The Best Long-Distance Movers in Salinas, 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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  • 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 Salinas when moving out of state

When you are getting ready to relocate from California, take a look at our top choices for the best interstate movers in Salinas:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
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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 Salinas when staying in state

Even if you’re just relocating from Salinas to another California city, your move could still be a couple hundred miles or more. In that case, hiring one of the top local long-distance movers is a smart choice.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies that are located within Salinas:

Preferred Partner
Best California Movers

https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/, https://x.com/BestCAMovers_
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
https://www.facebook.com/ScarrMovingandStorage/, https://x.com/scarrmoving
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
https://www.facebook.com/tavarespackingandloading/,
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
https://www.facebook.com/CardinaleMovingStorage/, https://twitter.com/cardinalemoving
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
https://www.facebook.com/modmoversandcleanersmonterey/, https://twitter.com/mod_movers?lang=en
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
https://www.facebook.com/southbaymoving/,
53% of all reviews were positive
40% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers praise South Bay Moving Systems Inc. for their professionalism, careful handling, strong communication, efficiency, and helpful staff. More than half of feedback is positive, based on 30 reviews, with many mentioning how movers took care of belongings, communicated effectively, and worked quickly. Some clients highlight an easy, stress-free process, while several describe the team as polite and responsive. Several reviews call out issues common in the industry, such as damaged or missing items and unexpected charges. A noticeable portion of clients report valuable property broken or lost during moves, and some felt pricing changed unexpectedly or claims were difficult to resolve. Compared to most moving companies, South Bay attracts more positive remarks for professionalism and careful handling, yet struggles with damage and accountability persist. These patterns provide valuable insights for those weighing reliability against risk.
Get a Quote (866) 462-3443

Company Info

State license #: 0191825

DOT #: 2967929

Alternate Names: South Bay Moving Systems Inc.


Services Offered

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

What add-on services do Salinas movers offer?

When it comes to extra moving services, offerings can vary widely depending on where you’re located. Movers in Salinas may focus on different specialties than those in nearby areas or nationally.

Take a look at how Salinas movers line up with California averages and the national landscape, plus our recommendations for top-performing companies.

Art handling

Comparing Salinas, CA, & national movers

Salinas
11 (100%)
out of 11 total movers
California
199 (62.78%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,318 (50.02%)
out of 2,635 total movers

Top Salinas art movers

Junk removal

Comparing Salinas, CA, & national movers

Salinas
1 (9.09%)
out of 11 total movers
California
55 (17.35%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
874 (33.17%)
out of 2,635 total movers

Top Salinas junk removal movers

Company Quote Rating
Mod Movers logo
Mod Movers
starstarstarstarstar 4.48 / 5

Fragile-only packing

Comparing Salinas, CA, & national movers

Salinas
2 (18.18%)
out of 11 total movers
California
96 (30.28%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
677 (25.69%)
out of 2,635 total movers

Top Salinas fragile-only packing movers

Company Quote Rating
Mod Movers logo
Mod Movers
starstarstarstarstar 4.48 / 5

Storage

Comparing Salinas, CA, & national movers

Salinas
7 (63.64%)
out of 11 total movers
California
281 (88.64%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
2,316 (87.89%)
out of 2,635 total movers

Top Salinas storage movers

Hot tub relocation

Comparing Salinas, CA, & national movers

Salinas
3 (27.27%)
out of 11 total movers
California
108 (34.07%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
628 (23.83%)
out of 2,635 total movers

Top Salinas hot tub movers

Piano moving

Comparing Salinas, CA, & national movers

Salinas
10 (90.91%)
out of 11 total movers
California
263 (82.97%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
2,070 (78.56%)
out of 2,635 total movers

Top Salinas piano movers

Best long-distance movers in Salinas for small moves

Big moving companies often won’t take jobs under 3,000 pounds, which makes things tricky if you're moving from a dorm, heading out of a studio, or just bringing a few essentials.

