The Best Long-Distance Movers in Carlsbad, CA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 19, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.

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.

Preferred partner:

Best California Movers

4.86
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best local mover:

Oakley Relocation

4.8
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Best California Movers

4.86
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

Get Quote

Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.86 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Our track record

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 long-distance movers in Carlsbad for those moving out of state

If you’re crossing state lines for a new home outside of California, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers in Carlsbad:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

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

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Best long-distance movers in Carlsbad for those staying in state

Moves that stay within California can still be considered long-distance if you’re covering serious ground from Carlsbad. Even without crossing state lines, the distance can make a big difference in planning.

For longer in-state relocations, it’s best to choose from the best long-distance moving companies.

Here are our top-rated moving companies in Carlsbad, CA:

Preferred Partner

Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars

Oakley Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Grizzly Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Cali Moving & Storage Corp: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Hulk Movers LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

12356 McIvers Ct, Suite 1b, Poway, CA 92064 US

99% of all reviews were positive

1% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving day stress gets left behind with Best California Movers, according to an overwhelming 1,177 reviews—of which 98.5% were positive. Customers repeatedly point out efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moving, and excellent communication—attributes not seen as consistently in most moving companies. Feedback shows that belongings arrive safe and undamaged, with movers working swiftly and showing courtesy at every stage.

Many notice that clear communication and transparent pricing make the process easier, and crews are praised for problem-solving in tough situations. A handful of reviewers, though, cite incidents involving damaged items, unexpected charges from inaccurate price quotes, or difficulty with claims and follow-up. These lapses are rare compared to industry averages but noteworthy for those prioritizing accountability. While neutral reviews mention minor flaws with after-move support, they still highlight professionalism and care by the moving teams. Compared to other moving services, Best California Movers stands out for reliability, speed, and the personal touch so often missing in the industry.

Get a Quote (858) 997-2487

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

Oakley Relocation

992 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069 US

93% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customer feedback for Oakley Relocation showcases consistent professionalism, efficient service, and care for customer belongings, with 93% of reviews being positive across 229 total inputs. Clients frequently describe the staff as polite, effective, and reliable, often highlighting quick and seamless moves, attentive communication, and careful handling of items. Many mention that the employees go out of their way to make the moving process less stressful, offering peace of mind from start to finish.

On the flip side, a small number of clients experienced significant problems, most commonly citing damage to items, difficulty reaching the company when issues arose, or unexpected charges. Compared to similar moving companies, Oakley earns standout marks for staff professionalism and speed, but the occasional unresolved damage claim or communication gap keeps a small number of users from full satisfaction.

Get a Quote (858) 602-1756

Company Info

State license #: 0190480

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 070851

Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

One Stop Moving & Storage

6260 Marindustry Dr STE B, San Diego, CA 92121 US

76% of all reviews were positive

23% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

One Stop Moving & Storage stands out for its efficient, professional service, with a remarkable 76% of customer feedback describing a positive experience. Out of 628 reviews, most customers report quick moves, careful handling of belongings, polite staff, and clear communication—qualities that set this company above many competitors. Many mention moving day being stress-free thanks to a hardworking team skilled at protecting furniture and executing moves seamlessly.

Pricing is usually transparent and estimates tend to be accurate compared to other movers. On the downside, about 23% of feedback details more serious problems: some moves resulted in furniture damage, missing items, or unexpected charges, and customers who experienced these issues struggled to get satisfactory help after the fact. A few reviews also describe poor claims handling and communication gaps. While most people recommend One Stop Moving & Storage for careful, professional relocations, anyone booking a move should confirm all terms and insurance coverage in writing to help avoid surprises.

Get a Quote (858) 633-8600

Company Info

State license #: 0190616

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 1956864

Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Grizzly Moving

7090 Miramar Rd #102, San Diego, CA 92121 US

93% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customer input for Grizzly Moving points to standout performance: more than 92% of the 434 reviews highlight prompt, efficient, and careful service. Clients consistently mention that the team handles furniture cautiously and communicates well from booking to delivery. Movers show up on time, treat property with respect, and complete jobs swiftly, which sets Grizzly apart from standard moving companies.

The staff is repeatedly described as professional, polite, and considerate, making stressful relocations easier for families, businesses, and individuals alike. On the downside, around 7% of reviewers cite real concerns, especially about damage to belongings, unexpected final costs, and, less frequently, delays or missed arrival windows. While complaints are few compared to the high volume of positive feedback, the nature of issues—such as significant item damage or underestimated costs—are important for potential customers to consider before booking. Compared to competitors, Grizzly’s consistent execution, fair communication, and efficient process earn high marks, though diligence is still advisable to clarify insurance, costs, and special handling when booking. With such a dominant trend of satisfied feedback, Grizzly ranks as a top contender, though a minority of experiences remind customers to confirm all details upfront.

