The BEST Moving Companies in Santa Cruz, CA

Our Top Pick: If you’re moving locally in Santa Cruz, our top pick is Mod Movers. We’ve rated them 4.76 out of 5 stars. If you’re looking for an interstate moving company to handle your California move, we recommend Safeway Moving.

With 64,075 people living in Santa Cruz, the city sees its fair share of moving trucks. With an average moving cost of $99 per hour in Santa Cruz, finding a moving company that balances cost and quality is key.

Whether your new place is down the road or you’re looking for the best long-distance moving company, we’ve reviewed the best moving companies in Santa Cruz to make your next move a smooth transition.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

How we chose the best movers in Santa Cruz

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 313 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.

Best movers for those moving locally in Santa Cruz

Mod Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2983026

Years in Business: 6

1110 Airport Rd,
Monterey, CA 93940

Mod Movers, based out of Monterey, CA, stands head and shoulders above many local moving companies due to its comprehensive array of services and excellent customer feedback. In operation since 2017, they've built a solid reputation for both short and long-distance residential moves, as well as office relocations. Distinctly, they offer a holistic moving experience with packing, unpacking, and crating solutions which is not standard with all movers in the area. They specialize in fragile packing, meeting the specific needs of customers who wish to move precious items like pianos, pool tables, and art pieces. Uniquely, they do not require any deposit, and accept credit cards, making them more customer-friendly compared to some competitors. Evidence of their outstanding service is reflected in the high ratings of 4.5 from 56 reviews on Yelp and an impressive 4.9 from 245 reviews on Google My Business. Further cementing their credibility is an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In comparison to other moving companies in the vicinity, Mod Movers not only provides a varied service, but also one that's consistently reliable and high-quality, according to their customers.

Get a Quote (831) 480-0381

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

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Ninja Movers, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2967361

Years in Business: 6

401 Nelo St,
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Ninja Movers, Inc. is a highly-rated moving company with an established presence in the Santa Clara, CA area. In operation since 2017, the company has outshone many nearby competitors with their extensive range of services. Not only do they provide local and long-distance residential moving services, they also cater to office moves, offering additional packing, unpacking, and crating services. Ninja Movers truly stand out from the crowd with their unique capabilities of safely transporting pianos, art, antiques, and even safes. With a customer-friendly payment method, accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit, they offer full valuation insurance coverage for an added security. Their reputation speaks volumes, boasting 416 reviews on Yelp and 45 on Google My Business, with an average rating of 4.0 and 4.1 respectively. Moreover, they have earned the coveted A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, affirming their commitment to customer satisfaction and professionalism.

Get a Quote (408) 638-6963

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Ninja Movers
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All In Moving Systems

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2417086

Years in Business: 9

2081 Bering Dr,
San Jose, CA 95131

All In Moving Systems is a reputable moving company that stands as a significant player in the moving industry around San Jose, CA since 2014. In comparison to many other local moving companies, they handle both local and long distance residential moves with a skill level that is seen in their impressive Yelp score of 4.5 from 292 reviews and an even higher Google My Business average rating of 4.8 from 336 reviews. Unlike many competitors, All In Moving Systems also caters to office moves and provides comprehensive packing, unpacking, crating, and labor-only services. Their ability to move specialty items like pianos and safes further sets them apart. They accept credit card payments, and notably, do not require a deposit. Given their A+ Better Business Bureau rating, All In Moving Systems evidently surpasses most nearby moving companies in terms of reliability, professionalism, and customer satisfaction.

Get a Quote (888) 259-0707

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Professional Los Angeles Movers Inc
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Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 44159

Years in Business: 58

1353 Dayton St,
Salinas, CA 93901

Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc., based in Salinas, CA, stands out among local moving companies due to its extensive experience and wide range of services. Since 1965, they have offered exemplary local, long-distance, and even international residential moving services. Unlike many competitors, their expertise extends to office moves and specialized items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, and grandfather clocks. They provide comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and crating. Customers rave about their convenience, praising the company's no-deposit policy, acceptance of credit cards, and shipment tracking availability. Online reviews speak volumes about their dedication to customer satisfaction, with an impressive average rating of 4.5 on Yelp (from 11 reviews) and 4.4 on Google My Business (from 23 reviews). Their exceptional services have earned them an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, setting them apart in a crowded market.

