Best Movers Near San Luis Obispo, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Dec 20, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After reviewing 370 California movers, our top pick for local moves in San Luis Obispo, CA, is Meathead Movers, based on 534 online reviews, 85.0% of which are positive.

For long-distance and out-of-state moves from California, we recommend Safeway Moving for providing top-notch service at affordable rates.

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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.

Best local CA mover:

Meathead Movers

4.7
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5

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5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in San Luis Obispo, CA

Whether you're planning a move within San Luis Obispo or relocating to a nearby California city like Los Ranchos or Avila Beach (both under 50 miles away), we’ve rounded up some of the best local movers that combine solid reputations with affordable pricing.

Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
Martian Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
ASAP Movers: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Central Coast Moving Co.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Louie’s Central Coast Movers: 4.16 out of 5 stars

Meathead Movers

3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

85% of all reviews were positive

12% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving made easy—fast, careful, and professional. Across 534 customer accounts, 85% were satisfied with Meathead Movers, who consistently impress with prompt, efficient service, courteous staff, careful attention to belongings, and effective communication. Many point to their speed, skill, and ability to reduce moving stress as unmatched compared to other movers. Staff go out of their way to ensure everything is handled safely and customers feel supported throughout. Most praise the company’s organization and transparency, with workers often finishing ahead of schedule and providing clear updates. While Meathead stands out for reliability, a number of customers highlighted problems including damage to items, higher-than-expected costs than initial estimates, and issues with packing quality—especially when using packing services. Some experienced final bills much greater than the quotes they received, contributing to frustration. A few customers also reported items arriving broken or poor claim handling after reporting damage. Compared to other moving firms, feedback shows Meathead’s team typically provides a smoother, faster, and friendlier move—but attention to better estimate accuracy and meticulous packing would boost trust even further.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Packers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage
Pay by credit card

Martian Movers

901 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

95% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Rave reviews pour in for Martian Movers, spotlighting efficient service, polite staff, careful handling, fast move times, and reliable communication. Among 295 reviews, 95% of feedback describes stress-free moves by friendly, professional crews attentive to property and timing. Clients often mention rapid service, courteous demeanor, and exceptional care with belongings—even challenging items like pianos—setting them apart from less consistent competitors. For value, they frequently finish under quoted prices, with transparent estimates and easy scheduling. Less than 5% of feedback details significant issues during long-distance moves, including damaged items, late deliveries, unreliable timing, and poor handling. Some clients cite missed arrival windows, mishandling, or lack of follow-up on claims for damages. For most customers, though, reviews indicate Martian Movers outperforms other moving companies on efficiency, professionalism, and customer care, while a few experienced notable problems with high-value or out-of-area jobs.

Get a Quote (805) 549-5122

Company Info

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3196615

Alternate Names: Cal-Safe Movers

Services Offered

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

ASAP Movers

925 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

94% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

ASAP Movers earns top scores with 94% of customer feedback highlighting efficient service and highly professional, polite staff. Most people praise how carefully their belongings are handled and how quickly moves are completed, with clear communication throughout each step. While most customers note friendly, attentive teams, a handful cite concerns over damaged items or unprofessional behavior, and some mention lapses in communication. The company’s strong record for reliability and care outpaces many competitors, but those seeking flawless handling should remain mindful of rare, but notable, incidents involving broken or mishandled property. With over 400 reviews analyzed, ASAP Movers stands out for dependable, courteous service at a competitive price.

Get a Quote (805) 544-9222

Company Info

State license #: 0190288

Years in Business: 23

DOT #: 1278931

Alternate Names: A S A P Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Central Coast Moving Co.

3051 Propeller Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446 US

97% of all reviews were positive

2% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Central Coast Moving Co. stands out for making moves fast, stress-free, and professionally handled. Out of 312 customer experiences, 97% praised their team's efficiency, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings. Customers highlighted superb communication, streamlined moving processes, and courteous staff. Flexible scheduling and transparent pricing also set this business apart from regional competitors. Negative feedback, though rare, focused mainly on occasional damaged items, surprise costs, and less experienced crew members on some jobs. Unlike many movers, Central Coast Moving consistently achieves outstanding customer satisfaction, with only 2% of reviews reflecting significant dissatisfaction. For anyone seeking punctual, polite movers who prioritize your property, this company clearly sets a higher benchmark for moving services on the Central Coast.

Get a Quote (805) 420-7526

Company Info

Years in Business: 8

Services Offered

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

Louie’s Central Coast Movers

810 E. Stanford Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454 US

95% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving with Louie’s Central Coast Movers means getting a crew praised for professionalism, attention to detail, and quick, careful service—95% of 82 customer reviews gave positive feedback. Customers repeatedly point to their friendly attitude, precise handling of valuable items, clear communication, and being highly recommended. People who chose Louie’s for tricky jobs like pianos or hot tubs felt confident thanks to expert knowledge and affordable rates. A few customers faced problems such as surprise costs, late arrivals, or unmet promises. While the rare negative feedback focused on these issues, the overwhelming majority were so satisfied they’d hire Louie’s again. Compared to other local movers, Louie’s earns stronger praise for reliability and customer care, with just a handful of higher-cost or timing complaints. Their consistently positive feedback makes them stand out as a top choice for careful, professional moving in the region.

