The Best Long-Distance Movers in Santa Barbara, CA
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The best long-distance mover in Santa Barbara is Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.5/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of California, per moveBuddha's analysis of 374 California movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Santa Barbara?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Santa Barbara residents moving out of California are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Santa Barbara for in-state moves?
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.5/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Santa Barbara-based mover for long-distance moves within California, followed by Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc (4.36/5) and Aloha Moving (4.34/5). Of the 8 intrastate-capable movers serving Santa Barbara, 8 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Santa Barbara are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Santa Barbara but stay within California:
- Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Aloha Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Unique Moving Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 21 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like international moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 182 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 3.9
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc..
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Mammoth Moving & Storage makes my life so much easier. Everyone who works there goes the extra mile to help me. I really appreciate their work ethic and positive energy."
"The crew of four were polite and helpful. All my things were wrapped and loaded with great care. I recommend using Mammoth for your next move."
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc has been in business for 35 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.
Review quality 4.1
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 26 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.
Quote accuracy 4.0
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc.
Customer service 4.4
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc emphasizes clear communication, careful handling, and visibility during transit through shipment tracking.
Recent reviews
"Hazelwood was fantastic to work with. Len came to give an estimate, scheduled quickly, and the team was careful, patient, and professional. I totally trust and recommend Hazelwood—great service!"
"Casey and the whole team at Hazelwood did a fantastic job! The driver Fernando called to update arrival, belongings loaded quickly and carefully, and delivery came early. Highly recommend them!"
Professional and polite staff
Efficient service
Careful handling
Good communication
Quick moving process
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Aloha Moving has been in business for 24 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Aloha Moving has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 102 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.5.
Quote accuracy 3.7
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Aloha Moving.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Aloha Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Paul and his team were WONDERFUL! The movers were very professional and efficient, getting the job done faster than I anticipated. Moving is stressful and Paul and his team made this move the easiest one ever."
"Paul checked in with me before each move, his movers showed up on time, were clearly experienced, worked efficiently and took good care of our belongings. Their estimate was very competitive and accurate."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Friendly and approachable staff
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Unique Moving Inc. has been in business for 37 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and interstate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Unique Moving Inc. has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 259 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.2.
Quote accuracy 4.1
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Unique Moving Inc., and Unique Moving Inc. makes deposit expectations clear upfront.
Customer service 4.7
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Unique Moving Inc. emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Jeremy and Tom did an amazing job. They were professional, treated my belongings like they were their's and were also friendly and very accommodating. I highly recommend Unique Moving and Storage."
"Our second move with this company. They are professional, efficient, on time and take such pride in their work. Most of all they make moving day fun and effortless. I highly recommend them!"
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Quick moving process
Good communication
Show details Hide details
Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.7
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Meathead Movers has been in business for 23 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Meathead Movers has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 524 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.1.
Quote accuracy 4.2
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Meathead Movers.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Meathead Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"Movers were quick, efficient, and respectful. They did an amazing job wrapping furniture and placing items where I wanted them. No items were damaged and walls are still intact. Would highly recommend these movers and this moving company."
"The crew was friendly and handled everything like pros. They wrapped up my stuff with care and made sure nothing got scratched or damaged. They were quick and even helped me set up at the new place."
What add-on services do Santa Barbara movers offer?
Not every mover in Santa Barbara offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 8 Santa Barbara movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 87.5% of Santa Barbara movers, compared to 61.76% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 12.5% of Santa Barbara movers, compared to 19.25% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 37.5% of Santa Barbara movers, compared to 28.61% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 100.0% of Santa Barbara movers, compared to 86.1% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 75.0% of Santa Barbara movers, compared to 32.09% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 87.5% of Santa Barbara movers, compared to 79.41% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Santa Barbara's cost of living.
Does Santa Barbara have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 7 of 8 Santa Barbara movers (87.5%), compared to 61.76% statewide and 45.83% nationally. Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.5/5) and Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc (4.36/5) rate highest for art handling in Santa Barbara. Per-piece handling runs $78 to $775, with custom crates adding $233 to $310 per item.
| Art handling in Santa Barbara | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Barbara movers offering this | 7 of 8 (87.5%) |
| California statewide | 231 of 374 (61.76%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| Top-rated Santa Barbara art movers | Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc., Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc |
| Per-piece handling fee | $78 to $775 |
| Custom crating per item | $233 to $310 |
Framed artwork and sculpture face 3 distinct risks in transit: UV exposure, humidity fluctuation, and impact fractures. Standard moving blankets mitigate only the third and only partially. Art movers use archival materials and custom crates sized to each piece to address all 3. Direct experience with the specific media, whether oil on canvas, bronze, or photography, matters more than general fine art credentials.
Does Santa Barbara have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 1 of 8 Santa Barbara movers (12.5%), compared to 19.25% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc (4.36/5) rate highest for junk removal in Santa Barbara. Standalone junk removal typically runs $233 to $775 per load.
| Junk removal in Santa Barbara | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Barbara movers offering this | 1 of 8 (12.5%) |
| California statewide | 72 of 374 (19.25%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Santa Barbara junk removal movers | Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc |
| Typical cost per load | $233 to $775 |
| Single large item | $116 to $233 |
Junk removal is most cost-effective when bundled with a move, since the crew is already on-site and items removed from the shipment lower the final billable weight. For electronics and appliances, confirm the mover follows local disposal regulations before booking, since fines for improper disposal can exceed the cost of the service itself.
