5 Best Hourly Moving Services in San Jose, CA (Labor Only)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 5, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: Based on our in-depth analysis and ranking system, Best California Movers is the best hourly labor moving company in San Jose. But there’s no shortage of options in your area. Depending on your specific needs and budget, another of the top-rated San Jose-based labor-only movers may be the right fit for you.

Company	Quote	Rating	Contact
most popular Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.62 overall rating	2931 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA, 95051 (408) 200-0452
Ninja Movers, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.66 overall rating	401 Nelo St, Santa Clara, CA, 95054 (408) 638-6963
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving	Get A Quote	4.62 overall rating	1400 Coleman Ave, Santa Clara, CA, 95050 (408) 868-5444

Top 5 labor-only movers in San Jose, CA

These are our ratings of the top labor-only, hourly moving services that are available in San Jose, CA:

Best California Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Trek Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Go Movers LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

2931 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051

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

Ninja Movers, Inc.

401 Nelo St, Santa Clara, CA 95054

80% of all reviews were positive

17% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers rave about Ninja Movers’ speed, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings—80% of 500 reviews were positive. Crews consistently arrive on time, work efficiently, carefully wrap furniture, and provide helpful, polite service, making moving easier and less stressful than with other companies. Many mention clear communication from booking to completion, and several note rates are competitive.

Some feedback highlights standout customer support when issues happen. On the downside, complaints focus on items damaged during handling, surprise charges compared to initial quotes, and delivery delays. Compared to similar moving companies, Ninja Movers earns top marks for efficient operations and courteous staff, but may fall short for those expecting flawless results, zero damages, or strictly guaranteed pricing. Most customer input strongly recommends them for local and long-distance moves, but suggests carefully reviewing estimates and policies for extra peace of mind.

Get a Quote (408) 638-6963

Company Info

State license #: 0191848

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2967361

Alternate Names: Ninja Movers

Ninja Movers, Inc. offers top-notch local residential moving services throughout Santa Clara, CA and has been a trusted name in the industry since 2018. They stand out from nearby competitors with their strong consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.1 on Google My Business, and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customers frequently praise their efficiency and professionalism. In addition to local moves, Ninja Movers provides packing and unpacking services, and they are equipped to handle specialty items such as pianos, art, and safes. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the moving process flexible and convenient for their clients.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving

1400 Coleman Ave, Santa Clara, CA 95050

96% of all reviews were positive

3% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

When it comes to getting rid of junk or handling a move, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving stands out for speed, professionalism, and great communication. Out of 764 pieces of customer feedback analyzed, over 96% praised the company, making it one of the top-rated services in the industry. Customers most often highlight efficient service, courteous staff, quick and streamlined moving, open communication, and clear pricing.

Many appreciate the company’s transparent estimates, frequent updates, and care taken with both belongings and property. Negative feedback mainly points to pricing that’s higher than expected, unexpected charges, and the occasional incident with misplaced items. Issues around fee transparency show up more than once, and a few customers describe billing surprises or customer service challenges. Neutral input also mentions higher costs for certain jobs. Compared to others, College Hunks gets notably high marks for honest pricing, staff courtesy, and going above and beyond to make pickups easy. Their consistent, friendly help and reliable performance set them apart, but those considering the service should review pricing carefully to avoid any surprises.

Get a Quote (408) 868-5444

Company Info

State license #: 0192718

DOT #: 2378173

College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Santa Clara, CA since 2024, offers unparalleled local residential moving services. Unlike many nearby movers, they provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services along with labor-only options, catering to a variety of needs without requiring a deposit. They boast a stellar reputation with an impressive 4.8 average rating on Yelp and a perfect 5.0 on Google, complemented by an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau. For reliable, customer-focused local moves, College Hunks stands out as a top choice.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage

Go Movers LLC

37496 Sequoia Rd, Fremont, CA 94536

82% of all reviews were positive

19% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Go Movers LLC stands out for its attentive, professional crew and efficient moving process, with 82% of feedback praising the staff's politeness, quick service, careful handling, clear communication, and well-coordinated moves. Customers also note their flexibility and reasonable pricing. On the other hand, some input highlights serious frustrations, mainly around late arrivals, careless packing, and difficulty reaching the company or resolving issues—cons that tend to frustrate customers most with other moving firms too.

