10 Best Moving Companies in California (2024 Reviews)

Air 1 Moving & Storage, Meathead Movers, All Star Movers & Storage, Two Men and a Truck, and Luigy's Moving & Storage are the best options if you’re moving locally in California. It’ll cost, on average, about $122 per hour for local movers.

If you’re moving out of California, Safeway Moving is the best interstate moving company when it comes to quality and overall value.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

Hiring movers is an important part of the moving process, but finding the best movers in California isn’t always easy. The best way to find reliable movers is to compare rates from multiple companies.

How we chose the best moving companies in California

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 10 California movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Best movers for those moving locally in California

  1. Air 1 Moving & Storage, 4.96 out of 5
  2. Meathead Movers, 4.96 out of 5
  3. All Star Movers & Storage, 4.96 out of 5
  4. Two Men and a Truck, 4.9 out of 5
  5. Luigy's Moving & Storage, 4.9 out of 5

Air 1 Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 1095485

Years in Business: 20

9556 Cozycroft Ave,
Chatsworth, CA 91311

Air 1 Moving & Storage, a staple in the Chatsworth, CA community, has been providing exceptional moving services since 2003. Offering local, long-distance, and even international moving services, they stand out among the local competition. Their comprehensive services extend beyond mere moving; they also provide packing, unpacking, and crating services. Specializing in moving delicate and valuable items such as pianos, art, antiques, and grandfather clocks, they are a trusted choice for those looking for expertise in handling precious belongings. Customers appreciate their transparency and ease of payment, with credit cards accepted and full valuation insurance coverage provided. A credible and reputable company, Air 1 Moving & Storage boasts strong online reviews, including a 4.0 on Yelp from 301 reviews and a 4.4 on Google My Business from 311 reviews. They have also earned a solid A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. A deposit is required, but given their track record of reliability and excellence, customers often find it well worth the initial investment.

Get a Quote (866) 485-1030

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Meathead Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 921143

Years in Business: 26

2905 Unicorn Rd,
Bakersfield, CA 93308, US

Meathead Movers, a seasoned player in the moving industry since 1997, is a highly-rated provider for both local and long-distance residential relocations within and beyond Bakersfield, CA. These experts also cater to office moves, standing out among local competitors with their comprehensive packing and unpacking services. Unlike many moving companies, Meathead Movers require no deposit, further simplifying your move. Boasting an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, they also hold a solid presence online with a 3.9 rating from 43 Yelp reviews and a slightly higher 4.1 from 70 Google My Business reviews. With their longstanding reputation and diverse service offerings, Meathead Movers remains a reliable choice for a hassle-free moving experience.

Get a Quote (661) 335-6191

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

All Star Movers & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.96 / 5

DOT #: 2971368

Years in Business: 8

101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517,
Dublin, CA 94568

Founded in 2015, All Star Movers & Storage has made a name for itself as an industry leader in Dublin, CA, offering top-tier local and long-distance residential moving services, as well as corporate relocations. With their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, they ensure a hassle-free move for their clients. Unlike many nearby moving companies, All Star Movers & Storage exhibits an unmatched level of expertise in relocating sensitive items like pianos and art pieces. Giving top priority to customer convenience, the company accepts credit cards and does not mandate any deposits. Their commitment to customer satisfaction and trust is further underscored by their full valuation insurance coverage, a feature that separates them from their competitors. The high level of service delivered by All Star Movers & Storage is reflected in their impressive online reputation, boasting a 4.8 average rating from 143 reviews on Yelp, and a 4.2 average score from 55 Google My Business reviews. They also maintain an A+ standing with the Better Business Bureau, underscoring their reliability and commitment to excellence.

Get a Quote (925) 905-9889

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Two Men and a Truck

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 11

9245 Farnham St,
San Diego, CA 92123

Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company based in San Diego, CA, offers comprehensive services that include local and long-distance residential moving, packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Established in 2012, they've upheld a commendable reputation and received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, placing them ahead of many competing nearby companies. A distinguishing feature of Two Men and a Truck is their capacity to handle the transport of delicate items such as pianos and grandfather clocks. Their no-deposit policy further elevates their customer-centric approach. Boasting an average rating of 3.5 from over 332 Yelp reviews and an impressive 4.0 from 217 Google My Business reviews, Two Men and a Truck demonstrate proven customer satisfaction that sets them a notch above their regional competitors.

Get a Quote (858) 935-8392

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • TMT SoCal Inc
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Luigy's Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 02740355

Years in Business: 23

5550 Mission St,
San Francisco, CA 94112

Luigy's Moving & Storage has been a reliable presence in the San Francisco moving industry since 2000. Going beyond the typical services of local residential and long-distance moving competitors, Luigy's also offers comprehensive office moving services. Their extensive list of offerings spans from packing and unpacking, to specialized services for moving pianos, hot tubs, art, and antiques. Luigy's stand out in the market with its unique crating services and labor-only services. They accept all major credit cards and a deposit is required for their highly demanded services, all of which come with full valuation insurance coverage for customer peace of mind. The company's reputation for top-notch service is solidified by an impressive average Yelp and Google rating of 4.7 from a substantial number of reviews, and an impeccable A+ Better Business Bureau rating.

