The Best Long-Distance Movers in Riverside, CA
Fact Checked by:
The best long-distance mover in Riverside, CA is Golden Eagle Moving, LLC (4.56/5 stars) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) for moves out of California, per moveBuddha's analysis of 371 California movers and 18,782 verified customer reviews. Full-service movers in Riverside average $133/hour for local long-distance work. Interstate costs across California range from $621 for a 1-bedroom to $2,630 for a 4-bedroom home.
Planning a long-distance move from Riverside right now: Peak summer moving season. The 4th of July is one of the busiest interstate moving weekends of the year; rates spike and carrier capacity tightens sharply. If your move is scheduled around the holiday, you should already have a binding estimate locked in. If not, act quickly and be prepared to be flexible on exact dates.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Riverside, CA?
National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry active FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations. moveBuddha reviewed 64 full-service interstate movers serving Riverside, drawing on 18,782 verified customer reviews across Riverside.
Safeway Moving was named the top-rated interstate mover for Riverside based on moveBuddha's independent analysis.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Riverside, CA for in-state moves?
moveBuddha reviewed 55 local movers serving Riverside licensed for long-distance moves within California, drawing on 18,782 verified customer reviews across Riverside. Golden Eagle Moving, LLC (4.56/5) was named the top-rated Riverside-based mover based on moveBuddha's independent analysis. 56 of the 56 movers offer full packing services, which can reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move.
Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Riverside are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Riverside but stay within California:
- Golden Eagle Moving, LLC: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- VIP Transport, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Big Deahl's Movers: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Burgess Moving and Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Alex Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Helpful movers
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Golden Eagle Moving, LLC has been in business for 44 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and office moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Golden Eagle Moving, LLC has about 81% positive reviews across roughly 160 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Golden Eagle Moving, LLC.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Golden Eagle Moving, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"This is my second experience with this company and I can not say enough good about them. Very helpful from beginning to end. The crew worked well together. I would recommend them to everyone."
"I booked with Roberta @ Golden Eagle. My movers arrived right at the scheduled time. They were very professional and went out of their way to be helpful. Loaded & unloaded quickly and set up the items needed."
Professional and polite staff
Good communication
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. VIP Transport, Inc. has been in business for 43 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. VIP Transport, Inc. has about 89% positive reviews across roughly 244 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from VIP Transport, Inc..
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. VIP Transport, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"VIP Transport was amazing! Their crew was professional, courteous, and made the move smooth and stress-free. I highly recommend them for anyone looking to move."
"I have used VIP Transport for my last three moves and they have been excellent each and every time. Constant communication and professionalism! They truly take a huge chunk of stress out of your move."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Big Deahl's Movers has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Big Deahl's Movers has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 220 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.4.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Big Deahl's Movers.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Big Deahl's Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"I booked a move with them and they were so professional and fast. They protected all of our furniture and moved it with care. Affordable, professional, reliable movers—book them ASAP."
"The guys were very careful and thorough moving a very heavy, delicate and unusual crystal base table with a 6 foot glass table top. They wrapped, secured and moved to my home in about 2 hours."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Helpful movers
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Burgess Moving and Storage has been in business for 80 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Burgess Moving and Storage has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 100 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Burgess Moving and Storage.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Burgess Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Burgess sent out three terrific movers who were attentive, courteous, and professional. Andy, Ryan, and Stephen arrived on time and quickly assessed our moving situation. Unloading and assembling our possessions was impressive, and best of all nothing was damaged."
"My grandmother has lots of collectibles and good China and it all made it in tact. Thank you so much Tom for getting us taken care of so quickly."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Alex Moving and Storage has been in business for 24 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like intrastate moving and international moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Alex Moving and Storage has about 43% positive reviews across roughly 126 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 2.1.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Alex Moving and Storage, and Alex Moving and Storage makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Alex Moving and Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"I have used Alex Moving for several moves now and each time they have been helpful, reliable and professional. It is so refreshing to have customer service done correctly. I have recommended them to my friends, family and my boss at work!"
