Cheapest Movers in San Mateo, CA (2025 Guide)

Quick answer: We evaluated 277 California movers, and Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. rose to the top for local moves in San Mateo, CA, due to their competitive pricing, range of options, and positive customer feedback. Our choice for long-distance or out-of-state relocations from California, is Safeway Moving. We like that they maintain reasonable rates without skimping on service quality.

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Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in San Mateo, CA

If you're planning a move within San Mateo or to a nearby California city no more than 50 miles away like Burlingame or Foster City, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

Preferred Partner
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:
https://www.facebook.com/EagleMovingStorage/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Professional and polite staff (27%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (32%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (29%)
  • Lack of communication (26%)
Review Analysis
Moving made easy is how customers describe Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., with 86.9% of the 634 feedback entries rating their services positively. Reviewers consistently mention efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. The booking process is straightforward and communication is strong, making moves feel stress-free compared to larger companies. Many highlight how quickly items are moved and the competitive pricing, with exceptional care towards fragile and valuable belongings. In contrast, 11.7% report issues, mainly with damaged items, late arrivals, or communication lapses during scheduling and claims. While the company receives high praise for their courteous movers and fast work, cases of lost or broken property and delayed deliveries set them apart from top-tier providers who resolve complaints faster and provide more consistent updates. Neutral input often cites both efficient execution and minor damages. Eagle stands out for its efficiency and customer-focused approach but should address recurring concerns with item handling and reliability during high-stress moves.
Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Company Info

State license #: 0190673

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 3670248


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/gentlegiantmovingcompany, https://twitter.com/gentlegiantmove
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (38%)
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Careful handling (30%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Damage to items (15%)
  • Lack of communication (12%)
Review Analysis
Moving has never been this stress-free, according to feedback from 130 customers, and nearly 95% reflect positive experiences with Gentle Giant Moving Company. Clients highlight fast-moving teams, consistently polite and friendly staff, careful treatment of belongings, and swift, organized processes. Many describe their crews as efficient, hardworking, and genuinely committed to making moves smooth. Attention to detail and respectful communication set Gentle Giant apart from most competitors. Some mention higher costs than expected and a handful report frustration with unclear estimates or communication lapses. A few note setbacks like rude customer service or lack of follow-up. Still, the overwhelming majority find Gentle Giant's efficiency, professionalism, and care exceptional compared to other moving firms.
Get a Quote (415) 544-7000

Company Info

State license #: 0167668

Years in Business: 44

DOT #: 373544

Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/amsbekinssanfran/, https://twitter.com/AMS_Bekins
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
Review Analysis
AMS Bekins earns high marks from most customers, with 82% of feedback recognizing professional, courteous crews and consistently careful handling of belongings. Movers are praised for their promptness, efficiency, and transparent communication, making the process much less stressful than with other companies. Clients commonly highlight the team’s attention to detail and respectful treatment of both property and people. On the other hand, about 17% of input, higher than industry leaders, flags issues with item damage, weak communication after problems arise, and instances of lost or misplaced goods. Delays and unsatisfactory resolution processes also appear, though less frequently. In direct comparison to other movers, AMS Bekins stands out for successful execution but risks frustrating clients when issues aren’t remedied swiftly. With 317 reviews analyzed, the vast majority strongly recommend AMS Bekins, making it a reliable option for those valuing professionalism and diligent service, yet potential customers should pay close attention to paperwork and policies to avoid disappointment if complications occur.
Get a Quote (650) 239-2430

Company Info

State license #: 0168138

Years in Business: 76

DOT #: 2256609

Alternate Names: Bekins AMS Relocation, Inc., AMS Relocation, Inc., Bekins


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/clutchmovingco, https://twitter.com/ClutchMoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (23%)
  • Quick moving process (20%)
  • Careful handling (19%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
  • Damage to items (16%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Moving can be stressful, but customer feedback for Clutch Moving Company shows standout performance. Out of 573 reviews, nearly 90% are positive, reflecting a reliable pattern of efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, and quick, communicative moves. Customers consistently praise the hardworking teams for their speed and respect for personal property, often noting smooth coordination from booking to delivery. On the other hand, about 9% reported issues, mostly concerning damage to items, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and delays in arrival. Despite a small number of poor experiences, Clutch Moving rates higher for efficiency and communication compared to many competitors, particularly in areas of reliability and customer service during stressful moves.
Get a Quote (650) 753-8428

