Local moving companies in Indianapolis

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Busy Bee Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Stuartโ€™s Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

4916 Lemans Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205 US

Customers rave about Bellhop Movingโ€™s speed, efficiency, and friendly approach. Out of 115 reviews, nearly 70% share positive input, highlighting fast-moving crews, affordable prices, clear communication, and respectful service. Many describe the process as easy and stress-free. On the downside, about a quarter of feedback points to problems like late arrivals, damaged belongings, and a lack of follow-through from customer service. Complaints focus on delayed service, unwrapped or mishandled items, and poor responsiveness when issues arise. Compared to traditional movers, Bellhop often wins on price and flexibility but loses ground on reliability during peak times. Most customers praise the courteous staff and quick booking, yet a minority experienced significant disruptions or property damage. While Bellhop is often a cost-effective and efficient choice, those with high-value or complex moves may want to weigh the risk of potential delays or mishandling before booking.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bellhops, Inc.
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Planes Moving & Storage Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #:  1458935

Years in Business: 105

2635 Planes Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46219 US

Planes Moving & Storage earns praise for its professional, helpful staff and efficient moving process, backed by 236 reviews with nearly 90% positive feedback. Customers often highlight careful handling of items, prompt service, and friendly movers who make the relocation much easier than with other companies. Many clients say the teams take extra steps to protect property and communicate well throughout moves. Affordability and transparent pricing also surface as advantages. In contrast, the most common complaints involve significant damage to belongings, unresolved compensation issues, and lack of communication from coordinators. Some people report surprise charges or poor response to claims. The volume and consistency of positive input position Planes ahead of most moving companies in reliability and customer satisfaction, though a few negative cases stand out for property damage and service gaps.

Get a Quote (317) 895-1444

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Planes Companies
  • Planes Specialized Logistics
  • Planes Commercial Services
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Busy Bee Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 573343

Years in Business: 34

6148 South Belmont Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46217 US

Buzzing with strong feedback, Busy Bee Movers stands out for efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and affordable rates, as reflected in 61.4% positive input from 324 reviews. Customers highlight respectful teams and jobs completed on time at competitive prices. Many appreciate transparent quotes and swift, careful moves. While the moving crews earn praise for their hard work, affordable rates, and organization, 34.3% of feedback points to drawbacks such as unexpected charges, inadequate communication, and items occasionally arriving damaged. Some reviewers describe being overcharged compared to estimates, and several mention frustration when issues go unaddressed by management. Compared to other moving companies, Busy Bee Movers is celebrated for dependable staff and cost savings, but concerns about billing accuracy and responsive support set them apart as a company best suited for those willing to double-check pricing and terms in advance.

Get a Quote (317) 695-9927

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Stuartโ€™s Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 3308205

Years in Business: 88

2058 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 US

Stuartโ€™s Moving & Storage earns acclaim for reliable, friendly movers and attention to detail, reflected in almost 90% positive feedback from 56 reviews. Customers praise the staff's professionalism, careful handling of belongings, efficiency, effective communication, and willingness to help on moving day. Positive feedback highlights accurate estimates, organized packing, and courteous treatment of property and people. Pricing is frequently described as fair, with several clients noting cost transparency and even savings. Negative input centers on rare but significant packing mistakes leading to damaged or missing items, and one case of unhelpful service regarding unloading assistance. Neutral comments report satisfactory moves but cite higher pricing and minor damages. Compared to similar companies, Stuartโ€™s stands out for its consistently helpful, personable movers and reliable execution but should note that a handful of clients experienced lapses in special item care and responsiveness.

Get a Quote (317) 924-0505

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Stuart's Household & Furniture Moving & Storage, Inc.
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Sherman Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 719392

Years in Business: 92

990 National Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227 US

Sherman Moving & Storage earns praise for a professional and courteous team, efficient service, careful handling of belongings, and a moving process many customers find fast and stress-free. Most feedback highlights their reliability, with many saying the movers protect property and provide peace of mindโ€”a notable advantage compared to other moving companies. Users often describe the staff as friendly, knowledgeable, and highly recommended the service. On the downside, some customers report significant issues such as damages to items, especially furniture, higher costs than quoted, and unprofessional behavior from certain staff members. Concerns about billing transparency and complaint handling occasionally surface. Sherman stands out positively for its attentive staff and efficiency, but some past clients report disappointment due to unresolved damages or unexpected charges. Out of 74 reviews, 71.6% were positive.

Get a Quote (317) 784-5462

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
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Key factors that impact the cost of your Indianapolis to San Diego movetoggle

The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Indianapolis to San Diego (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,520, while larger moves may reach $12,891 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Indianapolis.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,421 to $3,504, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Indianapolis to San Diego

Moving from Indianapolis to San Diego comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since San Diego is generally more expensive than Indianapolis, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Indianapolis San Diego
Average rent cost $1,399 $2,881
Average home value $220,467 $1,003,444
Average income (per capita) $59,110 $72,963
Cost of living (single person) $2,804 $3,346
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,667 $7,719
Unemployment rate 5.6% 6.6%
Sales tax 7.0% 7.75%
State income tax 3.15% 13.3%
  • Rent prices in San Diego are 106% higher than in Indianapolis, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
    Home prices in San Diego are 355.1% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • Income in San Diego is 23.4% higher than in Indianapolis, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 19.3% higher than in Indianapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 15.8% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 17.86% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in San Diego are 10.71% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 322.22% higher than in Indianapolis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,579.89 in San Diego to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Indianapolis.

How life is different in Indianapolis vs. San Diego

San Diego Indianapolis
Population 1,386,932 887,642
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 53 31
Bike friendliness score 43 43
Crime Index 39.83 60.71
Safety Index 60.17 39.29
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • The population of San Diego is about 56% greater than Indianapolis, 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.
  • San Diego offers better access to buses and trains than Indianapolis, based on public transportation ratings. San Diego has a transit score of 6 out of 10 compared to 5 in Indianapolis. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in San Diego means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Indianapolis. San Diego is considered more walkable than Indianapolis, with a score of 53 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Indianapolis. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • San Diego and Indianapolis are similarly bike-friendly based on their rating of 43. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
  • San Diego has a lower crime rate than Indianapolis based on scores of 39.83 and Indianapolis's 60.71, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
  • You might find more confidence in your overall safety in San Diego than in Indianapolis, based on San Diegoโ€™s safety index of 60.17 versus 39.29 for Indianapolis. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
  • The air quality in San Diego isnโ€™t as good as it is in Indianapolis, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. San Diego has an air quality rating of Moderate, and Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis vs. San Diego move

  • Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: California 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 San Diego. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in San Diego

Now that you've decided to make the move to "America's Finest City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Diego.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Hillcrest
  • North Park
  • Ocean Beach
  • Pacific Beach

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Carmel Valley
  • Del Mar Heights
  • Loma Portal
  • Rancho Bernardo
  • Rancho Penasquitos

Things to do in San Diego

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

  • Arts and culture: San Diego features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural 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 San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to San Diego?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Indianapolis to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Indianapolis are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to San Diego?

With many people choosing to move from Indianapolis to San Diego 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 Indianapolis to San Diego take?

Moving from Indianapolis, IN to San Diego, CA covers 2,052 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Indianapolis movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.

Helpful moving resources