"Alex was personable and honest in his estimate, the moving crew were all very accomodating and professional, and in the end...the move cost less than they had projected. Highly recommended and we'll use them again!"
How moveBuddha rates movers: Every company on this page is scored against 5 criteria: USDOT/FMCSA licensing status, review quality (weighted by recency and volume), quote accuracy verified through submitted moves, pricing transparency (binding vs. non-binding estimates), and customer service responsiveness. No mover pays to appear in these rankings. This reflects moveBuddha's independent analysis of 371 California moving companies.
moveBuddha tracks pricing and mover performance across thousands of routes out of California. Find your exact moving route →
What add-on services do Riverside, CA movers offer?
Not every mover in Riverside offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 56 Riverside movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 63% of Riverside movers, compared to 62% statewide and 46% nationally. Top pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC.
- Junk removal: offered by 13% of Riverside movers, compared to 20% statewide and 36% nationally. Top pick: Big Deahl's Movers.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 36% of Riverside movers, compared to 28% statewide and 24% nationally. Top pick: Big Deahl's Movers.
- Storage: offered by 84% of Riverside movers, compared to 86% statewide and 85% nationally. Top pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 27% of Riverside movers, compared to 32% statewide and 22% nationally. Top pick: Big Deahl's Movers.
- Piano moving: offered by 75% of Riverside movers, compared to 80% statewide and 73% nationally. Top pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC.
Does Riverside have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 35 of 56 Riverside movers (62.5%), compared to 61.99% statewide and 45.9% nationally. Golden Eagle Moving, LLC (4.56/5) and VIP Transport, Inc. (4.48/5) rate highest for art handling in Riverside.
| Art handling in Riverside | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Riverside providers |
Golden Eagle Moving, LLC
VIP Transport, Inc. |
| Per-piece handling fee | $66 to $655 |
| Custom crating per item | $197 to $262 |
| What to ask | Confirm experience with your specific medium (oil, sculpture, photography, etc.); general fine art credentials vary widely |
Before booking an art mover: Custom crates and archival materials are the baseline, not an upgrade. Standard blankets cannot protect against UV exposure or humidity shifts. Confirm the mover has handled pieces in the same medium before committing.
Does Riverside have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 7 of 56 Riverside movers (12.5%). Big Deahl's Movers (4.44/5) and JFK Moving Company (4.42/5) rate highest in Riverside.
| Junk removal in Riverside | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Riverside providers | Big Deahl's Movers JFK Moving Company |
| Typical cost per load | $197 to $655 |
| Single large item | $98 to $197 |
| What to ask | Confirm the service covers electronics and appliances; some movers exclude them from standard junk removal pricing |
Removing items before your weight-based quote is finalized lowers the shipment total and the move cost. Bundling junk removal with your move eliminates a separate scheduling step.
Does Riverside have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 20 of 56 Riverside movers (35.71%). Big Deahl's Movers (4.44/5) and Burgess Moving and Storage (4.44/5) rate highest in Riverside.
| Fragile-only packing in Riverside | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Riverside providers | Big Deahl's Movers Burgess Moving and Storage |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
| What to ask | Confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items; some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service contract. Limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce packing costs while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk. moveBuddha's how to pack breakables guide covers what professional packers do differently.
Does Riverside have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 47 of 56 Riverside movers (83.93%). Golden Eagle Moving, LLC (4.56/5) and VIP Transport, Inc. (4.48/5) rate highest in Riverside.
| Storage in Riverside | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Riverside providers | Golden Eagle Moving, LLC VIP Transport, Inc. |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $337 |
| 2–3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $655 |
| What to ask | Confirm the billing start date and whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period |
Storage-in-transit holds belongings in the mover's warehouse between pickup and delivery at about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, roughly $337/month for a 1-bedroom load. Confirm whether valuation coverage stays active during the storage period.
