Cheapest Movers in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA (2025 Guide)

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

Quick answer: After comparing 278 moving companies in California, our recommended local mover in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA, is Meathead Movers 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.

ryan carrigan moving expert
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.
Need more help? Build your move plan.
Get Quote

Preferred partners

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

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

Whether you're moving within University of California-Santa Barbara, relocating to nearby Isla Vista or Goleta, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away, are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/MeatheadMovers
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Professional and polite staff (24%)
  • Careful handling (22%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (21%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—fast, careful, and professional. Across 534 customer accounts, 85% were satisfied with Meathead Movers, who consistently impress with prompt, efficient service, courteous staff, careful attention to belongings, and effective communication. Many point to their speed, skill, and ability to reduce moving stress as unmatched compared to other movers. Staff go out of their way to ensure everything is handled safely and customers feel supported throughout. Most praise the company’s organization and transparency, with workers often finishing ahead of schedule and providing clear updates. While Meathead stands out for reliability, a number of customers highlighted problems including damage to items, higher-than-expected costs than initial estimates, and issues with packing quality—especially when using packing services. Some experienced final bills much greater than the quotes they received, contributing to frustration. A few customers also reported items arriving broken or poor claim handling after reporting damage. Compared to other moving firms, feedback shows Meathead’s team typically provides a smoother, faster, and friendlier move—but attention to better estimate accuracy and meticulous packing would boost trust even further.
Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

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 credit card
https://www.facebook.com/SantaBarbaraMovers, https://x.com/HazelwoodAllied
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (40%)
  • Professional and polite staff (36%)
  • Careful handling (32%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (28%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
  • Lack of communication (16%)
Review Analysis
Glowing responses from nearly all customers put Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage in a league above typical moving companies. Out of 26 pieces of feedback, 92% praised their professional, respectful crews, careful handling, and smooth, efficient service. Many noted reliable communication, organized packing, and trustworthy, skilled staff—traits often hard to find in competitors. Most customers found employees polite, timely, and diligent, with special care for valuable or fragile items. A few highlighted affordable, transparent pricing and personalized support for complex situations. One major complaint pointed to damage to belongings, unexpected high charges, and poor service when handling issues. Another user described rushed unpacking and careless treatment for a high price. Compared to other movers, Hazelwood stands out for consistent professionalism and care; complaints about property damage or costs remain rare exceptions rather than the norm.
Get a Quote (805) 963-4493

Company Info

State license #: 0102801

Years in Business: 35

DOT #: 2645119

Alternate Names: Hazelwood Moving and Storage


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/UniqueMovingandStorage/, https://x.com/UniqueMovingInc
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (29%)
  • Careful handling (27%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
  • Damage to items (20%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
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
https://www.facebook.com/CamelotMovingandStorage/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (28%)
  • Careful handling (26%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (35%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
Review Analysis
Moving with Camelot comes with efficiency, professionalism, and care that stands out from typical moving companies. Analyzing 197 customer inputs, 90% praised their punctual, polite staff, careful handling, and prompt, well-communicated service. Clients noted quick moves, affordable rates, and transparency, with minimal damages even on large or long-distance jobs. Feedback highlighted movers consistently going the extra mile, from providing detailed quotes to following up to ensure satisfaction. In contrast, a small portion of clients reported significant issues, including property damages, unsatisfactory claim resolutions, and unexpected charges. Damage to items and frustrating insurance claim processes appeared far less than the industry norm, but when they occurred, caused notable dissatisfaction. Rare complaints about cost discrepancies and inflexible insurance policies show areas where Camelot aligns with but occasionally falls short of industry standards. Customers seeking reliability, fast moving, and respectful crews overwhelmingly recommend Camelot, making it a top choice in the region. Those requiring absolute guarantees on item protection or clearer claims may wish for more assurance, yet Camelot’s performance remains exceptionally strong compared to typical movers.
Get a Quote (661) 255-3112

Company Info

State license #: 0150296

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 501984

Alternate Names: Camelot Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/MammothMoving/, https://x.com/mammothmoving
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Careful handling (36%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
  • Lack of communication (12%)
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

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::

  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
Check prices (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

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

See more
See less

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

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 278 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

Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the University of California-Santa Barbara area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in California.

Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $466 $137 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $586 $137 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $873 $186 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,876 $263 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,159 $271 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,301 $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
Meathead Movers 4.9/5 A+ 4.1/5 4.7/5
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc 4.8/5 A+ 4.5/5 5/5
Unique Moving Inc. 4.8/5 C+ 4.2/5 4.9/5
Camelot Moving & Storage 4.8/5 A+ 4.6/5 4.6/5
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. 4.7/5 A+ 4.5/5 4.8/5
Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc. 4.7/5 A+ 3.7/5 4.9/5
Martian Movers 4.7/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.9/5
Precision Moving & Storage Corp. 4.7/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.8/5
Aloha Moving 4.6/5 A+ 4.4/5 5/5
Lompoc Van and Storage 4/5 NR /5 /5

FAQs

How do I know if my mover is properly 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.

All of the movers on our list are properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in California list for more recommendations.

How do I find a reputable University of California-Santa Barbara mover?

Looking for a reliable University of California-Santa Barbara moving company can be difficult, but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:

  • Reputation: A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a seasoned van lines company.
  • Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints. Every University of California-Santa Barbara moving company will face customer issues. The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
  • Relevant experience: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves, they may not have the experience needed to handle a cross-country move. Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.

Do University of California-Santa Barbara moving companies handle long-distance moves?

Some of the moving companies that service University of California-Santa Barbara can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services. If you're moving out of state, see our list of the best long distance movers in University of California-Santa Barbara.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?

The cheapest day to hire a mover in University of California-Santa Barbara, California, will typically be a weekday, since weekends are typically busier times for moving. In general, the cheapest time to move is between October and April. The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.

The earlier you book your move from University of California-Santa Barbara, the better. Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money. Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote, as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state from University of California-Santa Barbara, CA?

Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within University of California-Santa Barbara, California. Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and driving.

Are moving containers a good idea for my move from University of California-Santa Barbara?

Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Once you’re loaded up and ready to move, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.

What if I need help loading my moving container in University of California-Santa Barbara?

Labor-only moving companies can be a great addition to a more DIY move done with a rental moving truck or moving container. Hiring third-party assistance with loading and unloading can help cut down on the workload and make your move quicker and more efficient.

Do University of California-Santa Barbara movers offer storage?

Most University of California-Santa Barbara moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some University of California-Santa Barbara movers use third-party warehouses to store your items. It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.

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

Helpful University of California-Santa Barbara Resources

University of California-Santa Barbara Moving Services

Nearby Cities

Popular California Moving Routes

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

Click here to use our moving cost calculator.
Moving Cost
Calculator
Click here to view the top long distance movers.
Long Distance
Movers
Click here to view the top interstate movers.
Best Interstate
Movers
Click here to view the top moving container companies.
Moving
Containers
Click here to view the top car shipping companies.
Car
Shippers
Click here to view the top international movers.
International
Movers
Click here to view the best companies for small moves.
Small
Moves
Click here to view the best rental trucks.
Truck
Rental
Click here to view the best self storage companies.
Self
Storage
Click here to view local movers by location.
Local
Movers
Click here to learn where to get moving boxes.
Moving
Boxes
Click here to learn more about corporate relocations.
Corporate
Relocation
Click here to view the top moving labor companies.
Moving
Labor
Click here to view our top posts about specialty movers.
Specialty
Movers
See All
Hide All