Local moving companies in Irvine
- Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Best California Movers

DOT #: 3489907
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591 USMoving 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 industryโmiscommunication, 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3489907
- State license #: T0192283
Alternative Business Names
- Best California Movers & Storage
- An Moving Forward
NorthStar Moving Company

DOT #: 1836576
Years in Business: 30
300 Spectrum Center Dr Ste 400, Irvine, CA 92618 USMoving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customersโ94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the moversโ 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1836576
- State license #: 0182466
Alternative Business Names
- NorthStar Moving Corporation
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.

DOT #: 649215
Years in Business: 28
25958 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 USWord travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customersโnearly 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 649215
- State license #: 189603
Alternative Business Names
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc
- Richards Moving Company
- Orange County Storage Movers
Maison Moving

DOT #: 76628
Years in Business: 17
1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA 92780 USWord 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 76628
- State license #: 0190726
Alternative Business Names
- Orange County Movers Inc
- College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County
- Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Local Associations
Meathead Movers

DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 USMeathead 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.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meat Head Movers Inc
- Meathead Movers Inc
Key factors that impact the cost of your Irvine to Raleigh move
What to know before moving from Irvine to Raleigh
Moving from Irvine to Raleigh 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 Raleigh, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Irvine compares to Raleigh so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Irvine | Raleigh | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $4,000 | $1,670 |
Average home value | $1,561,760 | $431,795 |
Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $2,572 |
Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $6,077 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $6,077 |
Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.3% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 7.25% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 4.5% |
- Rent prices in Raleigh are 58% lower than in Irvine, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Raleigh.
Home prices in Raleigh are 72.4% lower than in Irvine. - Income in Raleigh is 97.7% lower than in Irvine, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Raleigh include State of North Carolina, WakeMed, and North Carolina State University.
- The cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 33.7% lower than in Irvine. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Raleigh is 66.2% lower than in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 20.37% lower than in Irvine.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Raleigh, since the cityโs sales taxes in Raleigh are 6.45% lower than in Irvine.
- One perk of moving to Raleigh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 66.17% lower than in Irvine.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,988.76 in Raleigh to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Raleigh
Raleigh | Irvine | |
---|---|---|
Population | 467,665 | 307,670 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 4 | 4 |
Walkability score | 31 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 39 | 69 |
Crime Index | 38.87 | 31.01 |
Safety Index | 60.13 | 68.99 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Raleigh is about 52% greater than Irvine, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Raleigh will be about the same as it currently is in Irvine. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Raleigh neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Irvine. Based on its score of 31 out of 100, Raleigh isnโt as walkable as Irvine, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably wonโt see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Raleigh, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Irvine. While Irvine has a bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, Raleigh earned a 39. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Raleigh is higher than in Irvine, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 38.87 in Raleigh, it is 31.01 in Irvine. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโs crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as youโre getting used to your new surroundings in Raleigh. With a crime index of 60.13, Raleigh ranks lower in overall safety than Irvine, whose index is Irvine's 68.99. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
- The air quality in Raleigh isnโt as good as it is in Irvine, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Raleigh has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Irvine is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your Irvine vs. Raleigh move
- Weather: The climate in Raleigh 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 โC Numberโ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโs 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 Raleigh. 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 Raleigh
Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Oaks", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Raleigh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central Raleigh
- Five Points
- North Raleigh
- Northwest Raleigh
- West Raleigh
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oakwood
- Boylan Heights
- Hayes Barton
- Brier Creek
- Stonehenge
Things to do in Raleigh
Once youโre settled into your new home in North Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Raleigh has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Raleigh features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, and Marbles Kids Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum 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 Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), North Carolina FC (USL), North Carolina Courage (NWSL), or Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Raleigh?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Irvine to Raleigh are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Irvine are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Raleigh?
With many people choosing to move from Irvine to Raleigh 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 Irvine to Raleigh take?
Moving from Irvine, CA to Raleigh, NC covers 2,546 miles and usually takes seven to 21 days. Need to move faster? Some Irvine movers offer expedited options. If youโre not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Raleigh.