Best Movers Near Desert Hot Springs, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: We evaluated 277 California movers, and VIP Transport, Inc. rose to the top for local moves in Desert Hot Springs, CA, due to their competitive pricing, range of options, and positive customer feedback. Our choice for long-distance or out-of-state relocations from California, is Safeway Moving. We like that they maintain reasonable rates without skimping on service quality.

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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.

Best local CA mover:

VIP Transport, Inc.

4.8
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5

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5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Desert Hot Springs, CA

If you're planning a move within Desert Hot Springs or to a nearby California city no more than 50 miles away like Palm Springs or Whitewater, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

VIP Transport, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Oakley Relocation: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Merit Moving Systems: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Aces Moving Pros Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars

VIP Transport, Inc.

2703 Wardlow Rd, Corona, CA 92882 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Lack of communication
Delayed arrival or delivery

Review Analysis

Stellar service and professionalism are at the heart of most customer input for VIP Transport, Inc. Out of 244 reviews analyzed, 88.5% reflect positive feedback with standout praise for the company’s professional staff, reliable communication, and careful handling of possessions. Movers are routinely described as efficient, friendly, and willing to go the extra mile, making the moving process much less stressful. Customers also highlight helpful attitudes and strong organizational skills from both office and field staff, setting VIP Transport ahead of many competitors. The main negative feedback, making up about 9%, centers on damaged items, slow resolution of claims, or lapses in communication and delivery timelines. Still, these issues appear in a small minority of cases. A few neutral comments mention price competitiveness and the condition of vehicles. With consistent praise for attentive and skilled teams, transparent communication, and a reputation for reducing the hassle of relocation, VIP Transport remains a top choice for complex or long-distance moves—even if some room for improvement persists regarding claims and rare mishandled items.

Get a Quote (951) 272-3700

Company Info

State license #: 0137029

Years in Business: 41

DOT #: 125563

Alternate Names: Mayflower Transit, VIP Transport East, Inc, VIP Transport - United Van Lines, VIP Transport - Mayflower Transit, United Van Lines

Services Offered

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

Terry Moving and Storage Inc.

25958 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Unexpected charges
Lack of communication

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

Oakley Relocation

992 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Lack of communication
Unexpected charges

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: 15

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

Merit Moving Systems

72050 Varner Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Efficient service
Careful handling
Organized packing

Customer Complaints

Misplaced or lost items
Damage to items
Unfriendly or rude staff

Review Analysis

Customer input raves about Merit Moving Systems' professionalism and strong communication, with 111 out of 121 reviews (92%) rating their experience positively. Clients frequently highlight the staff’s polite manner, careful handling of possessions, and efficient organization—more than typically seen with moving companies. Movements are executed smoothly, with packing done methodically and updates provided throughout the process. Several customers mention that everything arrived undamaged, on time, and that interactions from the quote to delivery were clear and friendly. Critical feedback is rare but noteworthy: the main problems involve lost or missing items, occasional property damage, and a few reports of unhelpful or rude staff members. A small number of customers cited dissatisfaction with complaint resolution and accountability when issues arose. Neutral feedback points to unexpected extra fees and isolated negative experiences with estimators but credits the rest of the team as helpful and professional. Compared to industry norms, Merit earns higher praise for reliability, communication, and the care shown by its moving crews, yet there is a need for consistent follow-through in resolving complaints and losses.

Get a Quote (760) 343-3464

Company Info

State license #: 0192009

Years in Business: 38

DOT #: 1839600

Alternate Names: Merit Moving & Logistics LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International 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
DOD certified

Aces Moving Pros Inc.

81824 Trader Pl, Building A, Indio, CA 92201 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Delayed arrival or delivery
Lack of communication

Review Analysis

Aces Moving Pros Inc. stands out with a remarkably high level of customer satisfaction, reflected by 83.9% positive feedback from 143 reviews. Customers consistently value the efficient service, careful handling of belongings, and consistently professional staff. Quick, organized moves and strong communication are highlighted as key strengths, helping set the company apart from many movers in the region. Requests for last-minute moves and complex jobs are managed with adaptability and attention, often exceeding expectations for speed and friendliness. On the downside, a small portion of feedback calls attention to issues such as damaged items, delays or unreliable timing, and lapses in communication—some reporting extra charges, items missing, mishandled claims, or slow follow-up after problems. While the frequency of negative experiences is well below industry averages, those incidents are most often related to damaged property or delivery delays. Customers moving delicate or high-value items, or with rigid schedules, should make sure all details are confirmed in writing. Aces Moving Pros Inc. outperforms larger competitors in overall satisfaction, reliability, and positive interactions, though their handling of rare service failures could be improved with more proactive communication and faster dispute resolution.

