Best Movers Near Monterey, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Dec 14, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Our research of 370 movers across California revealed that Best California Movers is the best option for local moves in Monterey, CA. Their 54 reviews show a company with a strong customer track record — 94.4% of them are positive.

Those planning a move out of state will find Safeway Moving to be a reliable and affordable choice.

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.

Preferred partner:

Best California Movers

4.34
Best local CA mover:

Mod Movers

4.42
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.34 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5

Our track record

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

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Monterey, CA

Whether you're moving within Monterey, relocating to nearby Pacific Grove or Sand City, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away, here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

Preferred Partner

Best California Movers: 4.34 out of 5 stars

Mod Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Poulos Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Tavares Packing & Loading: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

2931 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051 US

94% of all reviews were positive

4% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customer input for Best California Movers paints a clear picture: this company impresses with professionalism, efficient teams, careful handling of belongings, excellent communication, and speedy work. Out of 54 reviews, 94% are positive, highlighting these strengths repeatedly. Many praised accommodating movers who protected valuables, remained punctual, and communicated thoroughly. Transparent rates and easy booking also stand out. Negative feedback, making up just 3.7%, centers on unclear or unexpectedly high pricing and aggressive marketing tactics. A few clients noted delays or pressure to leave reviews. Compared to competitors, Best California Movers stands out for the dedication of its staff and consistent care, though reading terms closely can avoid pricing surprises. Most clients would confidently use or refer their services again.

Get a Quote (408) 200-0452

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3489907

Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Mod Movers

1110 Airport Rd, Monterey, CA 93940 US

93% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (831) 480-0381

Company Info

State license #: 0191620

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2983026

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card

Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.

11360 Commercial Pkwy, Castroville , CA 95012 US

81% of all reviews were positive

19% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (831) 632-4100

Company Info

State license #: 0102808

Years in Business: 52

DOT #: 45193

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Storage
Pay by credit card

Poulos Moving Systems

222 Commission St, Salinas, CA 93901 US

89% of all reviews were positive

11% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (831) 394-5000

Company Info

State license #: 0190661

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 2618126

Services Offered

Local moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.

1353 Dayton St, Salinas, CA 93901 US

88% of all reviews were positive

9% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (831) 424-2784

Company Info

State license #: 0095753

Years in Business: 59

DOT #: 44159

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Shipment tracking
Storage
Pay by credit card

Tavares Packing & Loading

1321 Burton Ave, Salinas, CA 93901 US

85% of all reviews were positive

15% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (831) 402-8949

Company Info

State license #: 0191257

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 3183311

Alternate Names: Tavares Eduardo, Eddie Tavares Packing & Loading

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Local moving services in Monterey

Moving companies don’t all offer the same services, and where you live can shape what’s available to you.

The table below shows how service offerings in Monterey, CA, stack up against both state and national averages. It’s a quick way to see which options are common and which might require a little more searching.

Service	Monterey	CA	National
Packing	12	367	3074
Unpacking	11	358	2974
Packing Materials	8	252	1814
Piano	11	296	2300
Antiques	9	227	1465
Debris Removal	1	58	821
Art	12	229	1449
Storage	8	317	2696
Climate-Controlled Storage	2	73	1035
Small Moves	3	150	1555
Fragile-Only Packing	2	105	748
Custom Crating	11	290	1929
Grandfather Clock	1	61	407
Hot Tub	3	118	692
Junk Removal	1	72	1153
Office Moves	12	346	2710
Pool Table	6	153	969
Safe	4	141	1155

Other local CA movers

While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

Explore additional highly rated moving companies across CA to find the services you need, even if they’re not offered in your immediate area.

See less

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

Relocating from California to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

(855) 394-4102

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Monterey, CA

Hiring a full-service mover in Monterey, California offers maximum convenience, but it’s also the most expensive option. If you’d like to save, consider one of the best moving container companies or opt for a truck rental company instead.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

(855) 394-4102

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices (844) 362-5303

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Get A Quote

(866) 586-5970

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Hire help, hold the truck. Not all moving help includes a truck, and that’s good news if you’re renting your own or using a moving container. In Monterey, 3 labor-only movers can assist with the loading and unloading side of your move.

How we chose the best movers in Monterey, CA

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 289 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.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in Monterey, CA

Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Monterey area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in California.

Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$484	$190	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$674	$190	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,091	$266	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$2,529	$372	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,901	$372	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$4,469	$522	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.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Mod Movers	4.4/5	A+	4.3/5	4.9/5
Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.5/5	A+	4/5	4.4/5
Poulos Moving Systems	4.5/5	A+	4.1/5	4.8/5
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.5/5	A+	4.7/5	4.5/5
Tavares Packing & Loading	4.4/5	A+	4.5/5	4/5
South Bay Moving Systems Inc.	4.3/5	NR	3.2/5	4.8/5
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.	4.3/5	A+	3.6/5	4.4/5
Lambert & Son Moving	4.4/5	A+	4.8/5	4.9/5
Fairprice Movers	4.3/5	A	4.8/5	5/5
831 Movers	4.3/5	A+	5/5	5/5

FAQs

How many movers in Monterey offer discounts?

Most movers provide some type of ongoing discount or seasonal deal. 1 offer military discounts.

Promotions can vary company to company and throughout the year, so be sure to ask a potential mover for a full list of discounts, as well as details and restrictions for each type.

How can I tell if a moving company is licensed?

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.

We only feature movers that are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in California list to find vetted options.

What’s the best way to find a trustworthy Monterey mover?

Finding a dependable Monterey moving company can be a challenge, but there are a few key things that can help you identify a reputable mover:

Reputation: A strong reputation is important, whether the mover is a small local business or a well-established van lines company.
Dispute resolution: Steer clear of movers with a track record of unresolved complaints. While every Monterey mover may encounter customer issues, the best ones handle disputes quickly and professionally.
Experience with your type of move: Great reviews for short moves don’t guarantee success on a cross-country relocation. Make sure the mover has handled moves like yours before.

Are there movers in Monterey that go beyond the local area?

Yes. 11 companies in Monterey handle long-distance and interstate moves, in addition to local service. Start with our guide to long-distance movers in Monterey to find the right fit for your relocation needs.

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.

Is storage available from movers in Monterey?

If you’re looking for extra space during your move, 8 Monterey movers offer storage services — and 2 include climate-controlled options to help protect delicate items.

Be sure to ask if the storage is on-site or outsourced, and confirm any added costs before making your decision.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?