Industry-trained crews
Local moving companies in Boston
- Oscar's Moving Company: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- StairHopper Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Oscar's Moving Company
rating
5.0 / 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
Boston Best Rate Movers
rating
4.96 / 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.
Olympia Moving & Storage
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 70719
Years in Business: 31
17 Bridge St, Watertown, MA 02472 USMoving with Olympia means speed, professionalism, and careโnearly 85% of customers praise efficient crews, courteous staff, and thoughtful handling of belongings. Many describe clear communication and a smooth moving process, often noting Olympiaโs reliability and thoroughness compared to other moving companies. Clients highlight quick responses, well-organized teams, and genuine respect for property, making even challenging relocations feel manageable. Some feedback points to recurring issues with poor packing that results in damaged items, final bills that surpass the original estimates, and occasional communication lapses, especially when addressing problems or claims. While most reported positive interactions, a notable group experienced broken or missing items and found it difficult to resolve disputes. For those seeking a moving company known for professionalism and efficiency, Olympia stands out, but potential customers should verify the estimate details and clarify communication protocols to avoid misunderstandings that some reviewers encountered. This analysis is based on 382 reviews, with the vast majorityโ84.8%โbeing positive.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 70719
- State license #: 70719
- DOD certified
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
Poseidon Moving
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 2522855
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
45 Longwood Ave, Brookline, MA 5244 USCustomers are divided on Poseidon Moving, with 49 reviews yielding 55% positive input. Many highlight the professionalism of the movers, efficient service, careful handling, competitive pricing, and responsive communication. Staff are repeatedly described as friendly, hardworking, and capable of handling challenging moves with care. On the other hand, nearly 43% of client feedback details concerns about damaged items, difficulty reaching the company, or late arrivals and deliveries. Damage to belongings is a recurring theme, with some reports of claims or customer service issues going unresolved. Compared to other moving services, Poseidon stands out for affordability and staff quality but faces criticism for service reliability and post-move support. These patterns suggest Poseidon is an option for those focused on budget and friendly movers, but customers who prioritize reliability and damage-free delivery may want to evaluate alternatives or take extra precautions.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2522855
- State license #: 31816
Alternative Business Names
- Poseidon Moving, LLC
Factors influencing moving costs from Boston to California
The cost of Boston movers will depend on:
- Move size: The number of belongings you need to move, plus the size and layout of your home, will affect your overall moving cost.
- Time of year: Moving during summerโpeak season in Bostonโusually means higher prices from movers.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is typically more affordable, but it comes with extra effort and stress compared to letting professionals handle your move.
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 45% lower than what youโd pay in Boston, freeing up more of your budget each month.
- Thinking about buying? Home prices in California are roughly 4.3% higher than in Boston, so make sure you can afford a steeper mortgage.
- Youโll find average incomes are around 3.0% higher in California compared to Boston.
- Youโll see about 12.9% 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
From the weather and population to local politics, hereโs how life in California stacks up against what youโre used to in the Athens of America.
| Boston, MA | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 675,647 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 87ยบF | 82ยบF |
| Winter low | 59ยบF | 19ยบF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 47" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 48" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 39.88 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- In the most recent presidential election, California voted Democratic and Boston voted Republican.
- Summer in California usually sees highs around 87ยฐF, while Boston typically tops out at 82ยฐF, so you can expect warmer weather when summer rolls around.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Boston drop to 19ยฐF, while California only dips to 59ยฐF. That means you can look forward to milder winters in the Golden State.
- When you move from Boston to California, you can ditch those raincoats. California gets just 22 inches of rain a year, a drop from the 47 inches you're used to in Boston.
- In California, youโll see just 7 inches of snow each year, less than the 48 inches back in Boston. Get ready for milder winters when you settle into the Golden State!
Other considerations when moving to California from Boston
When relocating from Boston to California, a few details are worth keeping in mind to avoid last-minute hiccups. Beyond choosing a mover and packing your belongings, itโs helpful to consider local rules, permit requirements, and other practical factors that could impact your move.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit if youโre using a moving truck or larger vehicle. Be sure to check ahead of time 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. Make sure your moving company has all the proper licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a California moving license anytime on the state's official regulatory site.
- Moving permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules differ from state to state, so your specific needs will depend on your location. 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: Simplify your move using our moving checklist. It keeps everything organized and takes care of the details, so you can relax and enjoy making your new place home.
Things to do in California
No matter what you're into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibesโCalifornia is packed with things for you to explore 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?
Wondering how long your move from Boston, MA to California will take? Timing depends on the service you choose, but it typically takes seven to 21 days. Keep in mind, if youโre moving during the busy summer months, your move might take a little longer.
If you want your move to go smoothly and avoid delays, make sure to ask about the delivery timeframe before booking your moving company.
What is the best way to get a car from Boston to California?
Need to ship your car from Boston to California? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices 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 .
