Best Movers Near Santa Monica, CA (2026 Reviews)

Seka Moving is Santa Monica's top-rated local mover on moveBuddha, earning a 4.64/5 , followed by Best California Movers at 4.62/5. moveBuddha scored 89 movers based in Santa Monica out of 374 reviewed across California, drawing on 353 verified customer reviews across California.

Local movers in Santa Monica charge by the hour. The CA average is $122/hour for a 2-person crew. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a fast cost baseline before you collect quotes.

How do Santa Monica moving companies compare?

Santa Monica's 89 reviewed moving companies are ranked by moveBuddha score, a composite of verified customer reviews, BBB rating, and proximity to Santa Monica, with a market average of 4.33/5, drawing on 353 verified customer reviews across California. The ranked list above also includes movers that serve Santa Monica from nearby locations, so scores reflect performance across the full local service area, not just companies with a Santa Monica address.

Proximity to Santa Monica is a ranking factor, so a mover ranked higher on the list may have a lower score than one ranked below. A nearby company can outrank a higher-scored mover based further out. Each company's positive review rate and BBB rating are included so you can compare quality and reputation side by side.

Company Our rating Positive reviews BBB Quote
Seka Moving
7 years in business
star star star star star
4.64
88% A+
Best California Movers
7 years in business
star star star star star
4.62
98% A+
Royal Moving & Storage
10 years in business
star star star star star
4.44
95% A-
Gentlemen's Moving Company
11 years in business
star star star star star
4.62
92% B-
Trek Movers
8 years in business
star star star star star
4.5
92% A+
NorthStar Moving Company
31 years in business
star star star star star
4.58
86% A+
Pure Moving Company
12 years in business
star star star star star
4.52
97% A+
ABC Moving Systems
32 years in business
star star star star star
4.42
93% A+
Prof Moving Company
7 years in business
star star star star star
4.52
95% A+
star star star star star
4.48
95% A+

What are the top-rated moving companies in Santa Monica?

Seka Moving is Santa Monica's top-rated moving company on moveBuddha, earning a 4.64/5, followed by Best California Movers at 4.62/5.

Each review profile below covers pricing transparency, crew quality, and claims handling, the 3 factors most predictive of move-day outcome, alongside each company's BBB grade, years in business, and positive review rate.

moveBuddha scored 89 Santa Monica movers drawing on 353 verified customer reviews across California, with a market average score of 4.33/5. Rankings include movers based in Santa Monica and those serving the area from nearby locations. Proximity is a ranking factor, so a mover's position in the list below does not always correspond directly to its score.

  1. Seka Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
  2. Best California Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  3. Royal Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
  4. Gentlemen's Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Trek Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  6. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.58 out of 5 stars
  7. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  8. ABC Moving Systems: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  9. Prof Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  10. 5 Star Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
1
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Helpful movers
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
88%
Years active
7
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moveBuddha logo
4.6
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Google logo
5.0
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Yelp logo
4.3
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Antiques moving
  • Grandfather clock moving
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Hot tub moving
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Seka Moving has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.

Review quality 5.0

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Seka Moving has about 88% positive reviews across roughly 34 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.

Quote accuracy 4.0

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Seka Moving, and Seka Moving makes deposit expectations clear upfront.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Seka Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"The team that packed us and moved us were efficient, careful, and personable. Moving is clearly stressful, but with Seka running the show, it was a lot less stressful than it could have been."

"Everything went smooth. We also stored our items using their storage- nothing breaks and well maintained. They offer wrapping, disassemble and assemble services. Very professional, caring, effective!"

DOT number
3014539
Address
355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA, 90071
Payment methods
Cash • Credit Card • Money Order
2
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Transparent pricing
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
98%
Years active
7
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.6
link icon
Google logo
5.0
link icon
Yelp logo
4.6
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.7

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Best California Movers has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.

Review quality 5.0

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Best California Movers has about 98% positive reviews across roughly 414 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.6.

Quote accuracy 3.8

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Best California Movers, and Best California Movers makes deposit expectations clear upfront.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Best California Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"Best California Movers handled everything quickly and carefully. The movers were friendly and professional, and made sure all of our items arrived without damage. Pricing was exactly as quoted—no surprise fees. I highly recommend them!"

"The team was punctual, thorough, and very transparent with the pricing. They wrapped all our furniture securely and worked efficiently. It was an easy move and I was very impressed."

DOT number
3489907
Address
7241 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA, 91605
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
T0192283
3
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
95%
Years active
10
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moveBuddha logo
4.4
link icon
Google logo
4.9
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Yelp logo
4.8
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A-
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Grandfather clock moving
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Safe moving
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.7

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Royal Moving & Storage has been in business for 10 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Royal Moving & Storage has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 546 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.

