Quick answer:
After comparing 277 moving companies in California,
our recommended local mover in South Lake Tahoe, CA, is Move 4 Less, LLC
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.
Hi, I'm Ryan. Let's get moving.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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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:
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.
Customers consistently rave about Two Men and a Truck’s efficiency, professionalism, and careful approach to moves. Analyzing 260 pieces of customer input, 87.7% of feedback shares positive experiences—far higher than the typical moving company. Top praise centers on quick, smooth moves, respect for property, and teams that communicate well and act with courtesy. Many also appreciate transparency and the care shown when handling even heavy or fragile items, with costs often coming in under estimate. On the flip side, the most frequent complaints involve serious damage to items or property, poor packing that results in breakage, and unprofessional behavior from a minority of staff. Some customers have recounted inattentive movers, rough handling of belongings, or troubling interactions when problems arise. Neutral comments mostly reference inconsistent packing or billing surprises, though note the workers remain friendly. Two Men and a Truck outperforms many rivals in reliability and service, yet feedback signals the need for tighter quality control on packing and staff conduct to match their strong reputation.
Customer input on O'Briens Moving and Storage Inc. shows strong points such as professional, polite staff, careful handling of belongings, efficient service, precise transparent pricing, and genuinely helpful movers. 202 reviews reveal that 46% of feedback is positive. Clients highlighting these strengths cite careful furniture handling, friendly team members, services delivered as promised, and good value for the cost as reasons for being satisfied. On the other hand, a nearly equal amount of feedback, 46.5%, details negative experiences. Customers most often mention damage to their items, unexpected extra charges, and inadequate communication or follow-up after issues arise. Users report unresolved claims, problems with missing or broken items, and dissatisfaction with remediation processes. Neutral remarks—making up just over 7%—describe moves going smoothly with minor hiccups but nothing exceptional. Compared to many moving companies, O’Briens garners both high praise for on-the-job courtesy and careful work as well as pointed criticism for accountability and customer service after the move. Those seeking reliable professionalism during their actual move are more satisfied than clients needing support to resolve post-move concerns or extra costs.
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.
Cheapest DIY moving options in South Lake Tahoe, CA
A full-service mover can make your South Lake Tahoe, California relocation stress-free,
but it often comes with a higher price tag. To save a bit, you might want to look into the
best moving container companies
or explore rental truck options available in South Lake Tahoe.
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.
Use the pricing table below to get a general sense of what local moving costs look like in and around South Lake Tahoe.
If you want more in-depth info, check out our full guide on
moving costs in California.
Keep in mind that the moving quotes provided are just rough estimates.
Your actual cost will depend on the specifics of your move. For a more accurate estimate, use our
moving cost calculator.
Home Size
Avg. Total Cost
Cost/hour
# of Movers
# Hours
Studio
$441
$173
2 movers
3 hours
1 Bedroom
$624
$178
2 movers
4 hours
2 Bedroom
$1,007
$245
3 movers
5 hours
3 Bedroom
$2,318
$339
4 movers
8 hours
4 Bedroom
$2,689
$350
4 movers
9 hours
5+ Bedroom
$4,222
$479
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.
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.
All movers included in our listings hold the proper licenses.
Visit our best movers in California roundup for suggestions.
How can I choose a reliable mover in South Lake Tahoe?
Searching for a reputable South Lake Tahoe mover can feel overwhelming,
but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:
Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints.
Every South Lake Tahoe mover will face customer feedback—
the best ones respond quickly and fairly.
Specialized experience: Not all movers are equipped for every job.
A company great at local moves might not be ideal for a
cross-country relocation.
Make sure they’ve done moves like yours.
Do movers in South Lake Tahoe offer long-distance services?
Many South Lake Tahoe moving companies handle long-distance relocations, though some focus solely on local moves.
For out-of-state moves, we’ve compiled the best long distance movers in South Lake Tahoe.
What day is usually the least expensive to move in South Lake Tahoe, CA?
The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in South Lake Tahoe, California, are weekdays,
since demand tends to be higher on weekends.
Generally, the least expensive time to move
is during the off-season from October to April.
Expect higher rates from May through September due to peak demand.
Booking early is key if you’re planning a move from South Lake Tahoe.
For the best deal, steer clear of weekends, holidays, and the busy summer months.
Be cautious with quotes that seem too low—some movers may hike the price significantly on moving day.
What’s the most cost-effective way to move from South Lake Tahoe, CA to another state?
Renting a truck is typically
the cheapest option for moving out of state
or around South Lake Tahoe, California.
Just keep in mind that it's a no-frills option. You’ll need to take care of all the packing, loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Should I consider a moving container for my move from South Lake Tahoe?
Moving containers are a convenient option if you prefer a flexible schedule.
Just be ready to handle the loading and unloading yourself.
Once you're packed up, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place
— no need to worry about driving.
Can I get help loading my moving container in South Lake Tahoe?
Yes! Labor-only movers
can be a smart add-on if you're using a rental truck or moving container.
They’ll take care of the heavy lifting, making your move smoother and more efficient without breaking the bank.
Are storage options available through South Lake Tahoe movers?
Most moving companies in South Lake Tahoe provide storage solutions, whether you need something for a few days or indefinitely. Some movers, however,
work with third-party storage providers.
Always ask for details about storage services and fees when talking to movers.
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