Cheapest Movers in Vista, CA (2025 Guide)

Quick answer: After comparing 278 moving companies in California, our recommended local mover in Vista, CA, is Best California 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.

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Recommended by Forbes
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6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Vista, CA

Whether you're moving within Vista, relocating to nearby San Marcos or Carlsbad, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away, are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

Preferred Partner
Best California Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (39%)
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Careful handling (32%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
  • Damage to items (19%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
Review Analysis
Moving day stress gets left behind with Best California Movers, according to an overwhelming 1,177 reviews—of which 98.5% were positive. Customers repeatedly point out efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moving, and excellent communication—attributes not seen as consistently in most moving companies. Feedback shows that belongings arrive safe and undamaged, with movers working swiftly and showing courtesy at every stage. Many notice that clear communication and transparent pricing make the process easier, and crews are praised for problem-solving in tough situations. A handful of reviewers, though, cite incidents involving damaged items, unexpected charges from inaccurate price quotes, or difficulty with claims and follow-up. These lapses are rare compared to industry averages but noteworthy for those prioritizing accountability. While neutral reviews mention minor flaws with after-move support, they still highlight professionalism and care by the moving teams. Compared to other moving services, Best California Movers stands out for reliability, speed, and the personal touch so often missing in the industry.
Get a Quote (858) 997-2487

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3489907

Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/grizzlymovingsd,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Careful handling (29%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (26%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (19%)
Review Analysis
Customer input for Grizzly Moving points to standout performance: more than 92% of the 434 reviews highlight prompt, efficient, and careful service. Clients consistently mention that the team handles furniture cautiously and communicates well from booking to delivery. Movers show up on time, treat property with respect, and complete jobs swiftly, which sets Grizzly apart from standard moving companies. The staff is repeatedly described as professional, polite, and considerate, making stressful relocations easier for families, businesses, and individuals alike. On the downside, around 7% of reviewers cite real concerns, especially about damage to belongings, unexpected final costs, and, less frequently, delays or missed arrival windows. While complaints are few compared to the high volume of positive feedback, the nature of issues—such as significant item damage or underestimated costs—are important for potential customers to consider before booking. Compared to competitors, Grizzly’s consistent execution, fair communication, and efficient process earn high marks, though diligence is still advisable to clarify insurance, costs, and special handling when booking. With such a dominant trend of satisfied feedback, Grizzly ranks as a top contender, though a minority of experiences remind customers to confirm all details upfront.
Get a Quote (844) 474-9959

Company Info

State license #: 0191376

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2642040

Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/MeatheadMovers
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Efficient service (28%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (30%)
  • Lack of communication (27%)
  • Damage to items (22%)
Review Analysis
Moving with Meathead Movers feels less like a hassle and more like a well-organized project. After reviewing 529 pieces of customer feedback, 84% express satisfaction with professional, efficient crews known for careful handling and great communication. Most describe staff as polite and reliable, remarking on quick booking and prompt service. Positive input consistently references efficient service, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and strong coordination as standout qualities—qualities that set this company apart from many moving firms. Some clients encountered issues, notably with damage to items, underestimates leading to higher costs, and occasional poor packing by certain crews. These concerns represent about 13% of the feedback and highlight areas where attention to detail could be improved. Around 3% of reviews were neutral, often focusing on high costs, inconsistent packing, or small mistakes offset by decent customer support. Compared to most moving companies, Meathead Movers ranks high for service consistency and professionalism, but customers should clarify estimates and discuss special packing needs in advance.
Get a Quote (951) 501-8866

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/weliketomoveitsd, https://x.com/san_movers
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Friendly and approachable staff (28%)
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (18%)
  • Unexpected charges (15%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (12%)
Review Analysis
Moving made nearly effortless—We Like To Move It Moving receives consistently impressive customer feedback. Out of 379 reviews analyzed, 94% describe positive experiences citing efficient service, attention to detail with belongings, and truly professional movers. Many customers mention a quick, organized moving process and commend the team’s friendly, communicative attitude. Movers arrive promptly, handle items with care, and communicate clearly throughout, making stressful moves much easier. Transparent pricing and easy booking also earn high praise. While negative feedback is rare, some customers saw final costs higher than expected, and a few reported damage to belongings or delays. Compared to typical moving companies, We Like To Move It Moving reliably delivers fast, careful, and personable service. High satisfaction rates and strong recommendations set them apart as a leader in the San Diego area.
Get a Quote (619) 483-1505

