The BEST Long-Distance Movers in San Rafael, CA

ryan carrigan moving expert
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.
Need more help? Build your move plan.
Get Quote

Preferred partners

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
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:

  • 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 Rafael for those moving out of state

Relocating from San Rafael, to a new state is a big step. We've selected the top interstate movers to help make that transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(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
(855) 650-0657
Best customer service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
(855) 929-4120
At A Glance
  • 10% discount for veterans and seniors
  • Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
  • Services local, long-distance, and international moves
  • Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
  • 24/7 customer service
read our full review
(855) 929-4120
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(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
(980) 217-6841
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(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
(844) 950-2963

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

A move within California can still involve long hours on the road, especially when you're leaving San Rafael for a destination several hundred miles away.

For longer in-state relocations, we recommend sticking with the best long-distance moving companies we’ve vetted.

Below are our top moving company picks for San Rafael, CA:

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

Other top partners:
https://www.facebook.com/EagleMovingStorage/,
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
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/, https://x.com/BestCAMovers_
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
https://www.facebook.com/sanfranciscomovers,
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
https://www.facebook.com/NorthStarMoving,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Moving dreams made easier: NorthStar Moving Company impresses with consistent high marks from more than 1,100 customer reviews, and more than 91% of that input is positive. Feedback repeatedly praises NorthStar’s efficient and friendly movers, careful handling of belongings, and prompt, open communication. Customers highlight quick moving processes, responsible care for fragile items, and smooth, stress-free experiences from booking to delivery. The price is regularly described as reasonable, and transparent quotes are common. When compared to other companies, NorthStar stands out for its professionalism and reliability. Some customers report issues such as damage to furniture, delayed arrival or delivery, or difficulties reaching customer service for status updates or claims. The most common negative feedback involves item damage, poor communication during or after moves, and occasional scheduling errors. While these issues are in the minority, prospective clients may want to clarify all details and ask specific questions about protection policies. NorthStar Moving consistently maintains better customer satisfaction rates than most competitors, making it a leading choice for efficient, careful, and responsive moving services.
Get a Quote (415) 635-3844

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/johnsondalymoving/, https://twitter.com/johnsonanddaly
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Damage to items
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Glowing customer feedback puts Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage in a class of their own. Out of 216 reviews, 91.7% were positive, revealing a pattern of professional, courteous staff, careful handling of belongings, quick and efficient moves, and clear communication at all stages. Customers valued the team’s reliability and respect for property, with many highlighting stress-free experiences even in complicated moves. Positive input often mentioned exceeding cost or time expectations, showing the company's strong work ethic compared to typical movers. Negative feedback (7.4%) pointed to higher costs than expected, occasional damage or loss of items, and instances of unprofessional or slow crews. Undelivered promises on insurance and complaint follow-up also appeared in rare cases. Neutral reviews (0.9%) cited minor organizational mix-ups but still praised the staff’s friendliness and effectiveness. The feedback overwhelmingly shows Johnson & Daly operates at a higher standard than most, consistently earning trust for local and long-distance moves.
Get a Quote (415) 491-4444

Company Info

State license #: 159465

Years in Business: 46

DOT #: 2611854

Alternate Names: Johnson & Daly Moving & Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/GoodGreenMoving/, https://twitter.com/home
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Good Green Moving earns high marks for professionalism and efficiency, with nearly 89% of 341 customer feedback entries praising their staff's courtesy, clear communication, and careful handling of belongings. Customers frequently mention efficient service, stress-free moves, and quick, reliable crews—traits that set the company apart from many others in the industry. The reusable eco-friendly bins and transparent pricing also are widely appreciated. Negative feedback, making up about 11%, primarily centers on damaged items, poor follow-up from management, and late arrivals or missed time commitments. Some customers report unresolved complaints or lost belongings, especially with storage services. Compared to typical movers, Good Green Moving stands out for its positive staff interactions and above-average customer satisfaction, though a few reports of communication lapses and damaged property remind potential clients to clarify expectations for timing and claims handling.
Get a Quote (855) 613-4663

Company Info

State license #: 0191035

Pricing: $70/hr

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2604063

Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

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

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from San Rafael, check out these suggestions:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No minimum move size
  • Full-service packing
  • Short-term storage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 34+ yrs experience
  • Online chatbot
  • Car shipping

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

For a more relaxed DIY move from San Rafael, 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 Rafael:

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
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves

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

Rental trucks often come with the lowest base price for long-distance moves from San Rafael, but they also require the most effort. From packing to driving, you’ll be in charge every step of the way. Don’t forget to factor in hidden costs like fuel, mileage, and tolls—they can make a bigger dent in your budget than expected.

These are our recommended rental truck companies for long-distance relocations:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage

Labor-only moving companies in San Rafael, CA

Hiring labor-only movers means you take care of the truck and materials, and they take care of the muscle. From loading and unloading to assembling your furniture, it’s a streamlined way to get professional support without the full moving package.

These are some of the best labor-only moving companies for long-distance relocations from San Rafael, CA:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.52 / 5
  • Years in Business: 7
  • Yelp: 4.8 / 5
  • BBB: NR
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
  • Years in Business: 25
  • Yelp: 4.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.66 / 5
  • Years in Business: 46
  • Yelp: 4.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+

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

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

How we chose the best long-distance movers in San Rafael, CAtoggle

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 Rafael, CA

The average cost for professional movers in California is $122 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Here’s the average long-distance move cost from San Rafael, CA to popular cities:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
Huntsville, AL 2,313 miles 3 bedroom $6,082 - $8,874
Chicago, IL 2,128 miles 2 bedroom $4,292 - $7,955
Billings, MT 1,160 miles 1 bedroom $2,882 - $5,903

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of San Rafael, 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?toggle

Any moving company helping you leave California must have the proper licenses and a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. All the San Rafael movers we recommend meet these requirements, but you can verify credentials yourself through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you're planning a move across state lines, make sure to review the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide.

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

For a move within the same city, a local moving company in San Rafael will typically be your most affordable option. But if you're planning a move out of California, a national provider like Safeway Moving brings more long-distance experience.

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

The moving industry in San Rafael tends to slow down in November and December because of the holidays and school schedules. That means you may be able to negotiate a better rate with movers and save during that time.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of San Rafael?toggle

The most affordable way to move, especially within 50 miles of San Rafael, is to go the DIY route. Your cheapest bets usually include renting a moving truck like U-Haul or using a moving container company like PODS. For more budget-saving tips, check out our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Long-distance movers in nearby cities

See More
See Less

Helpful San Rafael Resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All