Local moving companies in Riverside

  1. Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
  2. VIP Transport, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  4. Meathead Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. Golden Eagle Moving, LLC: 4.72 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Inaccurate estimates
  • Poor complaint handling
Review Analysis
Moving perfection is rare, but Best California Movers comes close. Out of 1,177 pieces of customer feedback, over 98% are positive. Customers highlight the company's efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, professional staff, and great communication. Moves are completed swiftly without sacrificing care, and teams are consistently polite and attentive. Transparent pricing and quick response times also set this company apart from many others. On the flip side, a small number of people mention issues like item damage, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and slow resolution to complaints. While most customers found pricing and final charges accurate, those few negative experiences reflect the main risks found in the industry—miscommunication, claim delays, and the rare mishandling of belongings. Compared to typical movers, Best California Movers receives far fewer complaints about property damage and shows higher reliability and responsiveness. The feedback shows why so many recommend them for hassle-free, well-managed moves.
Get a Quote

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/VIPMayflower/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Good communication
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Lack of communication
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Stellar service and professionalism are at the heart of most customer input for VIP Transport, Inc. Out of 244 reviews analyzed, 88.5% reflect positive feedback with standout praise for the company’s professional staff, reliable communication, and careful handling of possessions. Movers are routinely described as efficient, friendly, and willing to go the extra mile, making the moving process much less stressful. Customers also highlight helpful attitudes and strong organizational skills from both office and field staff, setting VIP Transport ahead of many competitors. The main negative feedback, making up about 9%, centers on damaged items, slow resolution of claims, or lapses in communication and delivery timelines. Still, these issues appear in a small minority of cases. A few neutral comments mention price competitiveness and the condition of vehicles. With consistent praise for attentive and skilled teams, transparent communication, and a reputation for reducing the hassle of relocation, VIP Transport remains a top choice for complex or long-distance moves—even if some room for improvement persists regarding claims and rare mishandled items.
Get a Quote (951) 272-3700

Company Info

State license #: 0137029

Years in Business: 41

DOT #: 125563

Alternate Names: Mayflower Transit, VIP Transport East, Inc, VIP Transport - United Van Lines, VIP Transport - Mayflower Transit, United Van Lines


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/terrymoving/, https://twitter.com/terrymovingco
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customers—nearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful. Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.
Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Company Info

State license #: 189603

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 649215

Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/meatheadmovers?lang=en
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Meathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process. On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.
Get a Quote (949) 485-7883

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/goldeneaglemovingunited/,
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Helpful movers
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
Review Analysis
Moving stories don’t get much better—customers share that Golden Eagle Moving stands out for having polite, professional staff, fast and careful service, and exceptionally helpful crews. Out of 160 customer reviews, 81% reported positive experiences, often noting excellent communication and attention to detail. Most people found their items well handled and teams easy to work with, which sets this mover apart from competitors. A small but important segment of the feedback points to damaged or missing items, as well as occasions where delivery arrived late. Some also mentioned challenges with compensation for lost or broken belongings. Compared to other movers, Golden Eagle earns high marks for reliability and service, but there are a few cautionary stories about handling precious items and delays.
Get a Quote (909) 946-7655

Company Info

State license #: 0191570

Years in Business: 44

DOT #: 77949

Alternate Names: Golden Eagle Moving Services


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Factors influencing moving costs from Riverside to Des Moinestoggle

The cost of Riverside movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Riverside to Des Moines can be as low as $1,526 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,886.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Riverside so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,226 to $3,070. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Riverside to Des Moines

Moving from Riverside to Des Moines means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Riverside than in Des Moines, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Riverside compares to Des Moines so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Riverside Des Moines
Average rent cost $2,295 $1,150
Average home value $642,297 $192,347
Average income (per capita) $76,755 $58,492
Cost of living (single person) $2,573 $1,891
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,604 $4,380
Unemployment rate 7.1% 5.9%
Sales tax 8.75% 7.0%
State income tax 13.3% 4.4%
  • Rent prices in Des Moines are 50% lower than in Riverside, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Des Moines.
    Home prices in Des Moines are 70.1% lower than in Riverside.
  • Income in Des Moines is 23.8% lower than in Riverside, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Des Moines — including MercyOne, Principal Financial Group, and Ppw Holdings — may pay more.
  • Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Des Moines. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 26.5% lower than in Riverside.
  • A move to Des Moines can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 21.8% less than what it costs in Riverside.
  • The unemployment rate in Des Moines is 16.90% lower than in Riverside.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Des Moines, since the city's sales taxes in Des Moines are 20.00% lower than in Riverside.
  • One perk of moving to Des Moines is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.92% lower than in Riverside.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,204.82 in Des Moines to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Riverside.

How life is different in Riverside vs. Des Moines

Des Moines Riverside
Population 699,292 317,261
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 45 43
Bike friendliness score 39 49
Crime Index 5.0 40.24
Safety Index 57.8 59.76
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Des Moines's population is about 120% greater than Riverside.
  • Des Moines's public transportation has a similar score to Riverside.
  • Des Moines and Riverside are similarily walkable.
  • Des Moines has a bike-friendliness score 39 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Riverside, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
  • Des Moines's crime rate is lower than Riverside with a score of 5.0 compared to Riverside's 40.24. This means that Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24%.
  • Des Moines and Riverside are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Des Moines is good, and in Riverside it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Riverside vs. Des Moines move

  • Weather: September, June and May are the most pleasant months in Des Moines, while January and December are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
  • Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Des Moines. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

Where to live in Des Moines

Now that you've chosen Hartford of the West as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Des Moines to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Sherman Hill
  • East Village
  • North of Grand
  • Chautauqua Park
  • Beaverdale

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Linden Heights
  • Waveland Park
  • Salisbury Oaks
  • Meredith
  • Beaverdale

Things to do in Des Moines

Once you're settled into your new home in Iowa, it's time to get out and discover what Des Moines has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Des Moines, such as the Des Moines Art Center, State Historical Museum, Science Center of Iowa, Salisbury House, and World Food Prize Hall of Laureates.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Gray's Lake Park, Pappajohn Sculpture Park, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Drake Bulldogs game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Riverside to Des Moines?

The best time to move from Riverside to Des Moines is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Riverside.

When is the cheapest time to move from Riverside to Des Moines?

With many people choosing to move from Riverside to Des Moines in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Riverside to Des Moines take?

The 1,648-mile move from Riverside, CA, to Des Moines, IA, takes four to 15 days. Some Riverside movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Des Moines.

Helpful moving resources