The BEST Moving Companies in San Francisco, CA
Our Top Pick: If you’re moving locally in San Francisco, CA, our top pick is Luigy's Moving & Storage. We’ve rated them 4.86 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for an interstate moving company to handle your California move, we recommend Safeway Moving.
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With 808,437 people living in San Francisco, the city sees its fair share of moving trucks. With an average moving cost of $150 per hour in San Francisco, finding a moving company that balances cost and quality is key.
Whether your new place is down the road or you’re looking for the best long-distance moving company, we’ve reviewed the best moving companies in San Francisco to make your next move a smooth transition.
How we chose the best movers in San Francisco
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 279 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.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in San Francisco
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.66 out of 5
- SF Bay Area Moving: 4.62 out of 5
Luigy's Moving & Storage
DOT #: 02740355
Years in Business: 23
5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112Luigy's Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Francisco, CA since 2001. Compared to other nearby companies, Luigy's stands out with their comprehensive service offerings, including packing, unpacking, and crating services, as well as specialized handling for pianos, hot tubs, art, and antiques. Boasting exceptional consumer reviews with an average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.6 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Luigy's reputation for reliability and quality is well-earned. While a deposit is required, they accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring flexible payment options for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 02740355
- State license #: 0192210
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.
DOT #: 3519797
Years in Business: 14
1149 Montgomery Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3519797
- State license #: 0190673
Gentle Giant Moving Company
DOT #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080Gentle Giant Moving Company has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in South San Francisco, CA since 1981. With stellar consumer reviews reflecting an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 5.0 on Google My Business, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out for its reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby movers, Gentle Giant also offers office moving services, comprehensive packing and unpacking services, and even storage options if needed. Additionally, they do not require a deposit and accept credit cards, making the moving process as seamless and convenient as possible for their clients.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 373544
- State license #: 0167668
Alternative Business Names
- Great Giant Moving Company
NorthStar Moving Company
DOT #: 1836576
Years in Business: 28
One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA 94104NorthStar Moving Company, established in 1996, offers premier local residential moving services throughout San Francisco, CA, and its surrounding areas. With an impressive track record, they boast 931 Yelp reviews averaging 4.6 stars and 701 Google My Business reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, NorthStar stands out among local competitors. They also provide comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring a seamless moving experience. Notably, NorthStar accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, offering convenience and peace of mind for customers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1836576
- State license #: 0182466
SF Bay Area Moving
DOT #: 2682402
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 9
310 Shaw Rd, South San Francisco, CA 94080SF Bay Area Moving, operating since 2015, specializes in local residential moving services within South San Francisco, CA. With a stellar reputation, evidenced by 114 Yelp reviews averaging 4.5 stars and 122 Google My Business reviews averaging 4.9 stars, they stand out among local competitors. The company holds an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to residential moves, they offer packing, unpacking, crating, and specialized services for moving fragile items, artwork, and antiques. Competitive with a rate of $145 per hour, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a reliable and flexible choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2682402
- State license #: 0192239
Best movers for those moving out of California
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- 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
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Alternative San Francisco moving options
Moving Containers
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Labor Only
- HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
- Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
- 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
- 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
Full DIY
- U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
- Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
- 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
- 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
Average cost of movers in San Francisco
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the San Francisco area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in California for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estim
Local moving costs in San Francisco
If you’re moving within 50 miles of San Francisco, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In San Francisco, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.79 per mile to $1.59 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in San Francisco is $150 per hour.
Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio | $485 | $210 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
1 Bedroom | $695 | $210 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
2 Bedroom | $1,157 | $294 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
3 Bedroom | $2,747 | $412 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
4 Bedroom | $3,159 | $412 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
5+ Bedroom | $4,883 | $576 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of San Francisco
The cost to move from San Francisco to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from California. Here are a few examples:
- San Francisco to New York Movers
- San Francisco to Illinois Movers
- San Francisco to New York Movers
- San Francisco to New York Movers
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
How do I find a reputable San Francisco mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in San Francisco, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in San Francisco or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over California, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in San Francisco has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in San Francisco may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable San Francisco movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the San Francisco movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in California.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for movers in San Francisco?
Temporary San Francisco moving permits are managed by the San Francisco Municipal Transit Authority (SFMTA), and the application process takes some time, so plan accordingly. To submit an application for a San Francisco moving permit, the SFMTA office requires a minimum of 5 business days notice, and a number of days don’t count: your application day, the first enforcement day, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays all are excluded.
For more info on parking permits in San Francisco, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a San Francisco moving company?
It’s almost always cheaper to hire a moving company in San Francisco outside of their busy season. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
Now that you know when moving companies in San Francisco are less busy, you can use that to negotiate your moving costs.
Do San Francisco movers offer storage?
Yes, depending on your storage needs most moving companies in San Francisco do offer both short and long-term storage units.
However, while some have their own storage facilities, others don't, in which case they may store your items at a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about storage facilities and getting quotes when screening prospective movers early on in the moving process.
If your San Francisco mover doesn’t offer storage - or you need services beyond what they can provide - reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
What is there to do in San Francisco?
Some popular attractions in San Francisco include:
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Alcatraz Island
- San Francisco Cable Cars
- Golden Gate Park
- San Francisco's Chinatown
- San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
- The Exploratorium
- California Academy of Science
- Twin Peaks
- Yerba Buena Gardens
- Legion of Honor Museum
- Palace of Fine Arts
- Ferry Building Marketplace
- Mission District
- Union Square
- City Lights Booksellers and Publishers
- Asian Art Museum
- Presidio of San Francisco
- Lands End
How’s the job market in San Francisco?
San Francisco’s unemployment rate is at 5.4%. Looking for a job in the “Golden Gate City”? Let us help you start looking, here’s a list of the top employers in San Francisco:
- Lyft
- Securitize
- Wells Fargo
- BNP Paribas
- Wanda
- Gap
- Gapkids & Baby
- McKesson
- Aura Health
- Salesforce
- Dignity Health
- Bechtel
- Charles Schwab
- Sephora
- Williams Sonoma
- Uber Technologies
- Pacific Gas and Electric
- True
- Visa
- University of California, San Francisco
How can I see all moving companies in California?
You can find all moving companies in California by clicking here.
Helpful San Francisco Resources
San Francisco Moving Services
Nearby Cities
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