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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 San Luis Obispo, CA movers

Hiring a moving company in San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo:

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $459 $139 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $605 $136 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $894 $188 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,967 $260 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,148 $271 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,347 $365 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: Expect to pay around $139 per hour for studio moves in San Luis Obispo. These usually take three hours with a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: A one-bedroom move in San Luis Obispo averages $136 hourly. You'll need two movers for approximately four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: The going hourly rate for moving a two-bedroom home in San Luis Obispo is $188. It generally takes five hours with a three-person crew.
  • Three bedrooms: In San Luis Obispo, the average cost to move a three-bedroom home is about $260 per hour, requiring four movers and eight hours of work.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom home in San Luis Obispo, you're looking at $271 per hour. This job typically takes nine hours with a four-person team.
  • Five or more bedrooms: Large homes with five or more bedrooms in San Luis Obispo can cost about $365 per hour. Expect ten hours of work by a five-person crew.

Quickly compare moving quotes for your San Luis Obispo move with our instant, free cost calculator.

Best local movers in San Luis Obispo, CA

If you're moving a short distance, take a look at our picks for top local moving companies in San Luis Obispo:

  1. Meathead Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
  2. Martian Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. ASAP Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Central Coast Moving Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc: 4.48 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/MeatheadMovers/, https://twitter.com/MeatheadMovers
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Higher-than-expected costs
  • Poor packing quality
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—fast, careful, and professional. Across 534 customer accounts, 85% were satisfied with Meathead Movers, who consistently impress with prompt, efficient service, courteous staff, careful attention to belongings, and effective communication. Many point to their speed, skill, and ability to reduce moving stress as unmatched compared to other movers. Staff go out of their way to ensure everything is handled safely and customers feel supported throughout. Most praise the company’s organization and transparency, with workers often finishing ahead of schedule and providing clear updates. While Meathead stands out for reliability, a number of customers highlighted problems including damage to items, higher-than-expected costs than initial estimates, and issues with packing quality—especially when using packing services. Some experienced final bills much greater than the quotes they received, contributing to frustration. A few customers also reported items arriving broken or poor claim handling after reporting damage. Compared to other moving firms, feedback shows Meathead’s team typically provides a smoother, faster, and friendlier move—but attention to better estimate accuracy and meticulous packing would boost trust even further.
Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Packers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/martianmoversca,
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Delayed arrival or delivery
  • Unreliable timing
Review Analysis
Rave reviews pour in for Martian Movers, spotlighting efficient service, polite staff, careful handling, fast move times, and reliable communication. Among 295 reviews, 95% of feedback describes stress-free moves by friendly, professional crews attentive to property and timing. Clients often mention rapid service, courteous demeanor, and exceptional care with belongings—even challenging items like pianos—setting them apart from less consistent competitors. For value, they frequently finish under quoted prices, with transparent estimates and easy scheduling. Less than 5% of feedback details significant issues during long-distance moves, including damaged items, late deliveries, unreliable timing, and poor handling. Some clients cite missed arrival windows, mishandling, or lack of follow-up on claims for damages. For most customers, though, reviews indicate Martian Movers outperforms other moving companies on efficiency, professionalism, and customer care, while a few experienced notable problems with high-value or out-of-area jobs.
Get a Quote (805) 549-5122

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3196615

Alternate Names: Cal-Safe Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063674645817, https://x.com/asapmoversslo
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Efficient service
  • Quick moving process
  • Good communication
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unprofessional behavior
  • Lack of communication
Review Analysis
ASAP Movers earns top scores with 94% of customer feedback highlighting efficient service and highly professional, polite staff. Most people praise how carefully their belongings are handled and how quickly moves are completed, with clear communication throughout each step. While most customers note friendly, attentive teams, a handful cite concerns over damaged items or unprofessional behavior, and some mention lapses in communication. The company’s strong record for reliability and care outpaces many competitors, but those seeking flawless handling should remain mindful of rare, but notable, incidents involving broken or mishandled property. With over 400 reviews analyzed, ASAP Movers stands out for dependable, courteous service at a competitive price.
Get a Quote (805) 544-9222

Company Info

State license #: 0190288

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 1278931

Alternate Names: A S A P Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/CentralCoastMoving/, https://x.com/CenCoastMoving
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service
  • Professional and polite staff
  • Careful handling
  • Good communication
  • Quick moving process
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items
  • Unexpected charges
  • Inexperienced movers
Review Analysis
Central Coast Moving Co. stands out for making moves fast, stress-free, and professionally handled. Out of 312 customer experiences, 97% praised their team's efficiency, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings. Customers highlighted superb communication, streamlined moving processes, and courteous staff. Flexible scheduling and transparent pricing also set this business apart from regional competitors. Negative feedback, though rare, focused mainly on occasional damaged items, surprise costs, and less experienced crew members on some jobs. Unlike many movers, Central Coast Moving consistently achieves outstanding customer satisfaction, with only 2% of reviews reflecting significant dissatisfaction. For anyone seeking punctual, polite movers who prioritize your property, this company clearly sets a higher benchmark for moving services on the Central Coast.
Get a Quote (805) 420-7526

Company Info

Years in Business: 6


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

Moving costs in other nearby California citiestoggle

Average cost to move out of state with San Luis Obispo movers

The cost of moving out of California can shift a lot depending on where you're headed. To give you an idea, we've listed a few sample routes below. For the most accurate estimate, take a look at your specific route from California or use our moving cost calculator.

Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from San Luis Obispo

Several factors influence the price of a one-bedroom move from San Luis Obispo — mainly how far you’re going, how much you're bringing, and how you plan to get it there.

