The BEST Moving Companies in Bakersfield, CA

Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Bakersfield, CA, is Meathead Movers, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service.. If you’re moving out of California to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

Best movers for those moving locally in Bakersfield, CA

Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (28%)
  • Efficient service (27%)
  • Good communication (26%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (22%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
Review Analysis
Meathead Movers has 256 online customer reviews, with 72% of them being positive. Customers appreciate the friendly and professional movers who handle belongings with care and work efficiently. Many highlighted the excellent communication throughout the moving process. However, some feedback pointed out issues like unexpected charges, damage to items, and inadequate tracking options, which led to frustration for some customers. Overall, while the company is praised for its service, there are significant concerns that potential clients should consider before hiring them.
Get a Quote (661) 335-6191

Company Info

State license #: 0189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meathead Packers


Meathead Movers has been a staple in Bakersfield, CA, for local residential moving services since 1998. Compared to other movers in the area, their standout feature is a comprehensive offering, including packing and unpacking services. With a combined average rating of over 4.0 on Yelp and Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their reputation for customer satisfaction is clear. Uniquely, they require no deposit and accept both cash and credit cards, making the moving process seamless and hassle-free for clients.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Careful handling (36%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (24%)
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
  • Lack of communication (16%)
Review Analysis
Mentors Moving & Storage has 235 online customer reviews, with 83% being positive. Many customers praise the company's efficiency, professionalism, and the careful handling of their belongings. Clients often mention the friendly staff and good communication throughout the moving process. On the downside, some customers reported issues with damage to items, unexpected charges, and poor handling of complaints. Overall, Mentors stands out as a reliable choice among moving companies, offering quality service that many find commendable despite some reported drawbacks.
Get a Quote (661) 220-5155

Company Info

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 2911596

Alternate Names: Smooth Move & Smooth Move USA, Excel Relocation Systems


Mentors Moving & Storage, established in 2007, specializes in local residential moving services around Bakersfield, CA. Their excellent reputation is reflected in a BBB rating of A+ and an impressive 4.7 average rating from 261 Google reviews, although their Yelp rating is a bit lower at 3.4 from 21 reviews. Unlike many nearby moving companies, they also offer packing, unpacking, and crating services, and can handle delicate items such as pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the moving process convenient and stress-free for their clients.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (34%)
  • Efficient service (29%)
  • Careful handling (25%)
Cons
  • Unexpected charges (18%)
  • Damage to items (16%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Review Analysis
Hansen's Moving and Storage has 302 customer reviews, with 87% being positive. Customers praised the company's professionalism, efficiency, and careful handling of belongings. Many noted the team's friendly demeanor and excellent communication throughout the moving process. However, some feedback highlighted issues with unexpected charges, delays in service, and occasional damage to items. Overall, Hansen's stands out among competitors for its commitment to customer satisfaction and reliable service.
Get a Quote (661) 834-2411

Company Info

State license #: 0130609

Years in Business: 51

DOT #: 2728836


Hansen's Moving and Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Bakersfield, CA since 1973. They stand out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive offerings, including office moving, packing, and unpacking services. Hansen's Moving and Storage earns high consumer praise, boasting an average rating of 4.1 on Yelp, 4.6 on Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (40%)
  • Professional and polite staff (35%)
  • Careful handling (30%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (20%)
  • Unexpected charges (15%)
  • Lack of communication (10%)
Review Analysis
Fit Movers LLC has 303 customer feedback entries, with 88% of them being positive. Customers praise the company for its punctuality, professionalism, and the care taken with their belongings. Many appreciate the friendly and hardworking staff who made the moving process smoother and more enjoyable. However, some feedback highlights issues such as damage to items during the move and unexpected charges that arose after the service. Despite these concerns, the majority of customers recommend Fit Movers for their efficient service and competitive pricing, often noting that their experiences were better than with other moving companies.
Get a Quote (661) 525-3414

