Local moving companies in California
When making the move from California to Cleveland, OH, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier.
Out of 317 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Cleveland, OH.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- All Star Movers & Storage: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Rigo’s Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
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
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
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
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from California to Cleveland, OH
The following table outlines average cost ranges for moves from California to Cleveland, OH, by home size and moving service.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,244 – $5,326 | $1,233 – $3,002 | $1,304 – $2,602 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,694 – $7,077 | $2,145 – $4,550 | $1,455 – $3,067 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,942 – $11,863 | $2,922 – $6,560 | $1,911 – $3,798 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,469-mile move from California to Cleveland, OH using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of authenticated price data points from movers nationwide and updates them monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Your end price can vary by shipment size, added services, parking/access limitations, fuel costs, and timing. We suggest comparing several mover quotes to confirm pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from California to Cleveland, OH
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to Cleveland, OH, you can expect prices to land between $1,244 and $5,326. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,694 to $7,077. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,942 and $11,863.
Cost of moving containers from California to Cleveland, OH
Moving containers from California to Cleveland, OH, will cost you $1,233 to $3,002 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,145 to $4,550. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,922 to $6,560. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to Cleveland, OH
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,304 and $2,602 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from California to Cleveland, OH with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,455 to $3,067. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,911 to $3,798.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Compare local moving companies from California to Cleveland, OH
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grace Moving Company | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| All Star Movers & Storage | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Meathead Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Sterling Van Lines | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rigo’s Moving Company Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Considering the 3,180 movers we’ve assessed, take a look at how California movers compare against the national average for services and discounts provided:
| California | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 98% | 96% |
| Antiques | 61% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 1% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from California to Cleveland, OH
Before you grab the packing tape, let’s see how life in Cleveland, OH 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. Cleveland, OH
| California | Cleveland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,295 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $108,509 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $64,965 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 83 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 6.8% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 3.5% |
Cleveland sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Cleveland is about 30% cheaper than in California, which means extra cash for other priorities.
- Moving to Cleveland means you’ll spend about 86% less on housing compared to California, so your budget will go further.
- Salaries in Cleveland are typically about 29% lower than in California. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making the move.
- Unemployment in Cleveland runs 26% above California, so be proactive with networking and applications.
- Income taxes are 74% lower in Ohio than in California, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
How life is different in Cleveland from California
| Cleveland | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 55-43 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 22ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 54″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 28.43 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Cleveland voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
- Summers in Cleveland typically reach highs of 82ºF, which is comparable to the average 87ºF in California. The temps in your new home shouldn’t come as a shock. However, be sure to consider the area’s humidity, local weather patterns, and changes in energy expenses for a complete picture of what summer will feel like in your new home.
- Winter in Cleveland can be significantly colder, with lows reaching 22ºF, much chillier than the 59ºF winters of California. You’ll want to get ready for those extra-cold months, which may bring higher heating bills and warrant some changes to your day-to-day habits. Still, the crisp air, beautiful winter landscapes, and seasonal activities in Cleveland have their own special appeal.
- 38 inches of rain each year in Cleveland, considerably more than the 22 inches you’re used to in California. With all that extra rainfall, you’ll notice greener scenery and more frequent rainy days. Drive carefully, invest in some reliable rain gear, and get ready to enjoy life in a much rainier climate.
- In Cleveland, it snows about 54 inches annually while California gets only about 7 inches. With the additional snow you’ll enjoy picturesque winters and fun seasonal activities, but you’ll also need to prepare for more maintenance, planning, and cold-weather gear.
- Crime rates in Cleveland are higher than in California, with a crime index of 63.41 versus 28.43. This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s worth researching local safety and thinking about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Cleveland
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Cleveland can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Cleveland
- A Christmas Story House
- African American Museum
- ARTneo
- Artists Archives of the Western Reserve
- Baseball Heritage Museum
Parks in Cleveland
- Edgewater Park
- Cleveland Metroparks
- Cleveland Botanical Garden
- Rocky River Reservation
- Rockefeller Park & Greenhouse
Sports teams in Cleveland
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
- Cleveland Charge NBA G-League)
- Cleveland Crunch (MASL2)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
Universities in Cleveland
- Case Western Reserve University (CWRU)
- Cleveland State University (CSU)
- Cuyahoga Community College
- Ohio Technical College
- Baldwin Wallace University
Other considerations when moving to Cleveland, OH
- HOA rules: Before moving day, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new local regulations beforehand.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can check your Ohio moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to Ohio, but you should check local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- 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 so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Ohio. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 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: Peace of mind is everything. With our moving checklist, you can be sure you’re on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Cleveland take?
The time it takes to move from California to Cleveland, OH varies based on where you’re starting and the type of move you pick. No matter which option you choose, loading up your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it on your own.
If you’re heading to Cleveland from northern California, expect a longer trip. When you rent a truck, budget one to two days for the drive, depending on your route and how many stops you make along the way.
Moving your belongings from California to Cleveland 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 Cleveland?
Because of the 2,469-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Cleveland as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Cleveland, OH?
With summer temperatures reaching 82°F and winter nights dipping to 22°F, most people make the move from California to Cleveland in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
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