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10 Best Moving Companies in California (2026 Reviews)

ryan carrigan moving expert
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.
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.
Need more help? Build your move plan.
Get Quote
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 movers for those moving locally in California

Planning a move within Anaheim, San Jose, or any other California city — or just heading to a nearby town? A local CA mover might be the right fit.

After analyzing 368 local California moving companies, we suggest Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. for your California move due to their reliability and upfront pricing.

  1. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  2. Best California Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
  3. Double Move: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Meathead Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. Grace Moving Company: 4.7 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
1
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive Reviews
87%
Years Active
15
moveBuddha
4.6
Google
4.6
Yelp
4.4
BBB
Grade A+
Show Details Hide Details

Services Offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company Stats

Read Full Review

Industry Experience

5.0

Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.

Review Quality

4.5

Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.

Quote Accuracy

4.1

Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.

Customer Service

5.0

Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.

Recent Reviews

“The movers wrapped all my furniture and moved quickly. Nothing was damaged, and they were efficient and professional. Highly recommend their service and would definitely use them again!”

“Fantastic team! They showed up on time, worked hard, took great care with our stuff, and got the move done faster than quoted. The best moving experience I’ve had.”

DOT Number
3670248
Address
274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080
Payment Methods
Cash • Credit Card • Money Order
State License
0190673
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
2
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive Reviews
99%
Years Active
6
moveBuddha
4.6
Google
5.0
Yelp
4.6
BBB
Grade A+
Show Details Hide Details

Services Offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company Stats

Read Full Review

Industry Experience

5.0

Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.

Review Quality

5.0

Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.

Quote Accuracy

3.8

Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.

Customer Service

5.0

Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.

Recent Reviews

“The crew that came to help were experts and lightning fast! They made sure to take care of our furniture, wrapping big, fragile items. Everything arrived safely and nothing was broken or missing. Fenomenal team!”

“On time, fast, and extremely careful with all our belongings. Efficient, friendly, with clear, upfront pricing. Took away all the stress of moving. Easily the best moving experience I’ve ever had.”

DOT Number
3489907
Address
15 Hubble, Irvine, CA, 92591
Payment Methods
Credit Card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
3
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Helpful movers
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive Reviews
99%
Years Active
2
moveBuddha
4.2
Yelp
4.4
BBB
Grade NR
Show Details Hide Details

Services Offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Piano moves
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company Stats

Read Full Review

Industry Experience

4.1

Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.

Review Quality

4.1

Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.

Quote Accuracy

4.1

Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.

Customer Service

4.1

Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.

Recent Reviews

“Evan and Alex were so efficient. The move was fast and they handle our stuff very well. I would recommend them and use their service again.”

“Double Move did a great job and helped make moving day as easy as possible. They handled all of my items with care and were very efficient! Highly recommend!”

DOT Number
4027902
Address
7224 CatBoat Circle, Citrus Heights, CA, 95621
Payment Methods
Cash • Credit Card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
4
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive Reviews
77%
Years Active
27
moveBuddha
4.7
Google
4.7
Yelp
3.9
BBB
Grade A+
Show Details Hide Details

Services Offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company Stats

Read Full Review

Industry Experience

5.0

Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.

Review Quality

5.0

Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.

Quote Accuracy

4.2

Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.

Customer Service

5.0

Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.

Recent Reviews

“From start to finish, they were professional, efficient, and incredibly kind. They handled everything with care, packed and moved my entire home seamlessly, and made what could’ve been a stressful day feel smooth and manageable.”

“Jeremy and his crew were amazing. They efficiently and cheerfully moved our furniture and tons of boxes into a second floor apartment. There were no surprises at any point in the booking process. I’d hire Meathead Movers again in a heartbeat.”

