The BEST Long-Distance Movers in San Diego, CA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

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.

Preferred partner:

Best California Movers

4.86
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best San Diego-based mover:

We Like To Move It Moving

4.76
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

HireAHelper

4.5
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.86 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5

Our track record

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 Diego for those moving out of state

If you’re moving out of California, here are our top picks for best interstate moving companies in San Diego:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

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

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Best long-distance movers in San Diego for those staying in state

Even if you’re just relocating from San Diego to another California city, your move could still be a couple hundred miles or more. In that case, you’ll want to hire one of the top long-distance movers.

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

Preferred Partner

Best California Movers

Other top partners:

We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Aloha Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Cube Moving and Storage Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Dominant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

12356 McIvers Ct, Suite 1b, Poway, CA 92064 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (39%)
Professional and polite staff (35%)
Careful handling (32%)

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges (22%)
Damage to items (19%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)

Review Analysis

Moving day stress gets left behind with Best California Movers, according to an overwhelming 1,177 reviews—of which 98.5% were positive. Customers repeatedly point out efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moving, and excellent communication—attributes not seen as consistently in most moving companies. Feedback shows that belongings arrive safe and undamaged, with movers working swiftly and showing courtesy at every stage. Many notice that clear communication and transparent pricing make the process easier, and crews are praised for problem-solving in tough situations. A handful of reviewers, though, cite incidents involving damaged items, unexpected charges from inaccurate price quotes, or difficulty with claims and follow-up. These lapses are rare compared to industry averages but noteworthy for those prioritizing accountability. While neutral reviews mention minor flaws with after-move support, they still highlight professionalism and care by the moving teams. Compared to other moving services, Best California Movers stands out for reliability, speed, and the personal touch so often missing in the industry.

Get a Quote (858) 997-2487

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

We Like To Move It Moving

4901 Morena Blvd Ste 1102, San Diego, CA 92117 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (34%)
Friendly and approachable staff (28%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (18%)
Unexpected charges (15%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (12%)

Review Analysis

Moving made nearly effortless—We Like To Move It Moving receives consistently impressive customer feedback. Out of 379 reviews analyzed, 94% describe positive experiences citing efficient service, attention to detail with belongings, and truly professional movers. Many customers mention a quick, organized moving process and commend the team’s friendly, communicative attitude. Movers arrive promptly, handle items with care, and communicate clearly throughout, making stressful moves much easier. Transparent pricing and easy booking also earn high praise. While negative feedback is rare, some customers saw final costs higher than expected, and a few reported damage to belongings or delays. Compared to typical moving companies, We Like To Move It Moving reliably delivers fast, careful, and personable service. High satisfaction rates and strong recommendations set them apart as a leader in the San Diego area.

Get a Quote (619) 483-1505

Company Info

State license #: 0191446

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2843171

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Stella Moving & Delivery

2291 Dunlop St Business Unit #20, San Diego, CA 92111 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Good communication (20%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (35%)
Unexpected charges (30%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)

Review Analysis

Customer feedback for Stella Moving & Delivery shows a standout excellence in moving services. Out of 331 reviews analyzed, 94% are positive, highlighting reliable efficiency, courteous and skilled crews, and careful handling of customer belongings. Many reviewers praise their rapid pace, clear communication, and impressive professionalism compared to other moving companies. Clients repeatedly cite stress-free experiences, transparent pricing, and well-organized teams as key benefits. On the flip side, a small portion of reviewers report concerns about damage to belongings, unexpected charges, and difficulties reaching the company after issues arise. Some mention poor problem resolution by management, particularly regarding claims and complaints. While negative input does exist, it’s significantly outweighed by positive experiences. Compared to most moving services, Stella maintains a much higher percentage of five-star ratings and customer satisfaction, with efficiency and care as their calling card.

Get a Quote (619) 393-6426

Company Info

State license #: 0191958

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3299407

Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery, The Remarkable Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Crane vans
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required
DOD certified

Aloha Movers

7263 Engineer Rd ste c, San Diego, CA 92111 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (38%)
Professional and polite staff (34%)
Careful handling (32%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (20%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
Unexpected charges (15%)

Review Analysis

Stress-free moves are the expectation with Aloha Movers, according to 186 customer reviews, of which an impressive 93.5% are positive. Feedback consistently highlights efficient service, courteous professional staff, swift moving times, and careful handling at a reasonable cost. Many customers note that their moves were completed quicker than expected, and belongings remained undamaged—a step above what’s typical for moving companies. Polite crews and affordable rates make them a standout choice. While the overwhelming majority of experiences are positive, the most common complaints involve item damage, delayed or no-shows, and difficulty getting responses for issues—though these are rare. Neutral feedback centers on underestimating job complexity or concerns with payment methods rather than major errors. Compared to others, Aloha Movers earns unusually consistent praise for professionalism and speed, while only a small percentage of clients report serious problems.

