Cheapest Movers in Goleta, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After reviewing 277 California movers, our top pick for local moves in Goleta, CA, is Air 1 Moving & Storage based on pricing, services, and customer reviews. For long-distance and out-of-state moves from California, we recommend Safeway Moving because they provide a good balance of quality service and affordability.

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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:

Air 1 Moving & Storage

4.9
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 Goleta, CA

If you are moving within Goleta — or to a nearby California city like Eastern Goleta Valley or University of California-Santa Barbara that is 50 miles or less from Goleta — check out these affordable, top-rated moving companies:

Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Meathead Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Martian Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Aloha Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Air 1 Moving & Storage

9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (20%)
Professional and polite staff (18%)
Good communication (15%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (25%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
Unexpected charges (20%)

Review Analysis

Night-and-day experiences define Air 1 Moving & Storage’s reputation, based on 545 customer reviews. About 71% of the feedback highlights professional and polite staff, careful handling of possessions, efficient and fast moves, and affordable prices. Many people praise the company for managing stressful relocations with skill, moving items without damage or delays, and maintaining courteous communication throughout. Customers frequently mention the team’s reliability and trustworthiness, setting Air 1 apart from other movers. On the other hand, nearly 27% of the input focuses on negative incidents—most notably, unexpected charges, damaged or lost items, and delivery delays. Some report being billed far above initial quotes or experiencing broken or missing property without adequate resolution. Issues with last-minute fees and withheld communication stand out as significant frustrations. Compared to industry competitors, Air 1 garners above-average praise for its staff’s professionalism but struggles with cost transparency and consistency on long-distance moves.

Get a Quote (866) 485-1030

Company Info

State license #: 0189688

Years in Business: 22

DOT #: 1095485

Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc

Services Offered

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

Meathead Movers

3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (29%)
Professional and polite staff (24%)
Careful handling (22%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (21%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
Unexpected charges (18%)

Review Analysis

Moving made easy—fast, careful, and professional. Across 534 customer accounts, 85% were satisfied with Meathead Movers, who consistently impress with prompt, efficient service, courteous staff, careful attention to belongings, and effective communication. Many point to their speed, skill, and ability to reduce moving stress as unmatched compared to other movers. Staff go out of their way to ensure everything is handled safely and customers feel supported throughout. Most praise the company’s organization and transparency, with workers often finishing ahead of schedule and providing clear updates. While Meathead stands out for reliability, a number of customers highlighted problems including damage to items, higher-than-expected costs than initial estimates, and issues with packing quality—especially when using packing services. Some experienced final bills much greater than the quotes they received, contributing to frustration. A few customers also reported items arriving broken or poor claim handling after reporting damage. Compared to other moving firms, feedback shows Meathead’s team typically provides a smoother, faster, and friendlier move—but attention to better estimate accuracy and meticulous packing would boost trust even further.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Packers

Services Offered

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

Martian Movers

901 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Friendly and polite staff (25%)
Careful handling (20%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (35%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
Unexpected charges (15%)

Review Analysis

Rave reviews pour in for Martian Movers, spotlighting efficient service, polite staff, careful handling, fast move times, and reliable communication. Among 295 reviews, 95% of feedback describes stress-free moves by friendly, professional crews attentive to property and timing. Clients often mention rapid service, courteous demeanor, and exceptional care with belongings—even challenging items like pianos—setting them apart from less consistent competitors. For value, they frequently finish under quoted prices, with transparent estimates and easy scheduling. Less than 5% of feedback details significant issues during long-distance moves, including damaged items, late deliveries, unreliable timing, and poor handling. Some clients cite missed arrival windows, mishandling, or lack of follow-up on claims for damages. For most customers, though, reviews indicate Martian Movers outperforms other moving companies on efficiency, professionalism, and customer care, while a few experienced notable problems with high-value or out-of-area jobs.

Get a Quote (805) 549-5122

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3196615

Alternate Names: Cal-Safe Movers

Services Offered

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

Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.