While most report seamless experiences from booking to delivery, a small portion faced recurring communication lapses, rushed or rough handling, and disappointing follow-up, especially when compared to the higher standards met in positive moves. Go Movers LLC receives high marks for professionalism, but the feedback reveals occasional lapses that can turn a move into a hassle if details slip through the cracks.

Get a Quote (925) 209-4519

Company Info

State license #: 0192629

DOT #: 3469627

Go Movers LLC specializes in local residential moving services in and around Fremont, CA, standing out among nearby movers with their broad service offering. They provide packing, unpacking, and crating services, as well as labor-only options and piano moving. Clients appreciate their reliable service, reflected in their Yelp rating of 4.3 from 25 reviews and an impressive Google rating of 4.9 from 88 reviews. While they do require a deposit, they accept credit cards, adding convenience for their customers.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Crating
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Common hourly moving services

Hourly movers in San Jose, CA, can be a cost-effective way to handle your relocation. Paying in hourly increments means you are paying only for the time worked, which can often be cheaper than a flat-rate fee with a full-service company.

Every company is different, but San Jose hourly movers typically offer these labor-assistance options:

Loading and unloading: Hourly moving crews can help get all your belongings on and off a moving truck rental or in and out of your moving container. Labor-only companies will send a crew of two to four people, depending on the size of your move.
Help with heavy items: If you are able to handle loading and unloading on your own but need some extra hands for a particularly large or weighty piece — like a treadmill, piano, or major appliance — you can hire local help Most labor-only companies can provide manpower for single and multiple heavy items.
Furniture moving: Got your boxes loaded up but can’t get your sectional couch onto the truck alone? Hourly labor companies can handle the heavy lifting of your furniture.
Rearranging: Deciding where you want things to go can often be tricky, especially if you have heavy pieces that aren’t so easily moved around. Many labor-only companies will not only load and unload your furniture, but also help you find the right place for it at your new home.
Packing and unpacking: Some San Jose labor-only movers will wrap and box up your belongings for an additional fee.
Junk removal: If you’ve got some items you need to toss, hourly labor companies may be able to provide this in tandem with their standard moving services.

FAQs

How much should I expect to pay for labor-only movers in San Jose?

The average hourly cost for labor-only movers in San Jose is $119 per hour per mover. Check out our guide about the cost of moving in San Jose for more details.

Can hourly movers handle last-minute moves in San Jose?

Because most moving companies in San Jose experience busy seasons and slow seasons, you’ll need to call around to find out which ones have availability. Since it is labor-only, however, there’s a good chance one of these San Jose-based companies will be able to help. If you’re in a pinch and want to be more hands-off, here is our list of the best last-minute moving companies.

Can I hire hourly movers if I’m moving from San Jose to a new state?

If you’re moving from San Jose to another state, you’ll need to hire hourly labor while loading your belongings in California and then another company in the city you’re moving to for help unloading. If you want to avoid some lower back strain, here are our top picks for the best interstate moving companies. And if you want to support local businesses, here are the best long distance moving companies in San Jose.

Am I supposed to tip hourly movers?

You are not required to tip hourly movers, but it is common practice — not to mention, a great way to show your appreciation for the crew’s hard work. The standard tip amount is somewhere between 5% and 20% of your total moving costs, which breaks down to about $4–$5 per hour for each moving crew member.

Whether you tip on the high or low end of that range will, of course, depend on the movers’ performance, so wait until the end to hand out the cash. You may also want to factor in the specifics of your move. For instance, a complicated move that involves a lot of heavy pieces or navigation down narrow staircases might warrant a higher tip than a simple move of a first-floor studio apartment.