Best Long-Distance Movers in California for 2024

Quick answer: Safeway Moving is our top choice for long-distance movers in California. Based on our in-depth research and analysis, Safeway Moving offers the best overall value by providing quality service at an affordable price.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Best long-distance movers in California for those moving out of state

These are the best state-to-state long-distance moving companies available in California:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(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
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(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
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(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
(866) 835-2392

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

While it’s not as common, if you’re staying in California but still moving a couple hundred miles, these are the best interstate movers for you:

  1. Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
  2. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  3. Grace Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  4. NOR-CAL Moving Services: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  5. Two Men and a Truck: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 27

4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA 93722 US

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.

Get a Quote (559) 785-0316

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Meathead Movers, Inc.
  • Princess Packers
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Terry Moving and Storage Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 649215

Years in Business: 27

25958 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630

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.

Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Terry Moving and Storage Inc
  • Richards Moving Company
  • Orange County Storage Movers
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Grace Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 2806730

Years in Business: 26

800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA 95351 US

Grace Moving Company, based in Modesto, CA, has been reliably serving local residents since 1999, earning a stellar reputation for their top-notch residential moving services. Unlike many competitors, Grace Moving Company also offers specialized services like piano and art moving, packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Notably, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local relocations.

Get a Quote (209) 551-7772

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating

Additional Information

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NOR-CAL Moving Services

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1844592

Years in Business: 40

3129 Corporate Pl, Hayward, CA 94545

NOR-CAL Moving Services has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Hayward, CA, since 1984. While the company has a solid Better Business Bureau rating of A+, their consumer reviews present a mixed yet generally positive picture, with a 4.5 average rating on Google but a somewhat lower 3.2 average on Yelp. NOR-CAL sets itself apart from many nearby movers by also offering long-distance and international moving services, as well as specialized packing for fragile items and full valuation insurance coverage. Their comprehensive services and long-standing reputation make them a reliable choice for a range of moving needs.

Get a Quote (510) 269-4905

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Local Associations

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Two Men and a Truck

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 17

3851 Morrow Ln Ste 9, Chico, CA 95928

Two Men and a Truck, based in Chico, CA, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 2007. With an impressive average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.5 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they have established themselves as a reputable choice compared to other nearby movers. Their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they are capable of handling special items such as pianos and safes. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making the moving process stress-free for their clients.

Get a Quote (530) 592-0093

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Dream Moore, Inc.
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Best long-distance movers in California for small moves

Most professional movers won’t handle moves under a certain minimum total weight, usually 2,000 pounds. If your California move is from a college dorm or studio apartment, for example, a traditional full-service moving company might not work for you.

The good news is there are companies that specialize in small moves. Take a look at the options below if you are planning a small long-distance relocation.

Best for Small Moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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At A Glance
  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
read our full review
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best for small moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Check prices 800-626-1257
At A Glance
  • Specializes in small moves
  • Guaranteed delivery date
  • Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
  • Car shipping services
  • Gives back with charitable donations
read our full review
Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in CA

If you’re comfortable doing the packing and loading but don’t want to drive from California to your new state, a moving container can be a great cost-saving alternative to full-service movers.

Expect to pay somewhere around $763 to $7,183 for a moving container in California. The cost depends on several factors, so we recommend getting multiple moving quotes.

We suggest starting with these two top-rated container companies.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
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Labor-only moving companies in California

If you’re comfortable doing the driving from California to your new state but want some help packing, loading, and unloading, look for labor-only moving companies.

You’ll typically pay $26 to $42 per hour per worker for California-based labor-only movers.

Check out our top recommendations below.

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

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

The cheapest way to move out of state is with a full DIY approach — meaning you’ll handle driving, in addition to all the loading and unloading.

Moving rental trucks do require the most work on your part, but will save you the most money.

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

How we chose the best long-distance movers in California

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best long-distance moving companies in California.

We look at:

  • 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, expedited delivery, and more.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of California

Long-distance moving costs in California range from $720 up to $11,869 or more, depending on the specific details of your relocation.

Factors that affect the cost

  1. Size: The volume of items you're moving directly affects costs. Evaluate what you truly need in California — every extra item adds up.
  2. Distance: The distance you’re moving away from California is a major cost factor. Whether it's a couple hundred miles or a cross-country trek, distance plays a key role in your moving budget.
  3. Type of move: How you choose to move out of California is crucial. Your options include a full-service moving company, truck rental, moving container, or a freight trailer. Each option comes with a different price point and its own set of perks and downsides.
  4. Services: Consider whether to do it yourself or hire help for packing and unpacking. Professional services add convenience but also increase costs.
  5. Seasonal timing: When you move affects the price. Summer moves are typically more expensive. Planning your move during the off-season (October-April) can be more cost-effective.

To get an accurate cost estimate, check out our free moving cost calculator.

Thing to consider before hiring a long-distance mover in California

Whether you’re staying in California for the ample economic opportunity, pleasant weather, and abundant recreational options, or moving out due to the high cost of living, heavy tax burdens, and natural disasters, here’s what you need to consider before your big 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

Weather factors influence how busy movers are, so those things play into the availability of movers and the cost.

In California, you have to consider that the average winter temperature is 59°F, the average summer temperature is 87°F, you’ll see 22” of rain, and about 7” of snow each year.

Taking your car

If you’re moving across the country and don’t want to leave your car (or drive it cross-country), you may want to use an California car shipper.

You’ll also want to consider vehicle inspections in your new location, as regulations can differ state to state and even by city. 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.

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