How Much Do San Diego, CA Movers Cost?
Quick answer: The typical cost for hiring movers in San Diego is $200 per hour, with the total cost to move ranging from $499 to $6,363, on average. If you’re moving out of California, the cost of hiring long-distance movers in San Diego really depends on where you’re moving.
|
|
rating
4.25 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
|
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Average cost to hire interstate movers in San Diego, CA
Since the cost of moving out of San Diego depends so much on where you’re moving, we’ve included some example costs below to give you a better idea of pricing. For more detailed guides on your specific destination, find your moving route to San Diego or use our moving cost calculator to get quotes from the top interstate movers.
Cost to move a one-bedroom home out of state from San Diego
The cost to move a studio apartment or one-bedroom home out of state from San Diego depends on the moving method you choose, how much stuff you have, and how far you’re moving.
Take a look at some example costs to move a one-bedroom cross-country:
- San Diego to New York City: $2,681–$5,888
- San Diego to Chicago: $2,750–$5,374
- San Diego to Brooklyn: $2,850–$5,604
- San Diego to Queens: $2,681–$5,775
- San Diego to Houston: $2,646–$5,050
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of state from San Diego
As with any move, the cost to relocate a two- or three-bedroom from San Diego can vary widely based on move size, distance, and time of year.
Here is a look at some two- and three-bedroom move costs out of San Diego:
- San Diego to New York City: $4,047–$7,266
- San Diego to Chicago: $3,705–$6,343
- San Diego to Brooklyn: $4,250–$7,481
- San Diego to Queens: $4,208–$6,913
- San Diego to Houston: $3,083–$5,704
Cost to move a four-bedroom (or larger) home out of state from San Diego
The cost to move a four-bedroom or larger home out of California will be significantly higher than for one- or two-bedroom houses, since a bigger house typically means more items. Movers calculate long-distance moves, in part, based on the total estimated volume and weight of your household belongings.
While moving costs can vary, take a look at these cost ranges for moving four or more bedrooms out of San Diego:
- San Diego to New York City: $7,163–$10,953
- San Diego to Chicago: $6,615–$11,377
- San Diego to Brooklyn: $7,234–$11,412
- San Diego to Queens: $7,615–$11,990
- San Diego to Houston: $5,062–$8,809
Best interstate moving companies in San Diego, CA
Now that you have an idea of what your move from San Diego should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best interstate moving companies. We vetted each one, examining their pricing, services, and our own real-life customer reviews to pick the best options for you.
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- 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
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Average cost to hire a local moving company in San Diego, CA
Hiring a full-service San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego for you, or by renting a moving truck and handling it all on your own.
Here are the average moving costs from San Diego to another state with different types of movers:
Destination | Professional Movers | Containers | Rental Trucks |
---|---|---|---|
Houston | $3,083 - $6,556 | $1,708 - $3,677 | $1,002 - $1,965 |
Jacksonville | $3,792 - $7,368 | $2,351 - $5,015 | $1,391 - $3,237 |
Virginia Beach | $4,127 - $7,691 | $2,447 - $5,158 | $1,654 - $3,631 |
And here's how much professional movers cost in San Diego based on your move size:
Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
---|---|---|---|---|
Studio | $499 | $280 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
1 bedroom | $779 | $280 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
2 bedroom | $1,395 | $392 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
3 bedroom | $3,513 | $549 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
4 bedroom | $4,062 | $549 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
5+ bedroom | $6,363 | $768 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in San Diego to move a studio apartment is $280 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
- One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom San Diego apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $280, and require two movers.
- Two bedrooms: It will cost $392 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in San Diego to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
- Three bedrooms: Local San Diego movers charge an average hourly rate of $549 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 San Diego, you can expect to pay $549 per hour for nine hours. You’ll likely need a four-person moving crew.
- Five or more bedrooms: If your San Diego home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $768 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 San Diego movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $280 per hour for two movers to $768 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 San Diego 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 San Diego move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Best local moving companies in San Diego, 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 San Diego.
