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Local moving companies in California
When making the move from California to Dallas, TX, you’ll want skilled movers who know how to make the process easier. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local moving companies that specialize in relocations from the Golden State to the vibrant Big D, ensuring your move is as smooth as possible.
Out of 239 California movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Dallas, TX.
- 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
- Meathead Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Seka Moving: 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 #: 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
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
Comparing local moving companies from California to Dallas, Texas:
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 | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Meathead Movers | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Seka Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
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 Dallas, TX
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Dallas, TX to what you’re used to in California. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: California vs Dallas, TX
| California | Dallas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,774 |
| Average home value | $771,057 | $303,900 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $68,291 |
| Unemployment rate | 5% | 4% |
| State income tax | 13% | 0% |
Dallas sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 4% less expensive in Dallas than in California, so you could take advantage of the savings to build an emergency fund, upgrade your living space, or cover other moving-related costs.
- Home prices are about 61% lower in Dallas than in California, which could make buying a home more affordable.
- The average income is about 26% lower in Dallas than in California. It’s important to review your budget and plan accordingly.
- Dallas has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 33%, meaning you may have better chances of finding employment and more job opportunities overall.
- Income taxes are 100% lower in Dallas than in California. You may be able to boost your savings, pay down debt faster, or enjoy a bit more financial flexibility.
How life is different in Dallas from California
| Dallas | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,304,379 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 56-42 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 96ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 39" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 7" |
| Crime index | 51.4 | 28.43 |
Dallas sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Dallas voted Republican, while California was Democratic.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 96°F in Dallas, warmer than the average 87°F in California. With more sunshine, you'll have extra chances for outdoor fun, but expect higher cooling costs and a hotter daily routine.
- Winter in Dallas packs a colder punch, often dipping to lows of 36°F, which is quite a bit chillier than the 59°F winters you’re used to in California. Be prepared for those frosty months with potentially higher heating costs and a few changes to your daily routine. On the bright side, Dallas offers crisp air, stunning winter scenery, and plenty of seasonal fun to enjoy.
- 39 inches of rain each year in Dallas, 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 Dallas, you’ll see just 1 inch of snow each year, much less than the 7 inches you’re used to in California. Milder winters mean less shoveling, safer streets, and fewer cold-weather headaches. If a gentler winter is what you’re after, Dallas is definitely the place to be.
- Crime rates in Dallas are higher than in California, with a crime index of 51.4 compared to 28.43. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good idea to look into local crime data and consider how it could impact your everyday life.
Things to do in Dallas
From beautiful parks and intriguing museums to thrilling sports and excellent universities, Dallas can meet a wide variety of interests.
Museums in Dallas
Parks in Dallas
Sports Teams in Dallas
Universities in Dallas
Other considerations when moving to Dallas, TX
- Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Dallas are most likely.
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- 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 parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: Texas does not require any moving permits, but it’s 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 so all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Texas. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Compare the pros and cons of California vs. Dallas, TX
Comparing the pros of California vs. Dallas, TX:
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of relocating! Here’s a quick look at what makes life in Dallas unique compared to California.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Dallas, TX |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| Pleasant weather | Fabulous weather |
| Abundant recreational options | Quality education |
| High quality of life | Abundant recreation and entertainment options |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Delicious food |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Dallas, TX:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows; these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Dallas.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Dallas, TX |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High housing costs |
| Heavy tax burdens | Terrible traffic |
| Natural disasters | Low greenery |
| Terrible traffic | High cost of living |
FAQ
How long does a move from California to Dallas take?
The time frame for a move from California to Dallas, TX, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in California, the longer the drive time to Dallas will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Dallas from California can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from California to Dallas?
Because of the 1558-mile move, it’s best to book your move from California to Dallas 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 Dallas, TX?
With the summer highs of 96ºF and the winter lows of 36ºF, most people move to Dallas from California during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Dallas during summer or winter.
