The Best Long-Distance Movers in Los Alamitos, CA
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The best long-distance mover in Los Alamitos, CA is Seka Moving (4.76/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of California, per moveBuddha's analysis of 371 California movers and 47,622 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Los Alamitos average $127/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across California range from $621 for a 1-bedroom to $2,630 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Los Alamitos right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Los Alamitos, CA?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 102 full-service interstate movers serving Los Alamitos, drawing on 47,622 verified customer reviews across Los Alamitos.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Los Alamitos based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Los Alamitos, CA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 92 local movers serving Los Alamitos licensed for long-distance moves within California, drawing on 47,622 verified customer reviews across Los Alamitos. Seka Moving (4.76/5) was named the top-rated Los Alamitos-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 94 of the 94 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Los Alamitos are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Los Alamitos but stay within California:
- Seka Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Walsh Moving and Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Seka Moving has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Seka Moving has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 34 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Seka Moving, and Seka Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Seka Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"The team that packed us and moved us were efficient, careful, and personable. Moving is clearly stressful, but with Seka running the show, it was a lot less stressful than it could have been."
"Everything went smooth. We also stored our items using their storage- nothing breaks and well maintained. They offer wrapping, disassemble and assemble services. Very professional, caring, effective!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Rigo's Moving Company Inc has been in business for 11 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Rigo's Moving Company Inc has about 80% positive reviews across roughly 522 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Rigo's Moving Company Inc.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Rigo's Moving Company Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Rigos Moving Company made my move a breeze! Their team was punctual, professional, and handled my belongings with care. From start to finish, their communication was excellent, and they delivered on their promises. I highly recommend!"
"They showed up right on time, were very courteous, quick, and efficient. They packed my things in a U-Box and fit everything inside with expert skill in an hour flat. I would highly recommend Rigo's."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Meathead Movers has been in business for 23 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Meathead Movers has about 77% positive reviews across roughly 596 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Meathead Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Meathead Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"From start to finish, they were professional, efficient, and incredibly kind. They handled everything with care, packed and moved my entire home seamlessly, and made what could’ve been a stressful day feel smooth and manageable."
"Jeremy and his crew were amazing. They efficiently and cheerfully moved our furniture and tons of boxes into a second floor apartment. There were no surprises at any point in the booking process. I'd hire Meathead Movers again in a heartbeat."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Efficient service
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Sterling Van Lines has been in business for 35 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Sterling Van Lines has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 362 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.6
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Sterling Van Lines. Discounts may be available for groups like military, seniors, law enforcement.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Sterling Van Lines emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They moved a very old family piano along with other furniture across the country and delivery was perfect. They kept me informed of timings and any hold ups. The guys were very nice, respectful and made an emotional move easier."
"Sterling Van Lines delivered my piano efficiently. The delivery crew worked like clockwork. Everything arrived in perfect shape. I would recommend them for any important move."
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Walsh Moving and Storage has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like office moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Walsh Moving and Storage has about 87% positive reviews across roughly 272 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.4.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Walsh Moving and Storage.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Walsh Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Our first time hiring professional movers was a huge success with Walsh. Charlie and Sergio were on time, extremely professional and friendly, and so efficient. They moved all of our belongings with care and ease."
"Do yourself a favor and book Walsh for your next move! We used Walsh for a long distance move and could not be more happy with their service. They have competitive pricing, have professional staff, are punctual, and have exceptional customer service."
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 371 California moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of California. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Los Alamitos, CA movers offer?
Not every mover in Los Alamitos offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 94 Los Alamitos movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 63% of Los Alamitos movers, compared to 62% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
- Junk removal: offered by 13% of Los Alamitos movers, compared to 20% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick in California: Johnson Storage & Moving.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 28% of Los Alamitos movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
- Storage: offered by 85% of Los Alamitos movers, compared to 86% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 31% of Los Alamitos movers, compared to 32% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
- Piano moving: offered by 77% of Los Alamitos movers, compared to 80% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Seka Moving.
Does Los Alamitos have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 59 of 94 Los Alamitos movers (62.77%), compared to 61.99% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.7/5) rate highest for art handling in Los Alamitos.
| Art handling in Los Alamitos | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Los Alamitos providers |
Seka Moving
Rigo's Moving Company Inc |
| Per-piece handling fee | $83 to $825 |
| Custom crating per item | $248 to $330 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Standard blankets do not protect framed artwork or sculpture against UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, or impact fractures. Custom crates and archival packing are the baseline, not an upgrade. Ask any art mover for references specific to the media you are moving before signing.
Does Los Alamitos have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 12 of 94 Los Alamitos movers (12.77%).
| Junk removal in Los Alamitos | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical cost per load | $248 to $825 |
| Single large item | $124 to $248 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Items removed before a weight-based quote is locked in lower the base moving rate. Movers offering bundled junk removal can clear furniture and appliances on load day. Confirm they cover electronics and appliances before booking.
Does Los Alamitos have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 26 of 94 Los Alamitos movers (27.66%). Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Sterling Van Lines (4.66/5) rate highest in Los Alamitos.
| Fragile-only packing in Los Alamitos | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Los Alamitos providers | Seka Moving Sterling Van Lines |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing applies professional packing only to dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps (the items that account for most in-transit breakage claims) without the cost of a full-service contract. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide is useful if you're handling any items yourself.