Get a Quote (858) 429-9111

Company Info

State license #: 190867

Years in Business: 13

DOT #: 2718824

Alternate Names: Aloha Movers LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Cube Moving and Storage Inc

8045 Raytheon Rd #500, San Diego, CA 92111 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (35%)
Professional and polite staff (30%)
Good communication (25%)

Customer Complaints

Hidden fees (40%)
Slow service (30%)
Damaged belongings (20%)

Review Analysis

Moving can be a hassle, but customers often say Cube Moving and Storage Inc helps take the stress out of the process. Of the 622 feedback entries analyzed, 89% were positive, highlighting their efficient service, careful handling of items, and professional, friendly crews. Many praised how quickly and safely belongings were moved, especially compared to other companies, and affordable rates were repeatedly cited as a strength. Negative input, making up 9%, focused mainly on higher-than-expected costs due to unexpected fees, as well as occasional unprofessional interactions or property damage. Complaints about undisclosed charges and perceived slow work were more common than actual mishandling of items. Only 2% of input was neutral, usually mentioning satisfactory but unremarkable experiences. Cube’s strong track record for reliable, speedy service and their attention to detail set them apart from most moving providers, but clear and upfront communication around rates and policies is essential to avoid surprises for customers.

Get a Quote (619) 366-9806

Company Info

State license #: 0190874

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2764870

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Dominant Moving Company

7875 Convoy Ct #23, San Diego, CA 92111 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (28%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Careful handling (24%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (30%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (26%)
Lack of communication (22%)

Review Analysis

Dominant Moving Company stands out in San Diego's moving industry for fast, careful, and professional crews. Of the 360 feedback entries reviewed, more than 82% came from highly satisfied customers praising efficient service, polite staff, and impressive price-to-quality value. Clients emphasize how movers protect belongings, communicate well, and finish jobs on schedule. Affordable rates and careful handling of items set Dominant apart from many competitors. Some negative input highlights recurring issues: damage to furniture or property, slow or late arrivals, and unsatisfactory responses to complaints. A few clients report unresolved claims for damage or difficulty contacting management after a problem. While delays and breakage occasionally impact experiences, most people say their moves were smooth and cost-effective—attributes that help Dominant edge out local rivals in reliability and value. The company’s reputation is built on speed, care, and affordability, but future customers should clarify damage procedures and timing expectations before booking.

Get a Quote (855) 699-2299

Company Info

State license #: 191165

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 2718191

Alternate Names: Velorom LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Best long-distance movers in San Diego for small moves

Many full-service moving companies have a 3,000-pound minimum requirement and may not be able to help you if you are moving a college dorm or studio apartment — or have decided to just take a few items with you.

In that case, you might be better off going with a long-distance company in San Diego that specializes in small moves.

Here are our top suggestions:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

No minimum size
Top-quality materials
Full-service packing

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.7 / 5

Check prices 800-626-1257

At A Glance

Specializes in small moves
Guaranteed delivery date
Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
Car shipping services
Gives back with charitable donations

read our full review

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in San Diego

A moving container can be a great solution if you want to save a little money on your move from San Diego to another California city or out of state. While you will have to handle the heavy lifting, you can load and unload containers at your preferred pace over several days or more. And the container company will still handle the driving for you.

Container costs vary depending on the distance of your move and the size and number of your containers, so it’s good to get multiple moving quotes to compare pricing for your specific relocation.

You can start with these two companies:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Get A Quote

At A Glance

30 days storage included
Local and long distance moving options
Unlimited loading/unloading time
Store on property or at a facility

read our full review

Get A Quote

Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

Long distance moves only
Only pay for the space you use
No deposit or initial fees
Fast delivery time frames

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Labor-only moving companies in San Diego

If you don’t mind driving from San Diego but want some helping hands in terms of loading and unloading, look into labor-only moving companies.

Here’s who we suggest:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
$1,000 money-back service guarantee
Fast and accurate delivery times
Free damage coverage with additional coverage options

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.3 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

At A Glance

Quick and easy booking process
National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
Dedicated move concierge specialist
Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them

read our full review

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

Rental trucks in San Diego 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 San Diego costs $19–$39 a day for a truck rental, plus a per-mile fee of $0.79–$1.09.

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

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.15 / 5

Check prices (800) 468-4285

At A Glance

More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive

read our full review

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Licensed

Insured

Price

4 / 5

Check prices (844) 847-9517

At A Glance

Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool

read our full review

Check prices (844) 847-9517

How we chose the best long-distance movers in San Diego, 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 San Diego

The average cost for professional movers in San Diego is $200 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Factors that affect the cost of moving from San Diego

How far you’re moving: Distance is the most impactful cost factor. Naturally, the farther you are moving, the more it will cost. Relocating a couple hundred miles from San Diego to another California city will not be as expensive as a cross-country move.
The moving option you choose: Your costs will vary significantly depending on whether you choose a full-service mover, a moving container, or a rental truck. Every move is different, so balance your needs and your budget when deciding on the best relocation method.
The amount of belongings you have: Movers determine cost by the total estimated weight of your household items and furnishings, so be sure to itemize your belongings to get the most accurate quote. You may also want to consider downsizing before moving out of San Diego to reduce your moving expenses.
Any add-on services you choose: Additional services like third-party labor assistance or packing and unpacking help are convenient, but they will also contribute to your total moving costs.
When you move: The time of the year, month, and even week can all affect what you pay. Summer moves are typically more expensive because they are the busiest season for movers. Moving between October and April can be more cost-effective. Mid-month and mid-week moves are also cheaper, since most people tend to move on the weekends around the start or end of the month.

To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve created a moving cost calculator to help you get a good idea of your long-distance move cost. Plus, we’ve put together a detailed post all about moving costs in San Diego.

FAQs

What else should I know about moving out of California?

A moving company helping you move out of California must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all of the San Diego movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of San Diego?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in San Diego is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of California, using a national moving company comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

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

Moving companies in San Diego are usually slower in November and December due to the average winter low of 46°F, 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 Diego?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of San Diego. The cheapest options for moving out of the America's Finest City 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.