Best Movers Near South Lake Tahoe, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jul 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After comparing 277 moving companies in California, our recommended local mover in South Lake Tahoe, CA, is Auburn Moving & Storage thanks to their pricing, variety of moving solutions, and great customer reviews. Safeway Moving earns our top pick for out-of-state or long-distance moves from California because they are affordable without cutting corners on service.

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Best local CA mover:

Auburn Moving & Storage

4.8
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Whether you're moving within South Lake Tahoe, relocating to nearby Sunnyside-Tahoe City or Truckee, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away, here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

Auburn Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Move 4 Less, LLC: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Colonial Van & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Ernie's Van & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
House to Home Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Auburn Moving & Storage

8845 Washington Blvd #160, Roseville, CA 95678 US

90% of all reviews were positive

9% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Movers that go the extra mile make all the difference—Auburn Moving & Storage proves this with 329 feedback entries, where nearly 90% speak of efficient, professional service and careful handling of belongings. The most frequent praise highlights their polite, helpful staff, swift moving process, and attention to protecting customers’ property. Customers often return and recommend Auburn thanks to consistent, friendly assistance, and a sense that belongings—even fragile and valuable items—are well cared for.

While most clients find pricing transparent and communication clear, a small segment reports significant issues. Chief complaints concern items damaged during moves, late arrivals without notification, and occasional communication break-downs, especially regarding claims and insurance. Compared to other movers, Auburn earns top marks for reliability, hard work, and care, but those seeking absolute assurance on valuables or expecting flawless insurance handling should review policies closely. Most feedback underlines Auburn as a standout choice for dependable, courteous moving and storage services.

Get a Quote (916) 251-4848

Company Info

State license #: 0190985

Years in Business: 19

DOT #: 2347808

Alternate Names: Auburn Moving Co, Inc., Auburn Moving & Storage Company

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Move 4 Less, LLC

4600 Kietzke Ln ste I-207, Reno, NV 89502 US

67% of all reviews were positive

31% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers say Move 4 Less, LLC offers efficient service and careful handling at affordable rates, with two-thirds of feedback praising their speed, professionalism, and protection of property. Most clients mention polite and hard-working staff who finish jobs quickly, often under budget. Affordable pricing and effective communication appeal to clients who need reliable movers at a good rate.

Some reviewers note that the friendly team consistently handles belongings with care, using proper equipment and moving heavy or delicate items smoothly compared to other companies. On the other hand, negative input highlights damage to items, surprise charges at payment, and unresolved complaints—especially for larger or long-distance moves. Customers report problems with furniture and home damage, denied claims, and an unresponsive complaint process, which leads to frustration despite earlier promises. Compared to similar movers, Move 4 Less attracts more feedback about successfully delivering efficient and budget-friendly service, but also collects more frequent criticism for damages and billing issues. Prospective clients should balance the high rate of efficient, courteous moves with the risk of damage or charge disputes.

Get a Quote (775) 899-6683

Company Info

State license #: 3344.7

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1251663

Alternate Names: Move4Less Moving Specialist

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Storage

Colonial Van & Storage

150 S Stanford Way, Sparks, NV 89431 US

58% of all reviews were positive

41% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Colonial Van & Storage stands out for its professional and polite staff, clear communication, careful handling, and transparent pricing. Most feedback praises their efficient service and reliability, exceeding the standards set by other movers. Pack crews protect homes and belongings, estimators detail pricing without hidden charges, and many moves finish early or on-time.

While competitive rates and friendly teams attract many repeat customers, nearly 41% of responses highlight serious concerns. Some clients experienced damaged or missing items, delayed arrivals, and challenging communication during problems. A few reviews describe delivery windows missed by weeks, unresolved claims for broken furniture, or trouble getting updates and accountability after issues arise. The majority describes positive, stress-free experiences with good value, but recurring reports of lost property and slow resolutions place Colonial behind the most consistent moving companies.

Get a Quote (775) 553-0111

Company Info

State license #: 3151.2

Years in Business: 54

DOT #: 2973

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by money order
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Ernie's Van & Storage

185 Spring Hill Dr, Grass Valley, CA 95945 US

76% of all reviews were positive

20% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Customers say Ernie's Van & Storage stands out for its professional staff, careful handling of belongings, efficiency, and friendly approach. Seventy-six percent of the 195 reviews praised attentive service and helpful movers who reduced relocation stress. Customers repeatedly highlighted respect for property, clear communication, and thoroughly trained crews—qualities not always seen with other movers.

