Quick answer:
After reviewing 277 California movers,
our top pick for local moves in Santa Monica, CA,
is Best California Movers based on pricing, services, and customer reviews.
For long-distance and out-of-state moves from California, we recommend Safeway Moving
because they provide a good balance of quality service and affordability.
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.
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
6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Santa Monica, CA
If you are moving within Santa Monica — or to a nearby California city like
Culver City or Beverly Hills that is 50 miles or less from Santa Monica — check out these affordable, top-rated moving companies:
Moving made easy—that’s how customers describe Best California Movers. After analyzing 414 reviews, 98.3% of all input gave positive marks for efficient service, careful handling, polite staff, quick moves, and clear pricing with no surprise charges. Customers often mention the company sets higher standards compared to other movers, especially with speed and ensuring belongings stay safe. A handful of negative reviews highlight problems such as item damage, slow or frustrating complaint responses, and some inaccurate estimates. Negative feedback is rare but should be noted if you worry about claims or high-value items. Most feedback points to a moving service that is fast, reliable, honest, and delivers what it promises.
A torrent of praise floods the feedback for Next Stop Moving & Storage. Out of 210 reviews evaluated, 98% express satisfaction, lauding the crew for their professionalism, efficiency, careful handling, fast process, and excellent communication. People frequently highlight polite, capable staff who handle belongings with attention. Customers appreciate that the booking process is smooth and pricing is usually clear. The company’s service stands out in a market where moving horror stories are common, with many reviewers calling the team the best they’ve worked with and the process seamless. Negative input is rare (1.4%) but concentrated on cases of surprise charges, subcontracted movers, and damaged or missing items. A recurring issue cited in negative input was being charged extra beyond the quoted price, sometimes due to secondary companies being involved. The limited neutral feedback also noted unclear or unhonored pricing. Compared with other movers, Next Stop consistently provides a more reliable and courteous experience, but a small number of cases raise concerns about third-party involvement and unexpected costs. Most customers walk away relieved, often calling Next Stop their go-to recommendation, while a few urge caution about ensuring all project details are confirmed in writing.
Moving with Royal Moving & Storage feels like a breeze for most, as shown by 546 feedback entries—more than 95% praise their efficiency and care. Customers consistently highlight the organized, professional attitude, careful handling of belongings, prompt arrivals, and open communication. Many users found the team quick, polite, and easy to work with; others valued clear upfront pricing and quotes that avoided hidden fees, making the cost structure more transparent than many moving companies. Some feedback also notes flexible scheduling and responsive service, which isn't as common among industry competitors. The most common downsides include occasional item damage, rare delays, and a few accounts of unprofessional staff or poor behavior—issues not unique to Royal but still important to watch for when selecting movers. While negative feedback is minimal, it often mentions serious incidents, such as significant damage or communication lapses, reminding customers to verify details up front. Compared to similar companies, Royal stands out for its consistent care, fast and safe process, and overall customer satisfaction.
Movers who hustle and deliver—customer input shows ABC Moving Systems stands out for fast, skilled, and friendly service. Out of 322 feedbacks, 92.5% are positive, making ABC Moving one of the most highly rated in the industry. Clients consistently highlight efficient crews, professional behavior, speedy moves, careful handling, and excellent communication. Many found the booking process simple and reported transparent pricing, with several customers saying final costs were at or below initial quotes. Still, a small percentage of users experienced item damage, higher-than-expected costs, or unprofessional conduct, especially during complex jobs or with high-value items. These negative incidents receive more emphasis here than at many competitors. Most neutral accounts mention minor billing issues or less professional temporary staff, but they still respect the core team’s reliability. With glowing recommendations outpacing complaints, ABC Moving ranks among the most dependable movers for those seeking a swift, safe move with courteous staff.
Five Star Moving impresses with outstanding efficiency and professionalism, as reflected in the 585 customer inputs analyzed—94.9% highly positive. Movers stand out for their promptness, careful handling, and excellent communication, making even complex moves stress-free. Customers frequently mention affordable rates and polite crews who work swiftly without sacrificing quality or care for belongings. Such reliability is rare in the moving industry and explains the company's loyal repeat clientele.
