How Much Do Merced, CA Movers Cost?

Quick answer: The typical cost for hiring movers in Merced is $140 per hour, with the total cost to move ranging from $529 to $4,637, on average. If you’re moving out of California, the cost of hiring long-distance movers in Merced really depends on where you’re moving.

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Average cost to hire a local moving company in Merced, CA

Hiring a full-service Merced mover is definitely the most convenient option, but that convenience comes at a cost — professional movers tend to be more expensive than other moving options. If you want movers to do all the heavy lifting for you and you can afford it, hire a full-service moving company for your Merced move.

If you want to save money, you can hire a container company, where you do the packing and loading and they transport your belongings in Merced for you, or by renting a moving truck and handling it all on your own.

Here are the average moving costs from Merced to another state with different types of movers:

Destination Professional Movers Containers Rental Trucks
Denver $2,751 - $6,278 $1,515 - $3,068 $815 - $1,727
Fargo $3,165 - $7,148 $2,009 - $3,992 $1,118 - $2,437
Indianapolis $3,305 - $7,189 $2,143 - $4,343 $1,384 - $3,028

And here's how much professional movers cost in Merced based on your move size:

Home size Avg. total cost Cost/hour # of movers # hours
Studio $529 $196 2 movers 3 hours
1 bedroom $725 $196 2 movers 4 hours
2 bedroom $1,155 $274 3 movers 5 hours
3 bedroom $2,637 $384 4 movers 8 hours
4 bedroom $3,021 $384 4 movers 9 hours
5+ bedroom $4,637 $538 5 movers 10 hours
  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Merced to move a studio apartment is $196 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
  • One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom Merced apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $196, and require two movers.
  • Two bedrooms: It will cost $274 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in Merced to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
  • Three bedrooms: Local Merced movers charge an average hourly rate of $384 for a three-bedroom home. A move of this size will usually take eight hours to complete using four movers.
  • Four bedrooms: For a four-bedroom house in Merced, you can expect to pay $384 per hour for nine hours. You’ll likely need a four-person moving crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: If your Merced home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $538 an hour, on average, for five movers. Moves this size usually take about ten hours to complete.

It's worth noting the cost per hour for Merced movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $196 per hour for two movers to $538 per hour for five movers. As the size of your home increases, the number of movers and hours required for the move also increases, resulting in a higher total cost.

Overall, hiring local Merced movers is a convenient and stress-free way to move within the city. By knowing the approximate cost for your home size, you can budget accordingly and make informed decisions for your upcoming move.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your Merced move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.

Best local moving companies in Merced, CA

Our expert team of analysts has dug deep into licensing, insurance options, online reviews, and hundreds of other data points to find you the best local moving companies in Merced.

  1. Grace Moving Company: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. All In A Day Moving Services: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  3. All American Moving Services: 4.24 out of 5 stars
  4. Casey Moving Systems: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
Review Analysis
Grace Moving Company has 450 online customer reviews, 85% of which are positive. Customers praise the company for its friendly and professional staff, efficient service, and careful handling of belongings. Many highlighted the good communication throughout the moving process. On the downside, some reported issues with damage to items, delays, and unexpected charges. Despite these complaints, Grace Moving stands out as a reliable choice compared to others in the industry, thanks to its commitment to customer satisfaction and careful handling of belongings.
Get a Quote (209) 551-7772

Company Info

State license #: 0189642

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 2806730


Grace Moving Company, based in Modesto, CA, has been reliably serving local residents since 1999, earning a stellar reputation for their top-notch residential moving services. Unlike many competitors, Grace Moving Company also offers specialized services like piano and art moving, packing, unpacking, and crating, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Notably, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local relocations.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (37%)
  • Professional and polite staff (34%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Cons
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (23%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Damage to items (18%)
Review Analysis
All In A Day Moving Services has 190 customer reviews, with 87% being positive. Many customers praised the company for its efficient service, professional staff, and excellent communication. Customers appreciated how careful the movers were with their belongings and the fair pricing offered. On the downside, some reported issues with delayed arrivals, unexpected charges, and damage to items. Despite these negatives, the overall impression is that the company provides a reliable and quality service compared to other moving companies.
Get a Quote (209) 445-5544

Company Info

State license #: 0192638

DOT #: 3861667


All In A Day Moving Services has quickly become a trusted name for local residential moves in and around Merced, CA, since its inception in 2024. Unlike many nearby competitors, this company boasts high customer satisfaction with an impressive average rating of 4.9 on Google My Business and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Known for their comprehensive services, they offer packing and unpacking, labor-only services, and even the specialized handling of delicate items like pianos and antiques. With a solid reputation and a suite of flexible moving options, All In A Day Moving Services stands out as a reliable choice for your local moving needs.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (50%)
  • Professional and polite staff (50%)
  • Good communication (40%)
Cons
  • Lack of communication (30%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Damage to items (10%)
Review Analysis
Casey Moving Systems has 10 customer feedback entries, with 90% of them being positive. Many customers praised the team for their efficient service and professionalism, highlighting how fast and careful they were with packing and moving. However, some feedback mentioned issues with communication and unexpected charges. Overall, the feedback indicates that while most experiences were positive, there are areas for improvement that could enhance customer satisfaction.
Get a Quote (209) 357-3384

Company Info

DOT #: 153088

Alternate Names: United Mover, Casey Moving & Storage, United Van Lines


Casey Moving Systems, established in 2024, is a reputable local moving company serving Atwater, CA, and its surrounding areas. Compared to other nearby movers, Casey Moving Systems stands out with their A+ Better Business Bureau rating and a host of services including office moving, packing, and unpacking. Known for their exceptional consumer reviews, they cater to a wide range of needs without requiring a deposit, making them a convenient and trusted choice for local residential moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Visit our best movers in Merced page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you’re moving outside of Merced, consider one of Merced’s top long-distance movers.