While most found the company reliable and friendly, one in five experienced significant issues. The biggest complaints involved damaged or lost items, extra charges, and slow or lacking company responses after problems. Neutral feedback mentioned unclear pricing and some minor breakages. Ernie's receives strong recommendations for professionalism and care, but the risk of costly damages and communication lapses may be higher than with some competitors. Customers looking for exceptional care often found it, but should be proactive in confirming costs and coverage before booking.

Get a Quote (530) 273-7836

Company Info

State license #: 0189906

Years in Business: 90

DOT #: 125550

Alternate Names: Sowell Bros., Inc., Ernie's Van and Storage

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Crane vans
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

House to Home Moving

8974 Greenback Ln, Orangevale, CA 95662 US

93% of all reviews were positive

7% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving doesn’t get much easier than with House to Home Moving, according to nearly 93% of customer feedback from 388 reviews. Most clients mention the team’s professionalism, help with handling possessions, and efficiency. Movers consistently show care for items, communicate well, and go out of their way to make the process smooth.

Customers highlight friendly service and say that booking and payment are straightforward, with prices often matching or coming in under quoted estimates. A small percentage report problems—primarily with items accidentally damaged during the move, surprise charges, or less responsive communication from office staff during issues. These complaints are more common in longer or complex moves and typically involve follow-up or compensation questions. Compared to other moving companies, House to Home earns high marks for reliability, careful handling, and positive staff interactions. Still, for larger or out-of-area jobs, ensure all details are written and agreed upon to avoid misunderstandings. The company’s strong base of repeat customers and personal referrals sets it apart in the industry.

Get a Quote (916) 484-1144

Company Info

State license #: 0190786

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 2395707

Services Offered

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

Other local CA movers

While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

Moving from California to another state involves more than just packing boxes. You’ll also need the support of an experienced moving team. These interstate moving companies have the know-how and manpower to make your move as easy as possible:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in South Lake Tahoe, CA

Choosing a full-service mover for your South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe instead.

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

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

See less

How we chose the best movers in South Lake Tahoe, CA

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.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in South Lake Tahoe, CA

The pricing table below offers a general sense of what you might pay for a local move in the South Lake Tahoe area. To learn more, take a look at our full guide to moving costs in California.

The moving quotes listed are ballpark figures—your final cost could be higher or lower depending on your individual move. For a more tailored estimate, use our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$442	$175	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$641	$175	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,017	$252	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$2,353	$350	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$2,727	$346	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$4,233	$494	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top South Lake Tahoe, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in South Lake Tahoe, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Auburn Moving & Storage	4.8/5	A+	4/5	4.7/5
Move 4 Less, LLC	4.8/5	A+	3.4/5	4.6/5
Colonial Van & Storage	4.7/5	A+	1.8/5	4/5
Ernie's Van & Storage	4.7/5	A+	3.7/5	4.5/5
House to Home Moving	4.7/5	A+	4.4/5	4.8/5
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK	4.7/5	A+	3.8/5	4.6/5
Carneys Full Service Movers	4.6/5	A+	4.2/5	4.2/5
All Out Movers	4.6/5	A+	4.1/5	4.9/5
O'Briens Moving and Storage Inc.	4.6/5	A+	2.3/5	3.9/5
SC Movers LLC	4.5/5	A+	4.8/5	4.8/5

FAQs

How can I verify if my mover is legally licensed?

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 South Lake Tahoe mover?

Finding a dependable South Lake Tahoe moving company can be a challenge, but there are a few key things that can help you identify a reputable mover:

Reputation: A strong reputation is important, whether the mover is a small local business or a well-established van lines company.
Dispute resolution: Steer clear of movers with a track record of unresolved complaints. While every South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe movers help with long-distance relocations?

Some moving companies in South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe.

When is the most affordable day to hire movers in South Lake Tahoe, CA?

Movers in South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe?

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 South Lake Tahoe?

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 South Lake Tahoe moving companies?

Many South Lake Tahoe 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.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?