Does Los Alamitos have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 80 of 94 Los Alamitos movers (85.11%). Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.7/5) rate highest in Los Alamitos.
| Storage in Los Alamitos | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Los Alamitos providers | Seka Moving Rigo's Moving Company Inc |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $424 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $825 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit is priced at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $424/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does Los Alamitos have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 29 of 94 Los Alamitos movers (30.85%). Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Sterling Van Lines (4.66/5) rate highest in Los Alamitos.
| Hot tub relocation in Los Alamitos | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Los Alamitos providers | Seka Moving Sterling Van Lines |
| Bundled with full-service move | $248 to $660 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $495 to $1,320 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and require full drainage before pickup. Bundling into a full-service move is almost always cheaper than a standalone specialty carrier. See moveBuddha's guide on how to move a hot tub for what to expect.
Does Los Alamitos have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 72 of 94 Los Alamitos movers (76.6%). Seka Moving (4.76/5) and Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.7/5) rate highest in Los Alamitos.
| Piano moving in Los Alamitos | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Los Alamitos providers | Seka Moving Rigo's Moving Company Inc |
| Upright piano | $1,320 to $2,475 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,980 to $4,125 |
| Grand piano | $2,970 to $5,775 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs, both beyond what standard moving equipment handles safely. Piano boards, padded blankets, and rigging straps are required. moveBuddha's piano mover guide covers what to look for when vetting a crew.
Who are the best movers in Los Alamitos, CA for small long-distance moves?
Seka Moving leads Los Alamitos's small-move providers with a 4.76/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Rigo's Moving Company Inc at 4.7/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
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DIY options for your Los Alamitos, CA long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Los Alamitos residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Los Alamitos?
53 of 94 Los Alamitos movers (56.38%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.02% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Sterling Van Lines (4.66/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Los Alamitos, followed by Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.7/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Los Alamitos residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Los Alamitos moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Los Alamitos. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose.
Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Los Alamitos, CA?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Los Alamitos. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Los Alamitos residents who can handle their own loading and unloading.
Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What to know before booking a long-distance mover in Los Alamitos, CA
- Property access: Hillside properties, high-rise buildings, and gated communities may require a shuttle truck, elevator booking, or a COI from your mover, particularly common in Los Alamitos's higher-density neighborhoods. Flag any access restrictions when requesting quotes so movers can price them accurately.
- Timing: Avoid booking the last week of any month (high demand) and peak summer weekends. Fall and winter moves typically offer better rates and availability.
- USDOT verification: Interstate moves require a USDOT-registered carrier. Verify credentials at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing anything.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Los Alamitos, CA?
Moving costs across California range from $450 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $171/hour) to $4,041 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of California mover quotes. The table below shows California statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Los Alamitos. Your actual cost will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from California* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $450 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $621 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $998 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,294 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,630 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,041 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in California. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects California statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Los Alamitos?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Los Alamitos move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Los Alamitos, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Los Alamitos, CA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of California | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Seka Moving | 4.76/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| Rigo's Moving Company Inc | 4.7/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Seka Moving | 4.76/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Los Alamitos, CA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Los Alamitos, CA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 94 movers moveBuddha tracks in Los Alamitos, 89 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Los Alamitos against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within California.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Los Alamitos, CA move. Interstate costs from California range from $450 for a studio to $4,041 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from Los Alamitos, CA: frequently asked questions
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Los Alamitos need?
89 of the 94 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Los Alamitos hold a valid FMCSA registration and USDOT number, the 2 federal credentials required before any company can transport household goods across state lines. All movers recommended on this page carry both. Confirm any company's status independently in the FMCSA's carrier database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move covers what to expect during an interstate move and what protections apply at every stage.
Should I hire locally or go national when moving from Los Alamitos?
Local Los Alamitos movers offer the best value for moves within California, with average hourly rates of $127 across the 94 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 89 of those hold FMCSA interstate authorization for cross-state routes. The top-rated options on this page cover both.
For moves that cross into another state, national carriers bring purpose-built long-distance logistics, a meaningful advantage when coordinating a move over a long distance.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Los Alamitos?
Movers in Los Alamitos run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 46°F and moving demand falls well below its summer peak. Reduced competition for mover calendars creates a genuine window to push back on the initial estimate. Off-peak moves in Los Alamitos typically come with better availability and shorter booking lead times than any other time of year.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Los Alamitos?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of Los Alamitos, especially within 50 miles. moveBuddha's research shows that rental trucks and moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% versus full-service movers. The cheapest options are renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For longer moves, our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state covers additional cost-cutting strategies.
Will my Los Alamitos apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in Los Alamitos frequently require a certificate of insurance (COI) from any moving company working on the property. Ask your building management what coverage limits and additional insured language they require, then confirm your mover can match them before booking. Request the COI at least 10 to 14 business days before your move.
Do Los Alamitos movers charge extra for hills, narrow streets, or elevator buildings?
They can. Shuttle fees apply when a full-size truck cannot access your property, common for hillside homes, narrow residential streets, and properties with tight turns. High-rise elevator buildings may also charge a long-carry fee if the elevator is far from truck parking. Disclose all access conditions when getting quotes: a mover who knows about constraints upfront will price them into the original estimate rather than adding a surcharge at delivery.
Your next step for a long-distance move from Los Alamitos, CA
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are Seka Moving for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for interstate relocations. Confirm USDOT/FMCSA credentials for any company you consider, ask for a binding estimate, and book at least 4 weeks ahead. moveBuddha has reviewed 94 Los Alamitos movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.