Below are some common price ranges to help estimate the cost of long-distance moves from California:

Cost to move a two or three-bedroom home out of state from San Luis Obispo

Out-of-state moving costs from San Luis Obispo for two- or three-bedroom homes depend on the total volume and weight of everything you’re bringing. For instance, the cost to move a three-bedroom home that’s lightly furnished and compact might be lower than that of a large, fully furnished two-bedroom space.

That said, here’s a general look at the price ranges you can expect for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distance from San Luis Obispo:

Cost to move a four bedroom home (or larger) out of state from San Luis Obispo

Below is a look at some example four-bedroom move costs out of state from San Luis Obispo. Remember, your exact price will ultimately be based on the amount of belongings you have, what time of year you are moving, and how far you're moving.

Sample ranges for interstate moves from San Luis Obispo of four or more bedrooms:

Best interstate moving companies in San Luis Obispo

Once you have a good idea of the cost to move out of California, your next move is to check out the best long-distance movers serving San Luis Obispo.

Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
(866) 935-3437
Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
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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 customer service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
(855) 929-4120
At A Glance
  • 10% discount for veterans and seniors
  • Very competitive rates due to their national coverage
  • Services local, long-distance, and international moves
  • Can service most domestic moves within 48 hours
  • 24/7 customer service
read our full review
(855) 929-4120
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
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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
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 San Luis Obispo, CA

In San Luis Obispo, using moving containers typically starts at around $480 for a local move. For longer in-state or regional relocations, that number can rise to about $2,980. If you're planning a coast-to-coast move, expect rates in excess of $6,930. Your final price will largely depend on how far you're moving and your container size.

We recommend PODS in San Luis Obispo as a strong option. PODS offers three container sizes (eight, 12, and 16 feet), allowing you some flexibility in picking the one that best fits your needs. Their rates are competitive, and customers overwhelmingly give them high marks for their service. To make sure you’re getting the best bang for your buck, though, get quotes from PODS and at least two other companies before locking in a decision.

For more trusted providers, browse this list of top moving container companies.

Best moving container companies in San Luis Obispo

A moving container company is a good fit if you don’t mind doing some heavy lifting. You’ll have to pack up everything and load it up yourself but you’ll get the benefit of a professional driver to safely transport your belongings to your new home. There are several solid choices in San Luis Obispo — these are some of our favorites:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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 San Luis Obispo, CA

The cheapest way to move from San Luis Obispo is usually by renting a truck. Expect a daily base rate of around $60, though it can run anywhere from $19 to $38.355555555556, plus a per-mile charge between $1.698 and $1.2122222222222. While budget-friendly, this option means you’ll handle everything — from loading up to driving the truck to your new home.

Best moving truck rentals in San Luis Obispo

If you're looking to save the most money, your best bet is to pack up and drive a rental truck yourself. Luckily, finding moving truck rental companies in San Luis Obispo is easy. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, here are some of the top options:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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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 San Luis Obispo, CA

Hiring labor-only movers in San Luis Obispo will run you about $30–$40 an hour per mover. So, if you’re working with a two-person crew, expect to pay $60–$80 per hour total.

Two people is typically all it takes to move studio apartments and one-bedrooms. But beyond that, you’ll probably need a larger crew. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually call for three or four movers, for example, and homes with four or more bedrooms require a four- or five-person crew.

Best labor-only moving companies in San Luis Obispo

When hiring labor-only movers in San Luis Obispo, go with a company that offers clear pricing and is known for reliable service. Companies that also help with packing or provide moving supplies can be a big plus.

Here are some of our favorite picks for labor-only movers.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.86 / 5
  • Years in Business: 7
  • Yelp: 4.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.72 / 5
  • Years in Business: 21
  • Yelp: 4.7 / 5
  • BBB: A+
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.66 / 5
  • Years in Business: 6
  • Yelp: 4.6 / 5
  • BBB: A+

Factors that affect the cost of your San Luis Obispo move

Since every move is a little different, your total cost will depend on your individual needs. Still, here are some of the key factors that commonly affect San Luis Obispo moving costs:

  • Distance: Long-distance moves tend to cost more due to added mileage, fuel charges, and labor hours. Staying within the same city or region is typically more affordable.
  • Move size: More items = more money. Larger households usually need extra hands and a bigger truck, both of which increase the price.
  • Moving method: Full-service movers offer convenience, but they charge for it. If you go with a moving container company, you can cut costs by handling the packing and lifting yourself.
  • Add-on services: Want help packing or extra coverage for your stuff? These kinds of add-ons cost more — and even DIY moves cost extra if you hire help for the heavy lifting.
  • Move date: Prices spike during the busy season (summer), weekends, and the beginning or end of the month. You’ll often save by moving mid-week or mid-month when demand is lower.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Get all your documents together ahead of time. Apartment complexes may require documents like proof of insurance and elevator bookings on moving day. Review your moving contract in advance so you’re not rushing to find what you need last minute.
  • Make sure you’re following the rules. HOAs and managed properties often enforce specific moving times or days. Double-check these restrictions and give your building manager a heads-up to stay compliant and avoid delays.
  • Invest in comprehensive coverage of your belongings. Movers are federally required to offer released value protection for free. While that sounds great, the coverage is minimal — just $0.60 per pound, regardless of the item's actual value. This means you’d only receive $3 for a five-pound antique vase, even though the vase is valued at $300. Consider purchasing full-value coverage from your mover or home insurance provider to ensure better protection based on the item's value.

Helpful San Luis Obispo Resources

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