Quote accuracy 3.9

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Royal Moving & Storage.

Customer service 4.7

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Royal Moving & Storage emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"They were on time, wrapped our items beautifully, and moved everything quickly. Just what I asked for and they delivered. Truly saved the day. Thank you!!!!"

"Arrived on time, packed all our stuff, and finished the move faster than expected. All items arrived safely and the crew was very polite. Will use again."

DOT number
2894555
Address
4102 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90029
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
0191476
4
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Affordable rates
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
92%
Years active
11
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.6
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Google logo
4.6
link icon
Yelp logo
4.7
link icon
BBB logo
Grade B-
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Grandfather clock moving
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Safe moving
  • Hot tub moving
  • Debris removal
  • Junk removal
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.7

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Gentlemen's Moving Company has been in business for 11 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Gentlemen's Moving Company has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 498 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.

Quote accuracy 4.2

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Gentlemen's Moving Company.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Gentlemen's Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"Everything was explained clearly ahead of time, and the three guys who did the work were thorough and professional. Thanks."

"They are clean, respectful, efficient, and timely. We’ve used their moving services close to 10 times now. No matter the distance, their service is extraordinary. Highly recommended."

DOT number
2399435
Address
8977 Glenoaks Blvd, Sun Valley, CA, 91352
Payment methods
Cash • Credit Card
5
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
92%
Years active
8
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.5
link icon
Google logo
4.9
link icon
Yelp logo
4.7
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Safe moving
  • Hot tub moving
  • Crane/hoisting vans
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Trek Movers has been in business for 8 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Trek Movers has about 92% positive reviews across roughly 611 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.

Quote accuracy 3.9

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from Trek Movers.

Customer service 4.4

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Trek Movers emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"Andrew and Max did an amazing job. They were on time, communicative throughout the process and careful moving each and every item. Not only that, they were very efficient and loaded and moved the items quickly and carefully."

"Tim and team were amazing! Another company canceled on us and Trek saved the day—fast, efficient, thoughtful, and on time. Very professional, highly recommend. We will use them again next time."

DOT number
3256910
Address
1049 Havenhurst Dr, #35, West Hollywood, CA, 90046
Payment methods
Credit Card
6
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
86%
Years active
31
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.5
link icon
Yelp logo
4.4
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • International moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. NorthStar Moving Company has been in business for 31 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like small-scale moving and international moving.

Review quality 4.1

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. NorthStar Moving Company has about 86% positive reviews across roughly 658 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.4.

Quote accuracy 4.2

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from NorthStar Moving Company .

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. NorthStar Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"The movers were so kind and worked faster than I've ever seen anyone work. They were extremely efficient and handled my belongings with care. The price was well below the standard. Highly recommend NorthStar!"

"Our crew were excellent, professional and went above and beyond to make this as easy as possible. They packed our entire house and then moved us the next day. Highly recommend them."

DOT number
1836576
Address
19401 Business Center Dr, Northridge, CA, 91324
Payment methods
Cash • Credit Card
7
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
97%
Years active
12
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.5
link icon
Google logo
5.0
link icon
Yelp logo
4.8
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Estate moves
  • Piano moves
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 5.0

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Pure Moving Company has been in business for 12 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Pure Moving Company has about 97% positive reviews across roughly 2219 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Pure Moving Company.

Customer service 3.5

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Pure Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"Awesome job! Moved A LOT heavy furniture, wrapped everything, everything was safe with no scratches. Highly recommend"

"Pure Movers made my move incredibly smooth and stress-free! They were professional, detail-oriented, and worked efficiently to get everything done quickly. Communication was excellent...I couldn’t have asked for a better moving experience. Highly recommend Pure Movers!"

DOT number
3207734
Address
1601 North Gower Street, #205, Los Angeles, CA, 90028
Payment methods
Credit Card
State license
0191103
8
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
93%
Years active
32
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.4
link icon
Google logo
4.8
link icon
Yelp logo
4.3
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Pool table moving
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.7

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. ABC Moving Systems has been in business for 32 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. ABC Moving Systems has about 93% positive reviews across roughly 322 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.3.

Quote accuracy 3.8

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from ABC Moving Systems, and ABC Moving Systems makes deposit expectations clear upfront.

Customer service 4.1

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. ABC Moving Systems emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"The movers were so efficient, respectful, and kind during my move. They are very fast and do such a great job. They showed up on time and made it a very quick and easy experience."

