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I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.
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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Average cost of local Novato, CA movers

Hiring a moving company in Novato is definitely the most convenient way to move, but that convenience comes at a higher cost than a DIY approach. You'll need to decide whether you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you or if you'd rather save money by doing at least some of the work yourself.

Here's how much movers cost in Novato:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $339 $158 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $505 $164 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $838 $231 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,096 $313 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,367 $319 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,716 $442 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost details

  • Studio: On average, hiring movers in Novato for a studio apartment will cost about $158 per hour. This type of move usually takes three hours with a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: For a one-bedroom apartment or house, local movers in Novato typically charge $164 per hour. Plan for two movers working four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: Moving a two-bedroom home in Novato generally costs $231 per hour. Expect it to take around five hours with a three-person team.
  • Three bedrooms: The typical rate for moving a three-bedroom place in Novato is $313 an hour. You'll likely need four movers for about eight hours.
  • Four bedrooms: Expect to spend $319 per hour to move a four-bedroom home in Novato, which usually requires nine hours and a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: For homes with five or more bedrooms in Novato, moving services typically charge $442 an hour. You'll need a five-person team for around ten hours.

Use our free moving cost estimator to quickly compare personalized quotes for your Novato move.

Best local movers in Novato, CA

If you're moving within Novato or just a short distance away, these local moving companies come highly recommended:

  1. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Next Stop Moving & Storage: 4.1 out of 5 stars
  3. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/EagleMovingStorage/,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Careful handling
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
Moving made easy is how customers describe Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc., with 86.9% of the 634 feedback entries rating their services positively. Reviewers consistently mention efficient service, careful handling, and professional, polite teams. The booking process is straightforward and communication is strong, making moves feel stress-free compared to larger companies. Many highlight how quickly items are moved and the competitive pricing, with exceptional care towards fragile and valuable belongings. In contrast, 11.7% report issues, mainly with damaged items, late arrivals, or communication lapses during scheduling and claims. While the company receives high praise for their courteous movers and fast work, cases of lost or broken property and delayed deliveries set them apart from top-tier providers who resolve complaints faster and provide more consistent updates. Neutral input often cites both efficient execution and minor damages. Eagle stands out for its efficiency and customer-focused approach but should address recurring concerns with item handling and reliability during high-stress moves.
Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Company Info

State license #: 0190673

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 3670248


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/gentlegiantmovingcompany, https://twitter.com/gentlegiantmove
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Friendly and approachable staff
Customer Complaints
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Lack of communication
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Moving has never been this stress-free, according to feedback from 130 customers, and nearly 95% reflect positive experiences with Gentle Giant Moving Company. Clients highlight fast-moving teams, consistently polite and friendly staff, careful treatment of belongings, and swift, organized processes. Many describe their crews as efficient, hardworking, and genuinely committed to making moves smooth. Attention to detail and respectful communication set Gentle Giant apart from most competitors. Some mention higher costs than expected and a handful report frustration with unclear estimates or communication lapses. A few note setbacks like rude customer service or lack of follow-up. Still, the overwhelming majority find Gentle Giant's efficiency, professionalism, and care exceptional compared to other moving firms.
Get a Quote (415) 544-7000

Company Info

State license #: 0167668

Years in Business: 44

DOT #: 373544

Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/johnsondalymoving/, https://twitter.com/johnsonanddaly
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Damage to items
  • Unfriendly or rude staff
Review Analysis
Glowing customer feedback puts Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage in a class of their own. Out of 216 reviews, 91.7% were positive, revealing a pattern of professional, courteous staff, careful handling of belongings, quick and efficient moves, and clear communication at all stages. Customers valued the team’s reliability and respect for property, with many highlighting stress-free experiences even in complicated moves. Positive input often mentioned exceeding cost or time expectations, showing the company's strong work ethic compared to typical movers. Negative feedback (7.4%) pointed to higher costs than expected, occasional damage or loss of items, and instances of unprofessional or slow crews. Undelivered promises on insurance and complaint follow-up also appeared in rare cases. Neutral reviews (0.9%) cited minor organizational mix-ups but still praised the staff’s friendliness and effectiveness. The feedback overwhelmingly shows Johnson & Daly operates at a higher standard than most, consistently earning trust for local and long-distance moves.
Get a Quote (415) 491-4444

Company Info

State license #: 159465

Years in Business: 46

DOT #: 2611854

Alternate Names: Johnson & Daly Moving & Storage


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/sanfranciscomovers,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Helpful movers
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges
  • Misplaced or lost items
  • Insurance issues
Review Analysis
Customer stories about Luigy's Moving & Storage highlight a company that stands out for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and friendly, supportive movers. Out of 125 customer reports, 93.6% praise efficient work, courteous teams, precise scheduling, and protected furniture. People frequently mention that staff went out of their way to assist, arriving on time and wrapping or moving items safely. While most input speaks highly of dependable service and fair pricing, a few negative reports cite unexpected extra charges, missing belongings, and unresolved insurance concerns. These serious criticisms were rare compared to industry averages but are important for transparency. Compared to other movers, Luigy's receives above-average marks for reliability, staff demeanor, and minimizing stress on moving day.
Get a Quote (415) 413-4646

Company Info

State license #: 0192210

Years in Business: 25

DOT #: 02740355


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

Moving costs in other nearby California cities

Average cost to move out of state with Novato movers

Since the cost of moving out of California depends largely on where you're moving, we've provided some example costs below. To get the most accurate pricing based on your specific destination, find your moving route to California or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from Novato

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from Novato and across California state lines mostly depends on the distance, method, and size of your move.

