10 Best Moving Companies in California (2024 Reviews)
Whether you’re relocating within the Golden State or moving from Adelanto to another state, finding the best movers in California is a crucial first step. The best way to find reliable CA movers is to compare quotes from multiple companies.
Our top pick if you are moving locally in California is Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.. We rated them a 4.76 out of 5 stars. On average, local movers in the Golden State cost about $122 per hour. If you’re moving out of California, Safeway Moving is the best interstate moving company when it comes to quality and overall value.
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Keep reading to learn more about each of the best moving companies in California so you can pick the mover best suited for your unique needs.
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
How we chose the best moving companies in California
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 279 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
Best movers for those moving locally in California
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5
- Meathead Movers: 5 out of 5
- Grace Moving Company: 4.96 out of 5
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.9 out of 5
- Magic Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5
- Friendly and Professional Staff
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Efficient Service
- Late Arrivals
- Lost or Damaged Items
- Poor Customer Service
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3519797
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Excellent Customer Service
- Efficient Moving Process
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- High Pricing
- Occasional Damage to Items
- Inconsistent Customer Service Responses
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Movers, Inc., Princess Packers
Meathead Movers, a reputable moving company serving Fresno, CA since 1998, specializes in local residential moving services with a proven track record reflected by their stellar consumer reviews. With 243 Yelp reviews averaging 4.1 stars and 204 Google My Business reviews averaging 4.4 stars, they have earned an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many local competitors, Meathead Movers also offers packing and unpacking services, accepting both cash and credit cards without requiring a deposit. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and comprehensive service offerings make them a top choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Excellent Customer Service
- Fast and Efficient Service
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Missing or Damaged Items
- Inconsistent Communication
- Disrespectful Attitudes by Some Staff
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
- Courteous Staff
- Professional Service
- Excellent Communication
- Late Arrival
- Careless Handling of Items
- Inadequate Training for Movers
Company Info
State license #: 877973
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Dream Moore, Inc.
Two Men and a Truck, based in Chico, CA, has been providing reliable local residential moving services since 2007. With an impressive average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.5 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they have established themselves as a reputable choice compared to other nearby movers. Their comprehensive services include packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and they are capable of handling special items such as pianos and safes. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making the moving process stress-free for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient Service
- Professional Crew
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- No Major Issues Reported
- Slightly Higher Cost for Exceptional Service
- Limited Availability for Last-Minute Moves
Company Info
State license #: 190231
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 875866
Alternate Names: Magic Moving Company, Magic Moving & Storage, Inc., Magic Movers
Magic Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in Pleasanton, CA, since 1996. Unlike some nearby competitors, they also offer packing, unpacking, crating, and office moving services. Magic Moving & Storage stands out with its specialized capabilities, such as moving pianos, pool tables, antiques, and art. Consumer reviews are generally positive, with a solid average rating on Google My Business and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, indicating high customer satisfaction.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Best movers for those moving out of California
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- 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
Alternative California moving options
Moving Containers
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Labor Only
- HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
- Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
- 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
Full DIY
- U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
- Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
- 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
Average cost of moving companies in California
The pricing table below shows ballpark moving costs for local moves within California. Or check out our post on the cost to move in California for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual moving costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move and whether the moving company offers flat-rate pricing.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimates.
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $428 | $171 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $600 | $171 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedroom | $977 | $240 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedroom | $2,273 | $336 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedroom | $2,609 | $336 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedroom | $4,019 | $470 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- California moving companies will cost about $428 to move a studio locally.
- If you're moving one bedroom, a moving company in California will charge about $600.
- A two-bedroom move in California will cost about $977.
- A three-bedroom move costs $2,273 on average in California.
- To move a four-bedroom house in California, you should expect to pay $2,609.
- For a house that's five bedrooms or larger, your move will cost $4,019 in California.
Factors that affect moving costs in California
Getting an online moving quote can lead to confusion, but these factors will affect the cost of your California move.
- Distance: The time and fuel can affect local moves, but if you’re moving out of California you may see additional fees
- Size: Larger homes with more belongings require more labor and larger trucks, resulting in higher costs
- Time of year: Peak moving seasons in California, like summer or around holidays, often come with higher rates due to increased demand
- Additional services: Services like packing, unpacking, or assembly/disassembly of furniture will add to the total cost
If you’re moving from California to a different state, make sure your mover is equipped and licensed to handle your move.
If you’re not sure, check out our list of the
best long distance moving companies.
Considerations for moving to California
California is a state with so it makes sense to want to move there.
These are some of the things to keep in mind to help your move to the Golden State go smoothly:
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA Rules: Many neighborhoods and communities have rules about moving, have a smooth transition to your new home by checking ahead of time.
- Elevator Reservation: If you're moving to a building with an elevator, there may be things you need to know ahead of time such as using a service elevator, time restrictions, or reservations.
- Parking Permits: Some cities have rules about parking large vehicles. Check with your new city ahead of time to ensure you have everything in order.
- State Licensing: 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. All of the movers on our list are fully licensed.
- State Regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Change of Address: You should submit your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to California.
- Mover's Insurance: Every state has its own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn't cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
California Movers FAQs
What should I look for when choosing a moving company in California?
You can find the best moving companies in California by reading moveBuddha's top picks. When rating and reviewing moving companies in California, we considered their reputation, pricing, services, and insurance options. We recommend obtaining quotes — including flat-rate pricing, where available – from several moving companies in California to compare prices and services.
You can also use our guide for finding the best flat-rate moving companies.
Do California moving companies offer services for long-distance or interstate moves?
Many moving companies in California provide long-distance or interstate moving services. These companies should have a USDOT number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for interstate moves.
For more information, check out our guide on the best long-distance movers in California.
How can I see all moving companies in California?
You can find all moving companies in California by clicking here.
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