The Best Long-Distance Movers in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

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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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Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best long-distance movers in Rancho Santa Margarita for those moving out of state

If you're moving out of Rancho Santa Margarita and heading beyond California's borders, here are our top picks for interstate moving companies:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841

Best long-distance movers in Rancho Santa Margarita for those staying in state

A move within California can still involve long hours on the road, especially when you're leaving Rancho Santa Margarita for a destination several hundred miles away.

For longer in-state relocations, we recommend sticking with the best long-distance moving companies we’ve vetted.

Below are our top moving company picks for Rancho Santa Margarita, CA:

Preferred Partner
Best California Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars

https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
99% of all reviews were positive
1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving perfection is rare, but Best California Movers comes close. Out of 1,177 pieces of customer feedback, over 98% are positive. Customers highlight the company's efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, professional staff, and great communication. Moves are completed swiftly without sacrificing care, and teams are consistently polite and attentive. Transparent pricing and quick response times also set this company apart from many others. On the flip side, a small number of people mention issues like item damage, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and slow resolution to complaints. While most customers found pricing and final charges accurate, those few negative experiences reflect the main risks found in the industry—miscommunication, claim delays, and the rare mishandling of belongings. Compared to typical movers, Best California Movers receives far fewer complaints about property damage and shows higher reliability and responsiveness. The feedback shows why so many recommend them for hassle-free, well-managed moves.
Get a Quote

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

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
https://www.facebook.com/maisonmoving/, https://twitter.com/MaisonMoving
84% of all reviews were positive
14% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Word spreads fast about a moving company that gets the job done. Out of 293 customer reviews, Maison Moving earned high marks, with 84% giving glowing feedback. Customers repeatedly mention the efficiency, professionalism, and care shown by the movers, highlighting strong communication, timely arrivals, and careful handling of belongings. Many found booking straightforward, pricing transparent, and crews helpful and polite. Moving day stresses were often eased by their quick, organized approach. Negative feedback, making up 14% of input, centered on damaged or missing items and rare delays or unprepared crews. Some clients were frustrated by the claims process or communication breakdowns after problems. Only 1% described neutral experiences, usually pointing out minor issues like unexpected fees or average service. Compared to others, Maison Moving stands out for its reliable, efficient service but could improve on accountability and claims handling when things go wrong.
Get a Quote (800) 832-5950

Company Info

State license #: 0190726

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 76628

Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc, College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County, Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/terrymoving/, https://twitter.com/terrymovingco
94% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customers—nearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful. Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.
Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Company Info

State license #: 189603

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 649215

Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/VIPMayflower/,
89% of all reviews were positive
9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Stellar service and professionalism are at the heart of most customer input for VIP Transport, Inc. Out of 244 reviews analyzed, 88.5% reflect positive feedback with standout praise for the company’s professional staff, reliable communication, and careful handling of possessions. Movers are routinely described as efficient, friendly, and willing to go the extra mile, making the moving process much less stressful. Customers also highlight helpful attitudes and strong organizational skills from both office and field staff, setting VIP Transport ahead of many competitors. The main negative feedback, making up about 9%, centers on damaged items, slow resolution of claims, or lapses in communication and delivery timelines. Still, these issues appear in a small minority of cases. A few neutral comments mention price competitiveness and the condition of vehicles. With consistent praise for attentive and skilled teams, transparent communication, and a reputation for reducing the hassle of relocation, VIP Transport remains a top choice for complex or long-distance moves—even if some room for improvement persists regarding claims and rare mishandled items.
Get a Quote (951) 272-3700

Company Info

State license #: 0137029

Years in Business: 43

DOT #: 125563

Alternate Names: Mayflower Transit, VIP Transport East, Inc, VIP Transport - United Van Lines, VIP Transport - Mayflower Transit, United Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/meatheadmovers?lang=en
77% of all reviews were positive
20% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Meathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process. On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.
Get a Quote (949) 485-7883

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/NorthStarMoving, https://twitter.com/northstarmoving
94% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customers—94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the movers’ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies. Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.
Get a Quote (800) 275-7767

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576

Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

Moving services available in Rancho Santa Margarita

Add-on services like delicate item handling or climate-controlled storage may be common nationally but harder to find locally. The table below compares availability among movers in Rancho Santa Margarita, across the state, and nationwide. It’s a quick way to understand what’s realistic in your area when planning a move.

