Jay's Small Moves review 2026 (Oakland, CA)
In business since 2008 · Updated
Jay's Small Moves, an Oakland, CA moving company, ranks #209 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.34/5.
98% of Jay's Small Moves' 1,384 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
Jay's Small Moves has been in business since 2008. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Jay's Small Moves measures up
Across 1,384 reviews, Jay's Small Moves in Oakland, CA is rated 4.9/5 on Google (804 reviews) and 4.8/5 on Yelp (448 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Jay's Small Moves ranks #209 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.
- Industry experience
- 4.7
- Brand
- 4.5
- Review quality
- 4.2
- Customer service
- 4.1
- Website
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 804 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 448 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Jay's Small Moves moveBuddha Certified?
Jay's Small Moves 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. Jay's Small Moves 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 Jay's Small Moves?
Out of 1,384 verified reviews, 98% of customers left a positive review about Jay's Small Moves in Oakland, CA. 2% of reviews are negative and 0.1% are neutral. Jay's Small Moves has a 7% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (98% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive97.8%(1,354)
- Neutral0.1%(1)
- Negative2%(28)
Based on 1,384 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Jay's Small Moves
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Jay's Small Moves to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Jay's Small Moves was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Quick moving process
The team at Jay's Small Moves often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that Jay's Small Moves stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Jay's Small Moves throughout the moving process.
What positive reviewers say
“The quote was straightforward and fair. On move day, Joe and Chris arrived on the dot and were efficient, professional and very nice. They kept in touch while on the drive and before arrival.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “They were flexible and accommodating with our shifting schedule. For a big-ish one bedroom apartment into a small single family home, the move only took about 2.5 hours. Fernando, Dylan, and Curtis were kind, professional, and friendly the whole time.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Today was my third time using Jay's Small Moves and as always it went extremely well. They were fast, professional, and so nice and funny. I really appreciate the great communication.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Most moving companies in this area have a 3-hour minimum, but Jay's has a 2-hour minimum. As a single person, they completed my move in 1 hour 45 minutes. Highly recommended!”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Jay's was great. I called them and they were able to book an 8am move a couple weeks out. Great availability and very responsive via email. Honest and straightforward with rates too.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“There seems to be a wide variation in move quality by team so do your homework! We had a great estimate process and communication was great during our 2 day move. My floors were scratched and furniture legs dented.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “It was the slowest, most expensive move, and the movers were not hustling nor very gentle on our floors or walls. They nicked the wall and didn't acknowledge it. Our mattress was ripped and dirty.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Jay's Small Moves
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Unprofessional behavior
Complaints included movers using foul language, showing up late, or acting inappropriately.
Broken promises
Customers noted instances where Jay's Small Moves failed to deliver on services that were initially guaranteed.
What negative reviewers say
“Office staff who take calls and reservations do not at all communicate with the actual movers. The move started late, broke stuff, and cost 30% more than quoted.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Showed up late, goofed around the whole time, on their phones watching music videos instead of working, unprofessional demeanor.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The team finished moving very quickly, but it seemed that they prioritized speed over care. One of the legs of my desk was broken. A large chunk of the finish on a table was scraped off.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “In their literature, they state they will unpack the boxes at the arrival destination. In a subsequent call, they told me their website literature was in error and they wouldn't honor their original commitment.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The movers themselves were nice. It seemed to me like they were in a hurry. They broke my flat screen TV, and they only pay 60 cents a pound if they break something. You have to pay extra for insurance.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Jay's Small Moves
4.34Oakland, CASince 2008
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Jay's Small Moves
4.34
Oakland, CA · Since 2008
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Jay's Small Moves, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Oakland.
Compare prices side by side
See where Jay's Small Moves 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 Jay's Small Moves offer?
Jay's Small Moves offers full-service moving, local moves, and long-distance moves. It also provides commercial moves, small moves, and packing.
Services offered
Is Jay's Small Moves licensed and insured?
