The Best Long-Distance Movers in Santa Maria, CA

ryan carrigan moving expert
Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.
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.
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.
Need more help? Build your move plan.
Get Quote

Preferred partners

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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 Maria for those moving out of state

A move from Santa Maria to another state calls for a reliable long-distance mover. We've highlighted the companies that consistently deliver great service across state lines.

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841

Best long-distance movers in Santa Maria for those staying in state

Even if your move from Santa Maria keeps you within California, covering serious distance means it may still count as long-distance.

When relocating a few hundred miles in-state, we suggest working with one of the top long-distance movers.

These are our favorite picks for movers in Santa Maria, CA:

https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/MeatheadMovers
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
https://www.facebook.com/martianmoversca,
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: 8

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
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063674645817, https://x.com/asapmoversslo
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
https://www.facebook.com/louiescentralcoastmovers,
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: 8


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550062506328,
93% of all reviews were positive
5% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day becomes a breeze with Lompoc Van and Storage, say 93% of their customers. In 185 pieces of feedback, most praise the company's professional, friendly staff, fast-moving crews, efficiency, and care with belongings. Clients appreciate movers' politeness and quick turnaround. Many also highlight careful treatment of furniture and positive attitudes, making them feel at ease during their relocation. Lompoc's staff routinely earns top marks for professionalism and effective communication—traits that set them apart in the moving industry. A few negative reviews mention issues like damaged items, struggles to reach office staff, and unprofessional incidents, but these are rare compared to the volume of positive input. Three-star input notes occasional missteps in office coordination. Lompoc Van and Storage stands out for delivering fast, careful, and friendly service, putting it among the more reliable moving options compared to typical movers who often receive more mixed criticism.
Get a Quote (805) 736-2351

Company Info

State license #: 71804

Years in Business: 79

DOT #: 517055

Alternate Names: Lincoln Moving & Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage
  • DOD certified

Moving services available in Santa Maria

Not all moving companies offer extras such as piano moving, antique handling, or climate-controlled storage — and availability varies by region. The comparison below shows how many movers in Santa Maria, in the state, and nationwide provide these specialized services. That way, you can easily see whether local or national providers best meet your needs.

Storage

Comparing Santa Maria, CA, & national movers

Santa Maria
5 (100%)
out of 5 total movers
California
281 (88.64%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
2,321 (87.88%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Santa Maria storage movers

Custom-built crates

Comparing Santa Maria, CA, & national movers

Santa Maria
3 (60%)
out of 5 total movers
California
252 (79.5%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,721 (65.16%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Santa Maria custom crating movers

Antiques handling

Comparing Santa Maria, CA, & national movers

Santa Maria
2 (40%)
out of 5 total movers
California
201 (63.41%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,337 (50.62%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Santa Maria antique movers

Piano loading & unloading

Comparing Santa Maria, CA, & national movers

Santa Maria
4 (80%)
out of 5 total movers
California
263 (82.97%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
2,072 (78.46%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Santa Maria piano movers

Fragile-only packing

Comparing Santa Maria, CA, & national movers

Santa Maria
2 (40%)
out of 5 total movers
California
96 (30.28%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
678 (25.67%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Santa Maria fragile-only packing movers

Specialty art handling

Comparing Santa Maria, CA, & national movers

Santa Maria
1 (20%)
out of 5 total movers
California
199 (62.78%)
out of 317 total movers
Nationwide
1,319 (49.94%)
out of 2,641 total movers

Top Santa Maria art movers

Best long-distance movers in Santa Maria, CA, for small moves

Did you know that many professional movers have minimum weight requirements for your shipment? That means if you're only moving a small load, those movers may not be a viable option.

Luckily, some companies focus on small moves. So, if you're relocating a studio apartment or just a few pieces of furniture from Santa Maria, consider these options:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • No minimum move size
  • Full-service packing
  • Short-term storage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 34+ yrs experience
  • Online chatbot
  • Car shipping

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Santa Maria, CA

If you're moving from Santa Maria and want more control over your schedule, moving containers are a smart choice. You take care of the packing and loading on your own time, and the container company manages storage and delivery to your next home.

Below are our recommended container movers for long-distance relocations from Santa Maria:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves

Rental trucks in Santa Maria, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are usually the most budget-friendly option for a long-distance move from Santa Maria, but they also come with the most responsibility. You’ll be in charge of everything: packing, loading, driving, and unloading. While you can save money this way, mileage fees, tolls, and gas costs can add up quickly. It’s good to double-check these hidden costs to confirm that a truck rental really is the most affordable choice for your situation.

These are our top rental truck picks for long-distance moves:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage

Labor-only moving companies in Santa Maria, CA

With labor-only moving services, you get professional help for the hardest parts — lifting, packing, and assembling furniture — while you handle the transportation and supplies. It’s a smart, cost-effective way to lighten the load without going full-service.

Here are a few reliable labor-only movers we recommend for long-distance moves from Santa Maria, CA:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
  • Years in Business: 8
  • Yelp: 4.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.44 / 5
  • Years in Business: 23
  • Yelp: 4.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.38 / 5
  • Years in Business: 36
  • Yelp: 5 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Santa Maria, CA

Company Our Rating Quote
Safeway Moving starstarstarstarstar
4.85 overall rating
Get A Quote
American Van Lines starstarstarstarstar
4.5 overall rating
Get A Quote
North American Van Lines starstarstarstarstar
4.5 overall rating
Get A Quote
Allied Van Lines starstarstarstarstar
4.75 overall rating
Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Santa Maria, 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%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
  • Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Santa Maria, CA

Expect to pay around $122 per hour for professional movers in California. Of course, that’s just a starting point—factors like how far you’re going and how much you’re moving help the best long-distance movers generate an accurate quote.

Here’s a breakdown of average long-distance moving costs from Santa Maria, CA to top U.S. cities:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
Louisville, KY 2,206 miles 3 bedroom $4,823 - $7,399
New York City, NY 2,899 miles 2 bedroom $3,891 - $7,421
Fargo, ND 1,921 miles 1 bedroom $2,619 - $5,305

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Santa Maria, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in California.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

A moving company helping you move out of California must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the Santa Maria movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Is it better to use local or national movers to relocate from Santa Maria?

Santa Maria offers a manageable 9 movers, compared with 317 across California. For local or in-state moves, that’s usually plenty to find a reliable local moving company — and we’ve highlighted the standout ones.

If you’re going further than California, Safeway Moving is our preferred choice for long-distance relocations.

Which groups can get moving discounts in Santa Maria?

Some moving companies in Santa Maria reward specific communities with reduced prices: 2 movers provide financial breaks for active duty or retired military. 2 companies extend discounts to older adults.

Exact discount amounts and requirements differ by company, so always ask about eligibility when requesting a quote.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Santa Maria?

The moving industry in Santa Maria tends to slow down in November and December because of the holidays and school schedules. That means you may be able to negotiate a better rate with movers and save during that time.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Santa Maria?

The most affordable way to move, especially within 50 miles of Santa Maria, is to go the DIY route. Your cheapest bets usually include renting a moving truck like U-Haul or using a moving container company like PODS. For more budget-saving tips, check out our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.

Long-distance movers in nearby cities

See More
See Less

Helpful Santa Maria Resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All