Starving Students review 2026 (Los Angeles, CA)
In business since 1998 · Updated
Starving Students, a Los Angeles, CA moving company, ranks #313 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.16/5.
78% of Starving Students' 23 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves dirty vehicles.
In business since 1998, Starving Students holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #318223) and operates 1 truck. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Starving Students measures up
Across 23 reviews, Starving Students in Los Angeles, CA is rated 2.5/5 on Yelp (66 reviews) and 4.2/5 on Google (24 reviews).
Starving Students ranks #313 out of 1154 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.16 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.16.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 4.4
- Brand
- 4.0
- Review quality
- 3.8
Google rating
Based on 24 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 66 reviews
Better Business Bureau
No BBB profile found
Is Starving Students moveBuddha Certified?
Starving Students is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Starving Students hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Starving Students?
Out of 23 verified reviews, 78% of customers left a positive review about Starving Students in Los Angeles, CA. 21.7% of reviews are negative. Starving Students has a 13% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (78% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive78.3%(18)
- Negative21.7%(5)
Based on 23 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Starving Students
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Starving Students to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Starving Students's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Helpful movers
Movers were more than just muscle—they offered guidance and went above and beyond to assist customers.
Professional and polite staff
Customers say the Starving Students's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
Quick moving process
The team at Starving Students often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
What positive reviewers say
“The movers, Will and Will Too, were polite and courteous. They were very professional and considerate of my belongings and both property owners.”
Kelly SzentgyorgyiVerified ReviewerGoogle“David and Robert were professional and quick, careful with my belongings, and stacked everything in the storage unit with utmost care.”
M ShanVerified ReviewerGoogle“They suggested ways to save money, offered great value, and charged a reasonable bill for hard work.”
Kevin O'ConnorVerified ReviewerGoogle“The movers showed up on time and stayed cheerful and professional throughout the move, even while climbing three flights of stairs.”
John TurleyVerified ReviewerGoogle“They finished in just under three hours, so I was charged only the minimum. The two movers were super efficient.”
Adam LarintonVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Starving Students
Dirty vehicles
A few reviewers were disappointed by the condition of the trucks, saying they were unclean or poorly maintained.
Broken promises
Customers noted instances where Starving Students failed to deliver on services that were initially guaranteed.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
What negative reviewers say
“The move took over six hours instead of 4.5, and three roaches crawled in my boxes after delivery. The trucks were not clean.”
E LVerified ReviewerGoogle“They were supposed to arrive between 8-10 am. After repeated calls and no arrival by 11:35, we canceled because the lack of communication was unacceptable.”
Darien CurryVerified ReviewerGoogle“They took my $250 deposit, did not show up as promised, and I had to hire another mover. A week later, they still had not refunded it.”
Bijan SheikhvandVerified ReviewerGoogle“They sent a third-party moving crew, overcharged me, and threw my things out of the truck.”
Judy FountaineVerified ReviewerGoogle
Starving Students
4.16Los Angeles, CASince 1998
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Starving Students
4.16
Los Angeles, CA · Since 1998
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Starving Students, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Los Angeles.
Compare prices side by side
See where Starving Students lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Starving Students offer?
Beyond standard household moves, Starving Students handles piano moving, fine art handling, and antique handling.
Services offered
Is Starving Students licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 318223 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Starving Students is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 318223, as STARVING STUDENTS INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 116476.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Starving Students holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 116476Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- STARVING STUDENTS INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
- Trucks registered
- 1Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 10,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2023
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- May 2026
How much does Starving Students cost?
Starving Students does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in California, you can expect to pay approximately $129/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service California moving companies similar to Starving Students typically bill the amounts below using a $129/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Starving Students is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service California moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Starving Students offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Starving Students accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Starving Students compares with the top 10 Los Angeles movers
Starving Students's moveBuddha score of 4.16 out of 5 places it #34, outside the top 10 movers in Los Angeles, 0.34 points behind NorthStar Moving Company, the tenth-placed mover. Starving Students's score rests on 23 reviews, fewer than any of the ten. Where Starving Students falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Los Angeles, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SOS Moving, LLCLos Angeles | 4.78 | 2,613 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 2 | Best California MoversNorth Hollywood | 4.66 | 2,322 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A |
| 3 | Box-N-Go, LLCLos Angeles | 4.64 | 202 | 4.8 | 4.4 | A+ |
| 4 | Precision Moving & Storage Corp.Chatsworth | 4.58 | 550 | 4.8 | 4.8 | D- |
| 5 | Rigo's Moving Company IncLos Angeles | 4.58 | 534 | 4.3 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 6 | H2H Movers IncLos Angeles | 4.56 | 614 | 4.9 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 7 | Royal Moving & StorageLos Angeles | 4.56 | 595 | 4.9 | 4.8 | A- |
| 8 | ABC Moving SystemsLos Angeles | 4.56 | 469 | 4.8 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 9 | Prodigy Moving & Storage, LLCLos Angeles | 4.50 | 1,884 | 4.7 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 10 | NorthStar Moving CompanyLos Angeles | 4.50 | 1,215 | 4.9 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 34 | Starving StudentsThis mover · ranks #34 | 4.16 | 23 | 4.2 | 2.5 | — |
How does Starving Students compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#313 of 1154(better than average)
4.16vs 3.67 avg
Starving Students scores 4.16, above the California average of 3.67, and ranks #313 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#935 of 1154(worse than average)
78%vs 91% avg
Starving Students has 78% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #935 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#958 of 1154(worse than average)
22%vs 8% avg
Starving Students has 22% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #958 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#858 of 1154(worse than average)
23vs 268 avg
Starving Students has 23 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 268, and ranks #858 of 1154 California movers.
- Yelp rating#334 of 1154(worse than average)
2.5vs 4.3 avg
Starving Students has a Yelp rating of 2.5, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #334 of 1154 California movers.
- Years in business#86 of 1154(better than average)
28 yearsvs 23 years avg
Starving Students has been in business for 28 years, above the California average of 23 years, and ranks #86 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverStarving Students | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#313 of 1154 in California | 4.16 | 3.67 | #313 of 1154 | +0.49(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#935 of 1154 in California | 78% | 91% | #935 of 1154 | −13 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#958 of 1154 in California | 22% | 8% | #958 of 1154 | +14 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#858 of 1154 in California | 23 | 268 | #858 of 1154 | −245(worse than average) |
| Yelp rating#334 of 1154 in California | 2.5 | 4.3 | #334 of 1154 | −1.8(worse than average) |
| Years in business#86 of 1154 in California | 28 years | 23 years | #86 of 1154 | +5(better than average) |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Starving Students
4.16Los Angeles, CASince 1998
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Starving Students, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Los Angeles.
Compare prices side by side
See where Starving Students lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Starving Students
4.16
Los Angeles, CA · Since 1998
Final verdict: Starving Students
Starving Students earns a 4.16/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #34 among Los Angeles movers, with 78% positive feedback across 23 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and respect for property. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With 1 truck and a track record dating to 1998, it has more history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is dirty vehicles.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Starving Students
4.16
Los Angeles, CA · Since 1998
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your California moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Starving Students
- Phone
- (888) 931-6683
- Website
- starvingstudents.com
Other Starving Students locations
Helpful California moving resources
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.