Storage

Comparing Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, & national movers

Rancho Santa Margarita
48 (88.89%)
out of 54 total movers
California
281 (88.64%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
2,321 (87.88%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Rancho Santa Margarita storage movers

Custom-built crates

Comparing Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, & national movers

Rancho Santa Margarita
40 (74.07%)
out of 54 total movers
California
252 (79.5%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,721 (65.16%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Rancho Santa Margarita custom crating movers

Antiques handling

Comparing Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, & national movers

Rancho Santa Margarita
36 (66.67%)
out of 54 total movers
California
201 (63.41%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,337 (50.62%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Rancho Santa Margarita antique movers

Piano loading & unloading

Comparing Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, & national movers

Rancho Santa Margarita
42 (77.78%)
out of 54 total movers
California
263 (82.97%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
2,072 (78.46%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Rancho Santa Margarita piano movers

Fragile-only packing

Comparing Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, & national movers

Rancho Santa Margarita
19 (35.19%)
out of 54 total movers
California
96 (30.28%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
678 (25.67%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Rancho Santa Margarita fragile-only packing movers

Specialty art handling

Comparing Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, & national movers

Rancho Santa Margarita
35 (64.81%)
out of 54 total movers
California
199 (62.78%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,319 (49.94%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Rancho Santa Margarita art movers

Best long-distance movers in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, for small moves

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Rancho Santa Margarita, check out these suggestions:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No minimum move size
  • Full-service packing
  • Short-term storage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 34+ yrs experience
  • Online chatbot
  • Car shipping

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Moving containers, also known as moving pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Rancho Santa Margarita at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Rancho Santa Margarita include:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves

Rental trucks in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks often come with the lowest base price for long-distance moves from Rancho Santa Margarita, but they also require the most effort. From packing to driving, you’ll be in charge every step of the way. Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs like fuel, mileage, and tolls—they can make a bigger dent in your budget than expected.

These are our recommended rental truck companies for long-distance relocations:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage

Labor-only moving companies in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Labor-only movers are perfect when you need extra hands but not a full-service moving truck. They’ll handle the packing, heavy lifting, and even furniture assembly, while you’re in charge of the truck and materials.

Check out these top-rated labor-only moving companies for long-distance moves from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.66 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.9 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.48 / 5
  • Years in Business: 9
  • Yelp: 2.5 / 5
  • BBB: F
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.42 / 5
  • Years in Business: 11
  • Yelp: 4.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Company Our Rating Quote
Safeway Moving starstarstarstarstar
4.85 overall rating
Get A Quote
American Van Lines starstarstarstarstar
4.5 overall rating
Get A Quote
North American Van Lines starstarstarstarstar
4.5 overall rating
Get A Quote
Allied Van Lines starstarstarstarstar
4.75 overall rating
Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
  • Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

On average, movers in California charge about $122 per hour. That said, final pricing depends on more than just hourly rates—factors like distance and shipment size still play a big role, even when working with the top interstate movers.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for a long-distance move from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA to some of the most common destinations:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
Boston, MA 2,985 miles 3 bedroom $5,591 - $8,110
Philadelphia, PA 2,713 miles 2 bedroom $3,747 - $6,404
Nashville, TN 2,007 miles 1 bedroom $2,476 - $5,352

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Rancho Santa Margarita, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in California.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

Any moving company helping you leave California must have the proper licenses and a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. All the Rancho Santa Margarita movers we recommend meet these requirements, but you can verify credentials yourself through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you're planning a move across state lines, make sure to review the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide.

Is it better to use local or national movers to relocate from Rancho Santa Margarita?

With 10 movers in Rancho Santa Margarita, you’ve got a mid-sized set of choices. That’s enough to compare pricing and services, but not so many that it feels overwhelming. For reference, California has 317 movers statewide. We’ve flagged the most reliable local moving companies to save you time.

For out-of-state moves, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation because of their strong interstate capabilities.

Discount opportunities from movers in Rancho Santa Margarita

If you’re hoping to save money, some movers in Rancho Santa Margarita extend discounts to certain groups: 1 companies offer lower rates for educators. 1 movers make deals available for those in the armed forces. 2 movers pass along savings to seniors.

Availability can vary throughout the year, so it pays to ask movers about any ongoing or temporary promotions before booking.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Rancho Santa Margarita?

The moving industry in Rancho Santa Margarita tends to slow down in November and December because of the holidays and school schedules. That means you may be able to negotiate a better rate with movers and save during that time.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Rancho Santa Margarita?

The most affordable way to move, especially within 50 miles of Rancho Santa Margarita, is to go the DIY route. Your cheapest bets usually include renting a moving truck like U-Haul or using a moving container company like PODS. For more budget-saving tips, check out our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.

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