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 24/7 Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Cube Moving and Storage Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excellent Customer Service
- Professional and Efficient Movers
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Potential for Damage to Property
- Issues with Communication
- Variability in Final Costs
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2843171
We Like To Move It Moving is a trusted local moving company serving San Diego, CA, and nearby areas since 2017. Specializing in local residential moves, they provide comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and moving specialty items such as pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. With an impressive track record of 175 Yelp reviews averaging 4.8 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out among other local movers for its reliability and customer satisfaction. For convenience, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making them an excellent choice for stress-free moving.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and Efficient Movers
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Good Communication and Scheduling
- Issues with Damaging Property
- Poor Claims Management
- Overcharging and Lack of Transparency on Pricing
Company Info
State license #: 0190947
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT SoCal Inc
Two Men and a Truck has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA since 2013. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average Yelp rating of 3.6 from 346 reviews, they have a solid reputation for customer satisfaction. Unlike some nearby moving companies, Two Men and a Truck offers a broad range of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, and they can handle specialty items like pianos and safes. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the moving process straightforward and hassle-free.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient Service
- Professional Staff
- Transparent Pricing
- Communication Issues
- Damage During Move
- Missing Items
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery, The Remarkable Movers
Stella Moving & Delivery offers exceptional local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, establishing itself as a reliable choice since 2020. With glowing reviews, an average of 4.8 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, Stella Moving boasts a reputation for high customer satisfaction, further reinforced by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby movers, they provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services, fragile-only packing, and specialized moving services for items like pianos and antiques. They accept both cash and credit cards, though a deposit is required, and they offer full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking for added peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
- Professional and Efficient Service
- Friendly and Caring Movers
- Fast Turnaround Time
- Potential for Hidden Fees
- Inconsistent Communication
- Occasional Damage to Belongings
Company Info
State license #: 0190874
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2764870
Cube Moving and Storage Inc, a reputable moving company serving the San Diego, CA area since 2011, specializes in local residential relocations. They stand out among nearby competitors with their comprehensive range of services, including packing and unpacking, office moves, and even piano transport. Garnering praise from customers, Cube Moving boasts an impressive 4.6-star rating on Yelp and a 4.8-star rating on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. For those seeking a reliable and well-reviewed local mover, Cube Moving and Storage Inc offers quality service and peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Visit our best movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you’re moving outside of San Diego, consider one of San Diego’s top long-distance movers.
City moving costs in California
- Cost of Hillcrest movers
- Cost of Coronado movers
- Cost of National City movers
- Cost of Chula Vista movers
- Cost of Lemon Grove movers
- Cost of Bonita movers
- Cost of La Mesa movers
- Cost of Imperial Beach movers
- Cost of Spring Valley movers
- Cost of La Presa movers
- Cost of Casa de Oro-Mount Helix movers
- Cost of El Cajon movers
- Cost of Rancho San Diego movers
- Cost of Santee movers
- Cost of Bostonia movers
- Cost of Winter Gardens movers
- Cost of Lakeside movers
- Cost of Poway movers
- Cost of Solana Beach movers
- Cost of Encinitas movers
- Cost of Alpine movers