1131 Industrial Ave., Oxnard, CA 93030 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Good communication (20%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (15%)
Lack of communication (12%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)

Review Analysis

Customer experiences with Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc. set a high mark for professionalism and care. Out of 179 detailed feedback entries, 88% highlighted courteous and skilled staff, careful handling, quick and efficient service, and steady communication. Most moves were completed on time with belongings arriving intact, earning the company frequent praise for minimizing stress and exceeding expectations. Some clients even found the crew to be helpful, flexible, and thoroughly organized in both local and cross-country moves. A small number of customers, about 11%, cited item damage, poor communication, or packing lapses as key issues, sometimes impacting move logistics or claim resolutions. Such pain points appear less often than with many moving services, especially those managing complex relocations. Only one neutral entry suggested that the value of a low quote was offset by minor mishaps and delays. In comparison to competitors, Worldwide Moving & Storage stands out for reliability, respectful service, and effective communication.

Get a Quote (805) 487-3901

Company Info

State license #: 0130677

Years in Business: 68

DOT #: 125563

Alternate Names: Mayflower, WWMS, Inc., Worldwide Moving and Storage, Inc., Worldwide Moving and Storage, Worldwide Moving & Storage

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Crane vans
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required
DOD certified

Aloha Moving

226 W Mason St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (60%)
Professional and polite staff (57%)
Careful handling (53%)

Customer Complaints

Higher-than-expected costs (15%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)
Lack of communication (8%)

Review Analysis

Aloha Moving stands out as a trusted choice for relocation in the Santa Barbara area, with 102 pieces of feedback analyzed. A remarkable 97% of customer input rates their service positively. Most people praise the professional and polite staff, efficient service, and the careful handling of belongings. Customers often highlight excellent communication, quick moving processes, and consistently stress-free experiences compared to other movers. Costs are typically seen as fair, estimates accurate, and appointments handled on schedule. The company's owner, Paul, frequently receives personal mentions for his direct involvement and reliability. On the downside, a small number of negative comments mention higher-than-expected costs and instances of pushy or unprofessional behavior, but these are rare in comparison to the volume of praise. In terms of reliability, service, and care, Aloha Moving repeatedly exceeds what’s expected from moving companies, setting a high standard in the local industry.

Get a Quote (805) 564-8800

Company Info

State license #: 0191816

Years in Business: 24

DOT #: 2660138

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage

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 Goleta, CA

A full-service mover can make your Goleta, California relocation stress-free, but it often comes with a higher price tag. To save a bit, you might want to look into the best moving container companies or explore rental truck options available in Goleta.

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 Goleta, 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 Goleta, CA

Check out the pricing table below to get a rough idea of what local moves typically cost in and around the Goleta 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	$461	$136	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$592	$134	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$910	$192	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,935	$260	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,159	$271	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$3,233	$369	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Goleta, CA movers

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

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Air 1 Moving & Storage	4.9/5	A+	3.7/5	4.3/5
Meathead Movers	4.9/5	A+	4.1/5	4.7/5
Martian Movers	4.8/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.8/5	A+	3.7/5	4.9/5
Aloha Moving	4.7/5	A+	4.4/5	5/5
Unique Moving Inc.	4.7/5	C+	4.2/5	4.9/5
Camelot Moving & Storage	4.7/5	A+	4.6/5	4.6/5
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.6/5	A+	4.5/5	4.8/5
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc	4.6/5	A+	4.5/5	5/5
Lompoc Van and Storage	4/5	NR	/5	/5

FAQs

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.

All movers included in our listings hold the proper licenses. Visit our best movers in California roundup for suggestions.

How can I choose a reliable mover in Goleta?

Searching for a reputable Goleta mover can feel overwhelming, but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:

Reputation: Whether it’s a local startup or a national van lines company, their track record matters.
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints. Every Goleta mover will face customer feedback— the best ones respond quickly and fairly.
Specialized experience: Not all movers are equipped for every job. A company great at local moves might not be ideal for a cross-country relocation. Make sure they’ve done moves like yours.

Do movers in Goleta offer long-distance services?

Many Goleta moving companies handle long-distance relocations, though some focus solely on local moves. For out-of-state moves, we’ve compiled the best long distance movers in Goleta.

What day is usually the least expensive to move in Goleta, CA?

The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Goleta, 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 Goleta. 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 Goleta, CA to another state?

Renting a truck is typically the cheapest option for moving out of state or around Goleta, 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 Goleta?

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.

Can I get help loading my moving container in Goleta?

Yes! Labor-only movers can be a smart add-on if you're using a rental truck or moving container. They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, making your move smoother and more efficient without breaking the bank.

Are storage options available through Goleta movers?

Most moving companies in Goleta provide storage solutions, whether you need something for a few days or indefinitely. Some movers, however, work with third-party storage providers. Always ask for details about storage services and fees when talking to movers.

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