Local moving companies in San Diego

  1. Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  2. Grizzly Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Aloha Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 3489907

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

12356 McIvers Ct, Suite 1b, Poway, CA 92064 US

Moving day stress gets left behind with Best California Movers, according to an overwhelming 1,177 reviewsโ€”of which 98.5% were positive. Customers repeatedly point out efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moving, and excellent communicationโ€”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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Best California Movers & Storage
  • An Moving Forward
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Grizzly Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 2642040

Years in Business: 9

7090 Miramar Rd #102, San Diego, CA 92121 US

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 issuesโ€”such as significant item damage or underestimated costsโ€”are important for potential customers to consider before booking. Compared to competitors, Grizzlyโ€™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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Grizzly Movers LLC
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We Like To Move It Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2843171

Years in Business: 9

4901 Morena Blvd Ste 1102, San Diego, CA 92117 US

Moving made nearly effortlessโ€”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 teamโ€™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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Stella Moving & Delivery

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3299407

Years in Business: 6

2341 Ulric St B-12, San Diego, CA 92111 US

Customer feedback for Stella Moving & Delivery shows a standout excellence in moving services. Out of 331 reviews analyzed, 94% are positive, highlighting reliable efficiency, courteous and skilled crews, and careful handling of customer belongings. Many reviewers praise their rapid pace, clear communication, and impressive professionalism compared to other moving companies. Clients repeatedly cite stress-free experiences, transparent pricing, and well-organized teams as key benefits. On the flip side, a small portion of reviewers report concerns about damage to belongings, unexpected charges, and difficulties reaching the company after issues arise. Some mention poor problem resolution by management, particularly regarding claims and complaints. While negative input does exist, itโ€™s significantly outweighed by positive experiences. Compared to most moving services, Stella maintains a much higher percentage of five-star ratings and customer satisfaction, with efficiency and care as their calling card.

Get a Quote (619) 393-6426

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 3299407
  • State license #: 0191958
  • DOD certified

Alternative Business Names

  • Stella Moving & Delivery
  • The Remarkable Movers
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Aloha Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 2718824

Years in Business: 13

7263 Engineer Rd ste c, San Diego, CA 92111 US

Stress-free moves are the expectation with Aloha Movers, according to 186 customer reviews, of which an impressive 93.5% are positive. Feedback consistently highlights efficient service, courteous professional staff, swift moving times, and careful handling at a reasonable cost. Many customers note that their moves were completed quicker than expected, and belongings remained undamagedโ€”a step above whatโ€™s typical for moving companies. Polite crews and affordable rates make them a standout choice. While the overwhelming majority of experiences are positive, the most common complaints involve item damage, delayed or no-shows, and difficulty getting responses for issuesโ€”though these are rare. Neutral feedback centers on underestimating job complexity or concerns with payment methods rather than major errors. Compared to others, Aloha Movers earns unusually consistent praise for professionalism and speed, while only a small percentage of clients report serious problems.

Get a Quote (858) 429-9111

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 2718824
  • State license #: 190867

Alternative Business Names

  • Aloha Movers LLC
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Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Ann Arbortoggle

The cost of San Diego 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 San Diego to Ann Arbor can be as low as $1,510 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,880.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Diego, 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 $1,570 to $3,840. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Diego to Ann Arbor

Moving from San Diego to Ann Arbor means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Diego than in Ann Arbor, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Diego compares to Ann Arbor so you know what to expect before you relocate:

San Diego Ann Arbor
Average rent cost $2,881 $2,260
Average home value $1,003,444 $474,909
Average income (per capita) $72,963 $66,964
Cost of living (single person) $3,346 $2,176
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,719 $5,344
Unemployment rate 6.6% 3.5%
Sales tax 7.75% 6.0%
State income tax 13.3% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Ann Arbor are 22% lower than in San Diego, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Ann Arbor.
    Home prices in Ann Arbor are 52.7% lower than in San Diego.
  • Income in Ann Arbor is 8.2% lower than in San Diego, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Ann Arbor include University of Michigan, NSK Americas, Inc., and Domino's Pizza.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Ann Arbor is 35.0% lower than in San Diego. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Ann Arbor is 30.8% lower than in San Diego.
  • The unemployment rate in Ann Arbor is 46.97% lower than in San Diego.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Ann Arbor, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Ann Arbor are 22.58% lower than in San Diego.
  • One perk of moving to Ann Arbor is paying less in state income taxes, which are 68.05% lower than in San Diego.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,950.99 in Ann Arbor to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How life is different in San Diego vs. Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor San Diego
Population 123,851 1,386,932
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 6
Walkability score 52 53
Bike friendliness score 71 43
Crime Index 31.0 39.83
Safety Index 79.18 60.17
Air Quality Moderate Moderate
  • Ann Arbor's population is about 91% less than San Diego.
  • Ann Arbor's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus San Diego's lower score of 6.
  • Ann Arbor and San Diego are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Ann Arbor's crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 31.0 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
  • Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than San Diego with a safety index of 79.18 vs San Diego's 60.17.
  • Air quality in Ann Arbor is moderate, and in San Diego it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. Ann Arbor move

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Ann Arbor for moving.
  • 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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Ann Arbor. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Ann Arbor

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Tree Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Ann Arbor.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Kerrytown
  • Lower Burns Park
  • Old West Side
  • Northside/Lower Town
  • Allen Creek/Old West Side

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Burns Park
  • Eberwhite
  • Water Hill
  • Ann Arbor Hills
  • Dicken

Things to do in Ann Arbor

Now that you've made the move to Michigan, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Ann Arbor. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Ann Arbor, such as the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park โ€” 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 Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Diego to Ann Arbor?

The best time to move from San Diego to Ann Arbor is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Diego.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Ann Arbor?

Because most people are moving from San Diego to Ann Arbor in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from San Diego to Ann Arbor take?

The 2,302-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Ann Arbor, MI, takes seven to 18 days. Some San Diego movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Ann Arbor.

Helpful moving resources