Get a Quote (415) 413-4646

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 cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 02740355
  • State license #: 0192210
Back to Top movebuddha icon

Best movers for those moving out of California

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.5 out of 5
  2. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
  3. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.45 out of 5
  4. North American Van Lines: 4.25 out of 5
  5. JK Moving Services: 4.25 out of 5
Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
  • Veteran owned
  • Long distance and cross country moves only
  • A portion of every move is donated to charity
read our full review
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

93% of users select this mover

Best industry reputation
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Over 20 years in business
  • Excellent customer service score
  • Best pricing we've seen
  • Can handle last minute moves
read our full review
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

93% of users select this mover

Best Upfront Pricing
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Family owned with locations covering the east coast
  • Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
  • Packing and unpacking services available
  • Handle residential, corporate, and military moves
read our full review
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

93% of users select this mover

Best for complex moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Over 74 years in business
  • More than 1,800 trucks in the fleet
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Top major moving company in the U.S.
  • Highest rated agent van line among moveBuddha customers
read our full review
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

93% of users select this mover

Best for high-end moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Guaranteed pick up and delivery dates
  • Low deposit requirement of $250 for interstate moves
  • Easy and fast AI-powered in-home estimate tool
  • Over 40k moves in the past 3 years
  • Available Financing as low as 0% Interest for low monthly payments
  • Extremely responsive customer service
read our full review
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

93% of users select this mover

Alternative California moving options

Moving Containers

  1. U-Pack: 5 out of 5
  2. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Labor Only

  1. HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
  2. Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Visit Website

93% of users select this mover

Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Get A Quote
(866) 774-5063

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • A dedicated concierge specialist to ensure you are set up for success on your move day
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute (you don't pay for time you don't use)
  • Straight forward pricing with no hidden fees. What you see is what you get
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
Get A Quote
(866) 774-5063

93% of users select this mover

Full DIY

  1. U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
  2. Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

93% of users select this mover

Most Reliable
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517

93% of users select this mover

At A Glance
  • Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
  • Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
  • Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
read our full review
Check prices (844) 847-9517

93% of users select this mover

Average cost of moving companies in California

The pricing table below shows ballpark moving costs for local moves within California. Or check out our post on the cost to move in California for more pricing info.

Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual moving costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move and whether the moving company offers flat-rate pricing.

You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimates.

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $426 $171 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $597 $171 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedroom $974 $240 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedroom $2,271 $336 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedroom $2,607 $336 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedroom $4,017 $470 5 movers 10 hours
  • California moving companies will cost about $426 to move a studio locally.
  • If you're moving one bedroom, a moving company in California will charge about $597.
  • A two-bedroom move in California will cost about $974.
  • A three-bedroom move costs $2,271 on average in California.
  • To move a four-bedroom house in California, you should expect to pay $2,607.
  • For a house that's five bedrooms or larger, your move will cost $4,017 in California.

Factors that affect moving costs in California

Getting an online moving quote can lead to confusion, but these factors will affect the cost of your California move.

  • Distance: The time and fuel can affect local moves, but if you’re moving out of California you may see additional fees
  • Size: Larger homes with more belongings require more labor and larger trucks, resulting in higher costs
  • Time of year: Peak moving seasons in California, like summer or around holidays, often come with higher rates due to increased demand
  • Additional services: Services like packing, unpacking, or assembly/disassembly of furniture will add to the total cost
idea

If you’re moving from California to a different state, make sure your mover is equipped and licensed to handle your move.
If you’re not sure, check out our list of the
best long distance moving companies.

Considerations for moving to California

California is a state with so it makes sense to want to move there. These are some of the things to keep in mind to help your move to the Golden State go smoothly:

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: Many neighborhoods and communities have rules about moving, have a smooth transition to your new home by checking ahead of time.
Elevator Reservation: If you're moving to a building with an elevator, there may be things you need to know ahead of time such as using a service elevator, time restrictions, or reservations.
Parking Permits: Some cities have rules about parking large vehicles. Check with your new city ahead of time to ensure you have everything in order.
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. All of the movers on our list are fully licensed.
State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
Change of Address: You should submit 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to California.
Mover's Insurance: Every state has its own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn't cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.

California Movers FAQs

What should I look for when choosing a moving company in California?

You can find the best moving companies in California by reading moveBuddha's top picks. When rating and reviewing moving companies in California, we considered their reputation, pricing, services, and insurance options. We recommend obtaining quotes — including flat-rate pricing, where available – from several moving companies in California to compare prices and services.

You can also use our guide for finding the best flat-rate moving companies.

Do California moving companies offer services for long-distance or interstate moves?

Many moving companies in California provide long-distance or interstate moving services. These companies should have a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for interstate moves.

For more information, check out our guide on the best long-distance movers in California.

How can I see all moving companies in California?

You can find all moving companies in California be clicking here.

Top-rated movers in nearby cities

See more
See less

Helpful California resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All