"Just had a move & the guys who moved my things were fantastic! They were careful, efficient, and extremely well organized. They placed everything where I asked and were extremely polite & friendly."

DOT number
2437030
Address
1800 Vine St, Ste 330, Los Angeles, CA, 90028
Payment methods
Credit Card
9
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Affordable rates
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
95%
Years active
7
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.5
link icon
Google logo
5.0
link icon
Yelp logo
4.7
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Labor-only moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Piano moves
  • Junk removal
  • Small moves
  • Storage available
  • Full valuation coverage
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves
  • Office/business moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.7

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Prof Moving Company has been in business for 7 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and small-scale moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Prof Moving Company has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 378 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.7.

Quote accuracy 4.1

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Prof Moving Company.

Customer service 4.4

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Prof Moving Company emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"They handled our items with care, wrapped our furniture, and treated everything as if it were their own. We had some really difficult items to move, and they handled it with professionalism."

"The movers were prompt, efficient, and handled all items with care. I was pleased all around, so the second job was a no-brainer. I'm happy I entrusted them with both jobs."

DOT number
3052150
Address
4102 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90029
Payment methods
Credit Card
10
checkmark Efficient service
checkmark Professional and polite staff
checkmark Careful handling
checkmark Quick moving process
checkmark Good communication
Get Free Quote
No obligation • Free estimates
Positive reviews
95%
link icon
moveBuddha logo
4.4
link icon
Google logo
4.8
link icon
Yelp logo
4.8
link icon
BBB logo
Grade A+
Show details Hide details

Services offered

  • Full-service moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Packing materials available
  • Custom crating
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Antiques moving
  • Piano moves
  • Hot tub moving
  • Junk removal
  • Climate-controlled storage
  • Storage available
  • Interstate moves
  • Intrastate moves

Company stats

Read full review
Industry experience 4.4

Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. 5 Star Moving has been in business for many years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like interstate moving and intrastate moving.

Review quality 4.5

Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. 5 Star Moving has about 95% positive reviews across roughly 585 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 4.8.

Quote accuracy 4.0

Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request quotes from 5 Star Moving.

Customer service 5.0

From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. 5 Star Moving emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.

Recent reviews

"The movers were amazing. They were efficient, very polite and nice. Helped me move and were proactive in helping disassemble and move things. I’m extremely picky with services and this company set a high standard."

"Great Team, on time, courteous, careful with your items & double checked everything is set up ok. I have used 5 Star three times and they always do a great job at a competitive rate. Easy to book and great communication."

DOT number
3158416
Address
4920 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90019
Payment methods
Cash • Credit Card

Which Santa Monica movers offer specialty services?

Specialty moving services are not standard across every Santa Monica mover. Based on moveBuddha's review of 89 Santa Monica moving companies, here is what is available, how common each service is in this market, and which movers lead each category:

  • Piano moving: 70 of 89 Santa Monica movers (78.65%) offer it, vs. 72.52% nationally. Seka Moving (4.64/5) is Santa Monica's top-rated piano mover.
  • Antique handling: 58 of 89 Santa Monica movers (65.17%) offer it, vs. 46.24% nationally. Seka Moving (4.64/5) rates highest for antique care in Santa Monica.
  • Art packing: 54 of 89 Santa Monica movers (60.67%) offer it, vs. 45.76% nationally. Seka Moving (4.64/5) rates highest for art packing in Santa Monica.
  • Climate-controlled storage: 20 of 89 Santa Monica movers (22.47%) offer it, vs. 33.2% nationally. 5 Star Moving (4.48/5) is Santa Monica's top-rated provider.
  • Fragile-only packing: 27 of 89 Santa Monica movers (30.34%) offer it, vs. 23.83% nationally. Seka Moving (4.64/5) rates highest for fragile-only packing in Santa Monica.

How much does piano moving cost in Santa Monica?

Piano moving is available from 70 of 89 Santa Monica movers (78.65%), compared to 72.52% nationally. Seka Moving leads Santa Monica piano movers with a 4.64/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Royal Moving & Storage at 4.44/5. A standalone piano move in Santa Monica typically costs $1,296 to $5,670, depending on instrument type.

Piano moving in Santa Monica Details
Santa Monica movers offering this 70 of 89 (78.65%)
National average 72.52%
Top-rated Santa Monica piano movers Seka Moving, Royal Moving & Storage
Upright piano $1,296 to $2,430
Baby grand piano $1,944 to $4,050
Grand piano $2,916 to $5,670

Upright pianos weigh 400 to 800 lbs. Grand pianos exceed 1,200 lbs. Trained crews use piano boards, straps, and padded blankets to prevent structural damage that standard moving equipment cannot safely manage. Bundling a piano into a household move with full-service movers is usually cheaper than hiring a piano-only carrier.

