Best Movers Near San Marcos, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan
 • 5 min read
checkmarkFact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After reviewing 370 California movers, our top pick for local moves in San Marcos, CA, is Best California Movers, based on 1177 online reviews, 98.5% 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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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in San Marcos, CA

Whether you're moving within San Marcos, relocating to nearby Escondido or Vista, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away, here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

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Best California Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
99% of all reviews were positive
1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
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
https://www.facebook.com/OakleyRelocation, https://twitter.com/oakleyrelo
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer feedback for Oakley Relocation showcases consistent professionalism, efficient service, and care for customer belongings, with 93% of reviews being positive across 229 total inputs. Clients frequently describe the staff as polite, effective, and reliable, often highlighting quick and seamless moves, attentive communication, and careful handling of items. Many mention that the employees go out of their way to make the moving process less stressful, offering peace of mind from start to finish. On the flip side, a small number of clients experienced significant problems, most commonly citing damage to items, difficulty reaching the company when issues arose, or unexpected charges. Compared to similar moving companies, Oakley earns standout marks for staff professionalism and speed, but the occasional unresolved damage claim or communication gap keeps a small number of users from full satisfaction.
Get a Quote (858) 602-1756

Company Info

State license #: 0190480

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 070851

Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/CaliMoving/,
88% of all reviews were positive
11% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Experience a move that’s a step ahead—Cali Moving & Storage Corp stands out in San Diego thanks to almost 88% positive feedback from 452 reviews. Customers most often praise the team’s efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and budget-friendly prices. Many report quick and stress-free moves, highlighting courteous workers who safely wrap and transport everything. On the flip side, about one-tenth of feedback calls out damage to items, bills higher than anticipated, or lack of communication when addressing problems. Some describe unexpected costs and difficulties reaching management post-move. Still, in comparison to many moving companies, Cali Moving delivers consistent, reliable results, balancing affordability with impressive care. Most customers recommend them for prompt, skilled, and friendly moving crews who get the job done right.
Get a Quote (619) 764-2680

Company Info

State license #: 0191536

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2947514


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/grizzlymovingsd,
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer input for Grizzly Moving points to standout performance: more than 92% of the 434 reviews highlight prompt, efficient, and careful service. Clients consistently mention that the team handles furniture cautiously and communicates well from booking to delivery. Movers show up on time, treat property with respect, and complete jobs swiftly, which sets Grizzly apart from standard moving companies. The staff is repeatedly described as professional, polite, and considerate, making stressful relocations easier for families, businesses, and individuals alike. On the downside, around 7% of reviewers cite real concerns, especially about damage to belongings, unexpected final costs, and, less frequently, delays or missed arrival windows. While complaints are few compared to the high volume of positive feedback, the nature of issues—such as significant item damage or underestimated costs—are important for potential customers to consider before booking. Compared to competitors, Grizzly’s consistent execution, fair communication, and efficient process earn high marks, though diligence is still advisable to clarify insurance, costs, and special handling when booking. With such a dominant trend of satisfied feedback, Grizzly ranks as a top contender, though a minority of experiences remind customers to confirm all details upfront.
Get a Quote (844) 474-9959

Company Info

State license #: 0191376

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2642040

Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/colemanallied, https://x.com/colemanallied
82% of all reviews were positive
16% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with care and professionalism stands out at Coleman Worldwide Moving. Out of 218 reviews analyzed, 82% reflect positive experiences, with many customers highlighting courteous, efficient crews and frequent, helpful communication. Feedback praises the company’s skillful staff, prompt service, and careful handling of belongings. Customers often mention organized moves and proactive updates, which help ease the stress of relocating. Some report accurate pricing and responsive coordinators, noting these factors set Coleman apart from less reliable competitors. In contrast, the negative feedback centers on damage to items, missing boxes, and communication lapses, resulting in claims frustrations. While most customers enjoy smooth, attentive moves, a minority reports that lost or broken items and claim issues impacted their confidence. Compared to similar companies, Coleman receives consistent praise for professionalism and problem-solving but could improve the moving experience by tightening quality control and claims support.
Get a Quote (877) 693-7060

Company Info

State license #: 0190444

Years in Business: 110

DOT #: 2897746

Alternate Names: Coleman American Moving Services A Georgia Corp


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/MeatheadMovers
84% of all reviews were positive
13% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving with Meathead Movers feels less like a hassle and more like a well-organized project. After reviewing 529 pieces of customer feedback, 84% express satisfaction with professional, efficient crews known for careful handling and great communication. Most describe staff as polite and reliable, remarking on quick booking and prompt service. Positive input consistently references efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and strong coordination as standout qualities—qualities that set this company apart from many moving firms. Some clients encountered issues, notably with damage to items, underestimates leading to higher costs, and occasional poor packing by certain crews. These concerns represent about 13% of the feedback and highlight areas where attention to detail could be improved. Around 3% of reviews were neutral, often focusing on high costs, inconsistent packing, or small mistakes offset by decent customer support. Compared to most moving companies, Meathead Movers ranks high for service consistency and professionalism, but customers should clarify estimates and discuss special packing needs in advance.
Get a Quote (951) 501-8866