Get a Quote (805) 925-7923

Company Info

Years in Business: 8

Services Offered

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

Local moving services in San Luis Obispo

Not all moving companies offer the same services, and availability can vary widely depending on where you're located.

Here’s a quick look at how many movers in San Luis Obispo, CA, offer key services, compared with the statewide and national numbers so you can see which specialty services may be harder to find in your area.

Service	San Luis Obispo	CA	National
Packing	6	367	3073
Unpacking	6	358	2973
Packing Materials	1	252	1813
Piano	5	296	2299
Antiques	4	227	1464
Art	3	229	1448
Storage	6	317	2695
Climate-Controlled Storage	4	73	1034
Small Moves	1	150	1554
Fragile-Only Packing	2	105	747
Custom Crating	5	290	1928
Hot Tub	5	118	691
Junk Removal	4	72	1153
Office Moves	6	346	2709
Pool Table	2	153	968
Safe	4	141	1154

Other local CA movers

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

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

Explore additional highly rated moving companies across CA to find the services you need, even if they’re not offered in your immediate area.

See less

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

If you're relocating from California to a new state, choosing a trusted interstate moving company is key to making the transition smooth. Here are a few of our top picks to get you started:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

(855) 394-4102

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in San Luis Obispo, CA

While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your San Luis Obispo, California relocation, it will also likely be the most expensive route. To save some money, you may want to consider using one of the top moving container companies, or moving truck rental companies in San Luis Obispo instead.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

(855) 394-4102

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices (844) 362-5303

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Get A Quote

(866) 586-5970

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Good news for DIY movers: You don’t have to do the heavy lifting alone. San Luis Obispo has 4 labor-only moving services ready to assist with loading and unloading your truck or container by the hour.

How we chose the best movers in San Luis Obispo, CA

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 289 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 Luis Obispo, CA

Check out the pricing table below to get a rough idea of what local moves typically cost in and around the San Luis Obispo area. For a deeper dive, be sure to explore our guide on the moving costs in California.

Keep in mind that the moving quotes shown are general estimates. Your actual expenses may vary based on your specific moving situation. For a more accurate estimate, try our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$422	$134	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$556	$134	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$852	$188	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,866	$263	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,129	$263	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$3,236	$369	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top San Luis Obispo, CA movers

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

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Meathead Movers	4.7/5	A+	4/5	4.7/5
Martian Movers	4.5/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
ASAP Movers	4.4/5	A+	4.7/5	4.8/5
Central Coast Moving Co.	4.4/5	A+	4.6/5	/5
Louie’s Central Coast Movers	4.2/5	NR	4.8/5	5/5
Lompoc Van and Storage	4.2/5	NR	2.3/5	/5
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc	4.4/5	A+	5/5	5/5
Bellhop Moving	4.1/5		4/5	4.4/5

FAQs

How many movers in San Luis Obispo offer discounts?

Discount programs can make a move more affordable, especially for those who qualify for special savings. While availability varies by company, many movers do extend promotions to specific groups.

2 companies provide discounts for military personnel. 2 offer reduced pricing for seniors. Be sure to ask each mover about current offers, requirements, and any limitations.

How can I tell if a moving company is licensed?

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.

All movers included in our listings hold the proper licenses. Visit our best movers in California roundup for suggestions.

How do I find a reputable San Luis Obispo mover?

Looking for a reliable San Luis Obispo moving company can be difficult, but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:

Reputation: A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a seasoned van lines company.
Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints. Every San Luis Obispo moving company will face customer issues. The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
Relevant experience: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves, they may not have the experience needed to handle a cross-country move. Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.

Can San Luis Obispo movers help with long-distance relocations?

While some San Luis Obispo movers stick to local moves only, 4 can help with out-of-state and long-distance relocations. If you're planning an out-of-state move, check out our list of the best long-distance movers in San Luis Obispo.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in San Luis Obispo, CA?

The cheapest day to hire a mover in San Luis Obispo, California, will typically be a weekday, since weekends are typically busier times for moving. In general, the cheapest time to move is between October and April. The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.

The earlier you book your move from San Luis Obispo, the better. Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money. Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote, as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state from San Luis Obispo, CA?

Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within San Luis Obispo, California. Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and driving.

Are moving containers a good idea for my move from San Luis Obispo?

Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Once you’re loaded up and ready to move, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.

Is storage available from movers in San Luis Obispo?

If you’re looking for extra space during your move, 6 San Luis Obispo movers offer storage services — and 4 include climate-controlled options to help protect delicate items.

Be sure to ask if the storage is on-site or outsourced, and confirm any added costs before making your decision.

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