The BEST Long-Distance Movers in San Mateo, CA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

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.

Preferred partner:

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

4.8
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best local mover:

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

4.8
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Best California Movers

4.52
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.52 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5

Our track record

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

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

Best long-distance movers in San Mateo for those moving out of state

If you’re crossing state lines for a new home outside of California, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers in San Mateo:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

At A Glance

GPS tracking en route
Veteran-owned
Dedicated move coordinator
Flat-rate pricing
Donates a portion of moves to charity

read our full review

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

At A Glance

Experienced & fully trained moving crews
Specializes in moving art & antiques
Competitive pricing
Can handle last-minute moves
Climate-controlled storage

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

At A Glance

Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
Hands-on customer service
24/7 support
Price-matching policy

read our full review

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

At A Glance

Custom crates for electronics & art
Satellite shipment tracking
1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
Self-packing option
No deposit required

read our full review

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Best long-distance movers in San Mateo for those staying in state

Moves that stay within California can still be considered long-distance if you’re covering serious ground from San Mateo. Even without crossing state lines, the distance can make a big difference in planning.

For longer in-state relocations, it’s best to choose from the best long-distance moving companies.

Here are our top-rated moving companies in San Mateo, CA:

Preferred Partner

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Upline Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
AMS Bekins: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Delayed arrival or delivery
Lack of communication

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

Best California Movers

2931 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95051 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Quick moving process

Customer Complaints

Overly complex pricing
Misleading marketing
Delayed arrival or delivery

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

Luigy's Moving & Storage

5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Helpful movers

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges
Misplaced or lost items
Insurance issues

Review Analysis

Customer stories about Luigy's Moving & Storage highlight a company that stands out for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and friendly, supportive movers. Out of 125 customer reports, 93.6% praise efficient work, courteous teams, precise scheduling, and protected furniture. People frequently mention that staff went out of their way to assist, arriving on time and wrapping or moving items safely. While most input speaks highly of dependable service and fair pricing, a few negative reports cite unexpected extra charges, missing belongings, and unresolved insurance concerns. These serious criticisms were rare compared to industry averages but are important for transparency. Compared to other movers, Luigy's receives above-average marks for reliability, staff demeanor, and minimizing stress on moving day.

Get a Quote (415) 413-4646

Company Info

State license #: 0192210

Years in Business: 25

DOT #: 02740355

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Upline Moving

30956 San Clemente St, Hayward, CA 94544 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Delayed arrival or delivery
Misplaced or lost items

Review Analysis

Moving reviews don’t get much more glowing than this. Among 600 customer reviews analyzed, 82.8% were positive, highlighting Upline Moving's strong reputation compared to most moving companies. Customers repeatedly praised the efficient service, professionalism, careful handling of belongings, rapid moving process, and clear communication—qualities that are often hard to find elsewhere. Staff members showed politeness and organization, with many moves completed faster than expected and items well protected. Some customers appreciated transparent pricing and the flexibility to accommodate last-minute changes, placing Upline above industry norms for reliability. A minority of feedback focused on damage to items, late deliveries, or lost pieces. Reviews reported missing boxes or valuable items, and some moves took longer than the promised timeline. Customers also noted that claims and complaint resolution were slow or unhelpful in some cases. While these issues are common across the moving industry, Upline’s employees received praise for making efforts to address concerns post-move. Most customers who experienced problems still saw responsive communication and fair attempts at resolution. In summary, the vast majority found moves with Upline to be smoother and less stressful than with other movers, mainly due to their skilled teams and attention to customer needs.

Get a Quote (510) 973-4450

Company Info

State license #: 0191033

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 1881933

Alternate Names: JM Moving Systems, Inc.

Services Offered

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

Gentle Giant Moving Company

361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff

Customer Complaints

Higher-than-expected costs
Lack of communication
Unfriendly or rude staff

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

AMS Bekins

444 Valley Dr, Brisbane, CA 94005 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Good communication
Quick moving process

Customer Complaints

Damage to items
Lack of communication
Misplaced or lost items

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

Best long-distance movers in San Mateo, CA, for small moves

Many full-service moving companies have shipment minimums that smaller moves just can’t meet. If you’re only relocating a few items, that can quickly limit your options.

Don’t fret — some movers are built for just this kind of job. These companies specialize in small moves, making them a great fit if you're moving out of San Mateo with only a studio’s worth of stuff or a handful of belongings.

MiniMoves

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

No minimum move size
Full-service packing
Short-term storage

Check prices Visit Website

Transit Systems Inc (TSI)

rating

4.7 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

34+ yrs experience
Online chatbot
Car shipping

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in San Mateo, CA

For a more relaxed DIY move from San Mateo, moving containers, sometimes called moving pods, are tough to beat. You get to pack and load when it works for you, with storage options if needed. Once you're ready, the container gets picked up and delivered right to your new home.

Here’s a look at our favorite moving container companies for long-distance moves from San Mateo:

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

Rental trucks in San Mateo, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from San Mateo, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

U-Haul Truck Rental

rating

4.15 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Greatest coverage
7 truck sizes
One way rentals

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Penske Truck Rental

rating

4 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Most expensive
4 truck sizes
Unlimited mileage

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in San Mateo, CA

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from San Mateo, CA:

Best California Movers

rating

4.52 / 5

Years in Business: 7
Yelp: 4.8 / 5
BBB: NR

Get A Quote

(408) 200-0452

Luigy's Moving & Storage

rating

4.8 / 5

Years in Business: 25
Yelp: 4.7 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(415) 413-4646

SF Bay Area Moving

rating

4.58 / 5

Years in Business: 11
Yelp: 4.6 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(415) 663-2001

Comparing the best long-distance movers in San Mateo, CA

Company	Our Rating	Quote
Safeway Moving	4.85 overall rating	Get A Quote
American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote
Allied Van Lines	4.75 overall rating	Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation	4.9 overall rating	Get A Quote
North American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in San Mateo, CA

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of San Mateo, CA

Professional movers in California charge around $122 per hour on average. However, even the most reputable interstate moving companies need more details—like how far and how much you're moving—before giving you an accurate quote.

Here’s a look at average long-distance moving costs from San Mateo, CA to major cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Atlanta, GA	2,459 miles	3 bedroom	$5,850 - $8,991
Indianapolis, IN	2,272 miles	2 bedroom	$4,375 - $7,976
Jackson, MS	2,121 miles	1 bedroom	$3,012 - $6,537

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of San Mateo, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in California.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

A moving company helping you move out of California must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the San Mateo movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from San Mateo?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in San Mateo is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of California, using a national moving company like Safeway Moving comes with more experience. That experience — along with the increased mileage — typically means higher costs than with local relocations.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from San Mateo?

Moving companies in San Mateo are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of San Mateo?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of San Mateo. The cheapest options for moving out of San Mateo are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.