The BEST Moving Companies in Modesto, CA

Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Modesto, CA, is Grace Moving Company, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service and specialized handling of pianos and antiques. 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

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Best movers for those moving locally in Modesto, CA

Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Careful handling (28%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
Review Analysis
Grace Moving Company has 450 online customer reviews, 85% of which are positive. Customers praise the company for its friendly and professional staff, efficient service, and careful handling of belongings. Many highlighted the good communication throughout the moving process. On the downside, some reported issues with damage to items, delays, and unexpected charges. Despite these complaints, Grace Moving stands out as a reliable choice compared to others in the industry, thanks to its commitment to customer satisfaction and careful handling of belongings.
Get a Quote (209) 551-7772

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
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Efficient service (25%)
  • Good communication (20%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (28%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
Pete's Moving Services has 446 online customer reviews, 84% of which are positive. Customers appreciate the professionalism, efficiency, and friendliness of the moving crews. Many reviews highlight the company's good communication and punctuality. However, some customers report issues with damaged items and poor packing practices. Overall, Pete's offers a solid moving experience compared to other companies, making it a reliable choice for those in need of moving services.
Get a Quote (209) 442-4949

Company Info

State license #: 0191440

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 3314910

Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC, Pete's Moving Services LLC


Pete's Moving Services, based in Salida, CA, has been a trusted name in local residential moves since 2014. With glowing reviews on Yelp and Google My Business, boasting average ratings of 4.1 and 4.7 respectively, Pete's Moving Services stands out in the region for its exceptional customer satisfaction. The company also holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, further cementing its reputation. Pete's Moving Services offers a variety of additional services including office moving, packing, and piano moving, setting them apart from many nearby competitors. Clients appreciate their flexible payment options, including credit card and cryptocurrency acceptance, and the convenience of no required deposit.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (30%)
  • Professional and polite staff (25%)
  • Careful handling (24%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (29%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (25%)
  • Lack of communication (24%)
Review Analysis
Casey Moving Systems has 63 customer feedback entries, with 70% being positive. Many customers praised the company's efficient service and professional staff, noting their careful handling of belongings and good communication throughout the moving process. However, some feedback pointed out issues like damage to items and delayed deliveries, indicating areas for improvement. While many found their experiences seamless and stress-free, others faced challenges with missing items and unprofessional behavior from staff. Overall, Casey Moving Systems stands out for its commitment to customer service but needs to address its reliability issues.
Get a Quote (209) 531-9010

Company Info

State license #: 0115405

Years in Business: 23

DOT #: 153088

Alternate Names: Casey Records Management, Dawson Van & Storage, United Van Lines


Casey Moving Systems, serving Ceres, CA, and surrounding areas since 2002, specializes in local residential moves and stands out among nearby movers with their comprehensive service offerings. The company not only handles packing, unpacking, and crating but is also experienced in moving pianos, making them a versatile choice for any local relocation needs. Consumers have given mixed reviews, with a 3.4 average on Yelp and a more favorable 4.4 on Google, but Casey Moving Systems maintains a strong reputation with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. No deposit is required, and they accept credit cards, adding convenience for their clients.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Friendly and professional staff (46%)
  • Quick moving process (39%)
  • Careful handling (34%)
Cons
  • Lack of communication (27%)
  • Unexpected charges (23%)
  • Unprofessional behavior (20%)
Review Analysis
Big Island Movers has 56 customer reviews, with 82% being positive. Customers praise the company for its friendly and professional staff, quick moving process, and careful handling of belongings. However, some reviews mention issues with communication, unexpected charges, and a few instances of unprofessional behavior. Overall, many customers express satisfaction with their moving experience, highlighting the company's reliability compared to others in the area.
Get a Quote (209) 606-0089

Company Info

State license #: 0190630

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 3278221


Big Island Movers, serving Modesto, CA, has been a trusted local residential moving company since 2010. Known for their exceptional customer service, they boast an impressive Yelp rating of 4.4 from 48 reviews and a solid 4.0 rating from 12 Google reviews, complemented by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to residential moves, they offer specialized services like office moving, packing and unpacking, and are even equipped to handle pianos and safes. Unlike some nearby competitors, Big Island Movers stands out for its reliability and comprehensive range of services, all without requiring a deposit.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card

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
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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 Modesto, 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 Modesto 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 Modesto, CA move

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Modesto, 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 $0.79–$1.29 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto:

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 Modesto

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 Modesto mover?

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

  • A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto, California

The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Modesto 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 Modesto

If you’re moving within 50 miles of Modesto, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Modesto, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.79 per mile to $1.29 per mile.

And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Modesto is $128 per hour.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $477 $179 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $656 $179 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,048 $250 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,398 $350 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $2,748 $350 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,218 $490 5 movers 10 hours

Interstate moving costs out of Modesto

The cost to move from Modesto 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 Modesto will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Modesto 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 Modesto, 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 Modesto?

A Vehicle Moving Permit (REG 172) may be issued at no fee for a period of only one day for movement of a vehicle in accordance with CVC §§4002 and 11716. Registration of a vehicle moved or operated under a permit issued by DMV is not required. Auto clubs are authorized to issue REG 172s. A REG 172 is valid for one day and issued to vehicles that have a valid planned nonoperation (PNO) status on record, be exempt from the PNO law, or have current fees on deposit and will be moved

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

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

You can save money when hiring a Modesto 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 Modesto movers offer storage?

Yes, many Modesto 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 Modesto 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.

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