Local moving companies in Irvine

  1. Best California Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
  2. Meathead Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Maison Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Qshark Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 3489907

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591 US

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 industryโ€”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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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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Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 27

2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 US

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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Meat Head Movers Inc
  • Meathead Movers Inc
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Terry Moving and Storage Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 649215

Years in Business: 28

25958 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 US

Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customersโ€”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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Terry Moving and Storage Inc
  • Richards Moving Company
  • Orange County Storage Movers
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Maison Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 76628

Years in Business: 17

1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA 92780 US

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

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Orange County Movers Inc
  • College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County
  • Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County

Local Associations

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Qshark Moving Company Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2758929

Years in Business: 10

2618 San Miguel Dr, #295, Newport Beach, CA 92660 US

Moving with Qshark Moving Company Inc leaves most customers satisfiedโ€”of the 233 feedback entries reviewed, 94% reflect positive experiences. Customers frequently mention the companyโ€™s efficiency, careful handling, professionalism, speed, and quality communication. Friendly movers put families at ease while skillfully protecting and transporting belongings, even on challenging jobs. People enjoyed transparent pricing, easy booking, and prompt serviceโ€”a sharp contrast with typical moving frustrations elsewhere. Some negative input centers on damages to furniture or property, unreliable scheduling, and a handful of lost items, experiences rarely found in top-rated moving services. Qsharkโ€™s customer service stood out, with many reports of prompt resolution and willingness to correct issues, but a few reviewers describe problems with poor packing and slow or unresponsive claims. Most movers arrive with proper equipment, work quickly, and demonstrate respect for clients' homes and personal items. Compared to other providers, Qsharkโ€™s consistently positive input and resolution-driven management set a higher standard, though occasional lapses in care and timing suggest evaluating claims policies for peace of mind.

Get a Quote (949) 334-2287

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

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

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Qshark Movers
  • Shark Moving Compnay
  • Shark Movers
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Factors influencing moving costs from Irvine to Durhamtoggle

The cost of Irvine 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 Irvine to Durham can be as low as $1,587 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 13,143.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Irvine, 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 $1,655 to $4,531. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Irvine to Durham

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

Check out how Irvine compares to Durham so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Irvine Durham
Average rent cost $4,000 $1,699
Average home value $1,561,760 $391,719
Average income (per capita) $114,027 $396,291
Cost of living (single person) $9,167 $2,803
Cost of living (family of 4) $18,000 $5,945
Unemployment rate 5.4% 4.1%
Sales tax 7.75% 7.5%
State income tax 13.3% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Durham are 58% lower than in Irvine, 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 Durham.
    Home prices in Durham are 74.9% lower than in Irvine.
  • Income in Durham is 247.5% higher than in Irvine, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Durham include Duke University & Duke Univ. Health System, IBM, and Durham Public Schools.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Durham is 69.4% lower than in Irvine. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Durham is 67.0% lower than in Irvine.
  • The unemployment rate in Durham is 24.07% lower than in Irvine.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Durham, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Durham are 3.23% lower than in Irvine.
  • One perk of moving to Durham is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in Irvine.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $917.31 in Durham to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.

How life is different in Irvine vs. Durham

Durham Irvine
Population 283,506 307,670
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 4
Walkability score 30 43
Bike friendliness score 38 69
Crime Index 54.72 31.01
Safety Index 45.28 68.99
Air Quality Good Good
  • Durham's population is about 8% less than Irvine.
  • Durham's public transportation has a similar score to Irvine.
  • Durham is less walkable than Irvine with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Irvine's 43 out of 100.
  • Durham has a bike-friendliness score 38 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Irvine, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
  • Durham's crime rate is higher than Irvine with a score of 54.72 compared to Irvine's 31.01. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
  • Durham is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 45.28 vs Irvine's 68.99.
  • Air quality in Durham is good, and in Irvine it's good.

Other things to consider for your Irvine vs. Durham move

  • Weather: The climate in Durham is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
  • 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North Carolina 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 Durham. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Durham

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of The Viper", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Durham.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Golden Belt
  • Warehouse District
  • Central Park
  • Chapel Hill
  • Northgate Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Treyburn
  • American Village/Arrowhead
  • Willowhaven
  • Fieldstone by the Eno
  • Hope Valley Farms

Things to do in Durham

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in North Carolina, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Durham has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Durham features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection, and Golden Belt.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Duke University (ACC) and Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Irvine to Durham?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Durham?

Because most people are moving from Irvine to Durham 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 Irvine to Durham take?

The 2,523-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Durham, NC, takes seven to 21 days. Some Irvine movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Durham.

Helpful moving resources