Compare Cost of San Luis Obispo, CA Movers ($120/hour)

Quick answer: The cost of hiring movers locally in San Luis Obispo, California, ranges from $420 up to $3,273, or $120 per hour on average. For moves out of California, the price you’ll pay for long-distance movers in San Luis Obispo will depend on the size of your move, the distance, and any additional services.

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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 $420 $133 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $577 $134 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $846 $188 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $1,869 $266 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,132 $263 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,273 $365 5 movers 10 hours

Read more cost detailstoggle

  • Studio: The average cost to hire movers in San Luis Obispo to move a studio apartment is $133 per hour. A move this size will typically take three hours to complete using a two-person crew.
  • One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom house or apartment, expect to pay around $134 per hour for local San Luis Obispo movers. You'll need two movers for four hours.
  • Two bedrooms: On average, it will cost an hourly rate of $188 to move a two-bedroom San Luis Obispo home. Moving a two-bedroom house or apartment will take about five hours using a three-person crew.
  • Three bedrooms: You can expect to pay $266 an hour to have local San Luis Obispo movers relocate your three-bedroom home. A home this size will require four movers and take eight hours to complete.
  • Four bedrooms: If you’re moving a four-bedroom San Luis Obispo home, you’ll pay $263 per hour for nine hours, on average, and need a four-person crew.
  • Five or more bedrooms: It will cost an hourly rate of $365 for ten hours (using a five-person crew) to move a San Luis Obispo home with five or more bedrooms.

Easily compare personalized moving quotes for your San Luis Obispo move using our free and instant moving cost estimator.

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. Presto Logistics: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Rockstar Pro Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Meathead Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  4. Martian Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (26%)
  • Efficient service (23%)
  • Good communication (19%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (36%)
  • Unexpected charges (29%)
  • Lack of communication (21%)
Review Analysis
Presto Logistics has garnered a significant amount of feedback, analyzing 146 reviews where 56% were positive. Customers highlighted their punctuality, effective communication, and efficient packing as key strengths. In contrast, many reviews pointed out issues like damages to items, unexpected price increases, and poor handling of customer service complaints. While some users praised Presto for reliable delivery and caring staff, others experienced frustrations with hidden fees and the quality of care for their belongings. This contrast showcases that while Presto performs well in certain areas, it struggles in maintaining consistent service levels across the board compared to competitors.
Get a Quote (800) 435-4035

Company Info

State license #: 006727645C

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 1691575


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (26%)
  • Good communication (25%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (29%)
  • Damage to items (27%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (23%)
Review Analysis
Rockstar Pro Movers stands out in a sea of moving companies. Out of 258 reviews analyzed, 58% provide positive feedback. Customers highlight the efficiency and professionalism of the movers, noting that they work quickly while ensuring items are well-protected during transport. However, many reviews criticize the company for unexpected charges and poor communication. Complaints about delays in delivery and issues with damaged items also surfaced frequently. These issues suggest that while many customers appreciate the service, there are significant concerns regarding transparency and follow-through, which other companies might handle better.
Get a Quote (323) 762-5668

Company Info

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2774464

Alternate Names: Rockstar Pro Movers, Inc


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Professional and polite staff (24%)
  • Careful handling (22%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (21%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
Review Analysis
Meathead Movers has 523 customer reviews, with 86% of them being positive. Customers praise the movers for their efficiency, professionalism, and careful handling of belongings. Many appreciate the good communication and friendly staff. However, some customers report issues with packing quality and damage to items during the move. A few expressed frustration over unexpected costs and the claims process for damaged goods. Overall, Meathead Movers stands out for its customer service and commitment to community support, despite some operational shortcomings.
Get a Quote (805) 544-6328

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Packers


Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Customer Praise
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Friendly and polite staff (25%)
  • Careful handling (20%)
Customer Complaints
  • Damage to items (35%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (15%)
Review Analysis
Martian Movers has 295 online customer reviews, 78% of which are positive. Customers praised the company's efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many noted that the movers were professional and communicative throughout the process. However, some feedback highlighted issues such as damage to items, delays in arrival, and unexpected charges, which detracted from their overall experience. While most reviews reflect satisfaction, a few customers expressed significant concerns about their moving experience, particularly regarding the handling of delicate items and communication lapses.
Get a Quote (805) 549-5122

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3196615

Alternate Names: Cal-Safe Movers


Martian Movers, serving San Luis Obispo, CA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 2017. Renowned for their exceptional service, they boast an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google My Business, with a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other movers in the area, Martian Movers stands out for their comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as their expertise in handling specialty items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. No deposit is required, and they offer full valuation insurance coverage, making them a reliable choice for those seeking peace of mind during their move.