Moving costs in other nearby California cities

Average cost of PODS in Merced, CA

PODS will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in Merced. The exact PODS cost you’ll pay will depend on whether you use an eight-, 12-, or 16-foot container (note: 12-foot containers are only available for local moves). The distance of your move will also greatly impact cost.

A local Merced move within 50 miles of your home will run between $220 and $813, while long-distance moves (100-250 miles) will typically cost $250–$2,107. Container pricing on cross-country moves from Merced can cost an average range of $2,068–$7,448.

Here's a breakdown of related PODS costs:

  • Storage fee: $149–$359 (first 30 days is free)
  • Damage coverage: 10–$439.95 per month, depending on the protection plan. Coverage ranges from container-only (no contents protection) to $300,000. All plans have a deductible of $100.
  • Door lock (if necessary): $25 (if purchased through PODS; you can also purchase from home improvement stores or online retailers)

If you’re looking for the cost-savings of a DIY move and the convenience of full-service movers, moving containers like PODS are a great option. You’ll handle loading and unloading, but they will drop off your empty container at your current home, pick it up once it’s loaded, and deliver it to your new location. This means you won’t have to worry about driving.

PODS is our overall top pick for moving containers in Phoenix based on their stellar reputation, nationwide availability, and multiple container sizes and insurance plans. But you should take a look at least two other highly rated moving container companies on our list to see which one offers the right combination of services and pricing for your move.

Best moving containers in Merced, CA

The best Merced moving container companies provide multiple container sizes, pricing transparency and deals, and secure, state-of-the-art facilities for longer-term storage needs. They should also have a solid reputation for quality customer service and efficient drop-off and pickup of containers.

Check out these highly rated moving containers:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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
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Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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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
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Average cost to rent a moving truck in Merced, CA

You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in Merced will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in Merced ranges from $19-$39 per day.

While cheaper than full-service moving companies, you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading them on the truck, hauling them to your new spot, and unloading everything there.

Here are the typical costs of Merced rental trucks:

  • Base cost: $19–$39 per day
  • Mileage fee: $0.89–$1.09 per mile
  • Fuel cost: Depends on driving distance
  • Truck coverage: $20–$55 based on coverage level
  • Equipment costs (optional): Dolly, straps, blankets

The total cost to rent a truck from companies like Budget or U-Haul will depend on:

  • How far you drive the truck
  • How long you have the truck rental
  • Additional insurance
  • Parking
  • Toll fees
  • Fuel
  • Accommodations and dining
  • Moving equipment rentals

Best moving truck rentals in Merced, CA

The best moving truck rentals in Merced provide affordable rates with no hidden fees, a variety of truck sizes, and plenty of physical locations across the U.S. for convenient rental returns.

These top moving truck rentals certainly fit the bill:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
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
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Check prices (844) 847-9517
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
Best Value Rental
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
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Average cost of labor-only moving companies in Merced, CA

The average cost of labor-only moving companies in Merced is an hourly rate of $70 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $140.0 per hour to hire labor assistance in Merced.

Best labor-only moving companies in Merced

The best Merced labor-only movers have a reputation for professional and efficient service, but also provide reasonable hourly rates and a variety of optional services like packing that you can pick and choose from to create a customized plan suited to your specific needs.

We like these top-notch labor-only movers:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
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
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • 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
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

Factors that affect the cost of movers in Merced, CA

The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Merced, CA, is distance, but there are several other price considerations to keep in mind, including:

  • The size of your move: The more belongings you have, the more your move will cost. Moving a four-bedroom home will typically be more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
  • When you move: You’ll usually pay more to move during peak season (May–September) because demand is higher. Similarly, the time of month and day of the week you book your move will impact cost. Demand will be higher the first and last of each month, when leases change over, and on Fridays and Saturdays, the most popular moving days. To save money on your move, consider booking during the week and in the middle of one of the off-season months, if possible.
  • The type of move: Professional movers are the most convenient option, but they will cost you more than going with a DIY option like moving container companies or moving truck rentals.
  • Any add-on services you select: Even if you go with a DIY move, you may want to hire third-party movers to assist you with loading and unloading. And professional movers offer a variety of optional services like packing and unpacking to help customize and streamline your relocation. But these additional services will come at an extra cost.

Quick tips for a stress-free move

  • Have important documentation. Places like high rises and managed apartments will often require a copy of your mover's insurance and elevator reservation on moving day.
  • Get approval. Check ahead with any neighborhood, community, or HOA rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Secure a parking permit (if needed). Make sure to check with the City of Merced for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move.
  • Check state licensing laws. 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.
  • Invest in moving insurance. 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.

Work with your movers to ensure all these items are taken care of before moving day.

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