Does Riverside have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 15 of 56 Riverside movers (26.79%). Big Deahl's Movers (4.44/5) and Alex Moving and Storage (4.42/5) rate highest in Riverside.
| Hot tub relocation in Riverside | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Riverside providers | Big Deahl's Movers Alex Moving and Storage |
| Bundled with full-service move | $197 to $524 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $393 to $1,048 |
| What to ask | Confirm full drainage is required before pickup and whether tight backyard access may add a crane or shuttle relay fee |
Hot tubs weigh 500 to 1,000 lbs empty and must be fully drained before loading. Narrow access can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price. moveBuddha's how to move a hot tub guide covers what to verify before the crew arrives.
Does Riverside have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 42 of 56 Riverside movers (75.0%). Golden Eagle Moving, LLC (4.56/5) and VIP Transport, Inc. (4.48/5) rate highest in Riverside.
| Piano moving in Riverside | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated Riverside providers | Golden Eagle Moving, LLC VIP Transport, Inc. |
| Upright piano | $1,048 to $1,965 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,572 to $3,275 |
| Grand piano | $2,358 to $4,585 |
| What to ask | Confirm the crew carries piano boards and rigging straps, and request full valuation coverage; standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs; grands top 1,200 lbs. Standard released-value protection covers damage at only $0.60/lb, so request full valuation coverage for the instrument. moveBuddha's best piano movers guide covers specialists worth considering.
Who are the best movers in Riverside, CA for small long-distance moves?
Alex Moving and Storage leads Riverside's small-move providers with a 4.42/5 moveBuddha score, followed by JFK Moving Company at 4.42/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
|
|
|
rating
DIY options for your Riverside, CA long-distance move
Labor-only movers and rental trucks are the 2 most cost-effective alternatives to full-service moving, reducing total cost by roughly 30% for Riverside residents who can handle their own loading or driving.
What are the best labor-only movers in Riverside?
26 of 56 Riverside movers (46.43%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.02% statewide and 54.51% nationally. Burgess Moving and Storage (4.44/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Riverside, followed by JFK Moving Company (4.42/5).
Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Riverside residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Riverside moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Riverside. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose.
Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Riverside, CA?
PODS (4.5/5), Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), and U-Pack (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Riverside. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Riverside residents who can handle their own loading and unloading.
Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What to know before booking a long-distance mover in Riverside, CA
- Peak season pricing: Summer (May–September) is peak season; prices run 15% to 25% higher and availability is tighter. Book early to avoid last-minute rate spikes.
- Winter moves: Riverside's winter lows average 42°F. Winter moves avoid peak-season costs but may require weather contingency planning.
- Building access: Multi-unit buildings in Riverside often require elevator reservations and a COI from the moving company before crews can enter. Confirm requirements with your building manager at least 2 weeks out.
- USDOT verification: Every interstate carrier must hold a valid USDOT number. Check any mover's status at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before booking.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Riverside, CA?
Moving costs across California range from $450 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $171/hour) to $4,041 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of California mover quotes. The table below shows California statewide averages by home size. For city-specific data, see moving costs in Riverside. Your actual cost will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from California* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $450 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $621 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $998 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,294 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,630 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,041 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in California. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects California statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Riverside?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Riverside move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Riverside, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
Final Verdict: Best Long-Distance Moving Companies in Riverside, CA
| Mover | MB Score | Best For | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safeway Moving | 4.9/5 | Interstate moves out of California | National carrier |
| American Van Lines | 4.9/5 | Interstate, value option | National carrier |
| Golden Eagle Moving, LLC | 4.56/5 | In-state long-distance moves | Local mover |
| VIP Transport, Inc. | 4.48/5 | In-state alternative | Local mover |
| Alex Moving and Storage | 4.42/5 | Small loads under 3,000 lbs | Local mover |
| Units Moving and Portable Storage | 4.3/5 | Self-pack, ~30% savings vs. full-service | Moving container |
| Budget Truck Rental | 4.3/5 | DIY driving, lowest cost option | Rental truck |
How to book a long-distance mover from Riverside, CA
A step-by-step guide to verifying credentials, comparing carriers, and booking a reliable long-distance move from Riverside, CA.
