Fact Checked by: 
Industry-trained crews
Local moving companies in California
When you are heading from California to Rochester, NY, you deserve movers who make your transition simple and stress-free. We’ve handpicked the best local moving companies with expertise in moves from the Golden State to the Flour City, so your journey is seamless from start to finish.
Out of 239 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Rochester, NY.
- Best California Movers: 5 out of 5 stars
- Grace Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Seka Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 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 #: 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
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Seka Moving, serving Los Angeles, CA, since 2019, has quickly built a stellar reputation for local residential moving services. With an impressive average rating of 4.9 from 137 Google reviews and 4.5 from 17 Yelp reviews, this A+ BBB rated company stands out among local competitors. Seka Moving offers a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, crating, and specialized handling for fragile items, pianos, art, and antiques. Clients can also opt for labor-only services, with the convenience of paying via cash, credit cards, or money orders. For those looking for a reliable and highly rated moving partner in Los Angeles, Seka Moving is a top choice.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Comparing local moving companies from California to Rochester, New York:
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 | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Grace Moving Company | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Seka Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Meathead Movers | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,886 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 Rochester, NY
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Rochester, NY stacks up against California. We’ll cover everything, from cost of living and the social scene to daily life and can’t-miss attractions in your area.
Cost of living: California vs Rochester, NY
| California | Rochester | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,250 |
| Average home value | $771,057 | $200,576 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $64,214 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 10% |
| State income tax | 13% | 11% |
Rochester sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Rochester is roughly 33% less expensive than in California. That could mean more money for your emergency fund, decorating your new home, or covering moving costs.
- Moving to Rochester means you'll spend about 74% less on housing compared to California, so your budget will go further.
- Expect salaries in Rochester to be approximately 30% lower than in California. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Unemployment in Rochester is about 81% higher than in California. Still, you can snag a great job by being proactive. Start networking early and hit the ground running on your job hunt.
- Income taxes in Rochester are 18% lower than in California. That means you can save more, pay off debt faster, or just enjoy a little extra room in your budget.
How life is different in Rochester from California
| Rochester | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,328 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-38 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 33" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 77" | 7" |
| Crime index | 37.54 | 28.43 |
Rochester sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The last presidential election saw both California and Rochester siding with the Democratic party.
- During summer, Rochester enjoys average highs of just 82°F, while California typically reaches 87°F. Relocating to a cooler spot means you’ll dodge the heat, cut down on energy costs, and get to enjoy more time outside.
- Winter in Rochester brings colder temperatures, often dropping to 17°F. That’s noticeably chillier than the 59°F winters back in California. Get ready for higher heating bills and a few adjustments to your routine. The upside? Rochester treats you to fresh air, beautiful winter landscapes, and loads of seasonal activities.
- Expect around 33 inches of rain each year in Rochester, which is quite a bit more than the 22 inches you're used to back in California. With the extra rainfall comes lusher landscapes and more rainy days, so be sure to add rain gear to your wardrobe and get ready to embrace life in a wetter, greener setting.
- In Rochester, you can expect around 77 inches of snowfall each year, a noticeable increase from the 7 inches you’re used to in California. While the snowy landscape brings stunning views and fun winter activities, be sure to plan ahead, prepare thoroughly, and have reliable cold-weather gear ready to keep your move on track.
- Crime rates in Rochester are higher than in California, with a crime index of 37.54 versus 28.43. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Rochester
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Rochester really has something for everyone.
Museums in Rochester
Parks in Rochester
Sports Teams in Rochester
Universities in Rochester
Other considerations when moving to Rochester, NY
- Weather: The cold weather and snow might be a challenge if you're planning to relocate to Rochester, NY during January and February. August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Rochester.
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you'll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area's rules before moving day.
- State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify your New York moving license status right on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to New York, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to New York on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance requirements differ depending on the state. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Rochester take?
The time it takes to move from California to Rochester, NY depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Planning a move from northern California to Rochester? Be prepared for a longer haul. If you’re renting a truck, set aside one to two days for the journey. Your travel time will depend on your route and how many breaks you take.
Moving your belongings from California to Rochester typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Make sure to ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Rochester?
Planning a 2726-mile move from California to Rochester? Once you know your moving date, book your movers right away. Reserving two to three months ahead means better prices and a better shot at your preferred date.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Rochester, NY?
Summer in Rochester can reach highs of 82°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 17°F. That’s why most people moving from California to Rochester opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
