Family owned
Local moving companies in Boston
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Esquire Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Oscar's Moving Company, LLC: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- StairHopper Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Oscar's Moving Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Boston Best Rate Movers
rating
5.0 / 5
DOT #: 1718049
Years in Business: 19
252R Calvary St, Waltham, MA 02453 USBoston Best Rate Movers earns applause for its swift, careful, and professional moving teams. Out of 248 pieces of customer feedback, 96% praised factors like efficiency, attention to detail, professionalism, timely arrivals, and budget-friendly rates. Customers often highlight careful wrapping, fast-paced teams, courteous staff, and straightforward pricing that rarely incurs surprises. Users also welcome the ease of the booking process and the respectful treatment of propertyโqualities that place BBRM ahead of many local competitors. Only a handful of reviewers express frustration with unexpected costs, item damage, or unsatisfactory complaint resolution, noting higher-than-expected bills, difficult claims processes, or unresolved breakage issues. Even so, Boston Best Rate Movers consistently delivers an experience that exceeds expectations for reliability and service quality compared to other movers in the Boston area.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1718049
- State license #: 31391
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Esquire Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 2820253
Pricing: $115/hr
Years in Business: 10
25 Summer Ave, Waltham, MA 02452 USMoving doesn't have to be stressful, as shown by Esquire Moving & Storageโs customer feedback. Of 16 reviews analyzed, 93.8% praised fast and careful service, courteous movers, efficient scheduling, and clear communication. Clients noted excellent care with breakables, friendly crews, and easy booking every step of the way. Many appreciated timely arrivals and efficient work, reflecting well-planned moves and attentive staff. Some even mentioned repeat positive experiences and highly recommend the company for both local and interstate moves. One customer noted higher costs due to slow progress and perceived inefficiency, expressing dissatisfaction specific to a single event. Compared to other companies, Esquire stands out for consistently professional movers and careful attention to clientsโ property, but those seeking the lowest rates should confirm pricing transparency beforehand.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2820253
Alternative Business Names
- Esquire Moving Inc
Oscar's Moving Company, LLC
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 1637689
Years in Business: 17
86 Rowe St, Auburndale, MA 02466 USCustomer feedback paints Oscar's Moving Company as a reliable moving choice, with 70% of input rating their experience as positive out of 151 reviews analyzed. Professionalism, attention to careful handling, efficiency, quick service, and affordable pricing stand out as strengths. Many praised the staff for being on time, friendly, and taking great care with fragile or valuable belongingsโtraits that distinguish Oscar's in a crowded industry. Negative feedback (29%) focuses on damage to items, surprise charges, or interactions seen as rude or dismissive. Reports of damaged furniture or lost items, as well as unexpected costs, have caused frustration for some. Oscar's scores higher than many local movers on professionalism and reliability, though a smaller portion of customers experienced issues with claims or communication after a problem arose. Most reviews recommend Oscar's for moves that require speed, careful handling, and fair pricing, while those concerned about potential for item damage may want to discuss insurance options or clarify estimates ahead of time.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1637689
- State license #: 1637689
Alternative Business Names
- Oscar's Moving Company
StairHopper Movers
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1696867
Years in Business: 21
20 Harvard Street, Boston, MA 02129 USCustomers call StairHopper Movers a top choice for hassle-free, fast, and professional moving. Out of 831 customer feedback pieces reviewed, 97.5% gave positive marks. Most highlight efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, speed, and strong communication as major reasons for high satisfaction. Movers stand out for punctuality, wrapping and protecting furniture, and working quicklyโoften finishing ahead of schedule. Input often references respectful, friendly crews and transparent scheduling updatesโa rarity among movers. Some feedback shares that costs ran higher than quoted, often due to extra material charges or underestimated packing needs. Customers occasionally noted surprise fees. A small number mention minor damage or billing complaints. Compared to many moving companies, StairHopper receives consistently stronger praise for reliability and organization, though pricing clarity could be improved. Many say it's the best move they've ever had and would recommend StairHopper to friends or use them again.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1696867
- State license #: 31321
Oscar's Moving Company
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1637689
Years in Business: 17
86 Rowe St, Newton, MA 02466 USSmooth moves and attentive staff consistently define Oscar's Moving Company, based on analysis of 339 customer inputs. Nearly 84% of feedback expresses satisfaction, pointing to fast service, careful treatment of belongings, professionalism, speedy moving, and open communication as standout qualities. Teams frequently arrive on time, work efficiently, and ensure property is protected. Many highlight helpful communication and a courteous attitude not always found with other movers in the industry. Yet, about 16% of feedback cites issues like damaged goods, missed time windows, and billing surprises. Reports of lost or broken items and charges exceeding quotes occur more than with top competitors. Despite some lapses, the high rate of repeat business suggests Oscar's consistently outperforms most local options for professionalism and efficiency while keeping prices transparent for the majority of customers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 1637689
- State license #: 31320
Alternative Business Names
- Oscar's Moving Company
Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to California
The cost of Boston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of stuff youโre moving, your homeโs size, and its layout will factor into your overall moving costs.