Company Info

State license #: 0191689

DOT #: 3046942

Alternate Names: South San Francisco Moving Company


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/localmovers2015/, https://twitter.com/sfbayareamovers
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
  • Careful handling (22%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
  • Damage to items (15%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (12%)
Review Analysis
SF Bay Area Moving impresses with a remarkable 95% favorable feedback out of 342 reviews. Most customers highlight efficient service, professionalism, careful handling of items, clear communication, and a swift moving process. Clients consistently appreciate the courteous nature of the staff and a booking experience that’s simple compared to other companies. In contrast, the few negative comments center on unexpected charges, late arrivals, and rare cases of unprofessional conduct. Where competitors may often fall short in reliability and transparency, this team stands out for delivering on speed and care but should pay attention to pricing clarity and punctuality for the best customer experience.
Get a Quote (415) 663-2001

Company Info

State license #: 0192239

Pricing: $145/hr

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 2682402


Services Offered

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

Other local CA moverstoggle

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

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

Making a move from California to another state? You'll want a reliable interstate moving company to handle the journey. Check out our top picks

  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
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Cheapest DIY moving options in San Mateo, CA

A full-service mover can make your San Mateo, 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 Mateo.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

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How we chose the best movers in San Mateo, CAtoggle

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.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in San Mateo, CA

Check out the pricing table below to get a rough idea of what local moves typically cost in and around the San Mateo 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 $488 $204 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $682 $204 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,121 $291 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,687 $408 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,150 $391 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,808 $547 5 movers 10 hours

Compare the top San Mateo, CA movers

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

Company moveBuddha rating BBB rating Yelp rating Google rating
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. 4.9/5 A+ 4.4/5 4.6/5
Gentle Giant Moving Company 4.7/5 A+ 4.7/5 5/5
AMS Bekins 4.5/5 A+ 3.3/5 4.5/5
Clutch Moving Company 4.5/5 F 4.5/5 4.8/5
SF Bay Area Moving 4.5/5 A+ 4.6/5 4.9/5
Careful Movers 4.4/5 B+ 4.8/5 4.7/5
Zapt Movers 4.3/5 C- 4.4/5
San Francisco Moving 4.3/5 A+ 4.6/5 /5
Movee Me LLC 4.2/5 A+ 3/5 4.8/5
Next Stop Moving & Storage 4.1/5 NR 1/5 /5

FAQs

How can I tell if a moving company is licensed?toggle

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 can I choose a reliable mover in San Mateo?toggle

Searching for a reputable San Mateo mover can feel overwhelming, but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:

  • Reputation: Whether it’s a local startup or a national van lines company, their track record matters.
  • Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints. Every San Mateo mover will face customer feedback— the best ones respond quickly and fairly.
  • Specialized experience: Not all movers are equipped for every job. A company great at local moves might not be ideal for a cross-country relocation. Make sure they’ve done moves like yours.

Do movers in San Mateo offer long-distance services?toggle

Many San Mateo moving companies handle long-distance relocations, though some focus solely on local moves. For out-of-state moves, we’ve compiled the best long distance movers in San Mateo.

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

The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in San Mateo, 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 Mateo. 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 Mateo, CA to another state?toggle

Renting a truck is typically the cheapest option for moving out of state or around San Mateo, 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 Mateo?toggle

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.

Can I get help loading my moving container in San Mateo?toggle

Yes! Labor-only movers can be a smart add-on if you're using a rental truck or moving container. They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, making your move smoother and more efficient without breaking the bank.

Are storage options available through San Mateo movers?toggle

Most moving companies in San Mateo provide storage solutions, whether you need something for a few days or indefinitely. Some movers, however, work with third-party storage providers. Always ask for details about storage services and fees when talking to movers.

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

Helpful San Mateo Resources

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