- Cost of Ramona movers
- Cost of Escondido movers
- Cost of San Marcos movers
- Cost of Adelanto movers
- Cost of Agoura Hills movers
- Cost of Alhambra movers
- Cost of Aliso Viejo movers
- Cost of Altadena movers
- Cost of Anaheim movers
- Cost of Apple Valley movers
- Cost of Arcadia movers
- Cost of Artesia movers
- Cost of Arvin movers
- Cost of Avocado Heights movers
- Cost of Azusa movers
- Cost of Bakersfield movers
- Cost of Baldwin Park movers
- Cost of Banning movers
- Cost of Barstow movers
- Cost of Beaumont movers
- Cost of Bell movers
- Cost of Bell Gardens movers
- Cost of Bellflower movers
- Cost of Beverly Hills movers
- Cost of Big Bear City movers
- Cost of Bloomington movers
- Cost of Blythe movers
- Cost of Brawley movers
- Cost of Brea movers
- Cost of Buena Park movers
- Cost of Burbank movers
- Cost of Calabasas movers
- Cost of Calexico movers
- Cost of California City movers
- Cost of Calimesa movers
- Cost of Camarillo movers
- Cost of Camp Pendleton South movers
- Cost of Canyon Lake movers
- Cost of Carlsbad movers
- Cost of Carpinteria movers
- Cost of Carson movers
- Cost of Castaic movers
- Cost of Cathedral City movers
- Cost of Cerritos movers
- Cost of Chino movers
- Cost of Chino Hills movers
- Cost of Citrus movers
- Cost of Claremont movers
- Cost of Coachella movers
- Cost of Colton movers
- Cost of Commerce movers
- Cost of Compton movers
- Cost of Corona movers
- Cost of Costa Mesa movers
- Cost of Coto de Caza movers
- Cost of Covina movers
- Cost of Cudahy movers
- Cost of Culver City movers
- Cost of Cypress movers
- Cost of Dana Point movers
- Cost of Del Aire movers
- Cost of Delano movers
- Cost of Desert Hot Springs movers
- Cost of Diamond Bar movers
- Cost of Downey movers
- Cost of Duarte movers
- Cost of East Bakersfield movers
- Cost of East Hemet movers
- Cost of East Los Angeles movers
- Cost of East Niles movers
- Cost of East Rancho Dominguez movers
- Cost of East San Gabriel movers
- Cost of Eastern Goleta Valley movers
- Cost of Eastvale movers
- Cost of El Centro movers
- Cost of El Monte movers
- Cost of El Segundo movers
- Cost of Fallbrook movers
- Cost of Fillmore movers
- Cost of Florence-Graham movers
- Cost of Fontana movers
- Cost of Fountain Valley movers
- Cost of French Valley movers
- Cost of Fullerton movers
- Cost of Garden Grove movers
- Cost of Gardena movers
- Cost of Glendale movers
- Cost of Glendora movers
- Cost of Golden Hills movers
- Cost of Goleta movers
- Cost of Grand Terrace movers
- Cost of Hacienda Heights movers
- Cost of Hawaiian Gardens movers
- Cost of Hawthorne movers
- Cost of Hemet movers
- Cost of Hermosa Beach movers
- Cost of Hesperia movers
- Cost of Highland movers
- Cost of Home Gardens movers
- Cost of Huntington Beach movers
- Cost of Huntington Park movers
- Cost of Imperial movers
- Cost of Indio movers
- Cost of Inglewood movers
- Cost of Irvine movers
- Cost of Isla Vista movers
- Cost of Jurupa Valley movers
- Cost of La Cañada Flintridge movers
- Cost of La Crescenta-Montrose movers
- Cost of La Habra movers
- Cost of La Mirada movers
- Cost of La Palma movers
- Cost of La Puente movers
- Cost of La Quinta movers
- Cost of La Verne movers
- Cost of Ladera Ranch movers
- Cost of Laguna Beach movers
- Cost of Laguna Hills movers
- Cost of Laguna Niguel movers
- Cost of Laguna Woods movers
- Cost of Lake Elsinore movers
- Cost of Lake Forest movers
- Cost of Lake Los Angeles movers
- Cost of Lakeland Village movers
- Cost of Lakewood movers
- Cost of Lamont movers
- Cost of Lancaster movers
- Cost of Lawndale movers
- Cost of Lennox movers
- Cost of Loma Linda movers
- Cost of Lomita movers
- Cost of Lompoc movers
- Cost of Long Beach movers
- Cost of Los Alamitos movers
- Cost of Los Angeles movers
- Cost of Lynwood movers
- Cost of Malibu movers
- Cost of Manhattan Beach movers
- Cost of Maywood movers
- Cost of McFarland movers
- Cost of Mead Valley movers
- Cost of Menifee movers
- Cost of Mission Viejo movers
- Cost of Monrovia movers
- Cost of Montclair movers
- Cost of Montebello movers
- Cost of Monterey Park movers
- Cost of Moorpark movers
- Cost of Moreno Valley movers
- Cost of Murrieta movers
- Cost of Muscoy movers
- Cost of Newport Beach movers
- Cost of Nipomo movers
- Cost of Norco movers
- Cost of North Tustin movers
- Cost of Norwalk movers
- Cost of Oak Park movers
- Cost of Oceanside movers
- Cost of Oildale movers
- Cost of Ontario movers
- Cost of Orange movers
- Cost of Orcutt movers
- Cost of Oxnard movers
- Cost of Palm Desert movers
- Cost of Palm Springs movers
- Cost of Palmdale movers
- Cost of Palos Verdes Estates movers
- Cost of Paramount movers
- Cost of Pasadena movers
- Cost of Perris movers
