Best Movers Near Santa Maria, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: We evaluated 277 California movers, and Meathead Movers rose to the top for local moves in Santa Maria, CA, due to their competitive pricing, range of options, and positive customer feedback. Our choice for long-distance or out-of-state relocations from California, is Safeway Moving. We like that they maintain reasonable rates without skimping on service quality.

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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 CA mover:

Meathead Movers

4.9
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 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

5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Santa Maria, CA

If you're planning a move within Santa Maria or to a nearby California city no more than 50 miles away like Orcutt or Nipomo, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

Meathead Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Martian Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
ASAP Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Louie’s Central Coast Movers: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Central Coast Moving Co.: 4.1 out of 5 stars

Meathead Movers

3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

85% of all reviews were positive

12% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving made easy—fast, careful, and professional. Across 534 customer accounts, 85% were satisfied with Meathead Movers, who consistently impress with prompt, efficient service, courteous staff, careful attention to belongings, and effective communication. Many point to their speed, skill, and ability to reduce moving stress as unmatched compared to other movers.

Staff go out of their way to ensure everything is handled safely and customers feel supported throughout. Most praise the company’s organization and transparency, with workers often finishing ahead of schedule and providing clear updates. While Meathead stands out for reliability, a number of customers highlighted problems including damage to items, higher-than-expected costs than initial estimates, and issues with packing quality—especially when using packing services. Some experienced final bills much greater than the quotes they received, contributing to frustration. A few customers also reported items arriving broken or poor claim handling after reporting damage. Compared to other moving firms, feedback shows Meathead’s team typically provides a smoother, faster, and friendlier move—but attention to better estimate accuracy and meticulous packing would boost trust even further.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

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 credit card

Martian Movers

901 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

95% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Rave reviews pour in for Martian Movers, spotlighting efficient service, polite staff, careful handling, fast move times, and reliable communication. Among 295 reviews, 95% of feedback describes stress-free moves by friendly, professional crews attentive to property and timing. Clients often mention rapid service, courteous demeanor, and exceptional care with belongings—even challenging items like pianos—setting them apart from less consistent competitors.

For value, they frequently finish under quoted prices, with transparent estimates and easy scheduling. Less than 5% of feedback details significant issues during long-distance moves, including damaged items, late deliveries, unreliable timing, and poor handling. Some clients cite missed arrival windows, mishandling, or lack of follow-up on claims for damages. For most customers, though, reviews indicate Martian Movers outperforms other moving companies on efficiency, professionalism, and customer care, while a few experienced notable problems with high-value or out-of-area jobs.

Get a Quote (805) 549-5122

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3196615

Alternate Names: Cal-Safe Movers

Services Offered

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

ASAP Movers

925 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

94% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

ASAP Movers earns top scores with 94% of customer feedback highlighting efficient service and highly professional, polite staff. Most people praise how carefully their belongings are handled and how quickly moves are completed, with clear communication throughout each step. While most customers note friendly, attentive teams, a handful cite concerns over damaged items or unprofessional behavior, and some mention lapses in communication.

The company’s strong record for reliability and care outpaces many competitors, but those seeking flawless handling should remain mindful of rare, but notable, incidents involving broken or mishandled property. With over 400 reviews analyzed, ASAP Movers stands out for dependable, courteous service at a competitive price.

Get a Quote (805) 544-9222

Company Info

State license #: 0190288

Years in Business: 23

DOT #: 1278931

Alternate Names: A S A P Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Louie’s Central Coast Movers

810 E. Stanford Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454 US

95% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving with Louie’s Central Coast Movers means getting a crew praised for professionalism, attention to detail, and quick, careful service—95% of 82 customer reviews gave positive feedback. Customers repeatedly point to their friendly attitude, precise handling of valuable items, clear communication, and being highly recommended. People who chose Louie’s for tricky jobs like pianos or hot tubs felt confident thanks to expert knowledge and affordable rates.

