Montecito Movers review 2026 (Santa Barbara, CA)
Updated
Montecito Movers, a Santa Barbara, CA moving company, ranks #813 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 3.30/5.
100% of Montecito Movers' 2 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its experienced movers. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Montecito Movers measures up
Montecito Movers ranks #813 out of 1154 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 3.30 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 3.30.
- Review quality
- 3.5
- Brand
- 3.0
- Website
- 3.0
- Customer service
- 3.0
- Industry experience
- 3.0
Is Montecito Movers moveBuddha Certified?
Montecito Movers is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Montecito Movers hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Montecito Movers?
Out of 2 verified reviews, 100% of customers left a positive review about Montecito Movers in Santa Barbara, CA. 0% of reviews are negative. Montecito Movers has a 9% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (100% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive100%(2)
Based on 2 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Montecito Movers
Experienced movers
With years of experience, Montecito Movers's crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Montecito Movers's attention to detail.
Professional and polite staff
Customers say the Montecito Movers's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
Helpful movers
Movers were more than just muscle—they offered guidance and went above and beyond to assist customers.
What positive reviewers say
“I’ve used these guys 7-8 times moving in and out of storage and new homes and I wouldn’t use anyone else! But not these guys; Tim is highly professional and makes sure the guys he hires are as well.”
chris BeachVerified ReviewerGoogle
Montecito Movers
3.30Santa Barbara, CA
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Montecito Movers
3.30
Santa Barbara, CA
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Montecito Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Santa Barbara.
Compare prices side by side
See where Montecito Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Montecito Movers offer?
Montecito Movers handles local moves from Santa Barbara, CA, with services including packing and fine art handling.
Services offered
Is Montecito Movers licensed and insured?
Yes, Montecito Movers holds a California intrastate license, number CAL-T-159674. There is no FMCSA record, which is expected for a mover working only within one state: the FMCSA regulates interstate moves, and state agencies regulate the rest.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Montecito Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- CAL-T-159674Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
How much does Montecito Movers cost?
Montecito Movers does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in California, you can expect to pay approximately $129/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service California moving companies similar to Montecito Movers typically bill the amounts below using a $129/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What payment options and discounts does Montecito Movers offer?
- Accepts
- No credit cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Montecito Movers does not list any accepted payment methods on moveBuddha. Confirm how they take payment before moving day. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Montecito Movers compares with the top 7 Santa Barbara movers
With a moveBuddha score of 3.30 out of 5, Montecito Movers trails the seven highest-scoring Santa Barbara moving companies, 0.98 points behind Excalibur Movers Los Angeles. Montecito Movers's score rests on 2 reviews, fewer than any of the seven. Where Montecito Movers falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.
The seven highest-scoring local movers near Santa Barbara, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meathead MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.50 | 1,552 | 4.7 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 2 | ASAP MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.50 | 641 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A |
| 3 | Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.Santa Barbara | 4.44 | 223 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 4 | Affordable Quality Moving and StorageSanta Clarita | 4.42 | 820 | 4.9 | 4.5 | — |
| 5 | Aloha MovingSanta Barbara | 4.36 | 103 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 6 | Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, IncSanta Barbara | 4.34 | 57 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 7 | Excalibur Movers Los AngelesSanta Monica | 4.28 | 1,289 | 4.7 | 4.5 | — |
| 8 | Montecito MoversThis mover · ranks #8 | 3.30 | 2 | — | — | — |
How does Montecito Movers compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#813 of 1154(worse than average)
3.30vs 3.67 avg
Montecito Movers scores 3.30, below the California average of 3.67, and ranks #813 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#47 of 1154(better than average)
100%vs 91% avg
Montecito Movers has 100% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #47 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#202 of 1154(better than average)
0%vs 8% avg
Montecito Movers has 0% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #202 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#1041 of 1154(worse than average)
2vs 268 avg
Montecito Movers has 2 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 268, and ranks #1041 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverMontecito Movers | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#813 of 1154 in California | 3.30 | 3.67 | #813 of 1154 | −0.37(worse than average) |
| Positive reviews#47 of 1154 in California | 100% | 91% | #47 of 1154 | +9 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#202 of 1154 in California | 0% | 8% | #202 of 1154 | −8 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#1041 of 1154 in California | 2 | 268 | #1041 of 1154 | −266(worse than average) |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Montecito Movers
3.30Santa Barbara, CA
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Montecito Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Santa Barbara.
Compare prices side by side
See where Montecito Movers lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Montecito Movers
3.30
Santa Barbara, CA
Final verdict: Montecito Movers
Montecito Movers earns a 3.30/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #8 among Santa Barbara movers, with 100% positive feedback across 2 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its experienced movers and careful handling. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Montecito Movers
3.30
Santa Barbara, CA
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your California moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Montecito Movers
- Phone
- (805) 687-9837
- Website
- montecitomovers.com
Helpful California moving resources
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.