To give you a better idea of pricing, however, here are some example cost ranges for long-distance moves out of California:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from Novato

Moving a two- or three-bedroom home out of Novato comes with costs that vary depending on how much stuff you're taking. A three-bedroom move with minimal furniture could actually cost less than a heavily decorated two-bedroom with more square footage.

Still, for reference, here are the typical cost ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves covering similar distances from Novato:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from Novato

Moving a four-bedroom home from Novato to another state comes with a wide range of possible costs. The final price often depends on how far you're going, how much you're moving, and the time of year.

Here’s a general look at what out-of-state moves with four or more bedrooms from Novato might cost:

Best interstate moving companies in Novato

Now that you have an idea of what your out-of-state move from California will cost, it's time to start looking at the best long-distance movers in Novato.

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

Average cost of moving containers in Novato, CA

Moving containers in Novato generally cost about $540 for a local move, while long-distance jobs can push the total up to $2,970. If you’re heading across the country, it’s not uncommon to see prices close to $6,920 or even higher. The two biggest cost factors? Distance and the size of the container you choose.

We often recommend PODS in Novato. They have eight-, 12-, and 16-foot containers, keep pricing competitive, and have earned a solid reputation among customers. But don’t stop there. Get quotes from at least two other providers to see how everything compares.

Need more options? Take a look at these highly-rated moving container companies before making your decision.

Best moving container companies in Novato

If you want to save some money on your Novato move but don’t want the hassle of doing everything yourself, moving container companies are a great alternative. With a moving container, you’ll take care of the packing and loading but won’t have to worry about driving. Here are a few highly recommended options for moving containers in Novato:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

Average cost of moving truck rentals in Novato, CA

In Novato, daily rental costs for a moving truck usually start at $60, with most people paying between $19 and $38, plus mileage fees of $2 to $1. It’s a solid choice for those looking to cut costs, but keep in mind it’s a fully DIY approach. You'll be doing the heavy lifting and the driving.

Best moving truck rentals in Novato

The most budget-friendly way to move is by packing everything up and hitting the road with a rental truck. There are plenty of moving truck rental companies to choose from in Novato. If you don’t mind the extra effort, here are a few of the best ones:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Novato, CA

In Novato, labor-only movers typically charge $30–$40 per hour per person. That means your total hourly cost will be around $60–$80, depending on how many movers you hire.

It typically only takes a two-person crew to handle smaller spaces like studios and one-bedrooms. For two- and three-bedroom homes, plan on three to four movers. It’ll likely take a crew of four or five people to move homes with four or more bedrooms.

Best labor-only moving companies in Novato

Finding reliable moving help in Novato means looking for labor-only companies with upfront pricing and solid service reviews. It’s even better if they offer extras like packing assistance or moving supplies.

These are our top picks for labor-only movers.

Here are our favorite labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of your Novato move

Every move is unique, so pricing can vary depending on your specific circumstances and needs. In general, though, here are some of the most common factors can affect your Novato move:

  • Distance: How far you're moving has a big impact on your total moving costs. Moving within a city or even to a nearby town will usually cost far less than relocating out of state or across the country. That's because longer distances involve mileage and fuel expenses, as well as more labor hours.
  • The size of your move: Naturally, the more stuff you have, the more it will cost to move it. Larger moves are more expensive because they typically require a bigger truck and moving crew.
  • The type of mover you choose: In most cases, hiring a full-service mover to assist with loading, unloading, and transport of your belongings will cost more than DIY options like moving container companies, where you handle all the heavy lifting yourself.
  • The services you choose: If you need assistance beyond loading and transportation, you may have to pay extra for it. Full-service movers charge you more for add-on options like packing and unpacking and comprehensive insurance on your items. Even if you go the DIY route, you will pay more if you decide to hire a third-party moving crew to help you with loading and unloading.
  • When you move: The time of year and month, as well as the day of the week, you move can all impact costs. The reason centers around demand. You'll pay more to relocate during the summer months, since that is the peak moving season. Mid-month moves are normally a little cheaper than those at the start or end of the month, when most rental leases begin or end. Moving mid-week instead of weekends can also save you some money, since most people choose a Saturday or Sunday for their moving day.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Buy additional insurance. Full-service movers are required by federal law to provide basic insurance, known as released value protection, at no cost. While you can't beat free, released value protection provides very minimal coverage — $0.60 per pound per item, regardless of the item's value. So, your reimbursement on a damaged 25-pound TV worth $1,000 would only be $15 ($0.60 x 25 pounds). Most moving companies — and some home insurance providers — offer optional comprehensive insurance plans. While these come at an added cost, they will protect your items based on estimated value instead of weight.
  • Get your move approved. Many neighborhoods — particularly those with HOAs — have restrictions around moving. Typically, these restrictions outline which days and times moving is allowable. It's best to double-check the rules ahead of time and to proactively inform a property management group of your moving date.
  • Have your paperwork handy. If you are moving to or from an apartment complex, you may need to show proof on moving day of your mover's insurance coverage and, if applicable, an elevator reservation. Go ahead and gather this information — which is usually available in your moving contract — so you aren't scrambling for it when your moving date arrives.
  • Reserve parking. You can learn more about the rules and regulations on the Novato website.

Helpful Novato Resources

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