Quick answer:
Out of 277 movers in California, we found Next Stop Moving & Storage
to be the best option for local moves in Monterey, CA, based on key areas like pricing, services, and reviews.
Our go-to choice for long-distance or out-of-state moves from California is Safeway Moving,
since they consistently deliver quality service at a fair price.
Hi, I'm Ryan. Let's get moving.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Monterey, CA
Whether you're planning a move within Monterey or relocating to a nearby California city like
Pacific Grove or Sand City (both under 50 miles away),
we’ve rounded up some of the best local movers that combine solid reputations with affordable pricing.
Exceeding most expectations, Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc. receives largely enthusiastic feedback: out of 86 total reviews, more than 80% highlight professionalism, careful handling, efficient and quick service, strong communication, and prompt crews. Staff members routinely earn praise for courtesy and attention to detail. Customers commonly note that the moving process feels organized and stress-free. On the other hand, about 19% of input flags serious concerns—primarily about damaged or missing items, unanswered claims, and communication gaps, especially for interstate and storage moves. These recurring problems appear at higher rates than with top-rated long-distance competitors. Most users report a standout local moving experience, but those needing secure long-term storage or extended-haul relocation report more issues. Cardinale's consistent positive performance in local moves, combined with speedy, polite crews, often outshines others in the region, while their handful of negative reviews underscore the importance of careful communication and transparency in the claims process.
High marks dominate feedback for Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc., with 43 reviews analyzed and nearly 90% noting a standout experience. Customers praise the team's professionalism, careful handling of belongings, efficient and quick moves, as well as helpful attitudes. Many describe stress-free relocations that come in under budget, and several cite repeat exceptional service across multiple moves. Staff receive recognition for politeness, organization, and clear communication—qualities that make a big impact during stressful moves. A handful of clients report issues such as unprofessional conduct from management, misplaced items, and crews arriving without proper tools, though these remain rare within the feedback. Scarr's strengths put them ahead of many competitors for reliability and peace of mind, but consistent quality control is key to maintaining their strong reputation.
Customers consistently praise Tavares Packing & Loading for efficient service, careful handling, reasonable rates, and polite, professional staff. Many highlight how quickly moves are completed while keeping belongings damage-free. Positive input also points to affordable prices and responsive communication—features rarely found in larger moving companies. Nearly every review mentions hardworking movers who maintain a friendly, courteous approach. Some feedback, though, raises major concerns about damage to items, especially during storage or complex moves, noting a lack of follow-up on claims. Several dissatisfied customers report last-minute cancellations or difficulty reaching the company before scheduled moves. While most feedback far exceeds industry standards for satisfaction, those considering high-value or time-sensitive moves should weigh these reported drawbacks.
Moving with Mod Movers feels like hiring a team of skilled friends who truly care about your belongings. After analyzing 277 customer comments, an impressive 93% reflect satisfaction, with many mentioning professional, polite crews and careful, efficient service. Customers regularly praise the movers' helpful attitudes, quick work, and attention to protecting homes and items. Feedback highlights their ability to handle difficult jobs with organization and a friendly approach. Some clients mention being pleasantly surprised when final bills came in under the estimate, or that supervisors go the extra mile to resolve challenges. On the flip side, a few customers report issues like charges beyond initial estimates, property damage, or less-than-friendly staff. These negatives form just under 7% of total input, which is notably low compared to moving companies in general. Most feedback suggests Mod Movers consistently delivers above-average care, communication, and professionalism for both short and long-distance moves, leading many to highly recommend their services.
Moving doesn't have to be hard—Poulos Moving Systems earns high praise from nearly nine out of ten customers, based on 187 feedback submissions. Most customer input points to staff professionalism, quick and careful service, transparent communication, and smooth moving days as key strengths. People often highlight how attentive movers handled belongings, explained the process, and worked efficiently, even in tricky situations like stairs or heavy loads. Communication stands out, with updates and quick responses appreciated by clients. A few customers, though, dealt with damaged items, slow responses, and unexpected charges. The main complaints involve property damage or trouble reaching the company—issues common with many moving services, but less so here given the lower rate of negative input. For those seeking a careful, courteous, and reliable moving experience, Poulos consistently outperforms most competitors in the region.
A full-service mover can make your Monterey, California relocation stress-free,
but it often comes with a higher price tag. To save a bit, you might want to look into the
best moving container companies
or explore rental truck options available in Monterey.
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top five best movers
based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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, and expedited delivery.
The pricing table below offers a general sense of what you might pay for a local move in the Monterey area.
To learn more, take a look at our full guide to moving costs in California.
The moving quotes listed are ballpark figures—your
final cost could be higher or lower depending on your individual move. For a more tailored estimate, use our
moving cost calculator.
Home Size
Avg. Total Cost
Cost/hour
# of Movers
# Hours
Studio
$515
$186
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$705
$190
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$1,145
$260
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$2,507
$380
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$2,993
$365
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$4,453
$511
5 movers
10 hours
Compare the top Monterey, CA movers
Let’s compare how the top movers in Monterey, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.
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.
All movers included in our listings hold the proper licenses.
Visit our best movers in California roundup for suggestions.
How can I choose a reliable mover in Monterey?
Searching for a reputable Monterey mover can feel overwhelming,
but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints.
Every Monterey mover will face customer feedback—
the best ones respond quickly and fairly.
Specialized experience: Not all movers are equipped for every job.
A company great at local moves might not be ideal for a
cross-country relocation.
Make sure they’ve done moves like yours.
Do movers in Monterey offer long-distance services?
Many Monterey moving companies handle long-distance relocations, though some focus solely on local moves.
For out-of-state moves, we’ve compiled the best long distance movers in Monterey.
What day is usually the least expensive to move in Monterey, CA?
The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Monterey, California, are weekdays,
since demand tends to be higher on weekends.
Generally, the least expensive time to move
is during the off-season from October to April.
Expect higher rates from May through September due to peak demand.
Booking early is key if you’re planning a move from Monterey.
For the best deal, steer clear of weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months.
Be cautious with quotes that seem too low—some movers may hike the price significantly on moving day.
What’s the most cost-effective way to move from Monterey, CA to another state?
Renting a truck is typically
the cheapest option for moving out of state
or around Monterey, California.
Just keep in mind that it's a no-frills option. You’ll need to take care of all the packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Should I consider a moving container for my move from Monterey?
Moving containers are a convenient option if you prefer a flexible schedule.
Just be ready to handle the loading and unloading yourself.
Once you're packed up, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place
— no need to worry about driving.
Can I get help loading my moving container in Monterey?
Yes! Labor-only movers
can be a smart add-on if you're using a rental truck or moving container.
They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, making your move smoother and more efficient without breaking the bank.
Are storage options available through Monterey movers?
Most moving companies in Monterey provide storage solutions, whether you need something for a few days or indefinitely. Some movers, however,
work with third-party storage providers.
Always ask for details about storage services and fees when talking to movers.
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