Quick answer:
After reviewing 277 California movers,
our top pick for local moves in Palo Alto, CA,
is Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. based on pricing, services, and customer reviews.
For long-distance and out-of-state moves from California, we recommend Safeway Moving
because they provide a good balance of quality service and affordability.
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.
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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Palo Alto, CA
If you are moving within Palo Alto — or to a nearby California city like
Stanford or East Palo Alto that is 50 miles or less from Palo Alto — check out these affordable, top-rated moving companies:
Moving made easy is how customers describe Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., with 86.9% of the 634 feedback entries rating their services positively. Reviewers consistently mention efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. The booking process is straightforward and communication is strong, making moves feel stress-free compared to larger companies. Many highlight how quickly items are moved and the competitive pricing, with exceptional care towards fragile and valuable belongings. In contrast, 11.7% report issues, mainly with damaged items, late arrivals, or communication lapses during scheduling and claims. While the company receives high praise for their courteous movers and fast work, cases of lost or broken property and delayed deliveries set them apart from top-tier providers who resolve complaints faster and provide more consistent updates. Neutral input often cites both efficient execution and minor damages. Eagle stands out for its efficiency and customer-focused approach but should address recurring concerns with item handling and reliability during high-stress moves.
Moving success is about trust and execution, and most customer input for Chipman Relocation & Logistics shows strong satisfaction. Among 244 reviews, 70.9% described positive experiences. Customers consistently praise the team’s professionalism, their clear communication, fast and careful service, and their ability to keep moves on track, even for complex cross-country relocations. Staff receive outstanding marks for courtesy and responsiveness, setting Chipman apart from typical moving companies. Some clients also mention an efficient booking process and reliable handling of goods. On the downside, 25.8% reported issues primarily centered on damaged or missing belongings and costs exceeding estimates. Difficulties with claims and compensation processes appear commonly in complaints, emphasizing the importance of careful documentation and insurance. Only a few reviews cited problems that directly affected schedules or service, less so than is common in the industry. Compared to many other large moving firms, Chipman is regarded as more dependable and communicative, but those with valuables should still pay close attention to documentation. Most feedback encourages prospective customers to expect a smooth experience, but to remain proactive during packing and claims. Eight reviews (3.3%) were neutral, mostly noting minor breakage or wishing for better packing. In summary, Chipman Relocation & Logistics earns high marks for professionalism, speed, and communication, with attention needed around item handling and resolution of claims.
Glowing praise dominates feedback for NOR-CAL Moving Services, with 74% of customers reporting positive experiences from over 300 reviews. Most consistently describe the team as professional, communicative, and attentive, noting staff’s politeness and expertise. Customers regularly highlight careful packing and a thoroughly efficient moving process—qualities that set NOR-CAL apart from many competitors. Movers gain acclaim for diligent handling of valuable and fragile items and reliable, prompt communication throughout every stage. Some clients also point to moves completed faster than expected. Among negative input, nearly a quarter of reviews focus on issues such as item damage, poor communication, or delayed deliveries. A few cite unresolved claims or lack of timely follow-up as frustrations, especially after incidents involving breakage or misplaced belongings. Compared to other companies, NOR-CAL earns high marks for professionalism and efficiency, but should pay close attention to packing quality and keeping customers informed when delays happen.
Moving made easy: Out of 544 customer feedback entries, 94.7% praised Lunardi Moving for efficiency, care with belongings, professionalism, and helpful staff. Customers repeatedly highlighted attentive and polite crews, swift moving, and careful handling of items. Some reviewers described consistent experiences across multiple moves, including delicate items and complex jobs. A small number of clients, about 3.5%, cited higher-than-expected bills, unexpected fees, or occasional item damage. Neutral feedback often referenced additional charges or less-than-perfect estimates, despite generally satisfactory service. Compared to other moving companies, Lunardi stands out with strong service consistency and attentive staff, though clarity in quoting could be improved to match industry leaders on price transparency.
Fast moves, careful teams, and upbeat attitudes define the feedback for Vector Moving and Storage, based on 71 customer submissions. A strong 84.5% of clients praised their efficient work, respectfulness, and how gently possessions were handled. Customers frequently mentioned quick process times, professional approach, and feeling highly confident in their choice, noting the staff’s courtesy and attention to property. Despite many stress-free experiences, 15.5% of feedback flagged recurring problems: broken items during transit, delays, larger-than-promised bills, and unresolved complaints were cited as major setbacks. While most moving companies struggle to match Vector’s ratio of glowing to problematic feedback, issues like damage, surprise add-ons, or timing should be weighed against their reputation for speed and professionalism.
If you're relocating from California to a new state, choosing a trusted
interstate moving company
is key to making the transition smooth. Here are a few of our top picks to get you started:
Choosing a full-service mover for your Palo Alto, California move is definitely the most convenient option,
but it’s also usually the priciest. If you’re looking to cut costs, consider going with one of the
top moving container companies. Or,
check out moving truck rental companies in Palo Alto instead.
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.
Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the
Palo Alto 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
$607
$277
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$896
$277
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$1,461
$372
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$3,567
$533
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$4,105
$522
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$6,360
$737
5 movers
10 hours
Compare the top Palo Alto, CA movers
Let’s compare how the top movers in Palo Alto, 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.
Every mover featured in our guide is fully licensed.
Check out our best movers in California page for top picks.
What’s the best way to find a trustworthy Palo Alto mover?
Finding a dependable Palo Alto moving company can be a challenge,
but there are a few key things that can help you identify a reputable mover:
Dispute resolution: Steer clear of movers with a track record of unresolved complaints.
While every Palo Alto 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.
Can Palo Alto movers help with long-distance relocations?
Some moving companies in Palo Alto offer long-distance services, while others stick to local moves only.
If you're planning an out-of-state move, check out our list of the best long distance movers in Palo Alto.
When is the most affordable day to hire movers in Palo Alto, CA?
Movers in Palo Alto, California, are usually cheapest on weekdays,
as weekends tend to be busier and more expensive.
Typically, the most affordable time to move
falls between October and April.
Moving costs spike between May and September due to high demand during peak season.
It’s best to book your Palo Alto move early.
To save money, try to avoid weekends, holidays, and peak summer months.
And remember, a low initial quote isn’t always a good sign.
Some movers increase the price on moving day after low-balling up front.
How can I move out of state from Palo Alto, CA on a budget?
If you're looking to save money, renting a moving truck is
the most affordable way to move out of state
or even locally within Palo Alto, California.
It’s a DIY solution, though, so you’ll be responsible for packing, loading, unloading, and doing all the driving.
Is using a moving container a smart choice for my move from Palo Alto?
Moving containers give you the flexibility to move on your schedule, but you’ll need to handle all the lifting and loading yourself.
Once everything is packed, the container company will take care of transporting it to your new home,
so you can skip the hassle of driving a moving truck.
Can I get help loading my moving container in Palo Alto?
If you’re going the DIY route with a rental truck or container,
labor-only moving companies
are a great way to get some extra help.
Hiring professionals to assist with loading and unloading can lighten the workload and speed up the process.
Can I get storage from Palo Alto moving companies?
Many Palo Alto movers offer both short- and long-term storage options.
Some companies may rely on third-party storage facilities, so be sure to ask how and where your belongings will be stored.
It’s a good idea to confirm availability and costs when comparing movers.
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