Impel Moving Services review 2026 (San Francisco, CA)
In business since 2021 · Updated
Impel Moving Services, a San Francisco, CA moving company, ranks #218 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.34/5.
99% of Impel Moving Services' 852 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2021, Impel Moving Services holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #3549568) and operates 5 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Impel Moving Services measures up
Across 852 reviews, Impel Moving Services in San Francisco, CA is rated 4.9/5 on Yelp (538 reviews) and 5/5 on Google (32 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Impel Moving Services ranks #218 out of 1154 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.34 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.34.
- Website
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 4.7
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Industry experience
- 4.1
- Brand
- 3.5
Google rating
Based on 32 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 538 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Impel Moving Services moveBuddha Certified?
Impel Moving Services is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Impel Moving Services hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Impel Moving Services?
Out of 852 verified reviews, 99% of customers left a positive review about Impel Moving Services in San Francisco, CA. 1.1% of reviews are negative and 0.5% are neutral. Impel Moving Services has a 8% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (99% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive98.5%(839)
- Neutral0.5%(4)
- Negative1.1%(9)
Based on 852 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Impel Moving Services
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Impel Moving Services to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Organized packing
Impel Moving Services is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Impel Moving Services was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Impel Moving Services's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Impel Moving Services's attention to detail.
What positive reviewers say
“Excellent movers at a great price! They are very communicative and transparent with pricing.”
Joy LingatVerified ReviewerGoogle“They were prepared with boxes for couch cushions, wrapped and unwrapped everything beautifully, and disassembled and reassembled our table. Nothing arrived damaged.”
lily michVerified ReviewerGoogle“They were highly efficient and accommodating to any situations that may arise, despite restrictions at our new place. 10/10 service.”
Brandon HuangVerified ReviewerGoogle“They were very polite and respectful. They worked quickly, nothing was damaged on arrival, put things where we asked, and left everything clean.”
Pilar del MoralVerified ReviewerGoogle“Max & Eugene were incredible! They moved our 2-bedroom home and garage efficiently and carefully packed all our fragile items.”
Brittany MendozaVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“They were very careful and packaged everything well, but three movers took 10 hours for a small two-bedroom move across the street. I spent almost $3,000.”
Ali AbidVerified ReviewerGoogle“Movers were 45 minutes late and called at the scheduled arrival time. Other than being late, Ron and Sergy moved my items quickly and efficiently.”
Bryan JohnsonVerified ReviewerGoogle“Impel immediately responded to the issues, apologized, took responsibility, and made things right. We appreciated the follow-up and were ultimately satisfied.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Impel Moving Services
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
Inaccurate estimates
Estimates from Impel Moving Services were sometimes way off from what customers were ultimately billed.
What negative reviewers say
“Boxes clearly labeled Fragile arrived upside down with broken dishes and cups. My TV was damaged beyond repair, and some packing material was left behind.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Dennis estimated three hours to pack, one hour to transport, and two hours to unpack. The move ran from 8:30 a.m. to after 11 p.m., and the cost was about 50% higher than estimated.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The scheduled 2–3 p.m. arrival passed without an update; the movers arrived at 3:45. The delay affected my landlord inspection, and the company never followed up on my discount request.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Three movers took 13 hours for a 1,000-square-foot two-bedroom apartment. They scratched the wood floor, refused shoe covers twice, and left items unattended outside the truck.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Impel Moving Services
4.34San Francisco, CASince 2021
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Impel Moving Services
4.34
San Francisco, CA · Since 2021
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Impel Moving Services, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Francisco.
Compare prices side by side
See where Impel Moving Services lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Impel Moving Services offer?
Licensed under US DOT number 3549568, Impel Moving Services offers full-service moving, local moves, long-distance moves, and commercial moves.
Services offered
Is Impel Moving Services licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 3549568 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Impel Moving Services is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3549568, as IMPEL MOVING, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number Cal-T / MTR 0192323.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Impel Moving Services holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- Cal-T / MTR 0192323Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- IMPEL MOVINGThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- Doing business as
- SHIP SHAPE MOVINGTrade name on file with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
- Trucks registered
- 5Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 75,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- June 2026
How much does Impel Moving Services cost?
