The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Lakeside, 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.

Preferred partner:

Best California Movers

4.76
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best local mover:

Republic Moving & Storage

4.96
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Best California Movers

4.76
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
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.76 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 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 Lakeside for those moving out of state

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

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars

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

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

At A Glance

Experienced & fully trained moving crews
Specializes in moving art & antiques
Competitive pricing
Can handle last-minute moves
Climate-controlled storage

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

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

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

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

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

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

Best long-distance movers in Lakeside for those staying in state

Are you moving from Lakeside but staying in California? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within California is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top Lakeside, CA, movers:

Preferred Partner

Best California Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Republic Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Oakley Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

12356 McIvers Ct, Suite 1b, Poway, CA 92064 US

Customer Praise

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

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Inaccurate estimates
Lack of communication

Review Analysis

Moving day stress gets left behind with Best California Movers, according to an overwhelming 1,177 reviews—of which 98.5% were positive. Customers repeatedly point out efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moving, and excellent communication—attributes not seen as consistently in most moving companies. Feedback shows that belongings arrive safe and undamaged, with movers working swiftly and showing courtesy at every stage. Many notice that clear communication and transparent pricing make the process easier, and crews are praised for problem-solving in tough situations. A handful of reviewers, though, cite incidents involving damaged items, unexpected charges from inaccurate price quotes, or difficulty with claims and follow-up. These lapses are rare compared to industry averages but noteworthy for those prioritizing accountability. While neutral reviews mention minor flaws with after-move support, they still highlight professionalism and care by the moving teams. Compared to other moving services, Best California Movers stands out for reliability, speed, and the personal touch so often missing in the industry.

Get a Quote (858) 997-2487

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

Republic Moving & Storage

8140 St Andrews Ave, San Diego, CA 92154 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
Lack of communication

Review Analysis

Customers say Republic Moving & Storage stands out for speed, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings. Crews consistently arrive punctually, work efficiently, and communicate clearly, making moving days less stressful for families and individuals. Many highlight how staff go above and beyond to protect delicate items and accommodate client needs. Affordable rates and accurate pricing set the company apart from other movers, as does their polite and knowledgeable team. Issues arise mainly with damage to items during transit, late arrivals, and breakdowns in communication, especially during long-distance or complex moves. While most feedback is positive, a sizable portion of input points to frustration with handling claims, delays, and some property loss. Republic's track record for efficient, courteous service positions them above many competitors, but persistent complaints about item damage and occasional administrative issues indicate room for improvement and more reliable service for every customer. A total of 501 reviews were analyzed, with about 75% giving positive input.

Get a Quote (619) 639-8352

Company Info

State license #: 0190491

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 3369820

Alternate Names: Lovejoy's Family Moving, Republic Relocation Services

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Crane vans
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required
DOD certified

One Stop Moving & Storage

6260 Marindustry Dr STE B, San Diego, CA 92121 US

Customer Praise

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

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Unexpected charges
Misplaced or lost items

Review Analysis

One Stop Moving & Storage stands out for its efficient, professional service, with a remarkable 76% of customer feedback describing a positive experience. Out of 628 reviews, most customers report quick moves, careful handling of belongings, polite staff, and clear communication—qualities that set this company above many competitors. Many mention moving day being stress-free thanks to a hardworking team skilled at protecting furniture and executing moves seamlessly. Pricing is usually transparent and estimates tend to be accurate compared to other movers. On the downside, about 23% of feedback details more serious problems: some moves resulted in furniture damage, missing items, or unexpected charges, and customers who experienced these issues struggled to get satisfactory help after the fact. A few reviews also describe poor claims handling and communication gaps. While most people recommend One Stop Moving & Storage for careful, professional relocations, anyone booking a move should confirm all terms and insurance coverage in writing to help avoid surprises.

Get a Quote (858) 633-8600

Company Info

State license #: 0190616

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 1956864

Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers

Services Offered

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

Oakley Relocation

992 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069 US

Customer Praise

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

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Lack of communication
Unexpected charges

Review Analysis

Customer feedback for Oakley Relocation showcases consistent professionalism, efficient service, and care for customer belongings, with 93% of reviews being positive across 229 total inputs. Clients frequently describe the staff as polite, effective, and reliable, often highlighting quick and seamless moves, attentive communication, and careful handling of items. Many mention that the employees go out of their way to make the moving process less stressful, offering peace of mind from start to finish. On the flip side, a small number of clients experienced significant problems, most commonly citing damage to items, difficulty reaching the company when issues arose, or unexpected charges. Compared to similar moving companies, Oakley earns standout marks for staff professionalism and speed, but the occasional unresolved damage claim or communication gap keeps a small number of users from full satisfaction.

