The Best Long-Distance Movers in San Carlos, CA

ryan carrigan moving expert
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.
Need more help? Build your move plan.
Get Quote

Preferred partners

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
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
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best long-distance movers in San Carlos for those moving out of state

If you’re crossing state lines for a new home outside of California, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers in San Carlos:

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 San Carlos for those staying in state

Are you moving from San Carlos but staying in California? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within California is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top San Carlos, CA, movers:

Preferred Partner
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars

https://www.facebook.com/EagleMovingStorage/,
87% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
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.
Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Company Info

State license #: 0190673

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 3670248


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/gentlegiantmovingcompany, https://twitter.com/gentlegiantmove
95% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving has never been this stress-free, according to feedback from 130 customers, and nearly 95% reflect positive experiences with Gentle Giant Moving Company. Clients highlight fast-moving teams, consistently polite and friendly staff, careful treatment of belongings, and swift, organized processes. Many describe their crews as efficient, hardworking, and genuinely committed to making moves smooth. Attention to detail and respectful communication set Gentle Giant apart from most competitors. Some mention higher costs than expected and a handful report frustration with unclear estimates or communication lapses. A few note setbacks like rude customer service or lack of follow-up. Still, the overwhelming majority find Gentle Giant's efficiency, professionalism, and care exceptional compared to other moving firms.
Get a Quote (415) 544-7000

Company Info

State license #: 0167668

Years in Business: 44

DOT #: 373544

Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/allstarmoverscal/, https://twitter.com/AllStarCal1
96% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Raving customers set All Star Movers & Storage apart from the crowd. Out of 421 reviews, 95.7% praised the company for efficiency, careful handling, professionalism, rapid moves, and strong communication. Customers consistently mention that crews show up on time, finish faster than expected, and handle belongings with care. Staff are courteous, responsive, and easy to work with. A small portion (3.8%) of feedback points to disappointment with estimate accuracy, damage to items, or surprise extra charges. Few reviewers noted moving costs exceeded quotes or felt work was rushed, sometimes resulting in minor damage. Only two customers (0.5%) shared neutral experiences, often related to pricing clarity. Compared to many movers in the region, All Star stands out for hassle-free service, transparent rates, and reliable teams. While a handful of customers experienced issues, the vast majority were relieved by stress-free moves and recommend this company as a top choice.
Get a Quote (925) 905-9889

Company Info

State license #: 0191302

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2971368


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/FlatRateMoving/, https://twitter.com/flatrate_moving
47% of all reviews were positive
50% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Flat Rate Moving receives high marks for efficient service, professional staff, careful handling of items, straightforward pricing, and prompt moves. Nearly 47% of customer feedback is positive, with customers often citing crews that work quickly, treat belongings with care, and stick to quoted rates. Professionalism and clear flat-rate pricing attract many first-time and repeat clients, and many recommend the company for cross-country and local relocations. Negative input accounts for half of all responses, calling out damaged goods, poor communication, and surprise charges as persistent problems. Frustrations stem from unresolved damage claims, inconsistent follow-up, missing items, and difficulties reaching customer support. Compared to other moving services, Flat Rate stands out for making moves efficient and sticking to pricing but draws criticism for post-move support and claim resolution. Even with plenty of praise for the movers themselves, service gaps and accountability issues frequently motivate people to look elsewhere after one bad experience. Four neutral reviews cite satisfactory but unremarkable moves or higher-than-expected costs. In total, 130 reviews were analyzed, with efficiency and reliable crews earning high approval, while breakdowns in communication and fulfillment weigh heavily on users’ trust in the company.
Get a Quote (510) 444-6683

Company Info

State license #: 0190171

Years in Business: 33

DOT #: 1475638

Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving Systems, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/ChipmanRelocation/, https://twitter.com/chipmanrelo
71% of all reviews were positive
26% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
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.
Get a Quote (510) 474-3600

Company Info

State license #: 0114272

Years in Business: 86

DOT #: 233667

Alternate Names: Chipman Corporation, Chipman Adjusting Services/Chipman Van Lines, Chipman United, Caton Moving & Storage, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/amsbekinssanfran/, https://twitter.com/AMS_Bekins
82% of all reviews were positive
17% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
AMS Bekins earns high marks from most customers, with 82% of feedback recognizing professional, courteous crews and consistently careful handling of belongings. Movers are praised for their promptness, efficiency, and transparent communication, making the process much less stressful than with other companies. Clients commonly highlight the team’s attention to detail and respectful treatment of both property and people. On the other hand, about 17% of input, higher than industry leaders, flags issues with item damage, weak communication after problems arise, and instances of lost or misplaced goods. Delays and unsatisfactory resolution processes also appear, though less frequently. In direct comparison to other movers, AMS Bekins stands out for successful execution but risks frustrating clients when issues aren’t remedied swiftly. With 317 reviews analyzed, the vast majority strongly recommend AMS Bekins, making it a reliable option for those valuing professionalism and diligent service, yet potential customers should pay close attention to paperwork and policies to avoid disappointment if complications occur.
Get a Quote (650) 239-2430