How much does antique handling cost in Santa Monica?

Antique handling is available from 58 of 89 Santa Monica movers (65.17%), compared to 46.24% nationally. Seka Moving (4.64/5) and Royal Moving & Storage (4.44/5) rate highest for antique care in Santa Monica. Adding antique handling to a household move adds $1,620 to $4,050 to the total cost.

Antique handling in Santa Monica Details
Santa Monica movers offering this 58 of 89 (65.17%)
National average 46.24%
Top-rated Santa Monica antique movers Seka Moving, Royal Moving & Storage
Added cost to a household move $1,620 to $4,050
Per-piece handling fee $81 to $810
Custom crating per item $243 to $324

Custom crating and acid-free padding protect pieces that standard released-value coverage at $0.60/lb cannot adequately cover. A 50-lb antique valued at $5,000 receives only $30 under default protection, making full-value coverage the standard choice for heirloom and high-value items.

How much does art packing cost in Santa Monica?

Art packing is available from 54 of 89 Santa Monica movers (60.67%), compared to 45.76% nationally. Seka Moving (4.64/5) and Royal Moving & Storage (4.44/5) rate highest for art packing in Santa Monica. Per-piece art handling in Santa Monica runs $81 to $810, with custom crates adding $243 to $324 per item.

Art packing in Santa Monica Details
Santa Monica movers offering this 54 of 89 (60.67%)
National average 45.76%
Top-rated Santa Monica art movers Seka Moving, Royal Moving & Storage
Per-piece handling fee $81 to $810
Custom crating per item $243 to $324

Archival materials and custom crates prevent UV exposure, humidity damage, and impact fractures that standard moving blankets cannot guard against for framed artwork and sculpture. Confirm the mover has direct experience with similar media before booking.

How much does climate-controlled storage cost in Santa Monica?

Climate-controlled storage is available from 20 of 89 Santa Monica movers (22.47%), compared to 33.2% nationally. 5 Star Moving (4.48/5) rate highest for climate-controlled storage in Santa Monica. Storage-in-transit runs about $0.50 per cubic foot per month, putting a 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) at roughly $416/month in Santa Monica.

Climate-controlled storage in Santa Monica Details
Santa Monica movers offering this 20 of 89 (22.47%)
National average 33.2%
Top-rated Santa Monica providers 5 Star Moving
Storage-in-transit rate About $0.50 per cubic foot per month
1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) $416

Climate-controlled units regulate both temperature and humidity, preventing warping, cracking, and mold in wood furniture, vinyl records, and electronics that temperature-only storage cannot protect. This matters most for storage gaps longer than 30 days or for moves that span seasonal humidity swings.

How much does fragile-only packing cost in Santa Monica?

Fragile-only packing is available from 27 of 89 Santa Monica movers (30.34%), compared to 23.83% nationally. Seka Moving (4.64/5) and Trek Movers (4.5/5) rate highest for fragile-only packing in Santa Monica. Full professional packing runs $0.15 to $0.21 per pound; fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps at a fraction of that total.

Fragile-only packing in Santa Monica Details
Santa Monica movers offering this 27 of 89 (30.34%)
National average 23.83%
Top-rated Santa Monica providers Seka Moving, Trek Movers
Full professional packing rate $0.15 to $0.21 per pound

Fragile-only packing targets dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without a full-service packing contract. Limiting professional packing to breakables keeps total packing cost down while covering the items most likely to break in transit.

What is the top-rated moving company in Santa Monica?

Best California Movers (4.62/5 on moveBuddha) is the highest-rated moving company in Santa Monica, drawing on 353 verified customer reviews across California. The Santa Monica market averages 4.33/5 across 89 reviewed companies. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to get a cost baseline before collecting quotes.

Frequently asked questions: moving in Santa Monica, CA

How much do movers cost in Santa Monica, CA?

Local movers in Santa Monica, CA charge by the hour. Based on moveBuddha's data from 9 Santa Monica movers, hourly rates in this market range from $85/hour to $179/hour, with a median of $120/hour. Santa Monica's top-rated mover is Best California Movers, earning a 4.62/5 on moveBuddha, drawing on 353 verified customer reviews across California.