DOT Number
921143
Address
2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA, 92705
Payment Methods
Cash • Credit Card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
5
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Good communication
checkmark Quick moving process
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive Reviews
92%
Years Active
26
moveBuddha
4.7
Google
4.7
Yelp
4.5
BBB
Grade A
Show Details Hide Details

Services Offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company Stats

Read Full Review

Industry Experience

5.0

Industry experience shows how established and transparent a mover is, which are signs of smoother operations and fewer surprises. We score this by checking if the company clearly shares its background and services on its website, has 5+ years of operating history (BBB verified), and shows real-world legitimacy.

Review Quality

4.5

Review quality reveals how consistently a company delivers for real customers. We evaluate this by looking at average ratings on Yelp, BBB, or Google (with at least 10 reviews), and we factor in whether the mover is licensed in their operating state. After all, good reviews don’t mean much if the company isn’t compliant.

Quote Accuracy

4.1

Clear pricing is a top predictor of whether a move stays on budget or turns into a nightmare. We score quote accuracy based on whether a mover offers online estimates and explains payment and discount policies upfront. We look for info on required deposits and whether discounts for military, seniors, teachers, students, AAA members, or law enforcement are offered and easy to find.

Customer Service

5.0

Customer service matters because moving issues happen. What counts is how companies handle them. We evaluate whether movers have resolved complaints over the past 3 years, respond to reviews, list basic contact info, and stay active on social media, which are good signs they’re still in business and engaging with customers.

Recent Reviews

“Grace Moving did a beautiful job. They professionally wrapped and packed each piece of furniture and our China. No breakage, showed up as scheduled and worked hard until done. Price was lower than anticipated. Highly recommend.”

“Our crew showed up on time, was professional and friendly, protected the floors, made the process easier. The estimate matched the final cost. We’ll absolutely use Grace Moving again.”

DOT Number
2806730
Address
800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351
Payment Methods
Credit Card
State License
0189642

Other local CA movers

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

Specialty services CA movers offer

Specialty moving options aren’t guaranteed everywhere—some services are only offered by certain providers.

Compare what movers in California provide against national averages, and explore our top company picks for each category.

Piano moving

Comparing CA & National Movers

California
296 (80.43%)
out of 368 total movers
National
2301 (72.36%)
out of 3,180 total movers

Top California piano movers

Special handling of antiques

Comparing CA & National Movers

California
227 (61.68%)
out of 368 total movers
National
1465 (46.07%)
out of 3,180 total movers

Top California antique movers

Art packing and loading

Comparing CA & National Movers

California
229 (62.23%)
out of 368 total movers
National
1449 (45.57%)
out of 3,180 total movers

Top California art movers

Climate-controlled storage

Comparing CA & National Movers

California
73 (19.84%)
out of 368 total movers
National
1035 (32.55%)
out of 3,180 total movers

Top California climate-controlled storage movers

Fragile-only packing

Comparing CA & National Movers

California
105 (28.53%)
out of 368 total movers
National
749 (23.55%)
out of 3,180 total movers

Top California fragile-only packing movers

Best movers for those moving out of California

If your move takes you beyond the Golden State, we’ve rounded up these reliable interstate movers to help get you there with confidence:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  3. North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  4. Allied Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most experienced mover
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best customized plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans
read our full review
(844) 950-2963
Best for contents coverage
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.8 / 5
(866) 825-0554
At A Glance
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years’ experience
read our full review
(866) 825-0554
Best customer service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
read our full review
(980) 217-6841

Best moving containers in California

If you want to save some money, need storage, or just prefer to move at your own pace, moving containers can be an ideal alternative to full-service movers. You’ll have to load your moving container yourself — but you’ll have multiple days to do so. When you’re ready, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home.

Here are our favorite moving containers in California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 5.0 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 5.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.5 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount

Best rental trucks for your California move

Rental trucks are the cheapest way to move, but also the most physically demanding. You’ll be handling every step yourself: packing, loading, driving, unloading, and unpacking. Still, doing it all solo can save you a lot, especially for short-distance moves.

