The Best Long-Distance Movers in Santa Monica, CA
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The best long-distance mover in Santa Monica is Seka Moving (4.7/5) for in-state moves and Safeway Moving (4.9/5) for moves out of California, per moveBuddha's analysis of 374 California movers.
Who are the best interstate movers serving Santa Monica?
moveBuddha's top-rated interstate movers for Santa Monica residents moving out of California are Safeway Moving (4.9/5), American Van Lines (4.9/5), Allied Van Lines (4.2/5), Mayzlin Relocation (4.8/5), and North American Van Lines (4.8/5). National carriers operate dedicated long-haul networks, carry interstate FMCSA authority, and price moves by weight and mileage, the standard model for cross-state relocations.
Who are the best long-distance movers in Santa Monica for in-state moves?
Seka Moving (4.7/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated Santa Monica-based mover for long-distance moves within California, followed by Royal Moving & Storage (4.5/5) and ABC Moving Systems (4.48/5). Of the 87 intrastate-capable movers serving Santa Monica, 89 offer full packing services, which can meaningfully reduce the physical load of a longer in-state move. Full rankings for local long-distance movers serving Santa Monica are listed below.
Below are moveBuddha's top picks for long-distance movers that serve Santa Monica but stay within California:
- Seka Moving: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Royal Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- ABC Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- SOS Moving, LLC: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen's Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Efficient service
Quick moving process
Helpful movers
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry 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!"
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry 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."
Efficient service
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Careful handling
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry 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."
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Good communication
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 4.4
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. SOS Moving, LLC has been in business for 5 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. SOS Moving, LLC has about 94% positive reviews across roughly 1590 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 SOS Moving, LLC.
Customer service 5.0
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. SOS Moving, LLC emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
Ilbert and his team were so amazing with our move. They were courteous and speedy and really handled everything with care. Would highly recommend them!
SOS Moving did a great job! Gilbert completed my move and set up everything—including my couch and bed—in less time than estimated. The whole experience was quick, efficient, and actually saved me money. I’ll be using SOS Moving again and recommending them to friends and family.
Efficient service
Careful handling
Professional and polite staff
Quick moving process
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry 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."
What add-on services do Santa Monica movers offer?
Not every mover in Santa Monica offers specialty services. Based on moveBuddha's review of 89 Santa Monica movers, here is what is available and how often:
- Art handling: offered by 60.67% of Santa Monica movers, compared to 61.76% statewide and 45.83% nationally.
- Junk removal: offered by 14.61% of Santa Monica movers, compared to 19.25% statewide and 36.39% nationally.
- Fragile-only packing: offered by 30.34% of Santa Monica movers, compared to 28.61% statewide and 23.87% nationally.
- Storage: offered by 86.52% of Santa Monica movers, compared to 86.1% statewide and 84.85% nationally.
- Hot tub relocation: offered by 33.71% of Santa Monica movers, compared to 32.09% statewide and 21.93% nationally.
- Piano moving: offered by 78.65% of Santa Monica movers, compared to 79.41% statewide and 72.52% nationally.
Specialty service costs below use moveBuddha's pricing dataset adjusted for Santa Monica's cost of living.
Does Santa Monica have movers that offer art handling?
Art handling is available from 54 of 89 Santa Monica movers (60.67%), compared to 61.76% statewide and 45.83% nationally. Seka Moving (4.7/5) and Royal Moving & Storage (4.5/5) rate highest for art handling in Santa Monica. Per-piece handling runs $81 to $810, with custom crates adding $243 to $324 per item.
| Art handling in Santa Monica | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Monica movers offering this | 54 of 89 (60.67%) |
| California statewide | 231 of 374 (61.76%) |
| National average | 45.83% |
| 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 |
UV exposure discolors pigments. Humidity shifts warp canvas and crack paint layers. Impact fractures damage sculpture and frames. Standard moving blankets address none of these risks adequately for high-value artwork. Archival packing materials and custom crates built to the dimensions of each piece are the professional standard for art moving. Verify the mover has documented experience with your specific media type before committing.
Does Santa Monica have movers that offer junk removal?
Junk removal is available from 13 of 89 Santa Monica movers (14.61%), compared to 19.25% statewide and 36.39% nationally. Gentlemen's Moving Company (4.64/5) and 5 Star Moving (4.48/5) rate highest for junk removal in Santa Monica. Standalone junk removal typically runs $243 to $810 per load.
| Junk removal in Santa Monica | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Monica movers offering this | 13 of 89 (14.61%) |
| California statewide | 72 of 374 (19.25%) |
| National average | 36.39% |
| Top-rated Santa Monica junk removal movers | Gentlemen's Moving Company, 5 Star Moving |
| Typical cost per load | $243 to $810 |
| Single large item | $122 to $243 |
Bundling junk removal with a move is almost always cheaper than scheduling it as a separate service. Removing unwanted items before a mover arrives also reduces the billable weight of the shipment, which lowers the base moving cost on weight-based quotes.