In those cases, turning to a Salinas mover that specializes in small shipments is usually the way to go.

These are our top recommendations:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.48 / 5
  • Years in Business: 8
  • Yelp: 4.3 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.28 / 5
  • Years in Business: 0
  • Yelp: 3.2 / 5
  • BBB: NR

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Salinas

Choosing a moving container lets you move from Salinas to anywhere in California — or even across state borders — without blowing your budget. You’re in control of packing and unpacking on your schedule, while pros take care of hauling your stuff to your new place. No need to worry about driving a bulky moving truck. Just load your things and let them handle all the heavy lifting on the road.

Container prices depend on how far you're moving, how many containers you need, and their size. Be sure to grab a few moving quotes so you can quickly compare costs for your move.

Kick off your move by checking out these top-rated moving container companies:

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
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Labor-only moving companies in Salinas

Driving yourself out of Salinas doesn’t mean you have to haul every box alone. With help from a labor-only moving company, you can get the loading and unloading support you need without paying for a full-service move.

These are the pros we recommend:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.48 / 5
  • Years in Business: 8
  • Yelp: 4.3 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.28 / 5
  • Years in Business: 0
  • Yelp: 3.2 / 5
  • BBB: NR

Rental trucks in Salinas for a total DIY long-distance move

While you’ll save some money with the two alternatives above, the cheapest way to move out of state is by handling all aspects — the heavy lifting and the driving — yourself. On average, a full DIY move from Salinas costs $19–$39 a day for a truck rental, plus a per-mile fee of $0.89–$1.39.

Using moving rental trucks definitely requires the most work, but if budget is your biggest concern, check out these options:

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
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Salinas, 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%): 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, expedited delivery, and more.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of long-distance movers in Salinas

In Salinas, you can expect to pay about $140 per hour for professional movers. To get a reliable estimate, even the most reputable interstate movers will need specifics about your move’s distance and volume.

Factors that affect the cost of moving from Salinas

  • Type of moving service: Whether you choose a full-service mover, a rental truck, or a container company, each option affects both cost and convenience. Match the method to your budget and how hands-on you want to be.
  • Volume of your belongings: More stuff means more money. Movers base quotes on total weight or space, so downsizing before leaving Salinas could help reduce your overall cost.
  • How far you're going: Distance plays a major role in pricing. A short in-state move is far less expensive than a trek across the country from Salinas.
  • Move timing: High-demand seasons like summer and weekends drive prices up. If possible, aim for an off-season, mid-month, or mid-week date for a better deal.
  • Extra services requested: Hiring help for packing, disassembly, or unloading adds convenience, but also increases your final bill.

Use our moving cost calculator to get a personalized quote for your long-distance move. Plus, explore our full breakdown of moving costs in Salinas.

FAQs

What else should I know about moving out of California?

Make sure your California moving company is fully licensed and has a valid US Department of Transportation number. Every Salinas mover we recommend ticks both boxes. Want to be extra sure? You can verify any company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

Thinking about moving to another state? Be sure to read the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide so you know what to expect and what protections you have during the process.

Local vs. national movers: what’s best for your Salinas move?

If you’re planning a move within Salinas or nearby, hiring a local mover is almost always the most economical choice. You’ll have 11 local movers to consider, and we’ve flagged the standouts to make it easier.

For relocations leaving California, however, national movers may be worth the extra cost because of their experience in coordinating long-distance moves across state lines.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Salinas?

Moving in Salinas during November and December can actually work in your favor. With temperatures around 41°F and fewer people moving because of the holidays and school, moving companies tend to have more availability. This gives you a great opportunity to land discounts and even negotiate for better rates. Don’t miss these tips on how to negotiate with moving companies and save even more.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Salinas?

For moves under 50 miles in Salinas, doing it yourself is often the most affordable route. Renting a truck from U-Haul or using a moving container service like PODS can help you save a lot. Want even more budget-friendly tips? Take a look at our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Long-distance movers in nearby cities

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