Get a Quote (858) 602-1756

Company Info

State license #: 0190480

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 070851

Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines

Services Offered

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

Grizzly Moving

7090 Miramar Rd #102, San Diego, CA 92121 US

Customer Praise

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

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Higher-than-expected costs
Delayed arrival or delivery

Review Analysis

Customer input for Grizzly Moving points to standout performance: more than 92% of the 434 reviews highlight prompt, efficient, and careful service. Clients consistently mention that the team handles furniture cautiously and communicates well from booking to delivery. Movers show up on time, treat property with respect, and complete jobs swiftly, which sets Grizzly apart from standard moving companies. The staff is repeatedly described as professional, polite, and considerate, making stressful relocations easier for families, businesses, and individuals alike. On the downside, around 7% of reviewers cite real concerns, especially about damage to belongings, unexpected final costs, and, less frequently, delays or missed arrival windows. While complaints are few compared to the high volume of positive feedback, the nature of issues—such as significant item damage or underestimated costs—are important for potential customers to consider before booking. Compared to competitors, Grizzly’s consistent execution, fair communication, and efficient process earn high marks, though diligence is still advisable to clarify insurance, costs, and special handling when booking. With such a dominant trend of satisfied feedback, Grizzly ranks as a top contender, though a minority of experiences remind customers to confirm all details upfront.

Get a Quote (844) 474-9959

Company Info

State license #: 0191376

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2642040

Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC

Services Offered

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

McCarthy Transfer & Storage

1386 Fayette St, El Cajon, CA 92020 US

Customer Praise

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

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Unprofessional behavior
Unexpected charges

Review Analysis

Customers rave about McCarthy Transfer & Storage’s professionalism and efficiency. Out of 221 feedback entries, over 91% praise the team’s politeness, careful handling, prompt communication, and quick moving process, reporting moves completed with speed and concern for personal property. Input frequently emphasizes courteous, skilled crews and services handled with respect for homes and belongings. Some note that the company regularly exceeds experiences with other movers—especially for military relocations—earning more trust for reliability and staff friendliness. A small portion of feedback points out issues such as damaged or lost items, unprofessional conduct, or unexpected extra charges, particularly during military moves. Despite these isolated problems, most customer feedback compares McCarthy Transfer favorably to other moving companies for dependability and quality service.

Get a Quote (619) 596-2594

Company Info

State license #: 0154190

Years in Business: 105

DOT #: 2059504

Alternate Names: McCarthy Transfer & Storage Incorporated

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Crane vans
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Best long-distance movers in Lakeside, CA, for small moves

Most professional moving companies won’t take on moves below a certain weight limit. That means small relocations often don’t qualify for their services.

The good news? Some movers specialize in small moves. So if you're heading out of Lakeside with only a few items or a studio’s worth of furniture, check out these recommendations:

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 Lakeside, CA

Moving containers, or moving pods, make it easy to manage your move from Lakeside on your terms. They’re ideal if you want storage flexibility and the freedom to pack and load at your own speed. Once you're done, the pros take over and transport everything to your new place.

Here are our top picks for moving container companies that handle long-distance moves from Lakeside:

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 Lakeside, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are usually the most budget-friendly option for a long-distance move from Lakeside, but they also come with the most responsibility. You’ll be in charge of everything: packing, loading, driving, and unloading. While you can save money this way, mileage fees, tolls, and gas costs can add up quickly. It’s good to double-check these hidden costs to confirm that a truck rental really is the most affordable choice for your situation.

These are our top rental truck picks 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 Lakeside, 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 Lakeside, CA:

Best California Movers

rating

4.76 / 5

Years in Business: 6
Yelp: 4.9 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(858) 997-2487

Republic Moving & Storage

rating

4.96 / 5

Years in Business: 31
Yelp: 3.6 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(619) 639-8352

One Stop Moving & Storage

rating

4.8 / 5

Years in Business: 16
Yelp: 3.9 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(858) 633-8600

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Lakeside, CA

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

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Lakeside, 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 Lakeside, 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 Lakeside, CA to top U.S. cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Charlotte, NC	2,367 miles	3 bedroom	$5,886 - $9,195
Virginia Beach, VA	2,688 miles	2 bedroom	$4,768 - $8,579
Cheyenne, WY	1,189 miles	1 bedroom	$3,100 - $6,223

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Lakeside, 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?

Any moving company helping you leave California must have the proper licenses and a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. All the Lakeside movers we recommend meet these requirements, but you can verify credentials yourself through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you're planning a move across state lines, make sure to review the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide.

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

For a move within the same city, a local moving company in Lakeside will typically be your most affordable option. But if you're planning a move out of California, a national provider like Safeway Moving brings more long-distance experience.

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

The moving industry in Lakeside tends to slow down in November and December because of the holidays and school schedules. That means you may be able to negotiate a better rate with movers and save during that time.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Lakeside?

The most affordable way to move, especially within 50 miles of Lakeside, is to go the DIY route. Your cheapest bets usually include renting a moving truck like U-Haul or using a moving container company like PODS. For more budget-saving tips, check out our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.