Does Santa Barbara have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 3 of 8 Santa Barbara movers (37.5%), compared to 28.61% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Unique Moving Inc. (4.56/5) and Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.5/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Santa Barbara. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.
| Fragile-only packing in Santa Barbara | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Barbara movers offering this | 3 of 8 (37.5%) |
| California statewide | 107 of 374 (28.61%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Santa Barbara providers | Unique Moving Inc., Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc. |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps are the items most frequently damaged in transit and the ones that benefit most from professional packing materials and technique. Fragile-only packing covers those categories specifically, without the cost of a full-service contract. Before booking, confirm the mover's valuation policy covers fragile-only packed items, since some companies exclude liability for items their crew did not pack.
Does Santa Barbara have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 8 of 8 Santa Barbara movers (100.0%), compared to 86.1% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.5/5) and Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc (4.36/5) rate highest for storage in Santa Barbara. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $398/month.
| Storage in Santa Barbara | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Barbara movers offering this | 8 of 8 (100.0%) |
| California statewide | 322 of 374 (86.1%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Santa Barbara storage movers | Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc., Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $398 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $775 |
Storage-in-transit is billed at roughly $0.50 per cubic foot per month. A 1-bedroom load at approximately 514 cubic feet runs about $398 per month. Confirm whether the mover bills from delivery to their warehouse or from the original pickup date, since the two methods produce different totals for the same storage window.
Does Santa Barbara have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 6 of 8 Santa Barbara movers (75.0%), compared to 32.09% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.5/5) and Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc (4.36/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Santa Barbara. Hot tub moves typically run $233 to $620 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Santa Barbara | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Barbara movers offering this | 6 of 8 (75.0%) |
| California statewide | 120 of 374 (32.09%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Santa Barbara hot tub movers | Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc., Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc |
| Bundled with full-service move | $233 to $620 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $465 to $1,240 |
A standard hot tub weighs 500 to 1,000 lbs when empty and must be fully drained before pickup. Moving one requires a flatbed or specialized dolly, a crew of at least 3, and often a crane or lift gate if the unit is in a backyard with no direct truck access. Bundling hot tub service into a full-service move costs less than a standalone specialty carrier in most cases.
Does Santa Barbara have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 7 of 8 Santa Barbara movers (87.5%), compared to 79.41% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.5/5) and Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc (4.36/5) rate highest for piano moving in Santa Barbara. A standalone piano move typically costs $1,240 to $5,425, depending on instrument type.
| Piano moving in Santa Barbara | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Barbara movers offering this | 7 of 8 (87.5%) |
| California statewide | 297 of 374 (79.41%) |
| National average | 72.52% |
| Top-rated Santa Barbara piano movers | Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc., Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc |
| Upright piano | $1,240 to $2,325 |
| Baby grand piano | $1,860 to $3,875 |
| Grand piano | $2,790 to $5,425 |
Piano moving is a distinct skill set. Uprights run 400 to 800 lbs and grands exceed 1,200 lbs, and both require piano boards, straps, and padded blankets that standard crews do not carry. Structural damage to a soundboard or cabinet is not covered under released-value protection at $0.60 per pound, making full valuation coverage worth requesting specifically for the instrument. Bundling piano moving into a full-service household move is typically the most cost-effective approach.
Who are the best movers in Santa Barbara for small long-distance moves?
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc leads Santa Barbara's small-move providers with a 4.36/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc. at 4.5/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Santa Barbara?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Santa Barbara. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Santa Barbara residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Santa Barbara?
4 of 8 Santa Barbara movers (50.0%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.14% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc (4.36/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Santa Barbara, followed by Unique Moving Inc. (4.56/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Santa Barbara residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Santa Barbara moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Santa Barbara. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Santa Barbara?
Moving costs across California range from $436 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $171/hour) to $4,028 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of California mover quotes. The table below shows California statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Santa Barbara will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from California* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $436 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $608 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $985 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,281 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,617 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,028 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in California. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects California statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Santa Barbara?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Santa Barbara move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Santa Barbara, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Santa Barbara
What should I know about mover licensing before leaving Santa Barbara?
Interstate movers in Santa Barbara are required to hold a USDOT number and maintain active FMCSA registration before hauling goods across state lines. Of the 8 movers moveBuddha tracks in Santa Barbara, 8 carry that federal authorization. All companies recommended on this page are fully licensed. Verify any mover's credentials in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database before signing a contract.
The FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move outlines the consumer protections and mover obligations that govern every interstate shipment.
Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of Santa Barbara?
For moves within California, a local moving company in Santa Barbara is the more budget-friendly option. moveBuddha has reviewed 8 movers in Santa Barbara, with 8 licensed for interstate routes. The standout options are highlighted on this page.
If the destination is outside California, national movers cost more but bring proven cross-state logistics, an advantage that matters most when route complexity and distance are both high.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Santa Barbara?
Late fall and early winter are the lowest-demand months for movers in Santa Barbara. With average winter lows around 43°F, fewer residents choose to move, mover capacity is higher, and quote flexibility increases. That is the best window to negotiate your rate. Booking in November or December typically means shorter lead times and more pricing flexibility than peak-season summer moves.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Santa Barbara?
For most people leaving the The American Riviera, a DIY approach is the most cost-effective option, particularly for moves within 50 miles. moveBuddha's data shows that rental trucks and moving containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service movers on comparable routes. The go-to choices are a rental truck like U-Haul or a moving container such as PODS. See our full breakdown in the guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
