Best Movers Near Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan
 • 5 min read
checkmarkFact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Among the many moving companies operating in California, Best California Movers rose to the top for local moves in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA. Our recommendation is based on 54 online reviews — 94.4% of which are positive — and a comprehensive review of 370 companies statewide.

For interstate relocations, Safeway Moving consistently impresses with their combination of service quality and overall value.

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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.
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Whether you're moving within Carmel-by-the-Sea, relocating to nearby Monterey or Pacific Grove, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away, here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

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Best California Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/, https://x.com/BestCAMovers_
94% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer input for Best California Movers paints a clear picture: this company impresses with professionalism, efficient teams, careful handling of belongings, excellent communication, and speedy work. Out of 54 reviews, 94% are positive, highlighting these strengths repeatedly. Many praised accommodating movers who protected valuables, remained punctual, and communicated thoroughly. Transparent rates and easy booking also stand out. Negative feedback, making up just 3.7%, centers on unclear or unexpectedly high pricing and aggressive marketing tactics. A few clients noted delays or pressure to leave reviews. Compared to competitors, Best California Movers stands out for the dedication of its staff and consistent care, though reading terms closely can avoid pricing surprises. Most clients would confidently use or refer their services again.
Get a Quote (408) 200-0452

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 7

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/modmoversandcleanersmonterey/, https://twitter.com/mod_movers?lang=en
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Mod Movers feels like hiring a team of skilled friends who truly care about your belongings. After analyzing 277 customer comments, an impressive 93% reflect satisfaction, with many mentioning professional, polite crews and careful, efficient service. Customers regularly praise the movers' helpful attitudes, quick work, and attention to protecting homes and items. Feedback highlights their ability to handle difficult jobs with organization and a friendly approach. Some clients mention being pleasantly surprised when final bills came in under the estimate, or that supervisors go the extra mile to resolve challenges. On the flip side, a few customers report issues like charges beyond initial estimates, property damage, or less-than-friendly staff. These negatives form just under 7% of total input, which is notably low compared to moving companies in general. Most feedback suggests Mod Movers consistently delivers above-average care, communication, and professionalism for both short and long-distance moves, leading many to highly recommend their services.
Get a Quote (831) 480-0381

Company Info

State license #: 0191620

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2983026


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/ScarrMovingandStorage/, https://x.com/scarrmoving
88% of all reviews were positive
9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
High marks dominate feedback for Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc., with 43 reviews analyzed and nearly 90% noting a standout experience. Customers praise the team's professionalism, careful handling of belongings, efficient and quick moves, as well as helpful attitudes. Many describe stress-free relocations that come in under budget, and several cite repeat exceptional service across multiple moves. Staff receive recognition for politeness, organization, and clear communication—qualities that make a big impact during stressful moves. A handful of clients report issues such as unprofessional conduct from management, misplaced items, and crews arriving without proper tools, though these remain rare within the feedback. Scarr's strengths put them ahead of many competitors for reliability and peace of mind, but consistent quality control is key to maintaining their strong reputation.
Get a Quote (831) 424-2784

Company Info

State license #: 0095753

Years in Business: 59

DOT #: 44159


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/CardinaleMovingStorage/, https://twitter.com/cardinalemoving
81% of all reviews were positive
19% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Exceeding most expectations, Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc. receives largely enthusiastic feedback: out of 86 total reviews, more than 80% highlight professionalism, careful handling, efficient and quick service, strong communication, and prompt crews. Staff members routinely earn praise for courtesy and attention to detail. Customers commonly note that the moving process feels organized and stress-free. On the other hand, about 19% of input flags serious concerns—primarily about damaged or missing items, unanswered claims, and communication gaps, especially for interstate and storage moves. These recurring problems appear at higher rates than with top-rated long-distance competitors. Most users report a standout local moving experience, but those needing secure long-term storage or extended-haul relocation report more issues. Cardinale's consistent positive performance in local moves, combined with speedy, polite crews, often outshines others in the region, while their handful of negative reviews underscore the importance of careful communication and transparency in the claims process.
Get a Quote (831) 632-4100

Company Info

State license #: 0102808

Years in Business: 52

DOT #: 45193


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/poulosmoving, https://x.com/PoulosMovingSys
89% of all reviews were positive
11% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving doesn't have to be hard—Poulos Moving Systems earns high praise from nearly nine out of ten customers, based on 187 feedback submissions. Most customer input points to staff professionalism, quick and careful service, transparent communication, and smooth moving days as key strengths. People often highlight how attentive movers handled belongings, explained the process, and worked efficiently, even in tricky situations like stairs or heavy loads. Communication stands out, with updates and quick responses appreciated by clients. A few customers, though, dealt with damaged items, slow responses, and unexpected charges. The main complaints involve property damage or trouble reaching the company—issues common with many moving services, but less so here given the lower rate of negative input. For those seeking a careful, courteous, and reliable moving experience, Poulos consistently outperforms most competitors in the region.
Get a Quote (831) 394-5000

Company Info

State license #: 0190661

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 2618126


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/tavarespackingandloading/,
85% of all reviews were positive
15% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers consistently praise Tavares Packing & Loading for efficient service, careful handling, reasonable rates, and polite, professional staff. Many highlight how quickly moves are completed while keeping belongings damage-free. Positive input also points to affordable prices and responsive communication—features rarely found in larger moving companies. Nearly every review mentions hardworking movers who maintain a friendly, courteous approach. Some feedback, though, raises major concerns about damage to items, especially during storage or complex moves, noting a lack of follow-up on claims. Several dissatisfied customers report last-minute cancellations or difficulty reaching the company before scheduled moves. While most feedback far exceeds industry standards for satisfaction, those considering high-value or time-sensitive moves should weigh these reported drawbacks.
Get a Quote (831) 402-8949

Company Info

State license #: 0191257

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 3183311

Alternate Names: Tavares Eduardo, Eddie Tavares Packing & Loading


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Local moving services in Carmel-by-the-Sea

Not all moving companies offer the same services, and availability can vary widely depending on where you're located.

