The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Isla Vista, CA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

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.

Best overall value:

Allied Van Lines

4.75
Best local mover:

Meathead Movers

5.0
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Air 1 Moving & Storage

4.9
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Allied Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.75 / 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

Best long-distance movers in Isla Vista for those moving out of state

If you're moving out of Isla Vista and heading beyond California's borders, here are our top picks for interstate moving companies:

Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
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
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 935-3437

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

(866) 935-3437

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

At A Glance

GPS tracking en route
Veteran-owned
Dedicated move coordinator
Flat-rate pricing
Donates a portion of moves to charity

read our full review

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.45 / 5

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

At A Glance

10% discount for veterans and seniors
Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
Services local, long-distance, and international moves
Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
24/7 customer service

read our full review

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

At A Glance

Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
Hands-on customer service
24/7 support
Price-matching policy

read our full review

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

At A Glance

Custom crates for electronics & art
Satellite shipment tracking
1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
Self-packing option
No deposit required

read our full review

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Best long-distance movers in Isla Vista for those staying in state

Even if your move from Isla Vista keeps you within California, covering serious distance means it may still count as long-distance.

When relocating a few hundred miles in-state, we suggest working with one of the top long-distance movers.

These are our favorite picks for movers in Isla Vista, CA:

Meathead Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Martian Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
ASAP Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Meathead Movers

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

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Higher-than-expected costs
Poor packing quality

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

Air 1 Moving & Storage

9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Affordable rates

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges
Damage to items
Delayed arrival or delivery

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

Martian Movers

901 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Delayed arrival or delivery
Unreliable timing

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

Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Quick moving process

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Lack of communication
Poor packing quality

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

ASAP Movers

925 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Unprofessional behavior
Lack of communication

Review Analysis

ASAP Movers earns top scores with 94% of customer feedback highlighting efficient service and highly professional, polite staff. Most people praise how carefully their belongings are handled and how quickly moves are completed, with clear communication throughout each step. While most customers note friendly, attentive teams, a handful cite concerns over damaged items or unprofessional behavior, and some mention lapses in communication. The company’s strong record for reliability and care outpaces many competitors, but those seeking flawless handling should remain mindful of rare, but notable, incidents involving broken or mishandled property. With over 400 reviews analyzed, ASAP Movers stands out for dependable, courteous service at a competitive price.

Get a Quote (805) 544-9222

Company Info

State license #: 0190288

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 1278931

Alternate Names: A S A P Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Best long-distance movers in Isla Vista, CA, for small moves

Did you know that many professional movers have minimum weight requirements for your shipment? That means if you're only moving a small load, those movers may not be a viable option.

Luckily, some companies focus on small moves. So, if you're relocating a studio apartment or just a few pieces of furniture from Isla Vista, consider these options:

MiniMoves

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

No minimum move size
Full-service packing
Short-term storage

Check prices Visit Website

Transit Systems Inc (TSI)

rating

4.7 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

34+ yrs experience
Online chatbot
Car shipping

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Isla Vista, CA

For a more relaxed DIY move from Isla Vista, moving containers, sometimes called moving pods, are tough to beat. You get to pack and load when it works for you, with storage options if needed. Once you're ready, the container gets picked up and delivered right to your new home.

Here’s a look at our favorite moving container companies for long-distance moves from Isla Vista:

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

Rental trucks in Isla Vista, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Isla Vista, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

U-Haul Truck Rental

rating

4.15 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Greatest coverage
7 truck sizes
One way rentals

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Penske Truck Rental

rating

4 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Most expensive
4 truck sizes
Unlimited mileage

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Isla Vista, CA

Labor-only movers are perfect when you need extra hands but not a full-service moving truck. They’ll handle the packing, heavy lifting, and even furniture assembly, while you’re in charge of the truck and materials.

Check out these top-rated labor-only moving companies for long-distance moves from Isla Vista, CA:

Air 1 Moving & Storage

rating

4.9 / 5

Years in Business: 22
Yelp: 3.7 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(866) 485-1030

Martian Movers

rating

4.86 / 5

Years in Business: 7
Yelp: 4.7 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(805) 549-5122

Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.

rating

4.76 / 5

Years in Business: 68
Yelp: 3.7 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(805) 487-3901

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Isla Vista, CA

Company	Our Rating	Quote
Allied Van Lines	4.75 overall rating	Get A Quote
Safeway Moving	4.85 overall rating	Get A Quote
International Van Lines	4.45 overall rating	Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation	4.9 overall rating	Get A Quote
North American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Isla Vista, CA

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Isla Vista, CA

Expect to pay around $122 per hour for professional movers in California. Of course, that’s just a starting point—factors like how far you’re going and how much you’re moving help the best long-distance movers generate an accurate quote.

Here’s a breakdown of average long-distance moving costs from Isla Vista, CA to top U.S. cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Washington DC, MD	2,768 miles	3 bedroom	$6,299 - $9,420
Kansas City, MO	1,717 miles	2 bedroom	$3,689 - $7,573
Omaha, NE	1,652 miles	1 bedroom	$3,136 - $6,501

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Isla Vista, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in California.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

Movers helping you relocate from California must carry proper licensing and a USDOT number. All Isla Vista movers on our list meet these standards, but you can confirm this info yourself via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

Don’t forget to check out the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet before your interstate move.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Isla Vista?

If your move is staying within Isla Vista, hiring a local mover is usually the most budget-friendly choice. For out-of-state relocations, national companies like Safeway Moving offer more experience with long-distance moves..

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Isla Vista?

Since demand for movers in Isla Vista drops in November and December — thanks to the holiday season and school commitments — you’ll have more room to negotiate with moving companies and potentially lock in lower prices.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Isla Vista?

If you're staying within 50 miles of Isla Vista, doing the move yourself is usually the most affordable option. That includes renting a truck from companies like U-Haul or going with a moving container service such as PODS. Read our full breakdown of the cheapest ways to move out of state.