- Cost of Phelan movers
- Cost of Pico Rivera movers
- Cost of Placentia movers
- Cost of Pomona movers
- Cost of Port Hueneme movers
- Cost of Potomac Park movers
- Cost of Quartz Hill movers
- Cost of Rancho Cucamonga movers
- Cost of Rancho Mirage movers
- Cost of Rancho Palos Verdes movers
- Cost of Rancho Santa Margarita movers
- Cost of Redlands movers
- Cost of Redondo Beach movers
- Cost of Rialto movers
- Cost of Ridgecrest movers
- Cost of Riverside movers
- Cost of Rosamond movers
- Cost of Rosedale movers
- Cost of Rosemead movers
- Cost of Rossmoor movers
- Cost of Rowland Heights movers
- Cost of San Bernardino movers
- Cost of San Buenaventura movers
- Cost of San Clemente movers
- Cost of San Diego Country Estates movers
- Cost of San Dimas movers
- Cost of San Fernando movers
- Cost of San Gabriel movers
- Cost of San Jacinto movers
- Cost of San Juan Capistrano movers
- Cost of San Marino movers
- Cost of Santa Ana movers
- Cost of Santa Barbara movers
- Cost of Santa Clarita movers
- Cost of Santa Fe Springs movers
- Cost of Santa Maria movers
- Cost of Santa Monica movers
- Cost of Santa Paula movers
- Cost of Seal Beach movers
- Cost of Shafter movers
- Cost of Sierra Madre movers
- Cost of Signal Hill movers
- Cost of Simi Valley movers
- Cost of South El Monte movers
- Cost of South Gate movers
- Cost of South Pasadena movers
- Cost of South San Jose Hills movers
- Cost of South Whittier movers
- Cost of Stanton movers
- Cost of Stevenson Ranch movers
- Cost of Sun Village movers
- Cost of Tehachapi movers
- Cost of Temecula movers
- Cost of Temescal Valley movers
- Cost of Temple City movers
- Cost of Thousand Oaks movers
- Cost of Torrance movers
- Cost of Tustin movers
- Cost of Twentynine Palms movers
- Cost of University of California-Santa Barbara movers
- Cost of Upland movers
- Cost of Valinda movers
- Cost of Valle Vista movers
- Cost of Valley Center movers
- Cost of Victorville movers
- Cost of View Park-Windsor Hills movers
- Cost of Vincent movers
- Cost of Vista movers
- Cost of Walnut movers
- Cost of Walnut Park movers
- Cost of Wasco movers
- Cost of West Carson movers
- Cost of West Covina movers
- Cost of West Hollywood movers
- Cost of West Puente Valley movers
- Cost of West Rancho Dominguez movers
- Cost of West Whittier-Los Nietos movers
- Cost of Westminster movers
- Cost of Westmont movers
- Cost of Whittier movers
- Cost of Wildomar movers
- Cost of Willowbrook movers
- Cost of Woodcrest movers
- Cost of Yorba Linda movers
- Cost of Yucaipa movers
- Cost of Yucca Valley movers
Average cost of PODS in San Diego, CA
PODS will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in San Diego. 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego, CA
The best San Diego 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:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Average cost to rent a moving truck in San Diego, CA
You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in San Diego will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in San Diego 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 San Diego rental trucks:
- Base cost: $19–$39 per day
- Mileage fee: $0.79–$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 San Diego, CA
The best moving truck rentals in San Diego 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:
- 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
- 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
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Average cost of labor-only moving companies in San Diego, CA
The average cost of labor-only moving companies in San Diego is an hourly rate of $100 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $199.9 per hour to hire labor assistance in San Diego.
Best labor-only moving companies in San Diego
The best San Diego 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:
- 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
- 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
Factors that affect the cost of movers in San Diego, CA
The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in San Diego, 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). Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move
$16.00 permit fee
Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra
-legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1
criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to
issuance of the permit.
$212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is
required.
- 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.
Helpful San Diego resources
San Diego moving services
Nearby cities
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!