Quick answer:
After comparing 277 moving companies in California,
our recommended local mover in San Luis Obispo, CA, is Meathead Movers
thanks to their pricing, variety of moving solutions, and great customer reviews. Safeway Moving
earns our top pick for out-of-state or long-distance moves from California because they are affordable without cutting corners on service.
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.
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.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in San Luis Obispo, CA
Whether you're moving within San Luis Obispo, relocating to nearby Los Ranchos or Avila Beach, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away,
here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
How we chose the best movers in San Luis Obispo, CA
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.
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
$464
$134
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$611
$133
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$894
$192
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$1,888
$263
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$2,239
$266
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$3,245
$380
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.
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 of the movers on our list are properly licensed.
Take a look at our best movers in California list for more recommendations.
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.
Do San Luis Obispo moving companies handle long-distance moves?
Some of the moving companies that service San Luis Obispo can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services.
If you're moving out of state, see 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.
What if I need help loading my moving container in San Luis Obispo?
Labor-only moving companies
can be a great addition to a more DIY move done with a rental moving truck or moving container.
Hiring third-party assistance with loading and unloading can help cut down on the workload and make your move quicker
and more efficient.
Do San Luis Obispo movers offer storage?
Most San Luis Obispo moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions.
However, keep in mind that some San Luis Obispo movers use third-party warehouses to store your items.
It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.
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