Top Irvine to San Diego, CA Moving Companies

Local moving companies in Irvine

Choosing a local moving company for your Irvine to San Diego move in California means less stress and more peace of mind. Local movers know the area inside and out, offer personalized services, and take care of everything from packing to transport, making your move easier, faster, and hassle-free.

Best California Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
Meathead Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Maison Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591 US

99% of all reviews were positive

1% of reviews were negative

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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.

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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

Terry Moving and Storage Inc.

25958 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 US

94% of all reviews were positive

5% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

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

NorthStar Moving Company

300 Spectrum Center Dr Ste 400, Irvine, CA 92618 US

94% of all reviews were positive

4% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Moving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customers—94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the movers’ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies.

Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.

Get a Quote (800) 275-7767

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576

Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Meathead Movers

2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 US

77% of all reviews were positive

20% of reviews were negative

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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

Maison Moving

1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA 92780 US

84% of all reviews were positive

14% of reviews were negative

Read Reviews

Review Analysis

Word spreads fast about a moving company that gets the job done. Out of 293 customer reviews, Maison Moving earned high marks, with 84% giving glowing feedback. Customers repeatedly mention the efficiency, professionalism, and care shown by the movers, highlighting strong communication, timely arrivals, and careful handling of belongings.

Many found booking straightforward, pricing transparent, and crews helpful and polite. Moving day stresses were often eased by their quick, organized approach. Negative feedback, making up 14% of input, centered on damaged or missing items and rare delays or unprepared crews. Some clients were frustrated by the claims process or communication breakdowns after problems. Only 1% described neutral experiences, usually pointing out minor issues like unexpected fees or average service. Compared to others, Maison Moving stands out for its reliable, efficient service but could improve on accountability and claims handling when things go wrong.

Get a Quote (800) 832-5950

Company Info

State license #: 0190726

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 76628

Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc, College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County, Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card

Considerations when moving from Irvine to San Diego

Cost of living: Irvine vs. San Diego

When weighing the cost of living in Irvine versus San Diego, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in San Diego really compares to Irvine.

	Irvine	San Diego
Average rent cost	$4,000	$2,881
Average home value	$1,561,760	$1,003,444
Average income (per capita)	$114,027	$72,963
Cost of living (single person)	$9,167	$3,346
Cost of living (family of 4)	$18,000	$7,719
Unemployment rate	5.4%	6.6%

source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo

Rent in San Diego is around 28% less expensive than in Irvine, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
Home prices in San Diego are 35.7% lower than in Irvine. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
Income in San Diego is 36.0% lower than in Irvine. You might want to watch your budget, especially if local salaries don’t keep up with living expenses.
Moving to San Diego means you’ll spend 63.5% less on living expenses than you would in Irvine. That puts more cash in your pocket to save, splurge, or invest as you please.
The living costs for a family of four are 57.1% lower than in Irvine. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
Unemployment in San Diego is 22.22% higher than in Irvine. So, finding work may be more challenging, and job stability could be less reliable, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.

If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Irvine, expect to budget around $1,095.01 to maintain the same lifestyle in San Diego.

How life is different in Irvine vs. San Diego

Before you make a move, it’s important to see how life stacks up in San Diego vs. Irvine. Everything from weather and the population to cost of living, politics, and safety can shape your day-to-day experience. Check out this side-by-side comparison to decide which city suits your lifestyle and priorities best.

	San Diego	Irvine
Population	1,386,932	307,670
Political leaning	Democratic 60-37	Democratic 49.8-48.3
Summer high	79ºF	82ºF
Winter low	46ºF	46ºF
Annual rain	12"	13"
Annual snow	0"	0"
Crime index	39.83	31.01

Irvine sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
San Diego sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

San Diego is about 351% larger than Irvine. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
The last presidential election saw both Irvine and San Diego siding with the Democratic party.
You’ll find that both San Diego and Irvine have similar summer temperatures, so you can expect the same warm weather you’re used to, with no need to change up your usual routine.
During the coldest months, both Irvine and San Diego experience similar chilly temperatures, with winter lows around 46°F and 46°F.
Both Irvine and San Diego receive similar amounts of rain annually—Irvine gets about 13 inches, while San Diego sees around 12 inches each year.
Both Irvine and San Diego get about the same yearly snowfall—Irvine averages 0 inches, while San Diego sees 0 inches each year.
Crime rates are higher in San Diego (39.83) compared to Irvine (31.01).

Things to do in San Diego

Craving adventure, lively culture, or some live sports action? You’ll find it all in San Diego.

Museums in San Diego

USS Midway Museum
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Maritime Museum of San Diego
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
San Diego Model Railroad Museum
Map and Atlas Museum of La Jolla
Stuart Collection
Africa and Beyond
Old Town Model Railroad Depot
RC Gorman Navajo Gallery
ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station
La Jolla Historical Society
Scripps Memorial Hospital Sculpture Parks
The New Children's Museum

Parks in San Diego

La Jolla Cove
Balboa Park
La Jolla Shores Park
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Cuvier Park - The Wedding Bowl
Scripps Institute of Oceanography Coastal Reserve
La Jolla Underwater Park
Coast Boulevard Park
Kellogg Park
Calumet Park
Waterfront Park
Friendship Park
Mission Trails Regional Park
Heritage County Park

Sports Teams in San Diego

San Diego Padres (MLB)
San Diego Gulls (AHL)
San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)

Universities in San Diego

California State University-San Marcos
California Western School of Law
San Diego Christian College
National University
Point Loma Nazarene University
San Diego State University
University of California San Diego
University of Phoenix
University of San Diego
Alliant International University
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa Pacific University
Brandman University
California College San Diego
John Paul the Great Catholic University

FAQ

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Irvine to San Diego?

Shipping furniture from Irvine to San Diego with a mover will cost between $611 and $2,820. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,302–$3,571, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Irvine to San Diego will cost from $1,745–$4,876.

How much are moving container companies from Irvine to San Diego?

Moving containers from Irvine to San Diego will cost you $491 to $1,231 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $932 to $1,802. A larger home will cost $1,191 to $2,070.

How much is a moving truck from Irvine to San Diego?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $101 to $154. A larger move will cost $111 to $181, and a four-bedroom or larger move from Irvine to San Diego costs from $132 to $212.

How far in advance should I book Irvine-to-San Diego movers?

Ideally, you should book your move from Irvine to San Diego at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead of your move. The sooner you reserve your Irvine-to-San Diego movers, the better the chance you’ll get the most affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Diego?

The cheapest time of year to move to San Diego is between early October and late April. This period of time is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of all U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.