Best Movers Near University of California-Santa Barbara, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan
 • 5 min read
checkmarkFact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Out of 370 moving companies reviewed in California, Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. came out ahead as the leading choice for local moves in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA. With 182 total reviews and a 94.5% positive rating, they’re a standout among the competition.

For cross-country or out-of-state moves, Safeway Moving delivers on both quality and cost-effectiveness.

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5 Cheapest movers when moving locally in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA

Whether you're planning a move within University of California-Santa Barbara or relocating to a nearby California city like Isla Vista or Goleta (both under 50 miles away), we’ve rounded up some of the best local movers that combine solid reputations with affordable pricing.

https://www.facebook.com/MammothMoving/, https://x.com/mammothmoving
95% of all reviews were positive
4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
A resounding chorus of praise sets Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. apart. Among 182 pieces of customer feedback, 94.5% describe excellent service, with standout mentions for their professionalism, efficient team, careful handling of belongings, strong communication skills, and swift work pace. Movers are frequently described as polite, helpful, and highly attentive, resulting in a stress-free move for many clients. Customers appreciate scheduling flexibility, transparency in pricing, and the company’s willingness to go the extra mile. In contrast, 3.8% voiced concerns such as unexpected charges, property damage, and negative interactions with office staff. A handful of neutral comments note dissatisfaction with claims reimbursements and clarity on insurance coverage. Mammoth’s high satisfaction rate and attention to detail put them a step ahead of most moving companies, especially in a field where reliability and professional conduct are paramount.
Get a Quote (805) 968-8643

Company Info

State license #: 0173549

Years in Business: 36

DOT #: 2645059


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/SantaBarbaraMovers, https://twitter.com/HazelwoodAllied
100% of all reviews were positive
0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage shines with consistent, positive feedback from 56 customer reviews—every single one praises the company. Most customers highlight the staff’s professionalism, prompt and efficient service, clear and helpful communication, and careful handling of belongings. Customers regularly mention reliable timelines and an overall quick moving process, leading to low-stress experiences. While many moving companies receive at least occasional complaints about damage or delays, Hazelwood stands apart by avoiding such issues in reported feedback. No major negative experiences or recurring problems were found in the feedback analyzed. In comparison to similar businesses, Hazelwood Allied receives more frequent praise for its helpful team, organizational skills, and smooth-moving experience, which turns stressful situations into pleasant ones for their clients.
Get a Quote (805) 963-4493

Company Info

State license #: 0102801

Years in Business: 36

DOT #: 2645119


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/alohamovingsb/, https://x.com/AlohaMoving1
97% of all reviews were positive
2% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Aloha Moving stands out as a trusted choice for relocation in the Santa Barbara area, with 102 pieces of feedback analyzed. A remarkable 97% of customer input rates their service positively. Most people praise the professional and polite staff, efficient service, and the careful handling of belongings. Customers often highlight excellent communication, quick moving processes, and consistently stress-free experiences compared to other movers. Costs are typically seen as fair, estimates accurate, and appointments handled on schedule. The company's owner, Paul, frequently receives personal mentions for his direct involvement and reliability. On the downside, a small number of negative comments mention higher-than-expected costs and instances of pushy or unprofessional behavior, but these are rare in comparison to the volume of praise. In terms of reliability, service, and care, Aloha Moving repeatedly exceeds what’s expected from moving companies, setting a high standard in the local industry.
Get a Quote (805) 564-8800

Company Info

State license #: 0191816

Years in Business: 24

DOT #: 2660138


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/MeatheadMovers
85% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—Meathead Movers consistently stands out with prompt, hardworking crews and outstanding service. Of the 524 reviews analyzed, 85% praised the company, often mentioning their quick, efficient work, respectful attitude, and excellent communication. Customers highlighted the movers' care in handling belongings and their professional, friendly demeanor. Many found the booking process simple and appreciated the clear pricing and follow-up. Negative feedback accounts for 12% and most often focuses on damages to furniture or property, estimates exceeding expectations, and extra fees not clearly communicated. Some clients experienced issues with missing items, slow claims, or inconsistent responses regarding damaged goods. Price surprises after the job and difficulties in resolving complaints proved frustrating for several clients. With far more positive feedback than typical moving services, Meathead Movers outperforms many competitors on staff attitude, efficiency, and reliability. For those seeking a trustworthy, careful moving team with clear communication and professional conduct, Meathead Movers is a favored choice, though customers should clarify quotes and damage policies in advance.
Get a Quote (805) 987-7201

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Packers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/UniqueMovingandStorage/, https://x.com/UniqueMovingInc
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers often rave about Unique Moving Inc.'s efficient service, experienced crews, and careful handling of belongings. Many note the professionalism and friendly attitude shown by staff, with several using the company multiple times because of consistent, positive results. Movers arrive on time, communicate well, and work quickly without sacrificing caution. The majority of feedback highlights both staff courtesy and skillful, damage-free moves. On the other hand, a small segment of clients report issues with damage to their items, unexpected additional charges, or lost communication during their move. These concerns, though rare compared to the strong positive trends, were significant for those affected. Unique Moving Inc. outpaces similar companies with its reliability and service quality, though attention to billing clarity and item protection would make them stand out even more. With 259 reviews analyzed and over 93% of customers reporting positive experiences, the company enjoys a standout reputation in its field.
Get a Quote (805) 389-1577

Company Info

State license #: 0188950

Years in Business: 37


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Local moving services in University of California-Santa Barbara

Moving companies don’t all offer the same services, and where you live can shape what’s available to you.

