Best overall value
Local moving companies in New York
- Men On The Move: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Mabey's Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Shleppers Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Roadway Moving : 4.86 out of 5 stars
Men On The Move
rating
4.96 / 5
DOT #: 526079
Years in Business: 37
150 Crossways Park Drive West, Woodbury, NY 11797Men On The Move, serving Woodbury, NY since 1988, specializes in local residential moving services and has cultivated a reputation for reliability and professionalism. They also offer packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. Highly regarded by customers, Men On The Move boasts an impressive 4.0 average rating from 228 Yelp reviews and a near-perfect 4.9 rating from 68 Google reviews, complemented by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby competitors, they also provide full valuation insurance coverage, offering additional peace of mind to those entrusting them with valuable items like pianos, art, and antiques.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 526079
- State license #: 11671
Alternative Business Names
- Men On The Move Self Storage Company, Inc.
Piece of Cake Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 3066988
Years in Business: 6
287 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010 USPiece of Cake Moving & Storage offers top-tier local residential moving services in and around New York, NY, setting itself apart from competitors with its reliability and efficiency. Since 2019, this company has garnered a stellar reputation, boasting an impressive 4.7 average rating on Yelp from 1,580 reviews and a 4.8 average rating on Google from 3,214 reviews. They also hold a BBB rating of A-, underscoring their commitment to customer satisfaction. In addition to local moves, their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and specialty moves for pianos, art, and antiques. Customers appreciate that they accept credit cards, although a deposit is required.
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
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3066988
- State license #: 40244
Alternative Business Names
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage LLC
Mabey's Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 125550
Years in Business: 68
515 Third Avenue Extension, Rensselaer, NY 12144 USMabey's Moving & Storage has been serving the Rensselaer, NY area with local residential moving services since 1958, establishing a solid reputation in the community. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and an average Google rating of 4.8 from 325 reviews, they stand out among nearby movers for their reliability and customer satisfaction. Beyond local moves, they offer comprehensive services, including packing and unpacking, without requiring a deposit upfront, making the moving process seamless for their clients. Though their Yelp reviews are more mixed, their long-standing presence and high customer ratings make them a trusted choice for local relocations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- DOT #: 125550
- State license #: 623
Shleppers Moving & Storage
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 1611225
Years in Business: 46
434 East 165th Street, Bronx, NY 10456 USShleppers Moving & Storage, established in 1979, offers reliable local residential moving services in and around Bronx, NY. Unlike some nearby moving companies, Shleppers boasts a significant number of positive reviews, particularly on Google My Business with a 4.5 average rating from over 1,000 reviews, and holds a prestigious A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This full-service mover also provides packing, unpacking, crating services, and specializes in moving delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. With no deposit required and credit card payments accepted, they provide flexibility and peace of mind for those planning a local move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1611225
- State license #: 37133
Alternative Business Names
- Shleppers Holdings LLC
Roadway Moving
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 1854436
Years in Business: 16
845 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 11232 USRoadway Moving, established in 2009, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around New York, NY. In comparison to other nearby moving companies, Roadway Moving stands out with a remarkable reputation backed by an average Yelp rating of 4.6 from 447 reviews and a Google My Business rating of 4.9 from 1590 reviews. Additionally, they hold an A rating with the Better Business Bureau. The company not only excels in local moves but also provides packing and unpacking services, office moving, and even labor-only services. With no deposit required and an acceptance of credit cards, Roadway Moving promises a seamless and reliable moving experience.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1854436
- State license #: 38589
Factors affecting the cost of moving from NY to CA
There are many factors that influence New York moving costs. The cost to move from New York to California will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in New York is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from NY to CA
If you’re moving to California from New York, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: New York vs. California
| New York | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,507 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $482,742 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $81,386 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 100 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.52% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 10.9% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 23% more expensive in California than in New York.
- Home prices are about 60% higher in California than in New York.
- The average income is about 13% higher in California than in New York.
- Cost of living is 34% lower in California than in New York.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than New York by about 23%.
- Sales taxes are 2% higher in California than in New York.
- Income taxes are 22% higher in California than in New York.
How life is different in California vs. New York
| California | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 19,571,216 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Democratic 60-40 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 16ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 62" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 21.51 |
- The population of California is approximately 99% greater than the population of New York.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and New York voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in New York, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and New York gets down to 16ºF.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 44 inches of rainfall in New York.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 62 inches of snow in New York.
- California has a higher crime rate than New York with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 21.51.
Comparing the pros of New York vs. California
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to New York.
| Pros of living in New York | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Natural beauty | Ample economic opportunity |
| Arts | Pleasant weather |
| Ample economic opportunity | Abundant recreational options |
| Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities | High quality of life |
| Distinct seasons | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in New York vs. California
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving New York for California.
| Cons of living in New York | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| High tax burden | High cost of living |
| Rough winter weather | Heavy tax burdens |
| High cost of living | Natural disasters |
| Poor quality healthcare | Terrible traffic |
| Populous | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your New York to California 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in California
While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Yosemite National Park
- Golden Gate Bridge
- Disneyland Park
- Big Sur Coastline
- Universal Studios Hollywood
- Death Valley National Park
- San Diego Zoo
- Lake Tahoe
- Santa Catalina Island
- Redwood National and State Parks
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Hearst Castle
- Channel Islands National Park
- Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
- The Hollywood Sign
- Lombard Street
- Venice Beach
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Griffith Observatory
- Santa Monica Pier
- Alcatraz Island
- Winchester Mystery House
- Lassen Volcanic National Park
- Solvang
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- Burney Falls
- Anza Borrego Desert State Park
- Bodie State Historic Park
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from New York to California?
Hiring a full-service New York moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from New York to California?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from New York to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from New York to California?
The main reasons people are moving from New York to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Is it cheaper to live in New York or California?
It is generally cheaper to live in New York than in California. Housing is much more affordable in New York, with average rent about 19% less and home prices 37% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in New York, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?
You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
