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Local moving companies in Montana
When relocating from Montana to Oakland, CA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey from the Big Sky Country 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 7 Montana movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Oakland, CA.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- InterWest Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Mesa Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- All Lanes Moving & Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men and a Truck
Two Men and a Truck, operating in and around Missoula, MT since 2018, stands out for its reliable local residential moving services. With a solid reputation, the company boasts an impressive 4.5-star average on Google My Business from 76 reviews and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, reflecting customer satisfaction and trust. Comparing favorably to other movers in the area, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they accept credit cards with no deposit required. Whether moving a piano or a safe, Two Men and a Truck provides an all-encompassing solution for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: West One Logistics
InterWest Moving and Storage, serving Belgrade, MT since 1992, specializes in local residential moves and stands out as a highly reputable option compared to other nearby moving companies. With an impressive consumer review profile—boasting a 5.0 average rating on Yelp and a 4.8 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ Better Business Bureau rating—InterWest's commitment to customer satisfaction is clear. The company also offers a range of additional services including packing, unpacking, and crating, and provides full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind. For those seeking reliable, top-rated local moving services, InterWest Moving and Storage is a standout choice.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3280355
Alternate Names: Mesa Moving and Storage Helena, LLC
Mesa Moving & Storage, operating since 2020, offers comprehensive local residential moving services in and around Helena, MT. Known for their impressive Google rating of 4.7 from 159 reviews and a stellar A+ BBB rating, they consistently outshine many nearby competitors. While their Yelp reviews suggest some mixed experiences, their overall consumer feedback remains highly positive. In addition to local moves, Mesa Moving & Storage excels in packing, unpacking, and crating services, and caters to specialized needs like moving pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. With no deposit required and both cash and credit card payments accepted, they provide a flexible and reputable choice for those seeking reliable local movers.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 917105
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 917105
All Lanes Moving & Storage, based in Missoula, MT, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 2001. They stand out from other nearby moving companies with their extensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for pianos and safes. Client feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with a Yelp rating of 4.2 and a perfect Google rating of 5.0, complemented by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. For those seeking a trustworthy and comprehensive local moving company, All Lanes Moving & Storage proves to be a reputable choice.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 514197
Montana Transfer, a reputable moving company established in 1965, offers local residential moving services in and around Missoula, MT. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an average rating of 3.8 from 68 Google reviews, Montana Transfer outshines many local competitors despite mixed feedback on Yelp. They provide a comprehensive suite of services, including packing, unpacking, crating, and the fragile-only packing if needed, accommodating specialized needs such as piano and art moving. Montana Transfer accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, making them a convenient choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Comparing local moving companies from Montana 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| InterWest Moving and Storage | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mesa Moving & Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ |
| All Lanes Moving & Storage | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Montana Transfer | ✔ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Out of the 2,891 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Montana movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Montana | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 100% | 97% |
| Antiques | 18% | 48% |
| Military Discount | 0% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Montana to Oakland, CA
Before you start packing, let’s explore what life in Oakland, CA has in store compared to Montana. We’ll break down everything from the cost of living and local culture to spots you don’t want to miss.
Cost of living: Montana vs Oakland, CA
| Montana | Oakland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $974 | $2,200 |
| Average home value | $462,631 | $736,156 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,341 | $94,389 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 5% |
| State income tax | 7% | 13% |
Oakland sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Oakland is roughly 126% higher than in Montana. 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 59% higher than in Montana. Be prepared for a larger down payment, steeper property taxes, and higher overall homeownership costs.
- Salaries in Oakland are usually 42% higher than in Montana, giving you more wiggle room for living expenses or saving extra cash.
- Unemployment in Oakland is about 36% higher than in Montana, 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 97% higher than in Montana, so be sure to factor this in when budgeting. Your take-home pay could be slightly lower.
How life is different in Oakland from Montana
| Oakland | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 440,646 | 1,132,812 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 58.4-38.5 |
| Summer high | 72ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 44ºF | 12ºF |
| Annual rain | 24" | 15" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 49" |
| Crime index | 68.62 | 23.37 |
Oakland sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Oakland voted Democratic, while Montana leaned Republican.
- During summer, Oakland enjoys average highs of just 72°F, while Montana typically reaches 84°F. Relocating to a cooler spot means you’ll dodge the heat, cut down on energy costs, and get to enjoy more time outside.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Oakland usually drop to around 44°F, while in Montana, they can fall as low as 12°F. Moving to Oakland means you’ll enjoy milder winters, which makes daily life more comfortable, helps you save on heating costs, and lets you spend more time outdoors.
- Expect around 24 inches of rain each year in Oakland, which is quite a bit more than the 15 inches you're used to back in Montana. With the extra rainfall comes lusher landscapes and more rainy days, so be sure to add rain gear to your wardrobe and get ready to embrace life in a wetter, greener setting.
- In Oakland, you’ll only get 0 inches of snow each year, far less than the 49 inches you’re used to in Montana. That means milder winters, less shoveling, safer roads, and fewer hassles from the cold. If you’re craving easier winters, Oakland is the place for you.
- Crime rates in Oakland are higher than in Montana, with a crime index of 68.62 versus 23.37. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Oakland
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Oakland truly offers 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, you should review your neighborhood or community guidelines to avoid any surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve your building’s elevator in advance and double-check any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules 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. Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify your California moving license on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but you need to check out local parking regulations ahead of moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. This way, you can select your moving date and ensure your mail is forwarded to California right on time. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Moving insurance requirements differ from state to 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 keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Montana to Oakland take?
How long it takes to move from Montana to Oakland, CA depends on your starting point and the type of move you choose. No matter the method, loading your belongings usually takes a day or less, even if you’re doing it yourself.
The farther north you are in Montana, the longer it’ll take to reach Oakland. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from Montana to Oakland can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Montana to Oakland?
With a 1196-mile move from Montana to Oakland, it's smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Oakland, CA?
With summer temperatures reaching 72°F and winter nights dipping to 44°F, most people make the move from Montana to Oakland in the spring or fall. If you want to skip the crowds during peak moving seasons and potentially save some cash, consider scheduling your move in the summer or winter instead.
