The Best Long-Distance Movers in Santa Cruz, CA
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Let's get moving.
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Best California Movers
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Safeway Moving
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Lambert & Son Moving
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MiniMoves
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PODS
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HireAHelper
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U-Haul Truck Rental
Preferred partners
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 Santa Cruz when moving out of state
When you are getting ready to relocate from California, take a look at our top choices for the best interstate movers in Santa Cruz:
- 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 long-distance movers in Santa Cruz when staying in state
Even if you’re just relocating from Santa Cruz to another California city, your move could still be a couple hundred miles or more. In that case, hiring one of the top local long-distance movers is a smart choice.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies that are located within Santa Cruz:
Best California Movers
- Lambert & Son Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Fairprice Movers: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Lunardi Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- 831 Movers: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
State license #: 0189973
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3528657
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0190880
Years in Business: 2
DOT #: 2192738
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190625
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2762936
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191403
Years in Business: 9
Alternate Names: Services On Demand
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0102808
Years in Business: 52
DOT #: 45193
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
What add-on services do Santa Cruz movers offer?
Not all moving companies are equipped to handle the same specialty requests. In Santa Cruz, the mix of available services can look different from what’s common statewide or nationally.
We break down these differences below so you can see where Santa Cruz movers stand compared to California and the rest of the country, followed by our top choices for each service.
Art handling
Comparing Santa Cruz, CA, & national movers
Santa Cruz
California
Nationwide
Top Santa Cruz art movers
Junk removal
Comparing Santa Cruz, CA, & national movers
Santa Cruz
California
Nationwide
Top Santa Cruz junk removal movers
Fragile-only packing
Comparing Santa Cruz, CA, & national movers
Santa Cruz
California
Nationwide
Storage
Comparing Santa Cruz, CA, & national movers
Santa Cruz
California
Nationwide
Top Santa Cruz storage movers
Hot tub relocation
Comparing Santa Cruz, CA, & national movers
Santa Cruz
California
Nationwide
Top Santa Cruz hot tub movers
Best long-distance movers in Santa Cruz for small moves
Big moving companies often won’t take jobs under 3,000 pounds, which makes things tricky if you're moving from a dorm, heading out of a studio, or just bringing a few essentials.
In those cases, turning to a Santa Cruz mover that specializes in small shipments is usually the way to go.
These are our top recommendations:
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Moving containers for long-distance moves in Santa Cruz
If you’re looking to cut costs on your move from Santa Cruz — whether it’s to another California city or across state lines — a moving container might be the right fit. You’ll do the loading and unloading yourself, but you get the flexibility of your own schedule, and someone else takes care of the driving.
Since prices depend on your distance, container size, and quantity, it’s smart to collect a few moving quotes to see what works best for your situation.
Here are some of the most reliable container companies to consider:
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Labor-only moving companies in Santa Cruz
You do the driving, they handle the lifting — that’s the beauty of working with a labor-only moving crew. It’s a solid option if you’re moving out of Santa Cruz and just need help on either end.
Check out these trusted companies:
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Rental trucks in Santa Cruz for a total DIY long-distance move
If you want to keep your moving costs as low as possible, doing everything yourself, from packing and loading to driving the truck, is your best bet. In Santa Cruz, you can rent a moving truck for just $19 to $39 per day, with additional mileage fees ranging from $0.89 to $1.39 per mile. If you’re up for the challenge, this DIY approach is hands-down the most budget-friendly way to move.
Here are the best moving truck rental choices in Santa Cruz to make your DIY move a breeze:
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How we chose the best long-distance movers in Santa Cruz, 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%): 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, expedited delivery, and more.
Read more about our moving company rating methodology.
Average cost of long-distance movers in Santa Cruz
In Santa Cruz, professional movers typically charge about $99 per hour. For the most accurate quote — even from the best interstate moving companies — you’ll want to provide specifics like how far you’re moving and how much stuff you have.
Factors that affect the cost of moving from Santa Cruz
- How long the trip is: How far you're moving is the biggest factor in how much you'll pay. Moving just a few hundred miles within California typically costs a lot less than making a cross-country trek from Santa Cruz.
- How much stuff you’re bringing: Since moving rates are based on the weight of your belongings, take time to create a detailed inventory for the most precise quote. Want to save money when moving out of Santa Cruz? Declutter and lighten your load before you pack.
- Extra help: Getting help with packing, unpacking, or extra hands can make your move a lot less stressful—but keep in mind, these add-on services will raise your overall price.
- The kind of mover you hire: Moving costs can differ a lot depending on whether you hire a full-service company, rent a moving container, or drive a rental truck yourself. Every move is unique, so think about your budget and what you need before deciding which option is right for you.
- The date you’re planning to move: When it comes to moving, timing is everything if you want to save money. Peak season runs through the summer, so you'll score the best rates by booking between October and April. For even bigger savings, try to move mid-month or on a weekday—these times are less popular, which means lower prices for you.
Looking for a quick, reliable estimate for your long-distance move? Try our moving cost calculator and get your price instantly. Curious to learn more? Check out our in-depth guide on moving costs in Santa Cruz.
FAQs
What else should I know about moving out of California?
Make sure your California moving company is fully licensed and has a valid US Department of Transportation number. Every Santa Cruz mover we recommend ticks both boxes. Want to be extra sure? You can verify any company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.
Thinking about moving to another state? Be sure to read the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide so you know what to expect and what protections you have during the process.
Should I choose a local or national mover for my Santa Cruz relocation?
For most moves starting in Santa Cruz, a local moving company will be the most affordable route. There are 39 local movers to pick from, and we’ve already spotlighted the best options so you don’t have to sort through them all.
When your move takes you beyond California, however, a national moving company may be worth the higher price tag thanks to their long-distance expertise and streamlined logistics.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Santa Cruz?
November and December are typically quieter times for moving companies in Santa Cruz, with colder temps (around 40°F), holiday plans, and the school year keeping most people in place. This slower season gives you a better shot at negotiating with movers and snagging deals you might not find during busier months. Find out how to negotiate with moving companies for even more savings.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Santa Cruz?
If you’re relocating less than 50 miles within Santa Cruz, doing it yourself is usually your best bet for saving cash. The cheapest moves out of the Surf City often come down to renting a moving truck (think U-Haul) or going with a moving container service like PODS. Want more money-saving hacks? Dive into our guide on the cheapest ways to move out of state.
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