Company Info

State license #: 0168138

Years in Business: 76

DOT #: 2256609

Alternate Names: Bekins AMS Relocation, Inc., AMS Relocation, Inc., Bekins


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Moving services available in San Carlos

Not all moving companies offer extras such as piano moving, antique handling, or climate-controlled storage — and availability varies by region. The comparison below shows how many movers in San Carlos, in the state, and nationwide provide these specialized services. That way, you can easily see whether local or national providers best meet your needs.

Storage

Comparing San Carlos, CA, & national movers

San Carlos
75 (88.24%)
out of 85 total movers
California
281 (88.64%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
2,321 (87.88%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top San Carlos storage movers

Custom-built crates

Comparing San Carlos, CA, & national movers

San Carlos
74 (87.06%)
out of 85 total movers
California
252 (79.5%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,721 (65.16%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top San Carlos custom crating movers

Antiques handling

Comparing San Carlos, CA, & national movers

San Carlos
58 (68.24%)
out of 85 total movers
California
201 (63.41%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,337 (50.62%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top San Carlos antique movers

Piano loading & unloading

Comparing San Carlos, CA, & national movers

San Carlos
73 (85.88%)
out of 85 total movers
California
263 (82.97%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
2,072 (78.46%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top San Carlos piano movers

Fragile-only packing

Comparing San Carlos, CA, & national movers

San Carlos
21 (24.71%)
out of 85 total movers
California
96 (30.28%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
678 (25.67%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top San Carlos fragile-only packing movers

Specialty art handling

Comparing San Carlos, CA, & national movers

San Carlos
63 (74.12%)
out of 85 total movers
California
199 (62.78%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,319 (49.94%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top San Carlos art movers

Best long-distance movers in San Carlos, CA, for small moves

Most professional moving companies won’t take on moves below a certain weight limit. That means small relocations often don’t qualify for their services.

The good news? Some movers specialize in small moves. So if you're heading out of San Carlos with only a few items or a studio’s worth of furniture, check out these recommendations:

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 San Carlos, CA

Moving containers, or moving pods, make it easy to manage your move from San Carlos on your terms. They’re ideal if you want storage flexibility and the freedom to pack and load at your own speed. Once you're done, the pros take over and transport everything to your new place.

Here are our top picks for moving container companies that handle long-distance moves from San Carlos:

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 San Carlos, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are usually the most budget-friendly option for a long-distance move from San Carlos, but they also come with the most responsibility. You’ll be in charge of everything: packing, loading, driving, and unloading. While you can save money this way, mileage fees, tolls, and gas costs can add up quickly. It’s good to double-check these hidden costs to confirm that a truck rental really is the most affordable choice for your situation.

These are our top rental truck picks for long-distance moves:

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 San Carlos, CA

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from San Carlos, CA:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
  • Years in Business: 10
  • Yelp: 4.8 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
  • Years in Business: 33
  • Yelp: 2.2 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.34 / 5
  • Years in Business: 4
  • Yelp: / 5
  • BBB: C-

Comparing the best long-distance movers in San Carlos, 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 San Carlos, 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 San Carlos, 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 San Carlos, CA to some of the most common destinations:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
Portland, ME 3,219 miles 3 bedroom $5,416 - $8,441
Jackson, MS 2,123 miles 2 bedroom $3,481 - $6,199
Salt Lake City, UT 757 miles 1 bedroom $1,866 - $4,104

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of San Carlos, 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?

Movers helping you relocate from California must carry proper licensing and a USDOT number. All San Carlos movers on our list meet these standards, but you can confirm this info yourself via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

Don’t forget to check out the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet before your interstate move.

Is it better to use local or national movers to relocate from San Carlos?

In San Carlos, 10 movers are available locally, while California has 317 in total. That middle range of options means you can shop around without being overwhelmed. To help, we’ve surfaced the top-rated local moving companies.

For interstate relocations, Safeway Moving remains our go-to recommendation for its reliable nationwide service.

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

Moving companies in San Carlos are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of San Carlos?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of San Carlos. The cheapest options for moving out of San Carlos are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Long-distance movers in nearby cities

See More
See Less

Helpful San Carlos Resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All