Cheapest Movers in El Cajon, CA (2025 Guide)

Quick answer: We evaluated 277 California movers, and Best California Movers rose to the top for local moves in El Cajon, 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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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 El Cajon, CA

If you're planning a move within El Cajon or to a nearby California city no more than 50 miles away like Bostonia or Casa de Oro-Mount Helix, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

Preferred Partner
Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (39%)
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Careful handling (32%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
  • Damage to items (19%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
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
https://www.facebook.com/grizzlymovingsd,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Careful handling (29%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (26%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
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
https://www.facebook.com/Onestopmoving, https://x.com/1StopMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (26%)
  • Professional and polite staff (22%)
  • Careful handling (19%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Unexpected charges (21%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
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
https://www.facebook.com/RepublicMovingStorageSanDiego/, https://twitter.com/sdmovingstorage
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Efficient service (28%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (34%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
  • Lack of communication (25%)
Review Analysis
Customers say Republic Moving & Storage stands out for speed, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings. Crews consistently arrive punctually, work efficiently, and communicate clearly, making moving days less stressful for families and individuals. Many highlight how staff go above and beyond to protect delicate items and accommodate client needs. Affordable rates and accurate pricing set the company apart from other movers, as does their polite and knowledgeable team. Issues arise mainly with damage to items during transit, late arrivals, and breakdowns in communication, especially during long-distance or complex moves. While most feedback is positive, a sizable portion of input points to frustration with handling claims, delays, and some property loss. Republic's track record for efficient, courteous service positions them above many competitors, but persistent complaints about item damage and occasional administrative issues indicate room for improvement and more reliable service for every customer. A total of 501 reviews were analyzed, with about 75% giving positive input.
Get a Quote (619) 639-8352

Company Info

State license #: 0190491

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 3369820

Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoMover/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (42%)
  • Quick moving process (38%)
  • Careful handling (35%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (29%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
Review Analysis
Customers rave about McCarthy Transfer & Storage’s professionalism and efficiency. Out of 221 feedback entries, over 91% praise the team’s politeness, careful handling, prompt communication, and quick moving process, reporting moves completed with speed and concern for personal property. Input frequently emphasizes courteous, skilled crews and services handled with respect for homes and belongings. Some note that the company regularly exceeds experiences with other movers—especially for military relocations—earning more trust for reliability and staff friendliness. A small portion of feedback points out issues such as damaged or lost items, unprofessional conduct, or unexpected extra charges, particularly during military moves. Despite these isolated problems, most customer feedback compares McCarthy Transfer favorably to other moving companies for dependability and quality service.
Get a Quote (619) 596-2594

Company Info

State license #: 0154190

Years in Business: 105

DOT #: 2059504

Alternate Names: McCarthy Transfer & Storage Incorporated


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/coast2coastmovingSD,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (44%)
  • Professional and polite staff (34%)
  • Good communication (30%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (12%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)
  • Lack of communication (9%)
Review Analysis
Customers rave about Coast 2 Coast Moving Inc, with nearly every piece of feedback highlighting efficient service, professional and polite staff, excellent communication, careful handling of belongings, and affordable pricing. Out of 89 reviews, 97.8% express clear satisfaction, citing high-quality performance others in the industry rarely match. Customers frequently praise timely service, transparent costs, friendly movers, and problem-free moves—from short local jobs to cross-country relocations. Only two reviewers voiced issues: one found communication lacking on a quote, while another considered a quoted price unreasonable. The overwhelming trend shows Coast 2 Coast delivers value and reliability that outpace most moving companies.
Get a Quote (858) 256-0458

Company Info

State license #: 0191852

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3177184


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Other local CA moverstoggle

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

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

Moving from California to another state involves more than just packing boxes. You’ll also need the support of an experienced moving team. These interstate moving companies have the know-how and manpower to make your move as easy as possible:

  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
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Cheapest DIY moving options in El Cajon, CA

While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your El Cajon, California relocation, it will also likely be the most expensive route. To save some money, you may want to consider using one of the top moving container companies, or moving truck rental companies in El Cajon instead.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

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How we chose the best movers in El Cajon, CAtoggle

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 El Cajon, CA

The pricing table below offers a general sense of what you might pay for a local move in the El Cajon 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 $507 $272 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $789 $274 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,357 $376 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $3,355 $538 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,917 $522 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $6,190 $745 5 movers 10 hours

Compare the top El Cajon, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in El Cajon, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company moveBuddha rating BBB rating Yelp rating Google rating
Best California Movers 4.9/5 A+ 4.9/5 5/5
Grizzly Moving 4.8/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.8/5
One Stop Moving & Storage 4.8/5 A+ 3.9/5 4.2/5
Republic Moving & Storage 4.8/5 A+ 3.6/5 4.3/5
McCarthy Transfer & Storage 4.7/5 A+ 4.5/5 4.6/5
Coast 2 Coast Moving Inc 4.6/5 A+ 4.9/5 5/5
24/7 Moving and Storage 4.5/5 A+ 4.9/5 5/5
Priority Moving and Storage 4.4/5 A+ 3.8/5 4.4/5
Aztec Moving & Storage 4.3/5 A+ 3.5/5 4.7/5
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving 4.1/5 2.3/5 4.9/5

FAQs

How do I know if my mover is properly licensed?toggle

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.

All of the movers on our list are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in California list for more recommendations.

How do I find a reputable El Cajon mover?toggle

Looking for a reliable El Cajon moving company can be difficult, but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:

  • Reputation: A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a seasoned van lines company.
  • Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints. Every El Cajon moving company will face customer issues. The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
  • Relevant experience: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves, they may not have the experience needed to handle a cross-country move. Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.

Do El Cajon moving companies handle long-distance moves?toggle

Some of the moving companies that service El Cajon can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services. If you're moving out of state, see our list of the best long distance movers in El Cajon.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in El Cajon, CA?toggle

The cheapest day to hire a mover in El Cajon, California, will typically be a weekday, since weekends are typically busier times for moving. In general, the cheapest time to move is between October and April. The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.

The earlier you book your move from El Cajon, the better. Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money. Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote, as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state from El Cajon, CA?toggle

Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within El Cajon, California. Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and driving.

Are moving containers a good idea for my move from El Cajon?toggle

Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Once you’re loaded up and ready to move, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.

What if I need help loading my moving container in El Cajon?toggle

Labor-only moving companies can be a great addition to a more DIY move done with a rental moving truck or moving container. Hiring third-party assistance with loading and unloading can help cut down on the workload and make your move quicker and more efficient.

Do El Cajon movers offer storage?toggle

Most El Cajon moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some El Cajon movers use third-party warehouses to store your items. It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.

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

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