The Best Long-Distance Movers in San Rafael, CA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Dec 2, 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.

Best local mover:

Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage

4.52
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Preferred partner:

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

4.64
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage

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	4.64 / 5
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.34 / 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 Rafael for those moving out of state

If you're moving out of San Rafael and heading beyond California's borders, here are our top picks for interstate moving companies:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
North 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

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

4.5 / 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

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

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

Are you moving from San Rafael but staying in California? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within California is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top San Rafael, CA, movers:

Preferred Partner

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Dependable Movers, LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

274 Wattis Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080 US

87% of all reviews were positive

12% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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: 15

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

Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage

110 Belvedere St., San Rafael, CA 94901 US

92% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

NorthStar Moving Company

One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA 94104 US

92% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

Luigy's Moving & Storage

5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112 US

94% of all reviews were positive

6% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

Dependable Movers, LLC

1135 Mason Court Unit G, San Francisco, CA 94130 US

93% of all reviews were positive

6% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Dependable Movers, LLC delivers outstanding performance on the majority of moves, as shown by analyzing 717 pieces of customer feedback—an impressive 93% are positive. Customers routinely compliment the company for being efficient, handling belongings with care, maintaining professional and polite staff, moving quickly, and communicating well. Many reviewers note a painless moving process, with careful packing and prompt, friendly crews. Some clients highlight transparent pricing and easy booking, making the experience less stressful than with other companies. On the other hand, a small percentage of feedback points to costly surprises, with several reports of damage to furniture or personal belongings. Other issues include charges higher than estimated and delays in arrival or delivery. A few customers also mention frustration with claims handling after items were damaged or lost. Compared to industry norms, Dependable Movers receives more consistent praise for professionalism and speed, but should address cost transparency and claims resolution to keep leading the pack.

Get a Quote (415) 569-3523

Company Info

State license #: 0191786

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3098516

Services Offered

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

Gentle Giant Moving Company

361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080 US

95% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

Top San Rafael fragile-only packing movers

Company	Quote	Rating
Dependable Movers, LLC	Get A Quote	4.44 / 5
Good Green Moving	Get A Quote	4.44 / 5
West Coast Moving Systems, Inc	Get A Quote	4.52 / 5

Specialty art handling

Comparing San Rafael, CA, & national movers

San Rafael

45 (80.36%)

out of 56 total movers

California

199 (62.78%)

out of 317 total movers

Nationwide

1,319 (49.94%)

out of 2,641 total movers

Top San Rafael art movers

Company	Quote	Rating
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.	Get A Quote	4.64 / 5
Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage	Get A Quote	4.52 / 5
NorthStar Moving Company	Get A Quote	4.52 / 5
Luigy's Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.52 / 5
Dependable Movers, LLC	Get A Quote	4.44 / 5

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

Most professional moving companies won’t take on moves below a certain weight limit. That means small relocations often don’t qualify for their services.

The good news? Some movers specialize in small moves. So if you're heading out of San Rafael with only a few items or a studio’s worth of furniture, check out these recommendations:

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 Rafael, CA

Moving containers, also known as moving pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from San Rafael at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from San Rafael include:

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 Rafael, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from San Rafael, 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 Rafael, CA

Labor-only movers are perfect when you need extra hands but not a full-service moving truck. They’ll handle the packing, heavy lifting, and even furniture assembly, while you’re in charge of the truck and materials.

Check out these top-rated labor-only moving companies for long-distance moves from San Rafael, CA:

Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage

rating

4.52 / 5

Years in Business: 46
Yelp: 4.7 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(415) 491-4444

Luigy's Moving & Storage

rating

4.52 / 5

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

Get A Quote

(415) 413-4646

Dependable Movers, LLC

rating

4.44 / 5

Years in Business: 6
Yelp: 4.7 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(415) 569-3523

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

Company	Our Rating	Quote
Safeway Moving	4.85 overall rating	Get A Quote
American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote
North 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

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

Expect to pay around $122 per hour for professional movers in California. Of course, that’s just a starting point—factors like how far you’re going and how much you’re moving help the best long-distance movers generate an accurate quote.

Here’s a breakdown of average long-distance moving costs from San Rafael, CA to top U.S. cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Waterbury, CT	2,973 miles	3 bedroom	$5,429 - $8,621
Portland, ME	3,193 miles	2 bedroom	$4,374 - $7,401
Burlington, VT	3,010 miles	1 bedroom	$2,812 - $6,208

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?

Movers helping you relocate from California must carry proper licensing and a USDOT number. All San Rafael movers on our list meet these standards, but you can confirm this info yourself via the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

Don’t forget to check out the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet before your interstate move.

Is it better to use local or national movers to relocate from San Rafael?

San Rafael offers a manageable 10 movers, compared with 317 across California. For local or in-state moves, that’s usually plenty to find a reliable local moving company — and we’ve highlighted the standout ones.

If you’re going further than California, Safeway Moving is our preferred choice for long-distance relocations.

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

Moving companies in San Rafael 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 Rafael?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of San Rafael. The cheapest options for moving out of San Rafael 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.