The Best Long-Distance Movers in Santa Monica, CA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Nov 25, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

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.

Best local mover:

Seka Moving

4.64
Best overall value:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Preferred partner:

Best California Movers

4.48
Best for small moves:

MiniMoves

4.8
Best moving container:

PODS

4.8
Best labor-only mover:

Best California Movers

4.48
Best rental truck:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.48 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Our track record

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 Monica for those moving out of state

Relocating from Santa Monica to a new state is a big step. We've selected the top interstate movers to help make that transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

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

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

866-825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

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

A move within California can still involve long hours on the road, especially when you're leaving Santa Monica for a destination several hundred miles away.

For longer in-state relocations, we recommend sticking with the best long-distance moving companies we’ve vetted.

Below are our top moving company picks for Santa Monica, CA:

Preferred Partner

Best California Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Seka Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Royal Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
ABC Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
5 Star Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

7241 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91605 US

98% of all reviews were positive

2% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (213) 377-5776

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3489907

Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Seka Moving

355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA 90071 US

88% of all reviews were positive

12% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Seka Moving receives high praise for delivering professional, careful, and efficient moves, according to 88% of analyzed feedback. Customers frequently mention polite staff, careful handling of belongings, quick and smooth processes, and genuinely helpful crew members. Many note that moves finished ahead of schedule, and damage-free delivery is a strong trend. Clients appreciate Seka's responsive communication and flexibility, making relocation much easier and less stressful compared to other movers. While most feedback highlights reliable performance, some negative input mentions incidents of damaged items, unsatisfactory complaint handling, and at times, unprofessional behavior. These issues contrast sharply with the positive experiences, but are relatively rare—only 12% of reviews. Seka stands out as a leading choice in the moving industry for professionalism and diligence, though customers facing problems report dissatisfaction with how disputes are resolved.

Get a Quote (323) 483-4288

Company Info

State license #: 0192497

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3014539

Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by money order
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Royal Moving & Storage

4102 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029 US

95% of all reviews were positive

3% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (424) 500-2221

Company Info

State license #: 0191476

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2894555

Alternate Names: Royal Moving Co., Royal Moving and Storage

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

ABC Moving Systems

1800 Vine St, Ste 330, Los Angeles, CA 90028 US

93% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (310) 746-3376

Company Info

State license #: 178603

Years in Business: 32

DOT #: 2437030

Alternate Names: A B C Moving & Storage, ABC Office Moving Systems, ABC MSC Moving and Storage Systems

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Rigo's Moving Company Inc

4385 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023 US

80% of all reviews were positive

20% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Move without the headache—most feedback for Rigo's Moving Company highlights fast, polite service, and movers who treat customers’ belongings with respect. Out of 522 reviews, almost 80% of clients offered positive input, more than is typical for moving companies. People value how efficiently teams load and unload, the professionalism of movers, and their careful approach to furniture and fragile items. Staff routinely communicate well and work quickly to reduce stress during the move. Yet, some customers call out issues, especially regarding damages to furniture or property, unexpected fees, and crews arriving late. A few also mention being charged for unworked hours. Compared to other movers, Rigo's stands out for its reliability and strong work ethic, but should improve on punctuality and handling claims to give customers peace of mind. Most who used Rigo's would recommend the service and use it again, but caution others to clarify policies and extra charges before hiring.

Get a Quote (323) 519-2845

Company Info

State license #: 0191663

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 3075110

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card

5 Star Moving

4920 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019 US

95% of all reviews were positive

4% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

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.

Get a Quote (424) 352-0352

Company Info

State license #: 191087

DOT #: 3158416

Alternate Names: 5 Star Moving, Beeline Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Top Santa Monica fragile-only packing movers

Company	Quote	Rating
Seka Moving	Get A Quote	4.64 / 5
ABC Moving Systems	Get A Quote	4.48 / 5
5 Star Moving	Get A Quote	4.52 / 5
Sterling Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.7 / 5
H2H Movers Inc	Get A Quote	4.44 / 5

Specialty art handling

Comparing Santa Monica, CA, & national movers

Santa Monica

50 (61.73%)

out of 81 total movers

California

199 (62.78%)

out of 317 total movers

Nationwide

1,318 (50.02%)

out of 2,635 total movers

Top Santa Monica art movers

Company	Quote	Rating
Seka Moving	Get A Quote	4.64 / 5
Royal Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.48 / 5
ABC Moving Systems	Get A Quote	4.48 / 5
Rigo's Moving Company Inc	Get A Quote	4.66 / 5
5 Star Moving	Get A Quote	4.52 / 5

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

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Santa Monica, check out these suggestions:

MiniMoves

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

No minimum move size
Full-service packing
Short-term storage

Check prices Visit Website

Transit Systems Inc (TSI)

rating

4.7 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

34+ yrs experience
Online chatbot
Car shipping

Check prices 800-626-1257

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

Moving containers, or moving pods, make it easy to manage your move from Santa Monica on your terms. They’re ideal if you want storage flexibility and the freedom to pack and load at your own speed. Once you're done, the pros take over and transport everything to your new place.

Here are our top picks for moving container companies that handle long-distance moves from Santa Monica:

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

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

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Santa Monica, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

U-Haul Truck Rental

rating

4.15 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Greatest coverage
7 truck sizes
One way rentals

Check prices (800) 468-4285

Penske Truck Rental

rating

4 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Most expensive
4 truck sizes
Unlimited mileage

Check prices (844) 847-9517

Labor-only moving companies in Santa Monica, CA

Hiring labor-only movers means you take care of the truck and materials, and they take care of the muscle. From loading and unloading to assembling your furniture, it’s a streamlined way to get professional support without the full moving package.

These are some of the best labor-only moving companies for long-distance relocations from Santa Monica, CA:

Best California Movers

rating

4.48 / 5

Years in Business: 7
Yelp: 4.8 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(213) 377-5776

Seka Moving

rating

4.64 / 5

Years in Business: 7
Yelp: 4.4 / 5
BBB: A+

Get A Quote

(323) 483-4288

Royal Moving & Storage

rating

4.48 / 5

Years in Business: 8
Yelp: 4.8 / 5
BBB: A

Get A Quote

(424) 500-2221

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

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

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Santa Monica, 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 Monica, 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 Monica, CA to top U.S. cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Portland, ME	3,099 miles	3 bedroom	$5,924 - $8,100
Las Vegas, NV	286 miles	2 bedroom	$1,624 - $3,950
Oklahoma City, OK	1,343 miles	1 bedroom	$2,528 - $4,986

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Santa Monica, 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?

Any moving company helping you leave California must have the proper licenses and a valid U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. All the Santa Monica movers we recommend meet these requirements, but you can verify credentials yourself through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you're planning a move across state lines, make sure to review the FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide.

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

Santa Monica offers a healthy selection of movers — 11 in total — compared to 317 across California. That means you have a wide range of local moving companies to choose from, and we’ve filtered the top performers for you.

If you’re moving beyond California, our recommendation is Safeway Moving, one of the best national options for long-distance relocations.

Which groups can get moving discounts in Santa Monica?

Some moving companies in Santa Monica reward specific communities with reduced prices: Educators benefit from 1 movers who give teacher discounts. 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 Monica?

Since demand for movers in Santa Monica drops in November and December — thanks to the holiday season and school commitments — you’ll have more room to negotiate with moving companies and potentially lock in lower prices.

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

If you're staying within 50 miles of Santa Monica, doing the move yourself is usually the most affordable option. That includes renting a truck from companies like U-Haul or going with a moving container service such as PODS. Read our full breakdown of the cheapest ways to move out of state.