Best Long-Distance Movers in California for 2025
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Safeway Moving is our top choice for long-distance movers in California, based on our in-depth research and analysis of 353 professional movers statewide.
For CA movers, 88.46% of customer reviews are positive, but Safeway Moving rose to the top as best overall value by providing quality service at an affordable price
Let's get moving.
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Safeway Moving
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Best California Movers
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Best California Movers
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Best California Movers
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Budget Truck Rental
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Our track record
Best long-distance movers in California when moving out of state
Take a look at our top picks for long-distance movers in California:
- 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
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- 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
Best long-distance movers in California when staying in state
If you’re planning a long-distance move within California that’s more than just a move across town, take a look at these highly rated intrastate moving companies:
- Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Double Move: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 4027902
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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
Terry Moving and Storage Inc., located in Lake Forest, CA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving services since 1997. With outstanding consumer reviews—235 on Yelp with an average rating of 4.7 and 141 on Google My Business with an average rating of 4.9, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau—they’re a standout choice among local movers. Unlike many competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and the specialized handling of fragile items, as well as piano and pool table moving. No deposit is required and they accept credit cards, simplifying the moving process for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Movers, Inc., Princess Packers
Meathead Movers, a reputable moving company serving Fresno, CA since 1998, specializes in local residential moving services with a proven track record reflected by their stellar consumer reviews. With 243 Yelp reviews averaging 4.1 stars and 204 Google My Business reviews averaging 4.4 stars, they have earned an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, Meathead Movers also offers packing and unpacking services, accepting both cash and credit cards without requiring a deposit. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and comprehensive service offerings make them a top choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Long-distance movers in nearby cities
Best long-distance movers in California for small moves
If you’re moving out of a dorm or a studio apartment in California, most full-service moving companies won’t be your best bet. They usually have a minimum shipment weight of around 2,000 pounds. For lighter loads, it’s smarter to look beyond traditional movers.
The good news is there are 137 companies in California that specialize in small moves. Take a look at the options below if you are planning a more modest long-distance relocation.
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Moving containers for long-distance moves in CA
If you’re willing to pack and load on your own but want to skip the long drive from California, choosing a moving container is a cost-effective and convenient alternative to using full-service movers.
In California, renting a moving container usually costs between $720 and $6,910. Rates depend on several factors, so it’s a good idea to compare multiple moving quotes before making your choice.
Start your moving journey with these top-rated container companies.
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Labor-only moving companies in California
If you’re comfortable handling the drive from California but need a hand with packing, loading, or unloading, check out these top-rated labor-only movers.
In California, hiring a labor-only mover usually costs between $35 and $39 per hour, for each mover working.
Take a look at our favorite labor-only movers below.
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Rental trucks in CA for a total DIY long-distance move
Want to save a bundle on your out-of-state move from California? Go the DIY route. You’ll take care of the driving, loading, and unloading yourself, and you’ll keep your moving expenses as low as possible.
A moving truck rental is easily your best bet to save the most money on your move, even though you’ll be in charge of all the heavy lifting and driving.
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How we chose the best long-distance movers in California
Average cost of a long-distance move out of California
If you’re planning a long-distance move, prices to relocate from California typically fall between $901 and $12,036 or higher, depending on your specific moving needs.
Factors that affect the cost
- Size: The more belongings you bring along from California, the higher your moving bill will be. Cutting back on what you pack is a smart way to save money, because every extra item adds to the cost.
- Distance: How far you’re moving from California plays a huge role in the price you’ll pay. Whether it’s just a short hop or a cross-country trek, distance is one of the main factors that affects your moving costs.
- Type of move: Figuring out the best way to move out of California is key. You can go with a full-service moving company, rent a truck, use a moving container, or choose a freight trailer. Each option has its own price tag and set of advantages and drawbacks.
- Services: Decide if you want to tackle packing and unpacking yourself or let the pros handle it. Professional movers make things much easier, but you'll pay extra for the convenience.
- Seasonal timing: When it comes to moving costs, timing is everything. Since moving prices usually spike in the summer, you can save big by planning your move between October and April, when rates are typically much lower.
How to save money on your long-distance move from CA
Follow these steps to save money when moving long-distance from California:
- Declutter. Reducing the amount you need to move is an easy way to score major savings on your moving costs.
- Book in advance. Lock in your move ahead of time to get better rates. Waiting until the last minute usually means paying more.
- Consider moving containers. Looking to cut costs and don’t mind getting hands-on? Renting a moving container lets you pack and load on your own, making it a budget-friendly way to move.
- Research and compare. Don’t settle for the first quote you receive. Take time to compare different moving companies and negotiate to score the best deal.
- Ask about discounts and deals. Across California, 353 movers operate statewide. Of these, 7 give AAA savings, 7 provide senior-focused discounts, and 7 support military households with special pricing. Some companies also reward students, teachers, or first responders. Always ask about moving discounts before booking.
A moving checklist is your essential tool for staying organized and sticking to your budget—especially when you're gearing up for a long-distance move.
Choosing the right CA long-distance moving option
If you’re deciding between full-service movers, moving containers, or renting a moving truck, you should consider several factors, including your budget, convenience, and the level of effort you're willing to invest. Here's a quick guide to help you determine which option aligns best with your moving needs.
Full-service CA movers
Full-service movers are the best for those who prefer a hands-off approach. Full-service movers in California handle everything from packing and loading to transportation and unloading at your new home.
- Pros: Convenient and time-saving
- Cons: More expensive than moving containers and truck rentals
- Consider if: You're moving long-distance, have a large volume of belongings, or simply want to avoid the hassle and stress of moving
Moving containers in CA
Moving containers offer a blend of DIY and professional moving. You pack and load the container at your home in California, and the company transports it to your new location, where you then unload.
- Pros: Affordability & flexibility
- Cons: Have to do the heavy-lifting
- Consider if: You're looking to save money but still want the convenience of not driving a moving truck, especially for long-distance moves
Renting a moving truck in CA
Renting a moving truck is the ultimate DIY moving option. You're responsible for every aspect of the move, from driving the truck to packing, loading, and unloading your belongings.
- Pros: Low cost (compared to other options) & control over the moving process
- Cons: Time-consuming & physically demanding
- Consider if: You're on a tight budget, moving a shorter distance, or you're comfortable managing and executing the entire move yourself.
Things to consider before hiring a long-distance mover in California
No matter if you’re sticking around California for the ample economic opportunity, pleasant weather, and abundant recreational options or leaving because of the high cost of living, heavy tax burdens, and natural disasters, here’s what you should keep in mind before your move.
Company licensing
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.
Insurance options
Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
Moving date
The weather in California can affect how in-demand moving companies are, which means it also impacts pricing and availability.
- Average winter temperature: 59°F
- Average summer temperature: 87°F
- Average annual rainfall: 22”
- Average annual snowfall: 7”
Taking your car
Thinking about a cross-country move but not keen on driving your car the whole way? Consider using a California car shipping service to get your vehicle safely to your new home.
Keep in mind that vehicle inspection rules can vary widely between states and even cities, so make sure to check what’s required in your new area. Take California’s requirements, as an example. California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
FAQ
What is considered a long-distance move?
What is the cheapest way to move long-distance?
How far in advance should I book a long-distance move?
What happens if my belongings are delayed during a long-distance move?
Do I need to buy moving insurance for a long-distance move from CA?
Helpful California resources
California moving services
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