- Time of year: Prices usually go up during peak moving season in Boston, especially in the summer months.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Moving yourself is generally less expensive, but it can be stressful and requires more work on your part than hiring a moving company.
What to know before moving from Boston, MA, to California
Leaving Boston for California means embracing a new lifestyleโand likely saving some cash. Living in Boston typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.
Take a look at the cost of living breakdown below to see exactly how Boston and California stack up so youโll be ready for whatโs ahead.
Compare cost of living: Boston vs. California
| Boston, MA | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,400 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $739,121 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $91,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 9.0% | 13.3% |
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Good news. Rent in California is about 97% lower than what youโd pay in Boston, freeing up more of your budget each month.
- Thinking about buying? Home prices in California are roughly 5.1% higher than in Boston, so make sure you can afford a steeper mortgage.
- Youโll find average incomes are around 2.8% higher in California compared to Boston.
- Youโll see about 20.5% lower unemployment in California versus Boston.
- Brace yourself for higher income taxes. Theyโre 47.78% steeper in California than in Boston.
How life is different in Boston, MA, from California
If youโre moving from Boston to California, everything from the weather and local population to the predominant political views can feel pretty different. Letโs break down what life in California is like compared to the Athens of America.
| Boston, MA | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 675,647 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 82ยบF | 87ยบF |
| Winter low | 19ยบF | 59ยบF |
| Annual rain | 47" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 48" | 7" |
| Crime index | 39.88 | 28.43 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- In the latest presidential election, California voted Democratic and Boston voted Republican.
- Summer in California can heat up to about 87ยฐF, while Boston typically sees highs of 82ยฐF. Get ready for warmer weather when summer rolls around.
- Winters in California can get chilly, with temperatures dropping to 59ยฐF, which is lower than the 19ยฐF youโre used to in Boston. Donโt forget to pack a warm coat for your new life in the Golden State!
- When youโre heading to California from Boston, you wonโt need your raincoat as often. California sees only about 22 inches of rain annually, less than the 47 inches youโre used to in Boston.
- In California, you can expect just 7 inches of snow each year, much less than the 48 inches back in Boston. Get ready for easier winters in the Golden State!
Other considerations when moving to California from Boston
When youโre moving from Boston to California, youโll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure youโre up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
- HOA rules: Make sure to check your neighborhood or communityโs moving rules ahead of time to avoid any surprises on moving day.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if youโll need one for your move.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โT 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. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that theyโre properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license anytime on the official state regulatorโs website.
- Moving permits: You wonโt need a moving permit for California, but itโs smart to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to California without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you havenโt missed a thing.
Things to do in California
Whether youโre into sports, parks, museums, or universities, California has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in California
Parks in California
Sports Teams in California
Universities in California
FAQs
How long does a move from Boston to California take?
Curious about how long itโll take to move from Boston, MA to California? Most moves on this route usually take seven to 21 days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.
To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.
What is the best way to get a car from Boston to California?
Looking to ship your car from Boston to California? Choose experts who know how to treat your vehicle right and handle every detail with professionalism. Check out our top picks for car shipping from Boston to California.
Why are people moving from Boston to California?
Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Boston?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Boston .
