Cheapest Movers in Santa Maria, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After comparing 278 moving companies in California, our recommended local mover in Santa Maria, CA, is Meathead Movers thanks to their pricing, variety of moving solutions, and great customer reviews. Safeway Moving earns our top pick for out-of-state or long-distance moves from California because they are affordable without cutting corners on service.

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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

4.86
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

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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:

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Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
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5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Santa Maria, CA

Whether you're moving within Santa Maria, relocating to nearby Orcutt or Nipomo, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away, are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

Meathead Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Martian Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
ASAP Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Meathead Movers

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

Customer Praise

Efficient service (29%)
Professional and polite staff (24%)
Careful handling (22%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (21%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
Unexpected charges (18%)

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

Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc

102 Powers Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (40%)
Professional and polite staff (36%)
Careful handling (32%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (28%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
Lack of communication (16%)

Review Analysis

Glowing responses from nearly all customers put Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage in a league above typical moving companies. Out of 26 pieces of feedback, 92% praised their professional, respectful crews, careful handling, and smooth, efficient service. Many noted reliable communication, organized packing, and trustworthy, skilled staff—traits often hard to find in competitors. Most customers found employees polite, timely, and diligent, with special care for valuable or fragile items. A few highlighted affordable, transparent pricing and personalized support for complex situations. One major complaint pointed to damage to belongings, unexpected high charges, and poor service when handling issues. Another user described rushed unpacking and careless treatment for a high price. Compared to other movers, Hazelwood stands out for consistent professionalism and care; complaints about property damage or costs remain rare exceptions rather than the norm.

Get a Quote (805) 963-4493

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

Martian Movers

901 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Friendly and polite staff (25%)
Careful handling (20%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (35%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
Unexpected charges (15%)

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

Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.

5390 Overpass Rd Suite E, Santa Barbara, CA 93111 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (40%)
Efficient service (38%)
Careful handling (36%)

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges (20%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Lack of communication (12%)

Review Analysis

A resounding chorus of praise sets Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. apart. Among 182 pieces of customer feedback, 94.5% describe excellent service, with standout mentions for their professionalism, efficient team, careful handling of belongings, strong communication skills, and swift work pace. Movers are frequently described as polite, helpful, and highly attentive, resulting in a stress-free move for many clients. Customers appreciate scheduling flexibility, transparency in pricing, and the company’s willingness to go the extra mile. In contrast, 3.8% voiced concerns such as unexpected charges, property damage, and negative interactions with office staff. A handful of neutral comments note dissatisfaction with claims reimbursements and clarity on insurance coverage. Mammoth’s high satisfaction rate and attention to detail put them a step ahead of most moving companies, especially in a field where reliability and professional conduct are paramount.

Get a Quote (805) 968-8643

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

ASAP Movers

925 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (35%)
Professional and polite staff (30%)
Careful handling (28%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (22%)
Unexpected charges (18%)
Lack of communication (15%)

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: 21

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

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

Going with a full-service mover for your Santa Maria, California move is the easiest way to go. That convenience can be costly, however. To keep moving costs lower, consider using one of the leading moving container companies, or a rental truck provider in Santa Maria.

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 278 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

Use the pricing table below to get a general sense of what local moving costs look like in and around Santa Maria. If you want more in-depth info, check out our full guide on moving costs in California.

Keep in mind that the moving quotes provided are just rough estimates. Your actual cost will depend on the specifics of your move. For a more accurate estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$461	$133	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$580	$136	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$873	$194	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,935	$260	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,204	$260	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$3,369	$369	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
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc	4.8/5	A+	4.5/5	5/5
Martian Movers	4.7/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.7/5	A+	4.5/5	4.8/5
ASAP Movers	4.7/5	A+	4.7/5	4.8/5
Aloha Moving	4.6/5	A+	4.4/5	5/5
Louie’s Central Coast Movers	4.3/5	NR	4.8/5	5/5
Bellhop Moving	4/5		4/5	/5
Central Coast Moving Co.	4/5		1/5	4.8/5
Lompoc Van and Storage	4/5	NR	/5	/5

FAQs

How can I tell if a moving company is 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.

We only feature movers that are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in California list to find vetted options.

What should I look for in a reputable Santa Maria mover?

Choosing a reputable Santa Maria moving company doesn’t have to be hard if you focus on a few key considerations:

Reputation: Whether it's a family-run business or a major van lines provider, their reputation tells you a lot about what to expect.
Dispute resolution: Companies with many unresolved issues are red flags. Even top Santa Maria movers have occasional hiccups— it’s how they handle them that matters.
Move-specific experience: Just because a mover is great for local jobs doesn't mean they’re ready for your long-distance move. Ask about their experience with moves like yours.

Are long-distance moves available through Santa Maria moving companies?

While some Santa Maria movers specialize in local jobs, others are equipped for long-distance moves, too. If you’re relocating out of state, browse our picks for the best long distance movers in Santa Maria.

Which day of the week is cheapest for hiring movers in Santa Maria, CA?

Movers in Santa Maria, California, are often cheaper to hire on weekdays, as weekends see higher demand and pricing. According to our research, the cheapest moving period is from October through April—outside the peak May to September season.

To cut costs, book your Santa Maria move as early as possible. Avoid high-demand days like weekends, holidays, and summer months. And be wary of movers who offer extremely low quotes. They might raise prices at the last minute.

What’s the most affordable way to relocate from Santa Maria, CA?

Renting a truck is often considered the cheapest way to move out of state or within Santa Maria, California. It’s also the most hands-on — expect to manage the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.

Is a moving container a good option for relocating from Santa Maria?

Moving containers let you move on your timeline, but keep in mind you’ll be doing all the loading and unloading yourself. After you're packed, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new home, eliminating the need to drive a moving truck.

What are my options for loading help with a moving container in Santa Maria?

Using a rental truck or container but need some muscle? Labor-only moving companies can help with just the loading and unloading. It’s a great way to make your move faster and easier while still keeping costs down.

Do movers in Santa Maria provide storage services?

Yes, most Santa Maria movers offer both short- and long-term storage. Just note that some use third-party warehouses, so it’s wise to ask upfront about where your things will be stored and how much it will cost.

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