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Local moving companies in California
Moving from California to Fort Wayne, IN calls for the support of experienced and reliable movers who can handle relocations with ease. To help make your move smooth and stress-free, we’ve compiled a list of the best local moving companies equipped to handle your journey from the Golden State to the heart of the City of Churches.
Out of 239 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Fort Wayne, IN.
- Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Movers, Inc., Princess Packers
Meathead Movers, a reputable moving company serving Fresno, CA since 1998, specializes in local residential moving services with a proven track record reflected by their stellar consumer reviews. With 243 Yelp reviews averaging 4.1 stars and 204 Google My Business reviews averaging 4.4 stars, they have earned an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, Meathead Movers also offers packing and unpacking services, accepting both cash and credit cards without requiring a deposit. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and comprehensive service offerings make them a top choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 877973
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Dream Moore, Inc.
Two Men and a Truck, based in Chico, CA, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 2007. With an impressive average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.5 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they have established themselves as a reputable choice compared to other nearby movers. Their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they are capable of handling special items such as pianos and safes. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making the moving process stress-free for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Grace Moving Company, based in Modesto, CA, has been reliably serving local residents since 1999, earning a stellar reputation for their top-notch residential moving services. Unlike many competitors, Grace Moving Company also offers specialized services like piano and art moving, packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Notably, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local relocations.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191302
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2971368
All Star Movers & Storage, serving Dublin, CA and surrounding areas since 2016, is a reputable choice for local residential moves. Praised for their exceptional service with an average Yelp rating of 4.8 from 152 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they stand out among local competitors. They offer a comprehensive array of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and can even handle delicate items such as pianos and art. Unlike many movers, All Star Movers & Storage accepts credit cards and requires no deposit, making the process easier for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Comparing local moving companies from California to Fort Wayne, Indiana:
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best California Movers | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Meathead Movers | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Grace Moving Company | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,891 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how California movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 99% | 97% |
| Antiques | 63% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 2% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 2% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Fort Wayne, IN
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Fort Wayne, IN to what you’re used to in California. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: California vs Fort Wayne, IN
| California | Fort Wayne | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,163 |
| Average home value | $771,057 | $227,803 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $53,978 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 5% |
| State income tax | 13% | 3% |
Fort Wayne sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Fort Wayne is approximately 37% lower than in California. You can use those savings to grow your emergency fund, upgrade your new place, or cover other moving costs.
- On average, homes in Fort Wayne cost 70% less than in California, making your move budget-friendly.
- Salaries in Fort Wayne are typically about 41% lower than in California. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making the move.
- Moving to Fort Wayne means you’ll benefit from an unemployment rate that’s roughly 6% lower than California. That could translate to better job prospects and more career opportunities for you.
- Income taxes in Fort Wayne are 76% lower than in California. That means you could save more, pay down debt faster, or enjoy a little extra breathing room in your budget.
How life is different in Fort Wayne from California
| Fort Wayne | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 265,974 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 38" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 30" | 7" |
| Crime index | 40.9 | 28.43 |
Fort Wayne sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Fort Wayne voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Fort Wayne is 84ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF. With summer temperatures being similar, you’ll likely enjoy an easy transition, but don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather trends, and energy costs to truly understand what summer will be like in your new state.
- During the coldest part of the year, Fort Wayne gets down to 17ºF while California only dips to 59ºF. Relocating to Fort Wayne means adjusting to colder winters, which could raise your heating bill and bring some changes to your routine. Still, you'll get to enjoy the area's one-of-a-kind winter scenery and seasonal activities.
- You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Fort Wayne vs only 22 inches of rainfall in California. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you'll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
- In Fort Wayne, it snows about 30 inches annually vs the 7 inches of snow in California. With more snow, you get stunning winter scenery and plenty of seasonal fun, but you might also be on the hook for extra maintenance and need to stock up on cold-weather gear.
- Fort Wayne has a higher crime rate than California with a crime index of 40.9 vs 28.43. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Fort Wayne
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Fort Wayne really has something for everyone.
Museums in Fort Wayne
Parks in Fort Wayne
Sports Teams in Fort Wayne
Universities in Fort Wayne
Other considerations when moving to Fort Wayne, IN
- Weather: Fort Wayne summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. Severe weather is not uncommon, particularly in the spring and summer months; the city experiences an average of 39 thunderstorm days and about 10 severe weather days annually.
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve your building’s elevator in advance and double-check any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify your Indiana moving license on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to Indiana, but you need to check out local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. This way, you can select your moving date and ensure your mail is forwarded to Indiana right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Moving insurance requirements differ from state to state. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Fort Wayne take?
The time frame for a move from California to Fort Wayne, IN, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Fort Wayne will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Fort Wayne from California can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Fort Wayne?
Because of the 2286-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Fort Wayne as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Fort Wayne, IN?
With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 17ºF, most people move to Fort Wayne from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Fort Wayne during summer or winter.