Does Santa Monica have movers that offer fragile-only packing?
Fragile-only packing is available from 27 of 89 Santa Monica movers (30.34%), compared to 28.61% statewide and 23.87% nationally. Seka Moving (4.7/5) and ABC Moving Systems (4.48/5) 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%) |
| California statewide | 107 of 374 (28.61%) |
| National average | 23.87% |
| Top-rated Santa Monica providers | Seka Moving, ABC Moving Systems |
| Full professional packing rate | $0.15 to $0.21 per pound |
Fragile-only packing covers dishes, glassware, mirrors, and lamps without requiring a full-service packing contract. Professional packing adds $0.15 to $0.21 per pound on average to a move's total cost, so limiting crew packing to breakables is the most direct way to reduce that add-on while protecting the items with the highest in-transit breakage risk.
Does Santa Monica have movers that offer storage?
Storage is available from 77 of 89 Santa Monica movers (86.52%), compared to 86.1% statewide and 84.85% nationally. Seka Moving (4.7/5) and Royal Moving & Storage (4.5/5) rate highest for 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.
| Storage in Santa Monica | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Monica movers offering this | 77 of 89 (86.52%) |
| California statewide | 322 of 374 (86.1%) |
| National average | 84.85% |
| Top-rated Santa Monica storage movers | Seka Moving, Royal Moving & Storage |
| Storage-in-transit rate | About $0.50 per cubic foot per month |
| 1-bedroom monthly estimate (~514 cu ft) | $416 |
| 2-3 bedroom monthly estimate (~1,000 cu ft) | $810 |
Storage-in-transit keeps belongings with the mover's network between pickup and delivery, avoiding the cost of a third-party facility transfer. At $0.50 per cubic foot per month, a standard 1-bedroom load (about 514 cu ft) runs roughly $416 per month. For longer gaps, confirm whether the mover's valuation coverage remains active while items are in storage.
Does Santa Monica have movers that offer hot tub relocation?
Hot tub relocation is available from 30 of 89 Santa Monica movers (33.71%), compared to 32.09% statewide and 21.93% nationally. Seka Moving (4.7/5) and SOS Moving, LLC (4.52/5) rate highest for hot tub moves in Santa Monica. Hot tub moves typically run $243 to $648 per item when bundled with a full-service move.
| Hot tub relocation in Santa Monica | Details |
|---|---|
| Santa Monica movers offering this | 30 of 89 (33.71%) |
| California statewide | 120 of 374 (32.09%) |
| National average | 21.93% |
| Top-rated Santa Monica hot tub movers | Seka Moving, SOS Moving, LLC |
| Bundled with full-service move | $243 to $648 |
| Standalone hot tub move | $486 to $1,296 |
Empty weight for most hot tubs is 500 to 1,000 lbs. The unit must be fully drained, and electrical or plumbing disconnection may require a licensed contractor before the mover can load it. Narrow side-gate access or no direct truck access to the backyard can add a crane or shuttle relay fee. Get a site-specific quote that accounts for access conditions before committing to a price.
Does Santa Monica have movers that offer piano moving?
Piano moving is available from 70 of 89 Santa Monica movers (78.65%), compared to 79.41% statewide and 72.52% nationally. Seka Moving (4.7/5) and Royal Moving & Storage (4.5/5) rate highest for piano moving in Santa Monica. A standalone piano move 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%) |
| California statewide | 297 of 374 (79.41%) |
| 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 |
Uprights weigh 400 to 800 lbs and grands top 1,200 lbs. Moving either without a piano board, padded blankets, and proper straps risks cracking the soundboard or snapping the legs, damage that a mover's standard released-value policy covers at just $0.60 per pound regardless of the instrument's value. Requesting full valuation coverage specifically for the piano is the most direct way to close that gap. For most moves, bundling piano service into a full-service household move costs less than a standalone piano carrier.
Who are the best movers in Santa Monica for small long-distance moves?
Seka Moving leads Santa Monica's small-move providers with a 4.7/5 moveBuddha score, followed by Royal Moving & Storage at 4.5/5. DIY options like moving containers and rental trucks reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving and are worth comparing for loads under 3,000 pounds.
What are the best moving containers for long-distance moves from Santa Monica?
Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5), U-Pack (5.0/5), and MovingYourself (5.0/5) are moveBuddha's top-rated container options for moves out of Santa Monica. Moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, making them the most cost-effective option for Santa Monica residents who can handle their own loading and unloading. Container pricing varies by distance, container size, and the number of units required, so use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare quotes for your specific move before committing to a provider.
What are the best labor-only movers in Santa Monica?
53 of 89 Santa Monica movers (59.55%) offer labor-only services, compared to 52.14% statewide and 54.55% nationally. Seka Moving (4.7/5) is moveBuddha's top-rated labor-only mover in Santa Monica, followed by Royal Moving & Storage (4.5/5). Labor-only movers handle loading and unloading without providing a truck, making them the right fit for Santa Monica residents who plan to drive themselves or who have rented their own vehicle. Combining a labor-only crew with a rental truck or moving container reduces total move cost by roughly 30% compared to full-service moving, based on moveBuddha's pricing dataset.
What are the best moving truck rentals for long-distance Santa Monica moves?
Budget Truck Rental, Penske Truck Rental, and U-Haul Truck Rental are moveBuddha's top-rated rental truck options for a DIY move out of Santa Monica. A truck rental is the cheapest way to move out of state for those willing to handle both the loading and the driving. For moves over 500 miles, a local mover and a national mover price a rental truck the same, so distance alone does not change which provider to choose. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to compare total DIY costs against container and full-service quotes before committing.
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in Santa Monica?
Moving costs across California range from $436 for a studio (2 movers, 3 hours at $171/hour) to $4,028 for a 5+ bedroom home (5 movers, 10 hours), according to moveBuddha's analysis of California mover quotes. The table below shows California statewide averages by home size. Your actual cost in Santa Monica will vary based on distance, access conditions, and your mover's pricing model.
Use our free moving cost calculator to get a personalized estimate for your move.
| Home size | Estimated interstate cost from California* |
|---|---|
| Studio apartment | $436 |
| 1-bedroom home or apartment | $608 |
| 2-bedroom home or apartment | $985 |
| 3-bedroom home | $2,281 |
| 4-bedroom home | $2,617 |
| 5+ bedroom home | $4,028 |
*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in California. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.
Data reflects California statewide averages based on moveBuddha's analysis of mover quotes collected.
What affects moving costs in Santa Monica?
Here are some additional cost considerations for your long-distance Santa Monica move:
- Distance: The farther you move from Santa Monica, the more you pay. A short intrastate move costs far less than a cross-country relocation. Once you cross state lines, pricing structure changes entirely and costs rise considerably.
- Home size and weight: Movers price local moves by the hour and interstate moves by total shipment weight. Downsizing before your move reduces both your bill and your packing time.
- Move type: Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most. DIY options like rental trucks or moving containers reduce costs by roughly 30% compared to full-service, according to moveBuddha data.
- Add-on services: Professional packing adds an average of $0.15–$0.21 per pound. Shuttle service, if required, adds $0.08–$0.12 per pound with minimums often starting around $200.
- Timing: Summer moves (May through September) carry the highest rates. Mid-month and mid-week bookings are consistently cheaper than weekend or month-end dates.
FAQs about the best long-distance movers in Santa Monica
Do long-distance movers in Santa Monica need to be licensed?
Every mover handling a cross-state shipment from Santa Monica must hold a valid US Department of Transportation number and maintain FMCSA registration. Of the 89 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Santa Monica, 83 are licensed for interstate moves — and every company recommended on this page is among them. Verify any mover's credentials in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's database.
Before your move, read the FMCSA's Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move guide to understand the consumer protections that apply once you sign with a licensed carrier.
Is a local mover or a national mover better for leaving Santa Monica?
Local movers in Santa Monica are the most affordable option for moves that stay within California. Of the 89 movers moveBuddha has reviewed in Santa Monica, 83 are licensed for interstate routes and average $123/hour. The top-rated options are highlighted on this page.
When a move crosses out of California, national movers with dedicated long-distance networks often handle the logistics more smoothly, though at a premium over local rates.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Santa Monica?
The cheapest moving window in Santa Monica is late fall through early winter. Average lows of 49°F, combined with school schedules and the holiday season, suppress demand and keep mover capacity high. Movers are most open to rate negotiation during this period. For anyone with scheduling flexibility, a November or December move date is the single most reliable way to lower your total cost.
What are the cheapest ways to move out of Santa Monica?
When cost is the priority, a DIY move out of Santa Monica is almost always the winner, particularly for moves within 50 miles. Rental trucks and moving containers save roughly 30% compared to full-service movers on equivalent routes, according to moveBuddha's data. The most economical options are a rental truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. For more savings strategies on longer moves, see the cheapest ways to move out of state.