- Verify USDOT / FMCSA registration. Confirm every carrier's USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov before signing. Of the 56 movers moveBuddha tracks in Riverside, 51 hold active FMCSA interstate authorization.
- Confirm binding vs non-binding estimate. Ask whether your estimate is binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate locks your price; non-binding estimates can increase at delivery based on actual weight or services added.
- Request a COI if your building requires it. If your building requires a certificate of insurance (COI), request one from your mover at least 2 weeks before move day. Most licensed interstate carriers provide COIs at no extra charge when given building requirements upfront.
- Compare national carriers vs in-state movers. Compare national carriers serving Riverside against in-state long-distance movers. National carriers suit cross-state routes; local carriers often cost less for moves within California.
- Book 4–6 weeks ahead during peak season. Book at least 4 to 6 weeks ahead for peak-season moves (May through September). Summer calendars fill fast and rates run 15% to 25% higher than off-peak months.
- Get a route-specific cost estimate. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a route-specific long-distance estimate for your Riverside, CA move. Interstate costs from California range from $450 for a studio to $4,041 for a 5+ bedroom home.
Common questions about moving from Riverside, CA
What licensing requirements apply to long-distance movers in Riverside?
Any moving company transporting goods from Riverside to another state must hold a valid USDOT number and active FMCSA registration. 51 of the 56 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Riverside meet that standard, and every mover on this page is among them. Verify any company's status in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move explains what to expect and what protections apply throughout your interstate move.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Riverside relocation?
For moves within California, a local mover in Riverside is the more cost-effective choice. moveBuddha has reviewed 56 movers in the area, averaging $133/hour, with 55 licensed for intrastate routes and 51 authorized for cross-state moves.
For relocations leaving California, national carriers bring more logistics infrastructure for long hauls, which can reduce delays and coordination failures on complex routes, even if the price tag is higher.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Riverside?
November and December are the cheapest months to hire movers in Riverside; winter lows average 42°F, demand drops sharply from the summer peak, and movers have more open schedule capacity, which creates real leverage to negotiate on price. Off-season timing also comes with faster quote turnaround and more predictable availability.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Riverside?
Budget-friendly moves from the City of Arts and Innovation almost always come down to a DIY approach, especially within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers cut costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing research. The two most affordable routes are a rental truck from companies like U-Haul or a moving container from PODS. Additional strategies for longer moves are in our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
How do I get a COI for my Riverside move?
Ask your moving company for a certificate of insurance (COI) naming your Riverside building as an additional insured. Most licensed movers handle this routinely. Just provide the building legal name and required coverage limits (usually $1 million general liability) when you book. Allow at least 2 weeks for processing.
Can long-distance movers handle difficult property access in Riverside?
Yes, but you need to disclose access constraints upfront. Hillside driveways, narrow streets, high-rise elevators, gated communities, and properties without adequate truck parking all affect crew size, equipment, and pricing. Full-size moving trucks cannot navigate tight or steep approaches. Movers will use a shuttle truck for the final leg, which adds a fee typically ranging from $197 to $655. Describe your property conditions in detail when requesting quotes so estimates are accurate from the start.
How to choose the right long-distance mover in Riverside, CA
Start with moveBuddha's top-rated picks: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC for in-state moves and Safeway Moving for moves out of California. Get 3 or more quotes, check each company's USDOT number in the FMCSA database, and request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate rather than a non-binding one. For a move from Riverside, 4 to 6 weeks' lead time is the target. moveBuddha has vetted 56 movers in the area so you don't have to start from scratch.