Company Info

State license #: 0191446

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2843171


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/OakleyRelocation, https://twitter.com/oakleyrelo
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (31%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
Review Analysis
Customer feedback for Oakley Relocation showcases consistent professionalism, efficient service, and care for customer belongings, with 93% of reviews being positive across 229 total inputs. Clients frequently describe the staff as polite, effective, and reliable, often highlighting quick and seamless moves, attentive communication, and careful handling of items. Many mention that the employees go out of their way to make the moving process less stressful, offering peace of mind from start to finish. On the flip side, a small number of clients experienced significant problems, most commonly citing damage to items, difficulty reaching the company when issues arose, or unexpected charges. Compared to similar moving companies, Oakley earns standout marks for staff professionalism and speed, but the occasional unresolved damage claim or communication gap keeps a small number of users from full satisfaction.
Get a Quote (858) 602-1756

Company Info

State license #: 0190480

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 070851

Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/colemanallied, https://x.com/colemanallied
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (40%)
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Good communication (30%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (45%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (30%)
  • Lack of communication (25%)
Review Analysis
Moving with care and professionalism stands out at Coleman Worldwide Moving. Out of 218 reviews analyzed, 82% reflect positive experiences, with many customers highlighting courteous, efficient crews and frequent, helpful communication. Feedback praises the company’s skillful staff, prompt service, and careful handling of belongings. Customers often mention organized moves and proactive updates, which help ease the stress of relocating. Some report accurate pricing and responsive coordinators, noting these factors set Coleman apart from less reliable competitors. In contrast, the negative feedback centers on damage to items, missing boxes, and communication lapses, resulting in claims frustrations. While most customers enjoy smooth, attentive moves, a minority reports that lost or broken items and claim issues impacted their confidence. Compared to similar companies, Coleman receives consistent praise for professionalism and problem-solving but could improve the moving experience by tightening quality control and claims support.
Get a Quote (877) 693-7060

Company Info

State license #: 0190444

Years in Business: 110

DOT #: 2897746

Alternate Names: Coleman American Moving Services A Georgia Corp


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • 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

Making a move from California to another state? You'll want a reliable interstate moving company to handle the journey. Check out our top picks

  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
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Cheapest DIY moving options in Vista, CA

A full-service mover can make your Vista, 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 Vista.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

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How we chose the best movers in Vista, 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 Vista, 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 Vista 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 $512 $269 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $781 $274 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,357 $388 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $3,355 $544 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $4,039 $544 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $6,126 $737 5 movers 10 hours

Compare the top Vista, CA movers

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

Company moveBuddha rating BBB rating Yelp rating Google rating
Grizzly Moving 4.9/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.8/5
Best California Movers 4.8/5 A+ 4.9/5 5/5
Meathead Movers 4.8/5 A+ 4/5 /5
We Like To Move It Moving 4.8/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.4/5
Oakley Relocation 4.7/5 A+ 4.4/5 4.8/5
Coleman Worldwide Moving 4.7/5 A+ 1/5 4.5/5
Hulk Movers LLC 4.7/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.8/5
One Stop Moving & Storage 4.7/5 A+ 3.9/5 4.2/5
TacLog Moving Services 4.7/5 B- 4.2/5 4.4/5
Cali Moving & Storage Corp 4.6/5 A+ 4.3/5 4.8/5

FAQs

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.

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 Vista?

Searching for a reputable Vista mover can feel overwhelming, but focusing on these important factors can help you narrow down your choices:

  • Reputation: Whether it’s a local startup or a national van lines company, their track record matters.
  • Dispute resolution: Avoid companies known for dragging out complaints. Every Vista 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 Vista offer long-distance services?

Many Vista 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 Vista.

What day is usually the least expensive to move in Vista, CA?

The most budget-friendly days to hire movers in Vista, 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 Vista. 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 Vista, CA to another state?

Renting a truck is typically the cheapest option for moving out of state or around Vista, 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 Vista?

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 Vista?

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 Vista movers?

Most moving companies in Vista 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.

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

Helpful Vista Resources

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