The Best Long-Distance Movers in Costa Mesa, CA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 27, 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

5.0
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best local mover:

Best California Movers

5.0
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Best California Movers

5.0
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	5.0 / 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa:

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 Costa Mesa for those staying in state

Moves that stay within California can still be considered long-distance if you’re covering serious ground from Costa Mesa. 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 Costa Mesa, CA:

Preferred Partner

Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Meathead Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
Maison Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Move Central Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591 US

99% of all reviews were positive

1% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving perfection is rare, but Best California Movers comes close. Out of 1,177 pieces of customer feedback, over 98% are positive. Customers highlight the company's efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, professional staff, and great communication.

Moves are completed swiftly without sacrificing care, and teams are consistently polite and attentive. Transparent pricing and quick response times also set this company apart from many others. On the flip side, a small number of people mention issues like item damage, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and slow resolution to complaints. While most customers found pricing and final charges accurate, those few negative experiences reflect the main risks found in the industry—miscommunication, claim delays, and the rare mishandling of belongings. Compared to typical movers, Best California Movers receives far fewer complaints about property damage and shows higher reliability and responsiveness. The feedback shows why so many recommend them for hassle-free, well-managed moves.

Get a Quote

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

Terry Moving and Storage Inc.

25958 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 US

94% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customers—nearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful.

Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.

Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Company Info

State license #: 189603

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 649215

Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card

Meathead Movers

2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 US

77% of all reviews were positive

20% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Meathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process.

On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.

Get a Quote (949) 485-7883

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

NorthStar Moving Company

300 Spectrum Center Dr Ste 400, Irvine, CA 92618 US

94% of all reviews were positive

4% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customers—94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the movers’ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies.

Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.

Get a Quote (800) 275-7767

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576

Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation

Services Offered

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

Maison Moving

1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA 92780 US

84% of all reviews were positive

14% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Word spreads fast about a moving company that gets the job done. Out of 293 customer reviews, Maison Moving earned high marks, with 84% giving glowing feedback. Customers repeatedly mention the efficiency, professionalism, and care shown by the movers, highlighting strong communication, timely arrivals, and careful handling of belongings.

Many found booking straightforward, pricing transparent, and crews helpful and polite. Moving day stresses were often eased by their quick, organized approach. Negative feedback, making up 14% of input, centered on damaged or missing items and rare delays or unprepared crews. Some clients were frustrated by the claims process or communication breakdowns after problems. Only 1% described neutral experiences, usually pointing out minor issues like unexpected fees or average service. Compared to others, Maison Moving stands out for its reliable, efficient service but could improve on accountability and claims handling when things go wrong.

Get a Quote (800) 832-5950

Company Info

State license #: 0190726

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 76628

Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc, College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County, Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County

Services Offered

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

Move Central Moving & Storage

17091 Daimler St, Irvine, CA 92614 US

67% of all reviews were positive

27% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Confidence in every move: Among the 15 feedback entries reviewed, two-thirds of customers gave positive input about Move Central Moving & Storage, noting the company’s careful handling of items, professional and polite staff, and efficient service. Many mentioned organized packing as a strong advantage and said they would highly recommend this mover. Negative experiences pointed to property damage, unexpected overcharges, and poor professionalism during problem resolution.

Unresolved claims for damages were also a recurring issue in criticism. Compared with many moving companies, Move Central receives stronger marks for care and professionalism but faces criticism for handling customer claims and post-move accountability.

Get a Quote (949) 245-2195

Company Info

State license #: 0191020

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2365576

Alternate Names: Move Central Inc

Services Offered

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

Best long-distance movers in Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa 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 Costa Mesa, CA

If you're moving from Costa Mesa and want more control over your schedule, moving containers are a smart choice. You take care of the packing and loading on your own time, and the container company manages storage and delivery to your next home.

Below are our recommended container movers for long-distance relocations from Costa Mesa:

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 Costa Mesa, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

If saving money is your top priority, renting a truck for your move from Costa Mesa might be the way to go. Just remember — it’s a full DIY job. You’ll be packing, lifting, driving, and unloading everything yourself. And while it may look budget-friendly upfront, costs like gas, mileage, and tolls can sneak up on you. Do the math before locking it in.

Take a look at our top rental truck picks for long-distance moves:

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 Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, CA:

Best California Movers

rating

5.0 / 5

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

Get A Quote

Visit Website

Move Central Moving & Storage

rating

4.58 / 5

Years in Business: 12
Yelp: 2.4 / 5
BBB: F

Get A Quote

(949) 245-2195

Laaks Moving Services

rating

4.62 / 5

Years in Business: 11
Yelp: 4.7 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(877) 238-5141

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, 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 Costa Mesa, CA

Professional movers in California charge around $122 per hour on average. However, even the most reputable interstate moving companies need more details—like how far and how much you're moving—before giving you an accurate quote.

Here’s a look at average long-distance moving costs from Costa Mesa, CA to major cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Little Rock, AR	1,668 miles	3 bedroom	$5,178 - $8,397
Boise, ID	895 miles	2 bedroom	$3,095 - $6,415
Seattle, WA	1,177 miles	1 bedroom	$2,891 - $6,098

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Costa Mesa, 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?

Any moving company helping you leave California must have the proper licenses and a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. All the Costa Mesa movers we recommend meet these requirements, but you can verify credentials yourself through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you're planning a move across state lines, make sure to review the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide.

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

For a move within the same city, a local moving company in Costa Mesa will typically be your most affordable option. But if you're planning a move out of California, a national provider like Safeway Moving brings more long-distance experience.

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

The moving industry in Costa Mesa tends to slow down in November and December because of the holidays and school schedules. That means you may be able to negotiate a better rate with movers and save during that time.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Costa Mesa?

The most affordable way to move, especially within 50 miles of Costa Mesa, is to go the DIY route. Your cheapest bets usually include renting a moving truck like U-Haul or using a moving container company like PODS. For more budget-saving tips, check out our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.