Best Long-Distance Movers in California for 2024
Quick answer: Safeway Moving is our top choice for long-distance movers in California. Based on our in-depth research and analysis, Safeway Moving offers the best overall value by providing quality service at an affordable price.
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best CA-based company: Rockstar Pro Movers
- Best for small moves: MiniMoves
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only company: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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4.25 / 5
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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
Best long-distance movers in California for those moving out of state
These are the best state-to-state long-distance moving companies available in California:
- 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
Best long-distance movers in California for those staying in state
While it’s not as common, if you’re staying in California but still moving a couple hundred miles, these are the best interstate movers for you:
- Rockstar Pro Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Perfectly Fast Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- US Pro Logistics: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service (29%)
- Professional and polite staff (27%)
- Careful handling (25%)
- Damage to items (32%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (29%)
- Lack of communication (26%)
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3670248
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
- Efficient service (29%)
- Professional and polite staff (24%)
- Careful handling (22%)
- Damage to items (21%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
- Unexpected charges (18%)
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
Best long-distance movers in California for small moves
Most professional movers won’t handle moves under a certain minimum total weight, usually 2,000 pounds. If your California move is from a college dorm or studio apartment, for example, a traditional full-service moving company might not work for you.
The good news is there are companies that specialize in small moves. Take a look at the options below if you are planning a small long-distance relocation.
- No minimum size
- Top-quality materials
- Full-service packing
- Specializes in small moves
- Guaranteed delivery date
- Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
- Car shipping services
- Gives back with charitable donations
Moving containers for long-distance moves in CA
If you’re comfortable doing the packing and loading but don’t want to drive from California to your new state, a moving container can be a great cost-saving alternative to full-service movers.
Expect to pay somewhere around $1,247 to $6,810 for a moving container in California. The cost depends on several factors, so we recommend getting multiple moving quotes.
We suggest starting with these two top-rated container companies.
- 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
Labor-only moving companies in California
If you’re comfortable doing the driving from California to your new state but want some help packing, loading, and unloading, look for labor-only moving companies.
You’ll typically pay $37 to $41 per hour per worker for California-based labor-only movers.
Check out our top recommendations below.
- 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
Rental trucks in CA for a total DIY long-distance move
The cheapest way to move out of state is with a full DIY approach — meaning you’ll handle driving, in addition to all the loading and unloading.
Moving rental trucks do require the most work on your part, but will save you the most money.
- 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
How we chose the best long-distance movers in California
Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best long-distance moving companies in California.
We look at:
- 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, expedited delivery, and more.
Read more about our moving company rating methodology.
Average cost of a long-distance move out of California
Long-distance moving costs in California range from $838 up to $12,270 or more, depending on the specific details of your relocation.
Factors that affect the cost
- Size: The volume of items you're moving directly affects costs. Evaluate what you truly need in California — every extra item adds up.
- Distance: The distance you’re moving away from California is a major cost factor. Whether it's a couple hundred miles or a cross-country trek, distance plays a key role in your moving budget.
- Type of move: How you choose to move out of California is crucial. Your options include a full-service moving company, truck rental, moving container, or a freight trailer. Each option comes with a different price point and its own set of perks and downsides.
- Services: Consider whether to do it yourself or hire help for packing and unpacking. Professional services add convenience but also increase costs.
- Seasonal timing: When you move affects the price. Summer moves are typically more expensive. Planning your move during the off-season (October-April) can be more cost-effective.
To get an accurate cost estimate, check out our free moving cost calculator.
Thing to consider before hiring a long-distance mover in California
Whether you’re staying in California for the ample economic opportunity, pleasant weather, and abundant recreational options, or moving out due to the high cost of living, heavy tax burdens, and natural disasters, here’s what you need to consider before your big move.
Company 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.
Insurance options
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.
Moving date
Weather factors influence how busy movers are, so those things play into the availability of movers and the cost.
In California, you have to consider that the average winter temperature is 59°F, the average summer temperature is 87°F, you’ll see 22” of rain, and about 7” of snow each year.
Taking your car
If you’re moving across the country and don’t want to leave your car (or drive it cross-country), you may want to use an California car shipper.
You’ll also want to consider vehicle inspections in your new location, as regulations can differ state to state and even by city. Take California’s requirements, as an example. California requires an annual safety inspection to ensure that all vehicles used on public roads are in good condition and safe to operate. The inspection can be carried out at any California Department of Transportation approved service station.
Long-distance movers in nearby cities
Helpful California resources
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