A few customers faced problems such as surprise costs, late arrivals, or unmet promises. While the rare negative feedback focused on these issues, the overwhelming majority were so satisfied they’d hire Louie’s again. Compared to other local movers, Louie’s earns stronger praise for reliability and customer care, with just a handful of higher-cost or timing complaints. Their consistently positive feedback makes them stand out as a top choice for careful, professional moving in the region.

Get a Quote (805) 925-7923

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Central Coast Moving Co.

614 S Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454 US

94% of all reviews were positive

6% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving day gets a high score with Central Coast Moving Co., where 30 out of 32 customers shared positive feedback. Clients frequently mention the movers’ professionalism, respectful approach, and skillful care for belongings. Many found the team fast, communicative, and attentive, with organized packing and careful handling standing out.

On the downside, two reviews describe significant delays and unexpected additional charges, plus failed communication when problems occurred. Central Coast Moving Co. stands out for reliability and friendly service compared to similar businesses, but some customers experienced issues with timing and billing. Most customers felt confident choosing this company for their next move, thanks to efficient and courteous service.

Get a Quote (805) 600-5636

Company Info

Services Offered

Local moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Other local CA movers

While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

If you're relocating from California to a new state, choosing a trusted interstate moving company is key to making the transition smooth. Here are a few of our top picks to get you started:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Santa Maria, CA

While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your Santa Maria, California relocation, it will also likely be the most expensive route. To save some money, you may want to consider using one of the top moving container companies, or moving truck rental companies in Santa Maria instead.

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

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

See less

How we chose the best movers in Santa Maria, CA

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 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.

Average cost of movers in Santa Maria, CA

Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Santa Maria area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in California.

Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$466	$136	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$602	$136	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$900	$190	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,925	$266	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,190	$266	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$3,310	$372	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Santa Maria, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Santa Maria, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Meathead Movers	4.9/5	A+	4.1/5	4.7/5
Martian Movers	4.8/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
ASAP Movers	4.7/5	A+	4.7/5	4.8/5
Louie’s Central Coast Movers	4.3/5	NR	4.8/5	5/5
Central Coast Moving Co.	4.1/5		1/5	4.8/5
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.7/5	A+	4.5/5	4.8/5
Aloha Moving	4.7/5	A+	4.4/5	5/5
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc	4.6/5	A+	4.5/5	5/5
Lompoc Van and Storage	3.9/5	NR		/5
Bellhop Moving	4/5		4/5	/5

FAQs

How do I know if my mover is properly licensed?

When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.

All of the movers on our list are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in California list for more recommendations.

How do I find a reputable Santa Maria mover?

Looking for a reliable Santa Maria moving company can be difficult, but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:

Reputation: A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a seasoned van lines company.
Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints. Every Santa Maria moving company will face customer issues. The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
Relevant experience: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves, they may not have the experience needed to handle a cross-country move. Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.

Do Santa Maria moving companies handle long-distance moves?

Some of the moving companies that service Santa Maria can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services. If you're moving out of state, see our list of the best long distance movers in Santa Maria.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in Santa Maria, CA?

The cheapest day to hire a mover in Santa Maria, California, will typically be a weekday, since weekends are typically busier times for moving. In general, the cheapest time to move is between October and April. The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.

The earlier you book your move from Santa Maria, the better. Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money. Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote, as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state from Santa Maria, CA?

Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within Santa Maria, California. Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and driving.

Are moving containers a good idea for my move from Santa Maria?

Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Once you’re loaded up and ready to move, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.

What if I need help loading my moving container in Santa Maria?

Labor-only moving companies can be a great addition to a more DIY move done with a rental moving truck or moving container. Hiring third-party assistance with loading and unloading can help cut down on the workload and make your move quicker and more efficient.

Do Santa Maria movers offer storage?

Most Santa Maria moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some Santa Maria movers use third-party warehouses to store your items. It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?