Get a Quote (831) 424-2784

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Lunardi Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 2762936

Years in Business: 9

1856 Almaden Road
Unit 3,
San Jose, CA 95125

Lunardi Moving has established itself as a leader in the moving industry since their inception in 2014. Based in San Jose, CA, their expertise extends to local and long-distance residential moving, office relocations, as well as value-added packing and unpacking services. Standing out amongst their local competitors, Lunardi Moving is also adept at handling specialty items, including pianos, pool tables, artwork, and antiques, thus offering a comprehensive suite of moving services for their clientele. Lunardi Moving’s prominence is emphasized by a remarkably high customer satisfaction rating, with a stellar 5.0 average from 494 Yelp reviews and 4.7 from 45 Google My Business reviews, in addition to a prestigious A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. All these, coupled with the convenience of credit card payment and no required deposit, affirm the company’s commitment to customer-centered service.

Get a Quote (408) 849-9630

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Best movers for those moving out of California

Best Overall Value
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
  • Veteran owned
  • Long distance and cross country moves only
  • A portion of every move is donated to charity
read our full review
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

93% of users select this mover

Best industry reputation
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Over 20 years in business
  • Excellent customer service score
  • Best pricing we've seen
  • Can handle last minute moves
read our full review
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

93% of users select this mover

Best Upfront Pricing
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Family owned with locations covering the east coast
  • Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
  • Packing and unpacking services available
  • Handle residential, corporate, and military moves
read our full review
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

93% of users select this mover

Best for complex moves
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Over 74 years in business
  • More than 1,800 trucks in the fleet
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Top major moving company in the U.S.
  • Highest rated agent van line among moveBuddha customers
read our full review
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

93% of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
  • Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
  • Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
  • Over 40k moves in the past 3 years
  • Available Financing as low as 0% Interest for low monthly payments
  • Extremely responsive customer service
read our full review
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

93% of users select this mover

Alternative Santa Cruz moving options

Moving Containers

  1. U-Pack: 5 out of 5
  2. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
Best value container
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Labor Only

  1. HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
  2. Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Get A Quote
(866) 774-5063

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
Get A Quote
(866) 774-5063

93% of users select this mover

Full DIY

  1. U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
  2. Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

93% of users select this mover

Most Reliable
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

93% of users select this mover

Average cost of movers in Santa Cruz

The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Santa Cruz area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in California for more pricing info.

Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.

You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimates.

Local moving costs in Santa Cruz

If you’re moving within 50 miles of Santa Cruz, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Santa Cruz, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.89 per mile to $1.39 per mile.

And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Santa Cruz is $99 per hour.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $377 $139 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $516 $139 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $820 $194 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,870 $272 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,142 $272 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,278 $380 5 movers 10 hours

How do I find a reputable Santa Cruz mover?

If you’re looking for the best movers in Santa Cruz, here’s what you should look for:

  • A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Santa Cruz or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over California, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
  • Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Santa Cruz has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
  • Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Santa Cruz may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
  • Get multiple estimates: Reputable Santa Cruz movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.

Fortunately, the Santa Cruz movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.

If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in California.

FAQs

Do I need to get a parking permit for movers in Santa Cruz?

Only the slip licensee of record may pick up parking permits. Bring photo ID, vessel documentation/registration, and proof of current insurance to receive stickers from the harbor office, open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For more info on parking permits in Santa Cruz, visit the local DOT website.

How can I save money when hiring a Santa Cruz moving company?

It’s almost always cheaper to hire a moving company in Santa Cruz outside of their busy season. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.

Now that you know when moving companies in Santa Cruz are less busy, you can use that to negotiate your moving costs.

Do Santa Cruz movers offer storage?

Yes, depending on your storage needs most moving companies in Santa Cruz do offer both short and long-term storage units.

However, while some have their own storage facilities, others don't, in which case they may store your items at a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about storage facilities and getting quotes when screening prospective movers early on in the moving process.

If your Santa Cruz mover doesn’t offer storage - or you need services beyond what they can provide - reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.

Should you use your mover's storage solutions?

What is there to do in Santa Cruz?

Some popular attractions in Santa Cruz include:

  • West Cliff Drive
  • Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
  • Santa Cruz Wharf
  • Natural Bridges State Beach
  • Mystery Spot
  • Wilder Ranch State Park
  • Seymour Marine Discovery Center
  • UCSC Arboretum
  • University of California at Santa Cruz
  • Santa Cruz Surfing Museum

How’s the job market in Santa Cruz?

Santa Cruz’s unemployment rate is at 4.5%. Looking for a job in the “Surf City”? Let us help you start looking, here’s a list of the top employers in Santa Cruz:

  • Poly
  • Blackburn-Design
  • Ircon, Inc
  • Santa Cruz Seaside Company Inc
  • Goodwill Central Coast
  • Joby Aviation
  • Santa Cruz Medical Foundation
  • Looker
  • Encompass Community Services
  • Santa Cruz Nutritionals

How can I see all moving companies in California?

You can find all moving companies in California be clicking here.

Helpful Santa Cruz Resources

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