Registered with the FMCSA
US DOT 2259078. Operating status is not on this profile. Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Jay's Small Moves is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 2259078. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0190688.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Jay's Small Moves holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 0190688Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
How much does Jay's Small Moves cost?
Jay's Small Moves lists an hourly rate of $140, above the California average of $129/hr. At that rate, a studio or 1-bedroom move (3–5 hours with 2 movers) would come to about $400–$700. Larger homes need more movers and hours: totals from similar movers typically run $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 Jay's Small Moves 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
Jay's Small Moves offers 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 Jay's Small Moves offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Jay's Small Moves accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Jay's Small Moves compares with the top 10 Oakland movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.34 out of 5, Jay's Small Moves ranks #12 and falls short of the top 10 Oakland movers, 0.04 points behind AMS Bekins, the tenth-placed mover. At 1,384 reviews, Jay's Small Moves has more reviews than nine of the ten. Where Jay's Small Moves falls behind is review quality, with a review quality score that trails nine of the ten.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Oakland, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Got2MoveSan Francisco | 4.52 | 766 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 2 | Dependable Movers, LLCSan Francisco | 4.48 | 2,554 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 3 | West Coast Moving Systems, IncOakland | 4.48 | 699 | 4.8 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 4 | Upline MovingHayward | 4.48 | 641 | 4.4 | 4.3 | — |
| 5 | Big Family MoversOakland | 4.48 | 310 | 5.0 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 6 | All City Moving and StorageSan Leandro | 4.48 | 116 | 3.7 | 3.7 | A+ |
| 7 | OCD Moving ServicesEl Sobrante | 4.44 | 743 | 5.0 | 5.0 | A+ |
| 8 | Good Green MovingSan Francisco | 4.44 | 353 | 4.7 | 4.5 | F |
| 9 | Sweet Lemon Moving ServicesAlameda | 4.42 | 981 | 5.0 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 10 | AMS BekinsBrisbane | 4.38 | 633 | 4.8 | 3.2 | A+ |
| 12 | Jay's Small MovesThis mover · ranks #12 | 4.34 | 1,384 | 4.9 | 4.8 | A+ |
How does Jay's Small Moves compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#209 of 1154(better than average)
4.34vs 3.67 avg
Jay's Small Moves scores 4.34, above the California average of 3.67, and ranks #209 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#370 of 1154(better than average)
98%vs 91% avg
Jay's Small Moves has 98% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #370 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#409 of 1154(better than average)
2%vs 8% avg
Jay's Small Moves has 2% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #409 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#32 of 1154(better than average)
1,384vs 268 avg
Jay's Small Moves has 1,384 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #32 of 1154 California movers.
- Yelp rating#48 of 1154(better than average)
4.8vs 4.3 avg
Jay's Small Moves has a Yelp rating of 4.8, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #48 of 1154 California movers.
- Years in business#165 of 1154(worse than average)
18 yearsvs 23 years avg
Jay's Small Moves has been in business for 18 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #165 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverJay's Small Moves | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#209 of 1154 in California | 4.34 | 3.67 | #209 of 1154 | +0.67(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#370 of 1154 in California | 98% | 91% | #370 of 1154 | +7 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#409 of 1154 in California | 2% | 8% | #409 of 1154 | −6 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#32 of 1154 in California | 1,384 | 268 | #32 of 1154 | +1,116(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#48 of 1154 in California | 4.8 | 4.3 | #48 of 1154 | +0.5(better than average) |
| Years in business#165 of 1154 in California | 18 years | 23 years | #165 of 1154 | −5(worse than average) |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Jay's Small Moves
4.34Oakland, CASince 2008
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 Jay's Small Moves, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Oakland.
Compare prices side by side
See where Jay's Small Moves 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.
Jay's Small Moves
4.34
Oakland, CA · Since 2008
Final verdict: Jay's Small Moves
Jay's Small Moves earns a 4.34/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #12 among Oakland movers, with 98% positive feedback across 1,384 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and flexibility. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With a track record dating to 2008, 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.
Jay's Small Moves
4.34
Oakland, CA · Since 2008
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.
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.