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Local moving companies in Massachusetts
When relocating from Massachusetts to Oakland, CA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Bay State to the lively Town. We’ve rounded up moving companies that specialize in making your move smooth and simple, so you can focus on settling into your new home.
Out of 83 Massachusetts movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Oakland, CA.
- Oscar's Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Boston Best Rate Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Poseidon Moving: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Humboldt Storage & Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Olympia Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 31320
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1637689
Alternate Names: Oscar's Moving Company
Oscar's Moving Company, established in 2008, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Newton, MA. Unlike many nearby movers, Oscar's Moving Company boasts a stellar reputation with a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, an impressive 4.8-star average on Google My Business, and a solid 3.8-star average on Yelp from 143 reviews. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing and unpacking, and even have the capability to move pianos. Customers can pay by credit card, though a deposit is required.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 31391
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1718049
Alternate Names: Flat Rate Moving & Storage, Inc.
Boston Best Rate Movers has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around Waltham, MA since 2006. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items, making them an excellent choice for meticulous movers. Clients consistently praise their reliability, as evidenced by their 4.7 average rating across 32 Yelp reviews and 530 Google reviews, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, their no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards add to their customer-friendly approach.
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 credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 31816
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2522855
Alternate Names: Poseidon Moving, LLC
Poseidon Moving, a reputable local moving company based in Brookline, MA, has been providing dependable residential moving services since 2015. With an impressive average rating of 4.5 on Yelp and 4.1 on Google, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes compared to many nearby competitors. They offer a comprehensive suite of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items such as pianos, art, and antiques. Though a deposit is required and rates start at $120 per hour, Poseidon Moving accepts both cash and credit cards, ensuring a flexible and professional moving experience for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 363405
Years in Business: 119
DOT #: 363405
Humboldt Storage & Moving has been a trusted local moving company in Canton, MA since 1906, offering a century of expertise in residential moving services. While many nearby movers may not have such an extensive history, Humboldt stands out with its comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, as well as the specialized ability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Highly rated with an A+ from the Better Business Bureau, the company garners mixed reviews online, with a 3.6 rating on Yelp and a more favorable 4.4 average on Google. Accepting both cash and credit cards, Humboldt ensures a smooth moving experience without requiring any deposit and offers full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 70719
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 70719
Olympia Moving & Storage, located in Watertown, MA, has been providing exceptional local residential moving services since 1994. They stand out among nearby moving companies with their comprehensive offerings, including packing and unpacking services, and the ability to move delicate items such as pianos, antiques, and safes. Their reputation is solid, boasting a Yelp average rating of 4.1 from 148 reviews, a Google My Business rating of 4.5 from 229 reviews, and an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Olympia Moving & Storage also accepts credit cards and offers full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring peace of mind for their customers.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Comparing local moving companies from Massachusetts to Oakland, California:
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar's Moving Company | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Boston Best Rate Movers | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Poseidon Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Humboldt Storage & Moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Olympia Moving & Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,890 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Massachusetts movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Massachusetts | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 99% | 97% |
| Antiques | 61% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 1% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 3% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Massachusetts to Oakland, CA
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Oakland, CA differs from what you're used to in Massachusetts. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: Massachusetts vs Oakland, CA
| Massachusetts | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,588 | $2,200 |
| Average home value | $623,131 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $96,505 | $94,389 |
| Unemployment rate | 4% | 5% |
| State income tax | 9% | 13% |
Oakland sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Oakland is roughly 39% higher than in Massachusetts. Keep this in mind as you budget; you’ll need to plan for higher move-in expenses and monthly rent.
- In Oakland, home prices run about 18% higher than in Massachusetts. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
- Salaries in Oakland are usually about 2% lower than in Massachusetts. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you relocate.
- Unemployment in Oakland is about 15% higher than in Massachusetts, but you can still find a great job if you’re proactive. Start networking early and approach your job search with a clear, targeted plan.
- Income taxes in Oakland are 48% higher than in Massachusetts, so be sure to factor this in when budgeting. Your take-home pay could be slightly lower.
How life is different in Oakland from Massachusetts
| Oakland | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 7,001,399 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 61.5-36.3 |
| Summer high | 72ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 44ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 24" | 49" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 47" |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 13.92 |
Oakland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Massachusetts and Oakland both voted Democratic in the last election.
- Summer highs in Oakland average around 72°F, while Massachusetts often sees temperatures soar to 82°F. Relocating to a cooler area means escaping the intense heat, cutting down on energy costs, and enjoying more time outside.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Oakland generally drop to around 44ºF, while Massachusetts can get as cold as 16ºF. Moving to Oakland means you’ll enjoy gentler winters, which makes daily life easier, more affordable, and more pleasant.
- In Oakland, you can expect just 24 inches of rain each year—far less than the 49 inches back in Massachusetts. With more sunny days ahead, you’ll have plenty of chances to get outside and enjoy your new surroundings. This brighter weather is sure to boost your mood and help you feel right at home.
- In Oakland, you’ll get just 0 inches of snow each year, far less than the 47 inches you’re accustomed to in Massachusetts. With gentler winters, you can expect less shoveling, safer roads, and fewer cold-weather hassles. If you’re hoping for a milder winter, Oakland is a smart move.
- Crime rates in Oakland are higher than in Massachusetts, with a crime index of 68.62 versus 13.92. 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 Oakland
From beautiful parks and fascinating museums to exciting sports and stellar universities, Oakland really has something for everyone.
Museums in Oakland
Parks in Oakland
Sports Teams in Oakland
Universities in Oakland
Other considerations when moving to Oakland, CA
- Weather: Oakland features warm, dry summers, and mild, wet winters.
- HOA rules: Before moving day, check your neighborhood or community rules so you don't run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” 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. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can check your California moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to California without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Insurance rules vary by state. Opt for Released Value Protection – 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: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Massachusetts to Oakland take?
The time it takes to move from Massachusetts to Oakland, CA 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 starting from northern Massachusetts, it’ll take longer to get to Oakland. When renting a truck, plan for a one- to two-day drive, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Delivery from Massachusetts to Oakland can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Massachusetts to Oakland?
If you’re planning a 3077-mile move from Massachusetts to Oakland, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Oakland, CA?
Summer highs in Oakland can hit 72°F, while winter lows drop to 44°F. That’s why most people moving from Massachusetts to Oakland choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