Key cost factors for a Santa Monica move, based on moveBuddha's review data:

  • Access fees: stairs, elevators, long carries, and shuttle service each add $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly. Get these costs itemized in your estimate before signing.
  • Deposit requirement: 24.0% of Santa Monica movers require a deposit to hold your move date. Confirm refund terms before paying.
  • Full valuation coverage: 39.0% of Santa Monica movers (35.0 companies) offer it. The default released-value protection covers only $0.60 per pound. Full valuation coverage costs extra and covers replacement value.
  • Hours on-site: local moves bill by the clock. Home size, floor access, elevator waits, and how much packing work the crew handles are the primary time drivers.
  • Long-distance pricing: moves leaving Santa Monica across state lines are priced by shipment weight and mileage, not hourly. 93.0% of Santa Monica movers (83.0 companies) handle interstate moves. Fuel surcharges on long-distance moves typically add 8%-15% to transportation charges.
  • Packing services: 100.0% of Santa Monica movers (89.0 companies) offer full packing, and 76.0% supply packing materials. Professional packing adds $0.15-$0.21 per pound on average.

DIY options like a rental truck or moving container reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's analysis. Use the moving cost calculator to get a market-specific baseline before collecting quotes.

What do full-service movers in Santa Monica include, and what costs extra?

A standard full-service move in Santa Monica, CA includes loading, transport, and unloading. Basic furniture padding and simple disassembly/reassembly for bed frames and standard furniture pieces are included in the base rate. Packing, valuation upgrades, storage, crating, and specialty-item handling are add-ons billed separately. The table below shows what Santa Monica movers offer and what each add-on typically costs, based on moveBuddha's review data.

Add-on service % of Santa Monica movers Typical cost impact
Full packing 100.0% (89.0 companies) +$0.15-$0.21 per pound on average
Packing materials 76.0% Priced per box or kit; confirm before booking
Storage 87.0% ~$0.50 per cubic foot per month; a 1-bedroom (~514 cu ft) runs ~$416/month
Full valuation coverage 39.0% (35.0 companies) 1%-2% of declared shipment value (~$300-$600 on a $30,000 shipment); default released-value protection pays only $0.60/lb
Crating (fragile/high-value items) 74.0% (66.0 companies) $150-$200 per item for antiques and artwork; $150-$400 for oversized pieces (safes, sectionals, appliances)
Labor-only (load/unload, no transport) 60.0% (53.0 companies) Hourly rate only; no truck or transport charge
Access fees (stairs, elevator, long carry, shuttle) Situational $75-$500+ when the truck can't load directly; shuttle service adds $0.08-$0.12 per pound with minimums starting around $200

Every add-on above requires written confirmation before booking. A binding estimate locks the final price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight or time. See the hidden and unexpected moving costs guide for a full breakdown of what to request in writing.

Do movers in Santa Monica offer senior, military, or other discounts?

Santa Monica movers are tracked across 6 discount categories by moveBuddha, drawing on 353 verified customer reviews across California. The table below lists each discount type available from at least 1 Santa Monica mover, the percentage and count of companies offering it, and which specific movers to ask. Discount types with 0 confirmed Santa Monica movers are excluded. CA state averages appear where city-level data is unavailable.

Discount type % of Santa Monica movers # of movers Santa Monica movers offering it Data source
Senior 6.0% 5.0 -- Santa Monica
Military 3.0% 3.0 -- Santa Monica
AAA 1.0% 1.0 -- Santa Monica
Student 1.0% 1.0 -- Santa Monica
Teacher 1.0% 1.0 -- Santa Monica
Law enforcement 3.0% 3.0 -- Santa Monica

Ask each mover whether the discount applies to your specific move date, what proof of eligibility is required, and whether it stacks with seasonal pricing or off-peak rates. Discounts are not automatically applied. Request them at the quote stage, before signing.

How we chose the best moving companies in Santa Monica

moveBuddha's moving analyst team evaluated 374 California moving companies using a five-factor weighted scoring system: customer satisfaction (40%), dispute resolution (20%), industry reputation (15%), online reputation (15%), and service options (10%).

That scoring system draws on moveBuddha's dataset of 1,000+ live price points and research across 4,500+ movers nationwide, so you're getting recommendations built on real market data, not just review aggregation

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently completes moves on time, communicates proactively, and delivers within the estimated cost. These factors matter most when hiring a mover.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Problems happen in every industry. We reward companies that take clear ownership of issues and make genuine, documented efforts to resolve them.
  • Industry reputation (15%): The company holds standing in professional moving organizations and participates in industry oversight, which signals accountability beyond customer reviews alone.
  • Online reputation (15%): The company maintains accurate, up-to-date information online and responds promptly and professionally to customer inquiries and complaints.
  • Service options (10%): We favor companies that offer full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery. These services matter on a complex move.

Read our complete moving company rating methodology for the full scoring breakdown.