How Much Do Santa Cruz, CA Movers Cost?
Quick answer: The typical cost for hiring movers in Santa Cruz is $99 per hour, with the total cost to move ranging from $370 to $3,271, on average. If you’re moving out of California, the cost of hiring long-distance movers in Santa Cruz really depends on where you’re moving.
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Average cost to hire a local moving company in Santa Cruz, CA
Hiring a full-service Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz for you, or by renting a moving truck and handling it all on your own.
Here are the average moving costs from Santa Cruz to another state with different types of movers:
| Destination | Professional Movers | Containers | Rental Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt Lake City | $2,439 - $5,737 | $1,378 - $2,764 | $604 - $1,288 |
| Sioux Falls | $3,208 - $7,089 | $2,000 - $4,095 | $1,233 - $2,560 |
| Minneapolis | $3,501 - $7,367 | $2,195 - $4,256 | $1,338 - $2,865 |
And here's how much professional movers cost in Santa Cruz based on your move size:
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $370 | $139 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $509 | $139 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedroom | $813 | $194 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedroom | $1,863 | $272 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedroom | $2,135 | $272 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedroom | $3,271 | $380 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Santa Cruz to move a studio apartment is $139 per hour for three hours using a two-person moving crew.
- One bedroom: Moving a one-bedroom Santa Cruz apartment or home will typically take four hours, at an hourly rate of $139, and require two movers.
- Two bedrooms: It will cost $194 an hour, on average, to hire a three-person crew in Santa Cruz to move a two-bedroom home. Two-bedroom moves usually take about five hours.
- Three bedrooms: Local Santa Cruz movers charge an average hourly rate of $272 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 Santa Cruz, you can expect to pay $272 per hour for nine hours. You’ll likely need a four-person moving crew.
- Five or more bedrooms: If your Santa Cruz home is a five-bedroom or larger, you will pay $380 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 Santa Cruz movers remains the same for all home sizes, ranging from $139 per hour for two movers to $380 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz move using our free and instant moving cost calculator.
Best local moving companies in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz.
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Lambert & Son Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Fairprice Movers: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- 831 Movers: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- Southwest Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Excellent Customer Service
- Professional and Efficient Crews
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Higher Than Expected Costs
- Clarity Issues with Billing
- Occasional Communication Challenges
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
All Reasons Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Jose, CA, since 1992. Renowned for their reliability and professionalism, they hold a high standard with an impressive 4.6 average rating on Yelp and a stellar 4.8 on Google My Business. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby moving companies, All Reasons Moving & Storage offers comprehensive packing, unpacking, and office moving services, and they have specialized capabilities to handle delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. They stand out for accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit, making the moving process smoother for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Friendly Staff
- Professional Service
- Efficient and Timely
- Communication Issues
- Some Unfavorable Experiences Reported
- Minor Damages in Occasional Moves
Company Info
State license #: 0189973
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 3528657
Lambert & Son Moving, a Santa Cruz-based company, has been providing top-notch local residential moving services since 2006. This reputable company stands out with an impressive average rating of 4.8 across 170 Yelp reviews and 65 Google reviews, and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to their primary services, they offer packing, unpacking, and crating services, and are adept at moving specialty items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Lambert & Son Moving accepts credit cards, though a deposit is required, distinguishing their comprehensive and reliable service from other local competitors.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional Service
- Efficient Handling
- Courteous Staff
- High Pricing
- Lack of Clear Payment Communication
- Limited Availability on Short Notice
Company Info
State license #: 0190880
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2192738
Fairprice Movers, established in 2012, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Santa Cruz, CA. They distinguish themselves from other local movers by providing a comprehensive suite of offerings that include packing, unpacking, and specialized services for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With a stellar reputation backed by an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Fairprice Movers stands out as a trusted and reliable choice. Unlike some competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making your moving process smooth and hassle-free.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient Team
- Excellent Customer Service
- Professional and Friendly Staff
- Minor Scheduling Issues
- Limited Availability During Peak Times
- High Demand for Services
Company Info
State license #: 0191403
Years in Business: 7
Alternate Names: Services On Demand
831 Movers, a reputable local moving company based in Santa Cruz, CA, has been providing stellar residential moving services since 2017. Widely recognized for their exceptional customer satisfaction, they boast an impressive average rating of 5.0 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google My Business, though their Better Business Bureau rating remains NR. Unlike many nearby companies, 831 Movers offers a comprehensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving services for delicate items like pianos, antiques, and art. They also accept flexible payment options such as credit cards and money orders, with no deposit required, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Fast and Professional
- Careful Handling
- Friendly Staff
- Communication Issues
- Coordination Challenges
- No Major Issues Reported
Company Info
State license #: 0191389
DOT #: 1922488
Southwest Moving stands out as a top-tier local moving company in Santa Cruz, CA, specializing in residential moves. With an impressive average rating of 5.0 from 142 Yelp reviews and 12 Google My Business reviews, they have established a strong reputation for excellence. Unlike many nearby movers, Southwest Moving also offers specialized services such as packing, unpacking, and crating, and they are equipped to handle delicate items like pianos and art. Payment flexibility is a plus, accepting money orders, cash, and credit cards, though a deposit is required. For those seeking reliable and comprehensive local moving services, Southwest Moving proves to be a superior choice.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Visit our best movers in Santa Cruz page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews. And if you’re moving outside of Santa Cruz, consider one of Santa Cruz’s top long-distance movers.
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Average cost of PODS in Santa Cruz, CA
PODS will cost $220–$7,448, on average, in Santa Cruz. 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, CA
The best Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, CA
You'll definitely have to break a sweat, but moving truck rentals in Santa Cruz will be much easier on your wallet than full-service movers. The average cost to rent a moving truck in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz rental trucks:
- Base cost: $19–$39 per day
- Mileage fee: $0.89–$1.39 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 Santa Cruz, CA
The best moving truck rentals in Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, CA
The average cost of labor-only moving companies in Santa Cruz is an hourly rate of $50 for each crew member. Most moves — even small one-bedroom apartments — require a crew of two movers, so plan on about $99.0 per hour to hire labor assistance in Santa Cruz.
Best labor-only moving companies in Santa Cruz
The best Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz, CA
The biggest factor that affects the cost of movers in Santa Cruz, 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). Only the slip licensee of record may pick up parking permits. Bring photo ID, vessel documentation/registration, and proof of current insurance to receive stickers from the harbor office, open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- 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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