Best Movers Near Lake Forest, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 5, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After comparing 277 moving companies in California, our recommended local mover in Lake Forest, CA, is Best California Movers thanks to their pricing, variety of moving solutions, and great customer reviews. Safeway Moving earns our top pick for out-of-state or long-distance moves from California because they are affordable without cutting corners on service.

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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.

Preferred partner:

Best California Movers

5.0
Best local CA mover:

Best California Movers

5.0
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
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	5.0 / 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
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Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Lake Forest, CA

Whether you're moving within Lake Forest, relocating to nearby Laguna Woods or Mission Viejo, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away, here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

Preferred Partner

Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
Trek Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Meathead Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Safe-Way Moving Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591 US

99% of all reviews were positive

1% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving perfection is rare, but Best California Movers comes close. Out of 1,177 pieces of customer feedback, over 98% are positive. Customers highlight the company's efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, professional staff, and great communication.

Moves are completed swiftly without sacrificing care, and teams are consistently polite and attentive. Transparent pricing and quick response times also set this company apart from many others. On the flip side, a small number of people mention issues like item damage, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and slow resolution to complaints. While most customers found pricing and final charges accurate, those few negative experiences reflect the main risks found in the industry—miscommunication, claim delays, and the rare mishandling of belongings. Compared to typical movers, Best California Movers receives far fewer complaints about property damage and shows higher reliability and responsiveness. The feedback shows why so many recommend them for hassle-free, well-managed moves.

Get a Quote

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3489907

Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Terry Moving and Storage Inc.

25958 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 US

94% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customers—nearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful.

Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.

Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Company Info

State license #: 189603

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 649215

Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card

NorthStar Moving Company

300 Spectrum Center Dr Ste 400, Irvine, CA 92618 US

94% of all reviews were positive

4% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customers—94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the movers’ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies.

Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.

Get a Quote (800) 275-7767

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576

Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation

Services Offered

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

Trek Movers

5200 Irvine Blvd A, Irvine, CA 92620 US

96% of all reviews were positive

4% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving experiences don't get much better than with Trek Movers, according to a thorough analysis of 1,359 customer feedback reports. An outstanding 95.6% of input is positive, making Trek Movers one of the highest-rated moving companies in the market. Customers repeatedly highlight efficient service, meticulous care for belongings, polite and professional staff, quick moves, and great communication.

Friendly movers arrive on schedule, treat items with respect, and follow up as needed. In comparison to other companies, reports of property damage, surprise costs, or slow arrivals are rare, but some customers did encounter issues with higher-than-expected bills, instances of item damage, or delayed service. Negative experiences, though infrequent, often relate to pricing or isolated mishandled moves. Only a handful of reviews are neutral, usually referencing minor miscommunications or logistical inconveniences. Trek Movers sets a high bar in the moving industry for reliability and attention to detail, easily outperforming many competitors on trust, speed, and professionalism.

Get a Quote (800) 298-0044

Company Info

State license #: 0191956

Pricing: $120/hr

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 3256910

Alternate Names: Trek Solutions LLC, Trek Movers Inc

Services Offered

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

Meathead Movers

2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 US

77% of all reviews were positive

20% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Meathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process.

On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.

Get a Quote (949) 485-7883

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc

Services Offered

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

Safe-Way Moving Inc

15041 Bake Pkwy Ste I, Irvine, CA 92618 US

95% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Rave reviews set Safe-Way Moving Inc. apart, with 94.6% of 481 customer responses rating their service as positive. Customers consistently highlight the company’s efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling of belongings, speedy moving process, and genuinely helpful movers. Many note their moves were quick, stress-free, and marked by courteous teamwork and communication, qualities that make Safe-Way stand out among moving companies.

Negative ratings, accounting for just 5%, most often cite concerns over damages to items, lapses in communication, and unexpected charges. Some mentioned lost or broken possessions, delays, or challenges resolving claims. A very small number reported trouble with callbacks or confusion around fees. Only two reviews were neutral. Compared to industry norms, Safe-Way’s high praise for reliability, professional demeanor, and meticulous care far outweighs infrequent missteps. The volume and consistency of positive input suggest Safe-Way is a top choice for an expert, courteous, and efficient move.

Get a Quote (949) 639-0330

Company Info

State license #: 0190459

Years in Business: 18

DOT #: 70719

Alternate Names: Safeway Moving LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

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

Making a move from California to another state? You'll want a reliable interstate moving company to handle the journey. Check out our top picks

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 Lake Forest, CA

A full-service mover can make your Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest.

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 Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest, CA

Check out the pricing table below to get a rough idea of what local moves typically cost in and around the Lake Forest 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	$315	$104	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$419	$104	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$647	$146	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,434	$204	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$1,638	$204	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$2,492	$285	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Lake Forest, CA movers

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

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Best California Movers	5/5	A+	4.9/5	5/5
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.	4.9/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
NorthStar Moving Company	4.8/5	A+	4.8/5	4.6/5
Trek Movers	4.7/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
Meathead Movers	4.7/5	A+	3.9/5	4.3/5
Safe-Way Moving Inc	4.6/5	A+	4.8/5	4.5/5
Laaks Moving Services	4.6/5	A+	4.7/5	4.8/5
Maison Moving	4.7/5	NR	4.3/5	4.6/5
California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company	4.6/5	F	2.5/5	4.3/5
SafeWay Moving & Storage	4.5/5	A+	4.8/5	4.5/5

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 Lake Forest?

Searching for a reputable Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest offer long-distance services?

Many Lake Forest 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 Lake Forest.

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

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

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

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 Lake Forest?

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 Lake Forest movers?

Most moving companies in Lake Forest 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?