The table below shows how service offerings in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA, stack up against both state and national averages. It’s a quick way to see which options are common and which might require a little more searching.

Service University of California-Santa Barbara CA National
Packing 5 367 3072
Unpacking 4 358 2972
Packing Materials 4 252 1812
Piano 5 296 2298
Antiques 4 227 1464
Debris Removal 1 58 819
Art 4 229 1448
Storage 5 317 2695
Climate-Controlled Storage 2 73 1034
Small Moves 2 150 1553
Custom Crating 4 290 1928
Grandfather Clock 2 61 407
Hot Tub 3 118 691
Junk Removal 1 72 1151
Office Moves 5 346 2708
Pool Table 4 153 968
Safe 3 141 1155

Other local CA movers

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

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

If you need something local University of California-Santa Barbara movers don’t offer, consider checking out other trusted companies in CA cities. You might find a better fit just a short drive away.

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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:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
  3. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
Get A Quote
(855) 929-4120
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
Get A Quote
Visit Website
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
Get A Quote
866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA

While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your University of California-Santa Barbara, California relocation, it will also likely be the most expensive route. To save some money, you may want to consider using one of the top moving container companies, or moving truck rental companies in University of California-Santa Barbara instead.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
Get A Quote
Visit Website
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
Check prices Visit Website
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
Get A Quote
(352) 322-2920
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
Check prices Visit Website

Hire help, hold the truck. Not all moving help includes a truck, and that’s good news if you’re renting your own or using a moving container. In University of California-Santa Barbara, 2 labor-only movers can assist with the loading and unloading side of your move.

How we chose the best movers in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 289 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, CA

Check out the pricing table below to get a rough idea of what local moves typically cost in and around the University of California-Santa Barbara area. For a deeper dive, be sure to explore our guide on the moving costs in California.

Keep in mind that the moving quotes shown are general estimates. Your actual expenses may vary based on your specific moving situation. For a more accurate estimate, try our moving cost calculator.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $430 $137 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $568 $137 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $870 $192 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,904 $269 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,173 $269 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,304 $376 5 movers 10 hours

Compare the top University of California-Santa Barbara, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company moveBuddha rating BBB rating Yelp rating Google rating
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. 4.5/5 A+ 4.6/5 4.9/5
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc 4.4/5 A+ 5/5 5/5
Aloha Moving 4.4/5 A+ 4.5/5 5/5
Meathead Movers 4.8/5 A+ 4/5 4.2/5
Unique Moving Inc. 4.6/5 C+ 4.2/5 4.9/5
Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc. 4.5/5 A+ 3.7/5 4.9/5
Attention to Detail Moving, Inc. 4.6/5 D- 4.1/5 4.7/5
Movegreen 4.3/5 A+ 4.4/5 4.8/5
Lompoc Van and Storage 4.2/5 NR 2.3/5 /5
Air 1 Moving & Storage 4.6/5 A+ 3.6/5 4.3/5

FAQs

How many movers in University of California-Santa Barbara offer discounts?

Some moving companies offer built-in discounts depending on your background or affiliations. These can reduce the overall cost of your move if you qualify.

1 give price breaks to active duty or veteran military customers. 1 movers have senior-specific discount programs in place. Discount details can change throughout the year, so it’s best to confirm availability and eligibility directly.

How can I tell if a moving company is 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.

We only feature movers that are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in California list to find vetted options.

What’s the best way to find a trustworthy University of California-Santa Barbara mover?

Finding a dependable University of California-Santa Barbara 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 University of California-Santa Barbara 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 I hire a University of California-Santa Barbara local mover for an out-of-state move?

You’ll find 5 movers in University of California-Santa Barbara that offer long-distance services for moves beyond state lines. We’ve highlighted the top long-distance movers in University of California-Santa Barbara to help you narrow down the best options for your upcoming move.

Which day of the week is cheapest for hiring movers in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?

Movers in University of California-Santa Barbara, California, are often cheaper to hire on weekdays, as weekends see higher demand and pricing. According to our research, the cheapest moving period is from October through April—outside the peak May to September season.

To cut costs, book your University of California-Santa Barbara move as early as possible. Avoid high-demand days like weekends, holidays, and summer months. And be wary of movers who offer extremely low quotes. They might raise prices at the last minute.

What’s the most affordable way to relocate from University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?

Renting a truck is often considered the cheapest way to move out of state or within University of California-Santa Barbara, California. It’s also the most hands-on — expect to manage the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.

Is a moving container a good option for relocating from University of California-Santa Barbara?

Moving containers let you move on your timeline, but keep in mind you’ll be doing all the loading and unloading yourself. After you're packed, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new home, eliminating the need to drive a moving truck.

What kind of storage support do University of California-Santa Barbara movers offer?

5 companies in University of California-Santa Barbara provide flexible storage options, including both short- and long-term solutions. For added protection, 2 movers also offer climate-controlled units.

Storage setups vary between providers. Before booking, make sure to ask whether storage is handled in-house and what protections are included.

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

Helpful University of California-Santa Barbara Resources

University of California-Santa Barbara Moving Services

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