Quick answer:
Out of 277 movers in California, we found Best California Movers
to be the best option for local moves in Santa Monica, CA, based on key areas like pricing, services, and reviews.
Our go-to choice for long-distance or out-of-state moves from California is Safeway Moving,
since they consistently deliver quality service at a fair price.
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:
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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Santa Monica, CA
Whether you're planning a move within Santa Monica or relocating to a nearby California city like
Culver City or Beverly Hills (both under 50 miles away),
we’ve rounded up some of the best local movers that combine solid reputations with affordable pricing.
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.
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.
From start to finish, SOS Moving, LLC leaves most customers raving about fast, careful, and efficient moves—1,560 reviews were analyzed, with nearly 94% of feedback being positive. People often highlight how staff work quickly while keeping belongings safe, show up on time, communicate clearly, and make stressful moves easier. Attendants are regularly described as professional and polite, and efficient teamwork stands out compared to many competing companies. Some negative input centers on damaged items, surprise extra charges, or staff being rude, though these experiences are much less frequent. When issues do arise, customers sometimes report slow claims or unsatisfactory resolutions. Compared to typical moving companies, SOS Moving garners a notably higher proportion of satisfied feedback, especially for speed and carefulness. Most find prices fair for the trustworthy, courteous service received. Fewer reviews describe genuinely mixed or neutral experiences, with only minor check-in or professionalism complaints. SOS Moving consistently outperforms in professionalism, speed, and attention to care, but customers should still confirm details and insurance options in advance.
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 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.
H2H Movers Inc receives high marks for making moving much easier than expected. After analyzing 613 pieces of customer feedback, 86.8% were positive. Most praised the efficiency of service, polite and professional movers, and the careful handling of belongings. Others valued the speed of the process and frequent communication before and during moves. Customers frequently enjoyed stress-free moves completed quickly, often for less than the estimated price. Some reviews specifically noted that H2H manages logistics with precision and care, often exceeding what competitors offer, especially with responsiveness and skill. In contrast, a small but consistent group reported negative experiences: damaged or lost items, delays in arrival or delivery, and unexpected upcharges. A few reviewers mentioned that communication after an issue could be slow or lacking. Most neutral feedback included minor problems such as missing items, unclear fees, or crews that were less organized, but often also described management efforts to resolve complaints. H2H Movers stands out from other moving companies for reliability, consistent professionalism, and efficiency; though some customers experienced damage or delays, the overwhelming majority found the experience affordable, careful, and courteous.
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:
Choosing a full-service mover for your Santa Monica, California move is definitely the most convenient option,
but it’s also usually the priciest. If you’re looking to cut costs, consider going with one of the
top moving container companies. Or,
check out moving truck rental companies in Santa Monica instead.
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.
Use the pricing table below to get a general sense of what local moving costs look like in and around Santa Monica.
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
$354
$133
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$473
$137
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$798
$194
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$1,769
$266
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$2,051
$263
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$3,158
$380
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.
Every mover featured in our guide is fully licensed.
Check out our best movers in California page for top picks.
What’s the best way to find a trustworthy Santa Monica mover?
Finding a dependable Santa Monica moving company can be a challenge,
but there are a few key things that can help you identify a reputable mover:
Dispute resolution: Steer clear of movers with a track record of unresolved complaints.
While every Santa Monica mover may encounter customer issues,
the best ones handle disputes quickly and professionally.
Experience with your type of move: Great reviews for short moves don’t guarantee success on a
cross-country relocation.
Make sure the mover has handled moves like yours before.
Can Santa Monica movers help with long-distance relocations?
Some moving companies in Santa Monica offer long-distance services, while others stick to local moves only.
If you're planning an out-of-state move, check out our list of the best long distance movers in Santa Monica.
When is the most affordable day to hire movers in Santa Monica, CA?
Movers in Santa Monica, California, are usually cheapest on weekdays,
as weekends tend to be busier and more expensive.
Typically, the most affordable time to move
falls between October and April.
Moving costs spike between May and September due to high demand during peak season.
It’s best to book your Santa Monica move early.
To save money, try to avoid weekends, holidays, and peak summer months.
And remember, a low initial quote isn’t always a good sign.
Some movers increase the price on moving day after low-balling up front.
How can I move out of state from Santa Monica, CA on a budget?
If you're looking to save money, renting a moving truck is
the most affordable way to move out of state
or even locally within Santa Monica, California.
It’s a DIY solution, though, so you’ll be responsible for packing, loading, unloading, and doing all the driving.
Is using a moving container a smart choice for my move from Santa Monica?
Moving containers give you the flexibility to move on your schedule, but you’ll need to handle all the lifting and loading yourself.
Once everything is packed, the container company will take care of transporting it to your new home,
so you can skip the hassle of driving a moving truck.
Can I get help loading my moving container in Santa Monica?
If you’re going the DIY route with a rental truck or container,
labor-only moving companies
are a great way to get some extra help.
Hiring professionals to assist with loading and unloading can lighten the workload and speed up the process.
Can I get storage from Santa Monica moving companies?
Many Santa Monica movers offer both short- and long-term storage options.
Some companies may rely on third-party storage facilities, so be sure to ask how and where your belongings will be stored.
It’s a good idea to confirm availability and costs when comparing movers.