Though rental trucks offer budget-friendly rates for long-distance relocations, don’t forget that costs like fuel and mileage can pile up fast. Make sure to account for those extras when comparing your total moving expenses.

Here are our choices for best rental moving trucks in California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.0 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.2 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Labor-only hourly movers in California

If you want some muscle but don’t need the whole moving package, labor-only movers are a great solution. These teams can help with heavy lifting, furniture disassembly, and even packing. You’ll still need to rent a truck and take care of the drive yourself.

Here are some of the best labor-only moving crews available in California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.66 / 5
  • Years in Business: 38
  • Yelp: 4.4 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.64 / 5
  • Years in Business: 11
  • Yelp: 4.2 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.64 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Top-rated movers in nearby cities

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How we chose the best moving companies in California

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed 368 California movers and listed the top 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 moving companies in California

Here’s a quick look at approximate moving costs for local moves in California. Take a look at our guide on the cost to move in California for a thorough breakdown of pricing.

Keep in mind that the listed ranges are just averages. Your actual costs may vary depending on your moving needs and the company’s pricing structure.

Need a more specific estimate? Try our free moving cost calculator.

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $410 $171 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $581 $171 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedrooms $958 $240 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedrooms $2,254 $336 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedrooms $2,590 $336 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedrooms $4,001 $470 5 movers 10 hours

Read more about the average cost of CA movers:

  • California moving companies will cost about $410 to move a studio locally.
  • If you’re moving one bedroom, a moving company in California will charge about $581.
  • A two-bedroom move in California will cost about $958.
  • A three-bedroom move costs $2,254 on average in California.
  • To move a four-bedroom house in California, you should expect to pay $2,590.
  • For a house that’s five bedrooms or larger, your move will cost $4,001 in California.

Factors that affect moving costs in California

An online moving quote is a great place to start, but here are some key things that impact your specific California moving costs.

  • Distance: Local moves may be affected by fuel and travel time, while moves leaving California could come with extra charges.
  • Size: More space and more stuff mean bigger trucks and more labor, which, in turn, raises the price.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California — especially during summer and holidays — can drive prices up.
  • Additional services: Options like packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly or disassembly will increase your final bill.

Things to keep in mind when moving

No matter if you’re heading to a nearby city in California or embarking on a long-distance cross-country journey, here are a few key things to consider:

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • HOA guidelines: California neighborhoods with HOAs often have specific moving rules regarding times, truck types, and parking. Reading the handbook ahead of time can help you avoid fees and friction with your new neighbors.
  • Elevator logistics: In buildings with elevators, management may require you to reserve one in advance — usually a designated service elevator. They might also require you to adhere to specific move-in hours.
  • Permits for parking: Though California doesn’t usually require special permits for moving vehicles, other cities or states might. It’s best to check with your new municipality for parking details.
  • Check mover credentials: The movers we suggest are licensed and insured, but you can also research them through the FMCSA database to view their safety record and compliance.
  • USPS notification: To avoid mail interruptions, complete your change of address form with USPS at least one week before your move date.
  • Moving coverage: Movers provide free basic coverage by law, but it’s minimal. For expensive items, additional insurance may be a smart investment to protect against loss or damage.

FAQs

How can I find a reliable moving company in California?

Look for moving companies in California that have strong customer reviews, transparent pricing policies, a diverse range of services, and flexible insurance plans. These are the main areas we use in our evaluations to help you discover the most reliable movers in California.

It’s always best to collect estimates from at least three providers, including a top-rated flat-rate mover — to compare options.

Do most California moving companies offer interstate relocation services?

Yes. Out of 368 movers in California, 316 are licensed for interstate moving. This majority means you’ll have a wide selection of companies capable of handling long-distance moves, each meeting USDOT requirements under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

Explore your options by reviewing our guide to the best long-distance movers in California.

How can I see all moving companies in California?

You can see all moving companies in California in our comprehensive list of California movers.

Helpful California resources

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