Get a Quote (844) 474-9959

Company Info

State license #: 0191376

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2642040

Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Crane vans
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Cali Moving & Storage Corp

13899 Carmel Valley Rd #244, San Diego, CA 92130 US

88% of all reviews were positive

11% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Experience a move that’s a step ahead—Cali Moving & Storage Corp stands out in San Diego thanks to almost 88% positive feedback from 452 reviews. Customers most often praise the team’s efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and budget-friendly prices. Many report quick and stress-free moves, highlighting courteous workers who safely wrap and transport everything.

On the flip side, about one-tenth of feedback calls out damage to items, bills higher than anticipated, or lack of communication when addressing problems. Some describe unexpected costs and difficulties reaching management post-move. Still, in comparison to many moving companies, Cali Moving delivers consistent, reliable results, balancing affordability with impressive care. Most customers recommend them for prompt, skilled, and friendly moving crews who get the job done right.

Get a Quote (619) 764-2680

Company Info

State license #: 0191536

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2947514

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Hulk Movers LLC

9225 Dowdy Dr Suite #105, San Diego, CA 92126 US

93% of all reviews were positive

6% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Hulk Movers LLC is praised for efficient service, careful handling of property, professional and courteous crews, speedy moves, and affordable prices. Out of 616 feedback entries, 93% are positive, showing a level of satisfaction that stands out compared to most moving companies. Customers appreciate the stress-free process, responsive scheduling, and that goods arrive without damage.

Where issues arise, higher-than-expected final costs, occasional damage to items, and rare delays are the most common complaints, usually tied to ambiguous time estimates or billing surprises. A small number report communication lapses or unprofessional behavior when addressing concerns, but these are exceptions. Most clients note Hulk Movers provides reliability and value that surpass competitors, making them a well-regarded choice for both local and long-distance moves.

Get a Quote (619) 886-0110

Company Info

State license #: 0192058

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 3358690

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Best long-distance movers in Carlsbad, CA, for small moves

Many full-service moving companies have shipment minimums that smaller moves just can’t meet. If you’re only relocating a few items, that can quickly limit your options.

Don’t fret — some movers are built for just this kind of job. These companies specialize in small moves, making them a great fit if you're moving out of Carlsbad with only a studio’s worth of stuff or a handful of belongings.

MiniMoves

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

No minimum move size
Full-service packing
Short-term storage

Check prices Visit Website

Transit Systems Inc (TSI)

rating

4.7 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

34+ yrs experience
Online chatbot
Car shipping

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Carlsbad, CA

Moving containers, also known as moving pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Carlsbad at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Carlsbad include:

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

Rental trucks in Carlsbad, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks often come with the lowest base price for long-distance moves from Carlsbad, but they also require the most effort. From packing to driving, you’ll be in charge every step of the way. Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs like fuel, mileage, and tolls—they can make a bigger dent in your budget than expected.

These are our recommended rental truck companies for long-distance relocations:

U-Haul Truck Rental

rating

4.15 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Greatest coverage
7 truck sizes
One way rentals

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Penske Truck Rental

rating

4 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Most expensive
4 truck sizes
Unlimited mileage

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Carlsbad, CA

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from Carlsbad, CA:

Best California Movers

rating

4.86 / 5

Years in Business: 6
Yelp: 4.9 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(858) 997-2487

Oakley Relocation

rating

4.8 / 5

Years in Business: 17
Yelp: 4.4 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(858) 602-1756

One Stop Moving & Storage

rating

4.86 / 5

Years in Business: 16
Yelp: 3.9 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(858) 633-8600

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Carlsbad, CA

Company	Our Rating	Quote
Safeway Moving	4.85 overall rating	Get A Quote
American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote
North American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote
Allied Van Lines	4.75 overall rating	Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation	4.9 overall rating	Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Carlsbad, CA

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Carlsbad, CA

On average, movers in California charge about $122 per hour. That said, final pricing depends on more than just hourly rates—factors like distance and shipment size still play a big role, even when working with the top interstate movers.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a long-distance move from Carlsbad, CA to some of the most common destinations:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Des Moines, IA	1,726 miles	3 bedroom	$5,278 - $8,343
New York City, NY	2,819 miles	2 bedroom	$4,883 - $8,857
Sioux Falls, SD	1,678 miles	1 bedroom	$3,106 - $6,321

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Carlsbad, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in California.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

A moving company helping you move out of California must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the Carlsbad movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Carlsbad?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Carlsbad is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of California, using a national moving company like Safeway Moving comes with more experience. That experience — along with the increased mileage — typically means higher costs than with local relocations.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Carlsbad?

Moving companies in Carlsbad are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Carlsbad?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Carlsbad. The cheapest options for moving out of Carlsbad are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.