The Best Long-Distance Movers in Modesto, CA
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The best long-distance mover in Modesto, CA is Fairprice Movers (4.58/5 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 2,321 verified customer reviews. 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 Modesto 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 Modesto, 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 25 full-service interstate movers serving Modesto, drawing on 2,321 verified customer reviews across Modesto.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Modesto based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Modesto, CA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 14 local movers serving Modesto licensed for long-distance moves within California, drawing on 2,321 verified customer reviews across Modesto. Fairprice Movers (4.58/5) was named the top-rated Modesto-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 14 of the 14 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 Modesto are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Modesto but stay within California:
- Fairprice Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Pete's Moving Services: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Affordable rates
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Fairprice Movers has been in business for 15 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 5.0
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Fairprice Movers has about 90% positive reviews across roughly 748 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Fairprice Movers.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Fairprice Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They arrived right on time, worked quickly, and made sure everything was in my new place undamaged. The price was very reasonable. Highly recommend!"
"Movers arrived on time, called 30 minutes before. They were super efficient and didn’t stop for a second. All belongings made it with not even a scratch. Old place was in perfect conditions after."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. All Star Movers & Storage has been in business for 10 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. All Star Movers & Storage has about 96% positive reviews across roughly 421 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from All Star Movers & Storage.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. All Star Movers & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Team of 4 showed up on time, worked professionally and were done 2 hours before my estimate. Would recommend them any day for transparency, technology used and professionalism. The price was the best amongst all my research."
"We recently hired All Star Movers for a local move and they were excellent. The team was very professional and did an exceptional job making sure our items were packed so nothing was damaged. They were communicative and very helpful."
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. Pete's Moving Services has been in business for 13 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Pete's Moving Services has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 471 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 Pete's Moving Services.
Customer service 3.8
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Pete's Moving Services emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They were so polite and respectful and really did a great job! We would definitely hire them again! Worth every penny!"
"Movers were quick and took great care of my belongings. Loved that they disassembled my furniture/bed and reassembled. I would highly recommend."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Grace Moving Company has been in business for 27 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Grace Moving Company has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 467 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Grace Moving Company.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Grace Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Grace Moving did a beautiful job. They professionally wrapped and packed each piece of furniture and our China. No breakage, showed up as scheduled and worked hard until done. Price was lower than anticipated. Highly recommend."
"Our crew showed up on time, was professional and friendly, protected the floors, made the process easier. The estimate matched the final cost. We'll absolutely use Grace Moving again."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Casey Moving Systems has been in business for 25 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. Casey Moving Systems has about 75% positive reviews across roughly 63 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.6.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Casey Moving Systems.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Casey Moving Systems emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Casey Logistics made our move seamless and stress-free. Everything was handled with professionalism and care, from packing to setup. Highly recommend for anyone needing reliable service.
The packers were kind, respectful, and nothing was lost or damaged. The driver made the experience easy. Great staff!
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 Modesto, CA movers offer?
Not every mover in Modesto offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 14 Modesto movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 29% of Modesto movers, compared to 62% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Fairprice Movers.
- Junk removal: offered by 21% of Modesto movers, compared to 20% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick in California: Johnson Storage & Moving.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 21% of Modesto movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company.
- Storage: offered by 79% of Modesto movers, compared to 86% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Fairprice Movers.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 21% of Modesto movers, compared to 32% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company.
- Piano moving: offered by 71% of Modesto movers, compared to 80% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Fairprice Movers.
Does Modesto have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 4 of 14 Modesto movers (28.57%), compared to 61.99% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Fairprice Movers (4.58/5) and All Star Movers & Storage (4.58/5) rate highest for art handling in Modesto.
| Art handling in Modesto | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Modesto providers |
Fairprice Movers
All Star Movers & Storage |
| Per-piece handling fee | $58 to $580 |
| Custom crating per item | $174 to $232 |
| 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 Modesto have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 3 of 14 Modesto movers (21.43%).
| Junk removal in Modesto | Details |
|---|---|
| Typical cost per load | $174 to $580 |
| Single large item | $87 to $174 |
| 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 Modesto have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of 14 Modesto movers (21.43%). MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.48/5) and Pack it up Movers (4.3/5) rate highest in Modesto.
| Fragile-only packing in Modesto | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Modesto providers | MidCal Moving and Storage Company Pack it up Movers |
| 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 Modesto have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 11 of 14 Modesto movers (78.57%). Fairprice Movers (4.58/5) and Pete's Moving Services (4.58/5) rate highest in Modesto.
| Storage in Modesto | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Modesto providers | Fairprice Movers Pete's Moving Services |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $298 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $580 |
| 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 $298/month for a 1-bedroom load. Verify the billing start date and whether coverage remains active during the storage period before signing.
Does Modesto have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 3 of 14 Modesto movers (21.43%). MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.48/5) and Clutter Inc. (4.2/5) rate highest in Modesto.
| Hot tub relocation in Modesto | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Modesto providers | MidCal Moving and Storage Company Clutter Inc. |
| Bundled with full-service move | $174 to $464 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $348 to $928 |
| 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 Modesto have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 10 of 14 Modesto movers (71.43%). Fairprice Movers (4.58/5) and All Star Movers & Storage (4.58/5) rate highest in Modesto.
| Piano moving in Modesto | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Modesto providers | Fairprice Movers All Star Movers & Storage |
| Upright piano | $928 to $1,740 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,392 to $2,900 |
| Grand piano | $2,088 to $4,060 |
| 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 Modesto, CA for small long-distance moves?
Pack it up Movers leads Modesto's small-move providers with a 4.3/5 moveBuddha score. 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Modesto?
5 of 14 Modesto movers (35.71%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.02% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Brewer Moving LLC (4.3/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Modesto, followed by Pack it up Movers (4.3/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto. 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Modesto 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 Modesto, CA
- Property access: Hillside properties, high-rise buildings, and gated communities may require a shuttle truck, elevator booking, or a COI from your mover. 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto. 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 Modesto?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Modesto move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Modesto, 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 Modesto, 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 |
| Fairprice Movers | 4.58/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| All Star Movers & Storage | 4.58/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Pack it up Movers | 4.3/5 | 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 Modesto, CA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Modesto, CA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 14 movers moveBuddha tracks in Modesto, 12 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 Modesto 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 Modesto, CA move. Interstate costs from California range from $450 for a studio to $4,041 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Long-distance moving from Modesto, CA: frequently asked questions
What licenses does a long-distance mover in Modesto need?
12 of the 14 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Modesto 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 Modesto?
Local Modesto movers offer the best value for moves within California, across the 14 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in the area. 12 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 Modesto?
Movers in Modesto run slowest in November and December, when temperatures drop to an average low of 39°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 Modesto 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 Modesto?
DIY moving is the most affordable option out of the City of Great Neighbors, 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 Modesto apartment building require a COI from the movers?
Multi-unit buildings, condos, and managed communities in Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto, CA
The best starting point is 3 quotes from licensed movers. moveBuddha's top picks are Fairprice Movers 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 14 Modesto movers so every recommendation on this page has been independently vetted.