Negative input centers on slow or unreliable timing, occasional damage to items, and unexpected increases in final charges. Some mention inefficient crews that draw out the process and a handful cite inadequate wrapping leading to minor damages. While infrequent, these issues resemble common pitfalls in the moving sector but occur less here than with most competitors.
In summary, Five Star Moving provides industry-leading service through efficiency, respectful staff, and detailed attention to customer needs, setting a benchmark for trustworthy moving services while leaving only a small margin for dissatisfaction.
Straightforward moves and fast service are what set Simple Moving Inc. apart, according to nearly all of the 1,355 pieces of customer feedback analyzed—over 95% rated their experience as positive. Customers routinely praise the team's efficiency, careful handling, professional and polite staff, as well as strong communication. Many highlight a quick moving process where items are protected and tasks completed within or under quoted timeframes. Transparent pricing helps remove stress, while friendly and highly organized crews make for a seamless experience. On the flip side, a small portion of feedback mentions damage to items, occasional delays with arrival or during moves, and some reported unexpected or unclear charges. These negative experiences appear in about 3% of the input—lower than what is typical for similar companies. In comparison, Simple Moving Inc.'s volume of consistently positive feedback, especially about speed, care, and communication, places them above many competitors in the moving industry. Anyone considering a move will likely find that this company delivers reliable, hard-working crews with attention to detail and respect for property, though potential customers should stay attentive to billing details and clarify expectations to minimize surprises.
Moving from California to another state involves more than just packing boxes.
You’ll also need the support of an experienced moving team.
These interstate moving companies
have the know-how and manpower to make your move as easy as possible:
A full-service mover can make your Santa Monica, California relocation stress-free,
but it often comes with a higher price tag. To save a bit, you might want to look into the
best moving container companies
or explore rental truck options available in Santa Monica.
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.
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 Monica 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
$340
$139
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$470
$133
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$790
$188
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$1,761
$260
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$2,064
$263
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$3,249
$365
5 movers
10 hours
Compare the top Santa Monica, CA movers
Let’s compare how the top movers in Santa Monica, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.
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 movers included in our listings hold the proper licenses.
Visit our best movers in California roundup for suggestions.
How can I choose a reliable mover in Santa Monica?
Searching for a reputable Santa Monica mover can feel overwhelming,
but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints.
Every Santa Monica mover will face customer feedback—
the best ones respond quickly and fairly.
Specialized experience: Not all movers are equipped for every job.
A company great at local moves might not be ideal for a
cross-country relocation.
Make sure they’ve done moves like yours.
Do movers in Santa Monica offer long-distance services?
Many Santa Monica moving companies handle long-distance relocations, though some focus solely on local moves.
For out-of-state moves, we’ve compiled the best long distance movers in Santa Monica.
What day is usually the least expensive to move in Santa Monica, CA?
The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Santa Monica, California, are weekdays,
since demand tends to be higher on weekends.
Generally, the least expensive time to move
is during the off-season from October to April.
Expect higher rates from May through September due to peak demand.
Booking early is key if you’re planning a move from Santa Monica.
For the best deal, steer clear of weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months.
Be cautious with quotes that seem too low—some movers may hike the price significantly on moving day.
What’s the most cost-effective way to move from Santa Monica, CA to another state?
Renting a truck is typically
the cheapest option for moving out of state
or around Santa Monica, California.
Just keep in mind that it's a no-frills option. You’ll need to take care of all the packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Should I consider a moving container for my move from Santa Monica?
Moving containers are a convenient option if you prefer a flexible schedule.
Just be ready to handle the loading and unloading yourself.
Once you're packed up, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place
— no need to worry about driving.
Can I get help loading my moving container in Santa Monica?
Yes! Labor-only movers
can be a smart add-on if you're using a rental truck or moving container.
They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, making your move smoother and more efficient without breaking the bank.
Are storage options available through Santa Monica movers?
Most moving companies in Santa Monica provide storage solutions, whether you need something for a few days or indefinitely. Some movers, however,
work with third-party storage providers.
Always ask for details about storage services and fees when talking to movers.
Fact Checked by: 
rating
