Cheapest Movers in San Clemente, CA (2025 Guide)

Quick answer: Out of 277 movers in California, we found Best California Movers to be the best option for local moves in San Clemente, CA, based on key areas like pricing, services, and reviews. Our go-to choice for long-distance or out-of-state moves from California is Safeway Moving, since they consistently deliver quality service at a fair price.

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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in San Clemente, CA

Whether you're planning a move within San Clemente or relocating to a nearby California city like Dana Point or San Juan Capistrano (both under 50 miles away), we’ve rounded up some of the best local movers that combine solid reputations with affordable pricing.

Preferred Partner
Best California Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (41%)
  • Professional and polite staff (37%)
  • Good communication (36%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (18%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (14%)
  • Unexpected charges (10%)
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.
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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/NextStop.MovingStorage/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (27%)
  • Professional and polite staff (23%)
  • Good communication (21%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (14%)
  • Unexpected charges (11%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (9%)
Review Analysis
A torrent of praise floods the feedback for Next Stop Moving & Storage. Out of 210 reviews evaluated, 98% express satisfaction, lauding the crew for their professionalism, efficiency, careful handling, fast process, and excellent communication. People frequently highlight polite, capable staff who handle belongings with attention. Customers appreciate that the booking process is smooth and pricing is usually clear. The company’s service stands out in a market where moving horror stories are common, with many reviewers calling the team the best they’ve worked with and the process seamless. Negative input is rare (1.4%) but concentrated on cases of surprise charges, subcontracted movers, and damaged or missing items. A recurring issue cited in negative input was being charged extra beyond the quoted price, sometimes due to secondary companies being involved. The limited neutral feedback also noted unclear or unhonored pricing. Compared with other movers, Next Stop consistently provides a more reliable and courteous experience, but a small number of cases raise concerns about third-party involvement and unexpected costs. Most customers walk away relieved, often calling Next Stop their go-to recommendation, while a few urge caution about ensuring all project details are confirmed in writing.
Get a Quote (877) 307-0101

Company Info

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 3756197

Alternate Names: Domus Logistics Inc


Services Offered

  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/OakleyRelocation, https://twitter.com/oakleyrelo
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (31%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Customer feedback for Oakley Relocation showcases consistent professionalism, efficient service, and care for customer belongings, with 93% of reviews being positive across 229 total inputs. Clients frequently describe the staff as polite, effective, and reliable, often highlighting quick and seamless moves, attentive communication, and careful handling of items. Many mention that the employees go out of their way to make the moving process less stressful, offering peace of mind from start to finish. On the flip side, a small number of clients experienced significant problems, most commonly citing damage to items, difficulty reaching the company when issues arose, or unexpected charges. Compared to similar moving companies, Oakley earns standout marks for staff professionalism and speed, but the occasional unresolved damage claim or communication gap keeps a small number of users from full satisfaction.
Get a Quote (858) 602-1756

Company Info

State license #: 0190480

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 070851

Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/terrymoving/, https://twitter.com/terrymovingco
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Professional and polite staff (27%)
  • Careful handling (24%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
  • Damage to items (16%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
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/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/meatheadmovers?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (24%)
  • Professional and polite staff (21%)
  • Careful handling (19%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
  • Unexpected charges (16%)
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/VIPMayflower/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Professional and polite staff (34%)
  • Good communication (31%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (21%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
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: 41

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

Other local CA moverstoggle

While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

Relocating from California to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
  3. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Cheapest DIY moving options in San Clemente, CA

Choosing a full-service mover for your San Clemente, California move is definitely the most convenient option, but it’s also usually the priciest. If you’re looking to cut costs, consider going with one of the top moving container companies. Or, check out moving truck rental companies in San Clemente instead.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

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How we chose the best movers in San Clemente, CAtoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in San Clemente, CA

The pricing table below offers a general sense of what you might pay for a local move in the San Clemente area. To learn more, take a look at our full guide to moving costs in California.

The moving quotes listed are ballpark figures—your final cost could be higher or lower depending on your individual move. For a more tailored estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $299 $102 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $396 $101 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $641 $146 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,400 $200 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $1,616 $204 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $2,410 $276 5 movers 10 hours

Compare the top San Clemente, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in San Clemente, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company moveBuddha rating BBB rating Yelp rating Google rating
Best California Movers 5/5 A+ 4.9/5 5/5
Oakley Relocation 4.8/5 A+ 4.4/5 4.8/5
Terry Moving and Storage Inc. 4.8/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.9/5
Meathead Movers 4.8/5 A+ 3.9/5 4.3/5
VIP Transport, Inc. 4.8/5 A+ 4.6/5 4.5/5
NorthStar Moving Company 4.7/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.6/5
Qshark Moving Company Inc 4.7/5 A+ 5/5 4.7/5
SafeWay Moving & Storage 4.6/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.5/5
Safe-Way Moving Inc 4.5/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.5/5
California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company 4.4/5 F 2.5/5 4.3/5

FAQs

How can I verify if my mover is legally licensed?toggle

When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.

Every mover featured in our guide is fully licensed. Check out our best movers in California page for top picks.

What’s the best way to find a trustworthy San Clemente mover?toggle

Finding a dependable San Clemente moving company can be a challenge, but there are a few key things that can help you identify a reputable mover:

  • Reputation: A strong reputation is important, whether the mover is a small local business or a well-established van lines company.
  • Dispute resolution: Steer clear of movers with a track record of unresolved complaints. While every San Clemente mover may encounter customer issues, the best ones handle disputes quickly and professionally.
  • Experience with your type of move: Great reviews for short moves don’t guarantee success on a cross-country relocation. Make sure the mover has handled moves like yours before.

Can San Clemente movers help with long-distance relocations?toggle

Some moving companies in San Clemente offer long-distance services, while others stick to local moves only. If you're planning an out-of-state move, check out our list of the best long distance movers in San Clemente.

When is the most affordable day to hire movers in San Clemente, CA?toggle

Movers in San Clemente, California, are usually cheapest on weekdays, as weekends tend to be busier and more expensive. Typically, the most affordable time to move falls between October and April. Moving costs spike between May and September due to high demand during peak season.

It’s best to book your San Clemente move early. To save money, try to avoid weekends, holidays, and peak summer months. And remember, a low initial quote isn’t always a good sign. Some movers increase the price on moving day after low-balling up front.

How can I move out of state from San Clemente, CA on a budget?toggle

If you're looking to save money, renting a moving truck is the most affordable way to move out of state or even locally within San Clemente, California. It’s a DIY solution, though, so you’ll be responsible for packing, loading, unloading, and doing all the driving.

Is using a moving container a smart choice for my move from San Clemente?toggle

Moving containers give you the flexibility to move on your schedule, but you’ll need to handle all the lifting and loading yourself. Once everything is packed, the container company will take care of transporting it to your new home, so you can skip the hassle of driving a moving truck.

Can I get help loading my moving container in San Clemente?toggle

If you’re going the DIY route with a rental truck or container, labor-only moving companies are a great way to get some extra help. Hiring professionals to assist with loading and unloading can lighten the workload and speed up the process.

Can I get storage from San Clemente moving companies?toggle

Many San Clemente movers offer both short- and long-term storage options. Some companies may rely on third-party storage facilities, so be sure to ask how and where your belongings will be stored. It’s a good idea to confirm availability and costs when comparing movers.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?

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