Get a Quote (760) 248-4005

Company Info

State license #: 0191295

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 2193249

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Other local CA movers

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

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

If you're relocating from California to a new state, choosing a trusted interstate moving company is key to making the transition smooth. Here are a few of our top picks to get you started:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Desert Hot Springs, CA

Choosing a full-service mover for your Desert Hot Springs, 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 Desert Hot Springs instead.

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

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

See less

How we chose the best movers in Desert Hot Springs, CA

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 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 Desert Hot Springs, CA

Check out the pricing table below to get a rough idea of what local moves typically cost in and around the Desert Hot Springs area. For a deeper dive, be sure to explore our guide on the moving costs in California.

Keep in mind that the moving quotes shown are general estimates. Your actual expenses may vary based on your specific moving situation. For a more accurate estimate, try our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$511	$159	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$669	$162	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,016	$224	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$2,239	$317	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,580	$311	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$3,986	$434	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Desert Hot Springs, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Desert Hot Springs, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
VIP Transport, Inc.	4.8/5	A+	4.6/5	4.5/5
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.	4.8/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
Oakley Relocation	4.8/5	A+	4.4/5	4.8/5
Merit Moving Systems	4.7/5	A+	4.4/5	4.9/5
Aces Moving Pros Inc.	4.6/5	A+	4.4/5	4.7/5
ACME Moving and Storage	4.6/5	A+	4.6/5	4.4/5
Desert Moving Company & Storage	4.5/5	A+	3.5/5	4.5/5
Greek Movers	4.4/5	F	3.8/5	4.7/5
Big Bear Moving	4.3/5	A+	3.5/5	4/5
Trek Movers	4/5	A+		/5

FAQs

How can I verify if my mover is legally 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.

Every mover featured in our guide is fully licensed. Check out our best movers in California page for top picks.

What’s the best way to find a trustworthy Desert Hot Springs mover?

Finding a dependable Desert Hot Springs 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 Desert Hot Springs 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.

Can Desert Hot Springs movers help with long-distance relocations?

Some moving companies in Desert Hot Springs offer long-distance services, while others stick to local moves only. If you're planning an out-of-state move, check out our list of the best long distance movers in Desert Hot Springs.

When is the most affordable day to hire movers in Desert Hot Springs, CA?

Movers in Desert Hot Springs, California, are usually cheapest on weekdays, as weekends tend to be busier and more expensive. Typically, the most affordable time to move falls between October and April. Moving costs spike between May and September due to high demand during peak season.

It’s best to book your Desert Hot Springs move early. To save money, try to avoid weekends, holidays, and peak summer months. And remember, a low initial quote isn’t always a good sign. Some movers increase the price on moving day after low-balling up front.

How can I move out of state from Desert Hot Springs, CA on a budget?

If you're looking to save money, renting a moving truck is the most affordable way to move out of state or even locally within Desert Hot Springs, California. It’s a DIY solution, though, so you’ll be responsible for packing, loading, unloading, and doing all the driving.

Is using a moving container a smart choice for my move from Desert Hot Springs?

Moving containers give you the flexibility to move on your schedule, but you’ll need to handle all the lifting and loading yourself. Once everything is packed, the container company will take care of transporting it to your new home, so you can skip the hassle of driving a moving truck.

Can I get help loading my moving container in Desert Hot Springs?

If you’re going the DIY route with a rental truck or container, labor-only moving companies are a great way to get some extra help. Hiring professionals to assist with loading and unloading can lighten the workload and speed up the process.

Can I get storage from Desert Hot Springs moving companies?

Many Desert Hot Springs movers offer both short- and long-term storage options. Some companies may rely on third-party storage facilities, so be sure to ask how and where your belongings will be stored. It’s a good idea to confirm availability and costs when comparing movers.

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