Impel Moving Services does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in California, you can expect to pay approximately $129/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service California moving companies similar to Impel Moving Services typically bill the amounts below using a $129/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Impel Moving Services is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service California moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Impel Moving Services offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Impel Moving Services accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Impel Moving Services compares with the top 10 San Francisco movers
Impel Moving Services's moveBuddha score of 4.34 out of 5 places it #16, outside the top 10 San Francisco movers, 0.04 points behind AMS Bekins, the tenth-placed mover. At 852 reviews, Impel Moving Services has more reviews than seven of the ten. Where Impel Moving Services falls behind is industry experience, with the lowest industry experience score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near San Francisco, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Moving CompanySan Francisco | 4.56 | 2,911 | 5.0 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 2 | NorthStar Moving CompanyNorthridge | 4.52 | 787 | 4.6 | 4.4 | A+ |
| 3 | Gentle Giant Moving CompanySan Bruno | 4.50 | 134 | 5.0 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 4 | Dependable Movers, LLCSan Francisco | 4.48 | 2,554 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 5 | NorthStar Moving CompanySan Francisco | 4.44 | 1,870 | 4.9 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 6 | Good Green MovingSan Francisco | 4.44 | 353 | 4.7 | 4.5 | F |
| 7 | Zapt MoversHayward | 4.42 | 772 | 4.4 | 2.0 | A+ |
| 8 | SF Bay Area MovingSouth San Francisco | 4.42 | 445 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 9 | Luigy's Moving & StorageSan Francisco | 4.42 | 126 | 4.6 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 10 | AMS BekinsBrisbane | 4.38 | 633 | 4.8 | 3.2 | A+ |
| 16 | Impel Moving ServicesThis mover · ranks #16 | 4.34 | 852 | 5.0 | 4.9 | A+ |
How does Impel Moving Services compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#218 of 1154(better than average)
4.34vs 3.67 avg
Impel Moving Services scores 4.34, above the California average of 3.67, and ranks #218 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#330 of 1154(better than average)
99%vs 91% avg
Impel Moving Services has 99% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #330 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#343 of 1154(better than average)
1%vs 8% avg
Impel Moving Services has 1% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #343 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#87 of 1154(better than average)
852vs 268 avg
Impel Moving Services has 852 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #87 of 1154 California movers.
- Yelp rating#34 of 1154(better than average)
4.9vs 4.3 avg
Impel Moving Services has a Yelp rating of 4.9, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #34 of 1154 California movers.
- Years in business#364 of 1154(worse than average)
5 yearsvs 23 years avg
Impel Moving Services has been in business for 5 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #364 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverImpel Moving Services | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#218 of 1154 in California | 4.34 | 3.67 | #218 of 1154 | +0.67(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#330 of 1154 in California | 99% | 91% | #330 of 1154 | +8 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#343 of 1154 in California | 1% | 8% | #343 of 1154 | −7 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#87 of 1154 in California | 852 | 268 | #87 of 1154 | +584(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#34 of 1154 in California | 4.9 | 4.3 | #34 of 1154 | +0.6(better than average) |
| Years in business#364 of 1154 in California | 5 years | 23 years | #364 of 1154 | −18(worse than average) |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Impel Moving Services
4.34San Francisco, CASince 2021
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Impel Moving Services, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Francisco.
Compare prices side by side
See where Impel Moving Services lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Impel Moving Services
4.34
San Francisco, CA · Since 2021
Final verdict: Impel Moving Services
Impel Moving Services earns a 4.34/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #16 among San Francisco movers, with 99% positive feedback across 852 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and organized packing. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.
With 5 trucks and a track record dating to 2021, it has less history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is damage to items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Impel Moving Services
4.34
San Francisco, CA · Since 2021
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your California moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Impel Moving Services
- Phone
- (510) 571-2080
- Website
- impelmovingca.com
- Profiles
Helpful California moving resources
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.