Best Movers Near Santa Barbara, CA (2025 Guide)
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: Our team has reviewed 370 California movers, and our top pick for local moves in Santa Barbara, CA, is Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc based on pricing, services, and customer reviews. For long-distance and out-of-state moves from Santa Barbara, we recommend Safeway Moving because they provide a good balance of quality service and affordability.
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Safeway Moving
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Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc
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Safeway Moving
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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 movers for those moving locally in Santa Barbara, CA
Getting ready to move in Santa Barbara or somewhere within 50 miles like Goleta or University of California-Santa Barbara? Check out these local moving companies. They’re recognized for their reliable service and competitive pricing.
- Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Aloha Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Unique Moving Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0102801
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2645119
Alternate Names: Hazelwood Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191816
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2660138
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 0173549
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 2645059
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0188950
Years in Business: 37
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
Best movers for those moving out of California
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving California for a new state:
- 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
rating
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- 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
Best moving containers in Santa Barbara, CA
With moving containers, you get the flexibility to pack and unpack whenever it suits you, while a pro handles all the driving and delivery. Unlike renting a truck and doing it all yourself — including navigating traffic — you can relax while someone else takes care of getting your things where they need to go.
Container pricing in Santa Barbara varies based on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. For the best value, get quotes from several companies and look closely at the cost and services included.
Kick off your move by checking out these top-rated moving container companies.
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Best rental trucks for your Santa Barbara, CA move
If you want the most affordable way to move out of state or within Santa Barbara, renting a moving truck is your best bet. In California, you’ll typically pay a daily base rate of $19–$39, plus $0.79–$1.09 per mile.
Renting a truck is definitely easier on your wallet than going with full-service movers or a moving container. Just keep in mind that you’ll be in charge of everything, from packing up to doing all the driving.
For a full DIY move, check out our favorite truck rental companies.
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Labor-only movers in Santa Barbara, CA
If you’re renting a moving truck or container but need some muscle for the heavy work, bringing in a labor-only moving company is the way to go. They’ll take care of the loading and unloading for you, and you can also get help with packing, taking furniture apart and putting it back together, or even setting up electronics and gym gear.
Check out our favorite labor-only movers in Santa Barbara:
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How we chose the best movers in Santa Barbara
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.
How do I find a reputable Santa Barbara mover?
If you’re searching for top movers in Santa Barbara, keep an eye out for these key qualities:
- A good reputation: Whether you prefer a family-run local mover or one of the top national van lines in California, reputation is everything. Stay alert for warning signs and check out these tips on avoiding common moving scams so you can enjoy a hassle-free move.
- Look into dispute resolution: No moving company is perfect, but how they respond to complaints says a lot. If you notice a mover in Santa Barbara consistently brushing off issues or ignoring complaints, it’s a definite red flag—look for a team that listens and takes your concerns seriously.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: Even if a mover in Santa Barbara gets glowing local reviews, that doesn’t automatically make them the best pick for your long-distance move. Be sure to choose a company with a solid track record of handling the kind of move you’re planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Santa Barbara movers offer free estimates, so take advantage of them! Make sure to compare quotes from multiple companies to score the best price for your move.
Great news — you can trust every Santa Barbara moving company featured here. The moveBuddha crew carefully selected these movers for their top-notch reliability and excellent service.
Planning a move within the state? Check out our list of the best moving companies in California.
Average cost of movers in Santa Barbara, California
Check out the table below for estimated prices on local moves in and around Santa Barbara. Want more details? Head over to our guide on the cost to move in California for a deeper dive into moving expenses.
These price ranges are just averages — what you’ll actually pay can vary a lot based on the details of your move. For a more precise estimate, try our moving cost calculator.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
Local moving costs in Santa Barbara
If you’re moving less than 50 miles within Santa Barbara, that counts as a local move. Renting a truck here means you’ll pay both a base fee anywhere from $19 to $39 plus a mileage charge, which ranges between $0.79 and $1.09 per mile.
Need an extra set of hands? On average, hiring movers in Santa Barbara will cost you just $100 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $446 | $140 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $586 | $140 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $894 | $196 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,950 | $274 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,224 | $274 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,378 | $384 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Santa Barbara will depend largely on the distance. Staying within 50 miles of Santa Barbara is generally more affordable, while moving your belongings 450 miles across California will cost you more.
- Move size: The more you pack, the more you’ll pay—larger moves need bigger trucks, which means higher prices. Heading out of Santa Barbara for a long-distance or interstate move? Movers typically calculate your cost based on the weight and size of everything you bring. To save some cash, take a look at our tips on decluttering and downsizing to lighten your load and lower your moving expenses.
- Moving method: Full-service movers tend to cost more, but they handle everything for you. If you want to save the most money, renting a truck is your best bet. Just be sure to weigh your options—saving cash isn’t worth it if you wind up overwhelmed without enough help on moving day.
- Additional services: Whichever moving option you choose, keep in mind that extras like packing help, heavy lifting, or full insurance coverage will likely come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Moving between May and September, which is prime moving season, usually comes with higher prices and fewer choices. For better rates and more flexibility, aim to schedule your move from October to April if you can.
FAQs
Will I need a parking permit for local moves in Santa Barbara?
The Residential Permit Parking Program manages parking in mixed-use areas by restricting non-resident vehicles to encourage turnover. Residents in designated areas may be eligible for parking permits exempting them from these restrictions.
To learn about parking permits in Santa Barbara, check out your local DOT website.
How can I make my Santa Barbara move more affordable?
If you need to save money on your Santa Barbara move, try scheduling during the off-season (October through April) and pick a weekday for the best rates. Don’t forget to ask your moving company about special deals or discounts, and don’t be afraid to negotiate to cut costs even more.
Is storage available through Santa Barbara movers?
Absolutely! Most moving companies in Santa Barbara offer both short-term and long-term storage options. Some have their own secure facilities, while others work with trusted third-party warehouses. Ask about available storage services and request quotes for any additional fees. If your Santa Barbara movers don’t provide the storage you need, reach out to at least three top-rated self-storage companies to compare. Reviewing all storage costs upfront will help you find the right fit for your move.
Is there a list of all movers in California?
Discover all your moving options in California by browsing our full directory of California moving companies.
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