, CA?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Brea. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Brea 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 to know before booking a long-distance mover in Brea, CA
- Property access: Hillside properties, high-rise buildings, and gated communities may require a shuttle truck, elevator booking, or a COI from your mover, particularly common in Brea's higher-density neighborhoods. Flag any access restrictions when requesting quotes so movers can price them accurately.
- Timing: Avoid booking the last week of any month (high demand) and peak summer weekends. Fall and winter moves typically offer better rates and availability.
- USDOT verification: Interstate moves require a USDOT-registered carrier. Verify credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing anything.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Brea, CA?
Moving costs across California range from $450 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $171/hour) to $4,041 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. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Brea. Your actual cost 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 | $450 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $621 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $998 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,294 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,630 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,041 |
*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 Brea?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Brea move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Brea, 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.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Brea, CA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of California | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Seka Moving | 4.76/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Rigo's Moving Company Inc | 4.7/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Seka Moving | 4.76/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Brea, CA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Brea, CA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 105 movers moveBuddha tracks in Brea, 99 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Brea against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within California.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Brea, CA move. Interstate costs from California range from $450 for a studio to $4,041 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from Brea, CA: frequently asked questions
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Brea need?
99 of the 105 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Brea hold a valid FMCSA registration and USDOT number, the 2 federal credentials required before any company can transport household goods across state lines. All movers recommended on this page carry both. Confirm any company's status independently in the FMCSA's carrier database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move covers what to expect during an interstate move and what protections apply at every stage.
Should I hire locally or go national when moving from Brea?
Local Brea movers offer the best value for moves within California, with average hourly rates of $125 across the 105 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 99 of those hold FMCSA interstate authorization for cross-state routes. The top-rated options on this page cover both.
For moves that cross into another state, national carriers bring purpose-built long-distance logistics, a meaningful advantage when coordinating a move over a long distance.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Brea?
Movers in Brea run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 46°F and moving demand falls well below its summer peak. Reduced competition for mover calendars creates a genuine window to push back on the initial estimate. Off-peak moves in Brea typically come with better availability and shorter booking lead times than any other time of year.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Brea?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of Brea, especially within 50 miles. moveBuddha's research shows that rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% versus full-service movers. The cheapest options are renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For longer moves, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
Will my Brea apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in Brea frequently require a certificate of insurance (COI) from any moving company working on the property. Ask your building management what coverage limits and additional insured language they require, then confirm your mover can match them before booking. Request the COI at least 10 to 14 business days before your move.
Do Brea movers charge extra for hills, narrow streets, or elevator buildings?
They can. Shuttle fees apply when a full-size truck cannot access your property, common for hillside homes, narrow residential streets, and properties with tight turns. High-rise elevator buildings may also charge a long-carry fee if the elevator is far from truck parking. Disclose all access conditions when getting quotes: a mover who knows about constraints upfront will price them into the original estimate rather than adding a surcharge at delivery.
Your next step for a long-distance move from Brea, CA
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are Seka Moving for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for interstate relocations. Confirm USDOT/FMCSA credentials for any company you consider, ask for a binding estimate, and book at least 4 weeks ahead. moveBuddha has reviewed 105 Brea movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.
