Cheapest Movers in El Cajon, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

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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Preferred partner:

Best California Movers

4.86
Best local CA mover:

Best California Movers

4.86
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
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.86 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 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

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:

Grizzly Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Republic Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Coast 2 Coast Moving Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

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

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

Grizzly Moving

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

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

One Stop Moving & Storage

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

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

Republic Moving & Storage

8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 US

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

McCarthy Transfer & Storage

1386 Fayette St, El Cajon, CA 92020 US

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

Coast 2 Coast Moving Inc

11320 Portobelo Dr Suite 4, San Diego, CA 92124 US

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 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

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:

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 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.

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 El Cajon, 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 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	$266	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$757	$266	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,343	$376	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$3,496	$522	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$3,917	$544	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$6,126	$753	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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?