Here’s a quick look at how many movers in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, offer key services, compared with the statewide and national numbers so you can see which specialty services may be harder to find in your area.

Service Carmel-by-the-Sea CA National
Packing 11 367 3068
Unpacking 11 358 2968
Packing Materials 7 252 1808
Piano 11 296 2298
Antiques 9 227 1464
Debris Removal 1 58 819
Art 11 229 1448
Storage 8 317 2691
Climate-Controlled Storage 2 73 1030
Small Moves 2 150 1549
Fragile-Only Packing 1 105 747
Custom Crating 11 290 1928
Grandfather Clock 1 61 407
Hot Tub 3 118 691
Junk Removal 1 72 1151
Office Moves 11 346 2704
Pool Table 6 153 968
Safe 4 141 1155

Other local CA movers

While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

Don’t see the service you need in your area? Check out other highly rated California moving companies for nearby options.

See more
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Cheapest movers when moving out of California

Relocating from California to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
  3. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
Get A Quote
(855) 929-4120
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
Get A Quote
Visit Website
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
Get A Quote
866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

Choosing a full-service mover for your Carmel-by-the-Sea, California move is definitely the most convenient option, but it’s also usually the priciest. If you’re looking to cut costs, consider going with one of the top moving container companies. Or, check out moving truck rental companies in Carmel-by-the-Sea instead.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
Get A Quote
Visit Website
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
Check prices Visit Website
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
Get A Quote
(352) 322-2920
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
Check prices Visit Website

Skip the strain without skipping the savings. If you’re planning a DIY move in Carmel-by-the-Sea, you’ve got 2 labor-only services to choose from — a great solution for getting help when you need it most.

How we chose the best movers in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 289 California movers and listed the top five best 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 movers in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA

The pricing table below offers a general sense of what you might pay for a local move in the Carmel-by-the-Sea area. To learn more, take a look at our full guide to moving costs in California.

The moving quotes listed are ballpark figures—your final cost could be higher or lower depending on your individual move. For a more tailored estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $480 $186 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $666 $186 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,075 $260 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,483 $365 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,848 $365 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,383 $511 5 movers 10 hours

Compare the top Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company moveBuddha rating BBB rating Yelp rating Google rating
Mod Movers 4.5/5 A+ 4.3/5 4.9/5
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc. 4.5/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.5/5
Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc. 4.4/5 A+ 4/5 4.4/5
Poulos Moving Systems 4.4/5 A+ 4.1/5 4.8/5
Tavares Packing & Loading 4.4/5 A+ 4.5/5 4/5
South Bay Moving Systems Inc. 4.3/5 NR 3.2/5 4.8/5
Lambert & Son Moving 4.4/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.9/5
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. 4.2/5 A+ 3.6/5 4.4/5
831 Movers 4.4/5 A+ 5/5 5/5
Fairprice Movers 4.3/5 A 4.8/5 5/5

FAQs

How many movers in Carmel-by-the-Sea offer discounts?

Some moving companies in Carmel-by-the-Sea offer discounts tailored to certain customers. If you're eligible, these offers can lower your total cost without reducing service quality.

1 movers support military families with reduced rates. Always check directly with each mover to confirm the details and any fine print.

How can I tell if a moving company is licensed?

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.

We only feature movers that are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in California list to find vetted options.

What’s the best way to find a trustworthy Carmel-by-the-Sea mover?

Finding a dependable Carmel-by-the-Sea moving company can be a challenge, but there are a few key things that can help you identify a reputable mover:

  • Reputation: A strong reputation is important, whether the mover is a small local business or a well-established van lines company.
  • Dispute resolution: Steer clear of movers with a track record of unresolved complaints. While every Carmel-by-the-Sea mover may encounter customer issues, the best ones handle disputes quickly and professionally.
  • Experience with your type of move: Great reviews for short moves don’t guarantee success on a cross-country relocation. Make sure the mover has handled moves like yours before.

What day is usually the least expensive to move in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA?

The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, are weekdays, since demand tends to be higher on weekends. Generally, the least expensive time to move is during the off-season from October to April. Expect higher rates from May through September due to peak demand.

Booking early is key if you’re planning a move from Carmel-by-the-Sea. For the best deal, steer clear of weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months. Be cautious with quotes that seem too low—some movers may hike the price significantly on moving day.

What’s the most cost-effective way to move from Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA to another state?

Renting a truck is typically the cheapest option for moving out of state or around Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. Just keep in mind that it's a no-frills option. You’ll need to take care of all the packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

Should I consider a moving container for my move from Carmel-by-the-Sea?

Moving containers are a convenient option if you prefer a flexible schedule. Just be ready to handle the loading and unloading yourself. Once you're packed up, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place — no need to worry about driving.

What kind of storage support do Carmel-by-the-Sea movers offer?

8 companies in Carmel-by-the-Sea provide flexible storage options, including both short- and long-term solutions. For added protection, 2 movers also offer climate-controlled units.

Storage setups vary between providers. Before booking, make sure to ask whether storage is handled in-house and what protections are included.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?

Helpful Carmel-by-the-Sea Resources

Carmel-by-the-Sea Moving Services

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