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc


Services Offered

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

Local moving services in San Marcos

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 Marcos, 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 Marcos CA National
Packing 34 367 3068
Unpacking 34 358 2968
Packing Materials 28 252 1808
Piano 24 296 2298
Antiques 17 227 1464
Debris Removal 10 58 819
Art 17 229 1448
Storage 32 317 2691
Climate-Controlled Storage 9 73 1030
Small Moves 12 150 1549
Fragile-Only Packing 11 105 747
Custom Crating 26 290 1928
Grandfather Clock 4 61 407
Hot Tub 12 118 691
Junk Removal 5 72 1151
Office Moves 31 346 2704
Pool Table 13 153 968
Safe 15 141 1155

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

If you need something local San Marcos movers don’t offer, consider checking out other trusted companies in CA cities. You might find a better fit just a short drive away.

See more
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Cheapest movers when moving out of California

Relocating from California to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
  3. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
Get A Quote
(855) 929-4120
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
Get A Quote
Visit Website
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
Get A Quote
866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in San Marcos, CA

A full-service mover can make your San Marcos, California relocation stress-free, but it often comes with a higher price tag. To save a bit, you might want to look into the best moving container companies or explore rental truck options available in San Marcos.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
Get A Quote
Visit Website
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
Check prices Visit Website
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
Get A Quote
(352) 322-2920
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
Check prices Visit Website

Hire help, hold the truck. Not all moving help includes a truck, and that’s good news if you’re renting your own or using a moving container. In San Marcos, 24 labor-only movers can assist with the loading and unloading side of your move.

How we chose the best movers in San Marcos, 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 Marcos, CA

Use the pricing table below to get a general sense of what local moving costs look like in and around San Marcos. If you want more in-depth info, check out our full guide on moving costs in California.

Keep in mind that the moving quotes provided are just rough estimates. Your actual cost will depend on the specifics of your move. For a more accurate estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $479 $269 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $748 $269 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,339 $376 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $3,373 $527 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,900 $527 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $6,109 $737 5 movers 10 hours

Compare the top San Marcos, CA movers

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

Company moveBuddha rating BBB rating Yelp rating Google rating
Oakley Relocation 4.5/5 A+ 4.4/5 4.8/5
Cali Moving & Storage Corp 4.5/5 A+ 4.3/5 4.8/5
Best California Movers 4.6/5 A+ 4.9/5 5/5
Grizzly Moving 4.6/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.8/5
Coleman Worldwide Moving 4.5/5 A+ 1/5 4.5/5
Meathead Movers 4.6/5 A+ 4/5 /5
Alexander's Mobility Services 4.5/5 B- 3.2/5 4.3/5
Dominant Moving Company 4.5/5 A+ 4.3/5 4.6/5
We Like To Move It Moving 4.5/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.7/5
Chief Moving LLC 4.5/5 A+ 4.8/5 5/5

FAQs

How many movers in San Marcos 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.

1 movers in San Marcos offer AAA discounts. 1 companies provide discounts for military personnel. 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.

We only feature movers that are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in California list to find vetted options.

What’s the best way to find a trustworthy San Marcos mover?

Finding a dependable San Marcos moving company can be a challenge, but there are a few key things that can help you identify a reputable mover:

  • Reputation: A strong reputation is important, whether the mover is a small local business or a well-established van lines company.
  • Dispute resolution: Steer clear of movers with a track record of unresolved complaints. While every San Marcos mover may encounter customer issues, the best ones handle disputes quickly and professionally.
  • Experience with your type of move: Great reviews for short moves don’t guarantee success on a cross-country relocation. Make sure the mover has handled moves like yours before.

Are there movers in San Marcos that go beyond the local area?

Yes. 28 companies in San Marcos handle long-distance and interstate moves, in addition to local service. Start with our guide to long-distance movers in San Marcos to find the right fit for your relocation needs.

What day is usually the least expensive to move in San Marcos, CA?

The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in San Marcos, California, are weekdays, since demand tends to be higher on weekends. Generally, the least expensive time to move is during the off-season from October to April. Expect higher rates from May through September due to peak demand.

Booking early is key if you’re planning a move from San Marcos. For the best deal, steer clear of weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months. Be cautious with quotes that seem too low—some movers may hike the price significantly on moving day.

What’s the most cost-effective way to move from San Marcos, CA to another state?

Renting a truck is typically the cheapest option for moving out of state or around San Marcos, California. Just keep in mind that it's a no-frills option. You’ll need to take care of all the packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

Should I consider a moving container for my move from San Marcos?

Moving containers are a convenient option if you prefer a flexible schedule. Just be ready to handle the loading and unloading yourself. Once you're packed up, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place — no need to worry about driving.

Is storage available from movers in San Marcos?

If you’re looking for extra space during your move, 32 San Marcos movers offer storage services — and 9 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?

Helpful San Marcos Resources

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