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
Customer Praise
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Careful handling (36%)
Customer Complaints
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
  • Lack of communication (12%)
Review Analysis
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. has 169 customer feedback entries, with 90% being positive. Customers praise the company for its professional and friendly staff, efficient service, and careful handling of items. However, some customers reported issues with unexpected charges and delays. Overall, Mammoth stands out in the moving industry for its commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a preferred choice for many.
Get a Quote (805) 968-8643

Company Info

State license #: 0173549

Years in Business: 36

DOT #: 2645059


Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc., based in Santa Barbara, CA, has been a trusted local residential moving service since 1990. With a stellar reputation backed by over 100 combined reviews on Yelp and Google averaging above 4.4 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among nearby moving companies. They offer comprehensive moving solutions, including packing and unpacking services, and are capable of handling complex items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Unlike some competitors, Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. doesn't require a deposit and accepts credit cards, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • 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

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 San Luis Obispo

The cost to move a one-bedroom home from San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo

Out-of-state moving costs from San Luis Obispo for two- or three-bedroom homes vary based on the actual total volume and weight of your belongings. Move costs for a three-bedroom that is sparsely furnished and relatively small, for example, could be less than a two-bedroom home with a lot of square footage and decor.

In general, though, you can expect to pay within these ranges for two- to three-bedroom moves of similar distances 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

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 San Luis Obispo.

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
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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 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
Check prices
Best customer service
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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

Average cost of moving containers in San Luis Obispo, CA

The average cost of moving containers in San Luis Obispo is approximately $500 for local relocations and as much as $3,000 for long-distance moves. Cross-country moves can reach as high as $7,000 or more. Costs are largely based on distance and the container size you choose.

Our top recommendation for moving containers in Beverly Hills is PODS, thanks to its multiple container sizes (eight, 12 and 16 feet), competitive pricing, and solid customer reviews. However, you should get quotes from PODS and two other moving container companies before making a decision.

To help you get started, take a look at these other top-notch moving containers.

Best moving container companies in San Luis Obispo

If you want to handle the packing and loading but leave the driving to a professional, consider a moving container company. There are lots of options to choose from in San Luis Obispo, but here are some of our favorites:

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
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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 average cost to rent a moving truck in San Luis Obispo is $60 per day, but prices can be anywhere from $19–$38 daily, with an additional per-mile fee of $2–$1, depending on how far you’re moving and the truck size you need. A moving truck rental is definitely going to be your cheapest option for relocating. Just keep in mind that you will not only be responsible for all the packing and loading, you’ll also need to drive the truck to your new home.

Best moving truck rentals in San Luis Obispo

The cheapest way to move is to just pack and drive it yourself with a moving truck. There are no shortages to finding moving truck rental companies in San Luis Obispo. If you are ready to put the work in, here are some of the top moving truck rental companies:

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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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 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 San Luis Obispo, CA

It will cost $30–$40 an hour for labor-only movers in San Luis Obispo. That hourly rate is per moving crew member, so you can expect total costs to be $60–$80 per hour, depending on the size of your moving crew.

Studio and one-bedroom apartments usually require two movers, while two- and three-bedroom homes will need crews of three and four movers, respectively. Homes that are four or more bedrooms will need between four and five movers.

Best labor-only moving companies in San Luis Obispo

If you’re looking for labor assistance in San Luis Obispo, you’ll want to find a company that offers fair and transparent pricing and a good reputation for quality service. A labor-only moving company that can handle packing or supply boxes and moving supplies may also be a plus.

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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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

Factors that affect the cost of your San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo website.

Helpful San Luis Obispo Resources

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