10 Best Moving Companies in California (2024 Reviews)
Fact Checked by: Meathead Movers, Magic Moving & Storage, NOR-CAL Moving Services, Luigy's Moving & Storage, and Seka Moving 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.
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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
- Meathead Movers, 4.9 out of 5
- Magic Moving & Storage, 4.9 out of 5
- NOR-CAL Moving Services, 4.9 out of 5
- Luigy's Moving & Storage, 4.86 out of 5
- Seka Moving, 4.86 out of 5
Meathead Movers
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 26
3600 S Higuera St,San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Meathead Movers, based in San Luis Obispo, CA, stands out amongst local moving companies due to their extensive experience, having been in the industry since 1997. They offer a full range of services which extends beyond local residential moves. They excel in providing long-distance residential moving services, office moves, as well as meticulous packing and unpacking services. One distinguishing feature of Meathead Movers is their no-deposit policy, a rare quality amongst their competitors. This beloved company has earned customers' trust, confirmed by over 500 reviews across Yelp and Google My Business, maintaining an admirable average rating of 4.0 and 4.3 respectively. Their commitment to excellence is further endorsed by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, making them a top choice for individuals and businesses on the move.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
Magic Moving & Storage
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 875866
Years in Business: 28
4695 Chabot DrSuite 200,
Pleasanton, CA 94588
Magic Moving & Storage distinguishes itself as a comprehensive, full-service moving company in Pleasanton, CA. Since its establishment in 1996, this firm has been providing an array of services including local, long-distance, and international residential moving, as well as office relocation. Uniquely, Magic Moving & Storage stands out from other nearby competitors thanks to its rare offerings such as crating services and specialized moving services for pianos, pool tables, works of art, antiques, grandfather clocks, and safes. With added convenience, the company accepts various payment methods including cash, credit cards, and money orders, with no deposit needed. It also offers full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking for enhanced customer peace of mind. In the customer review arena, Magic Moving & Storage showcases a solid online reputation reflected in its 115 Yelp reviews with an average rating of 3.5 and 13 Google My Business ratings averaging at 4.8. Furthermore, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau evidences their commitment to service excellence. Overall, Magic Moving & Storage is a beacon of reliability and efficiency in the moving industry.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 875866
- State license #: 190231
Alternative Business Names
- Magic Moving Company
- Magic Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Magic Movers
NOR-CAL Moving Services
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 1844592
Years in Business: 40
3129 Corporate Pl,Hayward, CA 94545
NOR-CAL Moving Services, a stalwart in the moving industry since 1983, is a formidable competitor amongst Hayward, CA moving companies. This company stands out with its expansive range of services, including local, long distance, and international residential moving. Compared to other local movers, NOR-CAL’s comprehensive offerings cannot be underplayed. The company goes above and beyond with packing, unpacking and crating services, and even offers fragile-only packing for your most precious items. The company's special capabilities like moving pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques and even grandfather clocks sets them apart from nearby competitors. Their flexibility extends to payment options as well, accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit. They offer full valuation insurance and shipment tracking for complete peace of mind during your move. Their reputation shines through their 3.0 Yelp rating from 114 reviews, a commendable 4.5 Google My Business rating from 146 reviews, and a remarkable A+ Better Business Bureau rating, making NOR-CAL Moving Services a trusted, comprehensive choice for all moving needs.
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
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1844592
- State license #: 0145636
Local Associations
Luigy's Moving & Storage
rating
4.86 / 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.
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
Seka Moving
rating
4.86 / 5
DOT #: 3014539
Years in Business: 5
355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450,Los Angeles, CA 90071
Seka Moving company, established in 2018, has fast gained a reputation for providing comprehensive moving services in and around Los Angeles, CA. While smaller than some of its long-established competitors, it offers a range of services that surpasses many others in its vicinity. Seka Moving offers both local and long-distance residential moving as well as office moving services. Specializing in handling fragile items, they offer packing, crating, and even 'fragile only' packing. They also provide labor-only services and boast the ability to move special items such as pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, and even grandfather clocks. Payment is versatile, with acceptance of money orders, cash, credit cards, and a requirement of a deposit. Seka Moving is not only efficient but also reliable, providing full valuation insurance coverage for every move. Their expertise and exceptional customer service are confirmed by their 'A' rating from the Better Business Bureau, an average rating of 4.5 from 21 Yelp reviews, and a remarkable 4.9 from 137 Google My Business reviews. This makes Seka Moving a standout choice among moving companies in Los Angeles.
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
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 3014539
- State license #: 0192497
Alternative Business Names
- Seka Moving Corporation
Best movers for those moving out of California
- Safeway Moving: 4.5 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.45 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.25 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.25 out of 5
- GPS tracked trucks and tractors
- Barcode scanned and tracked inventory of your possessions
- Dedicated move coordinator assigned to each client
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
93% of users select this mover
- Over 20 years in business
- Excellent customer service score
- Best pricing we've seen
- Can handle last minute moves
93% of users select this mover
- 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
93% of users select this mover
- 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
93% of users select this mover
- 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
93% of users select this mover
Alternative California moving options
Moving Containers
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
93% of users select this mover
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
93% of users select this mover
Labor Only
- HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
- Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
- 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
93% of users select this mover
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
93% of users select this mover
Full DIY
- U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
- Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
- 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
93% of users select this mover
- 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
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 | $444 | $171 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $616 | $171 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedroom | $993 | $240 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedroom | $2,289 | $336 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedroom | $2,625 | $336 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedroom | $4,035 | $470 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- California moving companies will cost about $444 to move a studio locally.
- If you're moving one bedroom, a moving company in California will charge about $616.
- A two-bedroom move in California will cost about $993.
- A three-bedroom move costs $2,289 on average in California.
- To move a four-bedroom house in California, you should expect to pay $2,625.
- For a house that's five bedrooms or larger, your move will cost $4,035 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
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
Helpful California resources
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