Company Info

State license #: 0192218

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 3455958


Fit Movers LLC stands out as a reputable and reliable local moving company, providing top-notch residential moving services in Bakersfield, CA since 2019. Unlike many nearby movers, Fit Movers LLC also offers packing, unpacking, and crating services, making them a one-stop solution for all moving needs. Customers have praised their professionalism and efficiency, with an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. For those needing comprehensive and trustworthy moving services, Fit Movers LLC clearly sets the bar high.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
Pros
  • Efficient service (42%)
  • Professional and polite staff (37%)
  • Careful handling (30%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (16%)
  • Lack of communication (14%)
  • Unfriendly or rude staff (11%)
Review Analysis
Express Moving & Storage has 109 online customer reviews, 81% of which are positive. Many customers praise the company for its efficient service and friendly staff. They highlight how the movers are careful and professional, making the moving process easier and less stressful. However, some customers report issues like damage to items and poor communication, leading to dissatisfaction. While Express Moving stands out for its affordability and quality service, some negative experiences suggest that improvements are needed in customer communication and handling of items.
Get a Quote (661) 325-0162

Company Info

State license #: 0190666

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 076235

Alternate Names: Express Moving, LLC


Express Moving & Storage has been reliably serving the Bakersfield, CA area with local residential moving services since 2010. Their extensive experience and strong community ties set them apart from other nearby moving companies. With an average rating of 4.3 based on 21 Yelp reviews, they have garnered a positive reputation among their customers, though they currently hold a "Not Rated" status with the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, they offer a range of services, including packing and unpacking, without requiring a deposit, making them a convenient and flexible choice for your next move.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage

Best movers for those moving out of California

As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving California for a new state:

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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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
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
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
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 moving containers in Bakersfield, CA

Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.

Container costs in Bakersfield vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.

We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container companies:

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 value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
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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Best rental trucks for your Bakersfield, CA move

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Bakersfield, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in California costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.69–$0.99 per mile.

While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.

We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:

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

Labor-only movers in Bakersfield, CA

Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.

Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Bakersfield:

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

Top-rated movers in nearby cities

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How we chose the best movers in Bakersfield

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 280 California movers and listed the top five best 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.

How do I find a reputable Bakersfield mover?

If you’re looking for the best movers in Bakersfield, here’s what you should look for:

  • A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Bakersfield or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over California, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
  • Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Bakersfield has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
  • Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Bakersfield may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
  • Get multiple estimates: Reputable Bakersfield movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.

Fortunately, the Bakersfield movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.

If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in California.

Average cost of movers in Bakersfield, California

The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Bakersfield area and its surrounding suburbs. 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 costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.

You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.

Local moving costs in Bakersfield

If you’re moving within 50 miles of Bakersfield, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Bakersfield, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.69 per mile to $0.99 per mile.

And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Bakersfield is $116 per hour.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $561 $162 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $723 $162 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,080 $227 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,307 $318 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,625 $318 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $3,967 $446 5 movers 10 hours

Interstate moving costs out of Bakersfield

The cost to move from Bakersfield to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from California. Here are a few examples:

Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.

Factors that affect the cost of your move

  • Distance: Your moving costs in Bakersfield will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Bakersfield will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across California state lines.
  • Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Bakersfield, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
  • Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
  • Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
  • The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.

FAQs

Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Bakersfield?

First two hours - no charge $1 per each additional hour $10 maximum daily fee On-street parking spaces are available throughout downtown Bakersfield on a first-come, first-served basis. Most spaces have posted time limits which are monitored and enforced by the Bakersfield Police Department. There is no fee for on-street public parking.

For more info on parking permits in Bakersfield, visit the local DOT website.

How can I save money when hiring a Bakersfield moving company?

You can save money when hiring a Bakersfield mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.

There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.

Do Bakersfield movers offer storage?

Yes, many Bakersfield movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.

If your Bakersfield mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.

Should you use your mover's storage solutions?

How can I see all moving companies in California?

You can see all moving companies in California by taking a look at our full list of California movers.

Helpful Bakersfield Resources

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