The BEST Movers in Santa Maria, CA (2024 Guide)

Our Top Pick: If you're moving locally in Santa Maria, our top pick is Meathead Movers. We've rated them 5 out of 5 stars. If your move extends beyond Santa Maria, our well-curated guide on the best movers in California is a valuable resource.


The key to a successful move in Santa Maria is choosing the right movers. Whether you're relocating within Santa Maria, across California, or seeking the best interstate moving companies for an out-of-state move, our unbiased reviews will help you choose the right moving company for you.

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
Licensedcheckmark
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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 Maria, CA

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 Maria, CA

  1. Meathead Movers, 5 out of 5
  2. Martian Movers, 4.76 out of 5
  3. Aussie Moving, 4.66 out of 5
  4. Aloha Moving, 4.66 out of 5
  5. Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc, 4.62 out of 5

Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar5 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 26

3600 S Higuera St,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Meathead Movers, based in San Luis Obispo, CA, stands out amongst local moving companies due to their extensive experience, having been in the industry since 1997. They offer a full range of services which extends beyond local residential moves. They excel in providing long-distance residential moving services, office moves, as well as meticulous packing and unpacking services. One distinguishing feature of Meathead Movers is their no-deposit policy, a rare quality amongst their competitors. This beloved company has earned customers' trust, confirmed by over 500 reviews across Yelp and Google My Business, maintaining an admirable average rating of 4.0 and 4.3 respectively. Their commitment to excellence is further endorsed by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, making them a top choice for individuals and businesses on the move.

Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Meathead Packers
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Martian Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 3196615

Years in Business: 7

901 Buckley Rd,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Get a Quote (805) 549-5122

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Cal-Safe Movers
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Aussie Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2424966

Years in Business: 17

3905 State St #7-324,
Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Aussie Moving, a Santa Barbara-based moving company, has been serving customers with exemplary service since 2006. Not only do they offer local and long-distance moving services, but they are also skilled in facilitating international moves. Despite the extensive range of services, their expertise doesn't end there. They also cater to office moves and offer packing, unpacking, and crating services. Uniquely equipped to move special items such as pianos, art, and antiques, Aussie Moving stands apart from other moving companies in the area. Their commitment to the hassle-free customer experience is evident in their payment requirements, accepting credit cards and eliminating the need for deposits. Online reviews reflect their excellence, boasting a stellar 5.0 average rating from 45 reviews on Yelp, a 4.8 average from 44 Google My Business reviews, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other movers in the vicinity, Aussie Moving’s reputation shines brightly in the moving industry. Their applaudable track record of satisfied customers places them as a leading choice when considering moving companies in and around Santa Barbara, California.

Get a Quote (805) 456-6498

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Aloha Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2660138

Years in Business: 24

226 W Mason St,
Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Aloha Moving, established in 1999, is a seasoned moving company that offers an array of services in and around Santa Barbara, CA. Compared to other local providers, they not only specialize in local residential moves but also offer long-distance, international, and office moving services. Unique features such as piano, pool table, art, and antique moving set them apart from local competitors. Their comprehensive service package includes packing, unpacking, and crating services. Mirroring their commitment to customer satisfaction, no deposit is required to kick-start their services. Their stellar reputation is evidenced by a 4.5 rating from 16 reviews on Yelp, a perfect 5.0 score from 79 reviews on Google My Business, and an exemplary A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Despite the breadth and quality of their offerings, they remain competitively priced, making them a prudent choice for prospective clients.

Get a Quote (805) 564-8800

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

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

Additional Information

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Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 2645119

Years in Business: 35

102 Powers Ave,
Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc. is a long-standing moving company that has been serving the Santa Barbara, CA area since 1988. Compared to other local companies, they offer a comprehensive array of services, which include local, long distance and international moving services - not limited to just residential, but also office moves. They stand out in their detailed offerings such as packing, unpacking, crating services, and even the provision of labor only services. Unlike many movers, Hazelwood Allied can handle special items including pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, and safes. The company is also flexible in terms of payment, accepting both cash and credit cards, with no deposit required - a remarkable feature uncharacteristic of many nearby moving companies. For customers seeking peace of mind, they provide full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking. Hazelwood Allied not only offers storage, but excels in customer satisfaction, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.5 on Yelp from 16 reviews, a perfect 5.0 on Google My Business from 23 reviews, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Get a Quote (805) 963-4493

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Hazelwood Moving and Storage
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Best movers for those moving out of California

  1. Safeway Moving, 4.5 out of 5
  2. American Van Lines, 4.5 out of 5
  3. Mayzlin Relocation, 4.45 out of 5
  4. North American Van Lines, 4.25 out of 5
  5. JK Moving Services, 4.25 out of 5
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
Insuredcheckmark
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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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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 Maria 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
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
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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 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 $446 $136 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $571 $134 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $858 $192 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,900 $269 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,144 $266 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,353 $376 5 movers 10 hours

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.
  • Experience for your move: 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 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.

Learn more: The cheapest time to move

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?

Helpful Santa Maria Resources

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