The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Monterey, CA

Quick answer: Our top pick for the best long-distance moving company in Monterey, CA, is Safeway Moving. We like Safeway Moving for its overall value. The company provides high-quality service without the high price tag.

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We know that every move is different. Jump to a mover that fits your unique needs:
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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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

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Best long-distance movers in Monterey for those moving out of state

If you’re leaving Monterey and crossing state lines for a new home outside of California, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers:

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 long-distance movers in Monterey for those staying in state

Are you moving from Monterey but staying in California? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within California is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top Monterey, CA, movers:

Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (49%)
  • Efficient service (47%)
  • Excellent communication (42%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (19%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
  • Unexpected charges (14%)
Review Analysis
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc. has 43 customer reviews, with 88% of them being positive. Customers frequently praise the company for its professional and polite staff, efficient service, and excellent communication throughout the moving process. While most feedback is favorable, some customers reported issues such as damage to items, delayed arrival, and unexpected charges. Despite these concerns, many agree that Scarr Moving is one of the best moving companies they have encountered, often highlighting their care for belongings and overall service quality.
Get a Quote (831) 424-2784

Company Info

State license #: 0095753

Years in Business: 59

DOT #: 44159


Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Salinas, CA, since 1966. With consistent high ratings on Yelp (4.6) and Google My Business (4.4), and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is known for its reliability and customer satisfaction. While many local movers might struggle with complex moves, Scarr Moving & Storage excels, offering specialized services such as piano, hot tub, and antique moving. Additionally, they stand out by accepting credit cards, requiring no deposit, and providing shipment tracking, making them a convenient and reputable choice for your local moving needs.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (38%)
  • Efficient service (35%)
  • Careful handling (32%)
Cons
  • Unexpected charges (21%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
  • Damage to items (15%)
Review Analysis
Mod Movers has 270 online customer reviews, 88% of which are positive. Customers praise the company's efficiency, professionalism, and care for belongings during moves. Many highlight the friendly and helpful staff who make the moving process smoother. However, some customers report issues with communication and unexpected charges, indicating that while most experiences are positive, there are areas needing improvement. Overall, Mod Movers stands out for its strong customer service compared to other moving companies.
Get a Quote (831) 480-0381

Company Info

State license #: 0191620

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 2983026


Mod Movers, established in 2018, offers premier local residential moving services in Monterey, CA, and has swiftly become a trusted name in the community. Setting themselves apart from other nearby moving companies, Mod Movers boasts an impressive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and the ability to handle delicate items like pianos, pool tables, and art. With an average Yelp rating of 4.4 from 57 reviews and a stellar Google My Business rating of 4.9 from 245 reviews, they consistently receive high marks for reliability and professionalism. Their A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau further cements their reputation as a dependable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (23%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc. has 85 online customer reviews, 79% of which are positive. Customers praise the company's efficient service, professional staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many appreciate the clear communication throughout the moving process. However, some feedback highlights issues with damaged items, delayed deliveries, and unresponsive customer service during claims. Despite these challenges, most customers find Cardinale to be a reliable choice compared to other moving companies.
Get a Quote (831) 632-4100

Company Info

State license #: 0102808

Years in Business: 52

DOT #: 45193


Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name in Castroville, CA for local residential moves since 1973. With decades of experience, they stand out for their comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer convenient payment options, including credit cards and cryptocurrency, and require no deposit. Their reputation is solid, with an A+ rating from the BBB, a 4.5-star average on Google, and a 3.9-star average on Yelp, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (32%)
  • Professional and polite staff (27%)
  • Good communication (26%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (21%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
Review Analysis
Tavares Packing & Loading has 124 online customer reviews, 79% of which are positive. Many customers praised the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Customers appreciated how the team was punctual and professional throughout the moving process. However, some feedback highlighted issues such as damage to items, delayed communication, and unexpected charges. While many found the service to be reliable and reasonably priced, others experienced frustrating last-minute cancellations and poor customer service. Overall, Tavares is seen as a solid choice for moving, but potential customers should be aware of some negative experiences.
Get a Quote (831) 402-8949

Company Info

State license #: 0191257

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 3183311

Alternate Names: Tavares Eduardo, Eddie Tavares Packing & Loading


Tavares Packing & Loading has been providing top-notch local residential moving services in and around Salinas, CA since 2014. Known for their reliability and expertise, they also offer packing and unpacking services, making moving a seamless experience. With 93 Yelp reviews averaging 4.5 stars and 16 Google reviews averaging 4.3 stars, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Boasting an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Tavares Packing & Loading stands out among other nearby moving companies for their dedication to quality and service excellence. They accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, adding convenience to their exceptional service.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (32%)
  • Efficient service (28%)
  • Good communication (24%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (36%)
  • Misplaced or lost items (28%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
Review Analysis
South Bay Moving Systems Inc. has 25 customer reviews, with 56% being positive. Many customers praised the movers for their professionalism, efficiency, and careful handling of belongings. They appreciated the friendly staff and good communication throughout the moving process. However, several reviews highlighted serious issues such as damaged items, lost belongings, and unexpected charges. These problems led to frustration and disappointment, suggesting that while some customers had great experiences, others faced significant challenges that could deter potential clients.
Get a Quote (866) 462-3443

Company Info

State license #: 0191825

DOT #: 2967929

Alternate Names: South Bay Moving Systems Inc.


South Bay Moving Systems Inc., established in 2024, offers comprehensive local residential moving services in and around Salinas, CA. They stand out from other nearby moving companies with their extensive service offerings, including packing, unpacking, and crating services, and the ability to handle specialty items such as pianos, hot tubs, and art. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company has garnered mostly positive feedback, boasting an impressive 4.8 average rating from 341 reviews on Google, despite a more mixed 3.1 average from 22 Yelp reviews. They accept credit cards and require no deposits, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Monterey, CA, for small moves

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Monterey, check out these suggestions:

Best for Small Moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for small moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.7 / 5
Check prices 800-626-1257
At A Glance
  • Specializes in small moves
  • Guaranteed delivery date
  • Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
  • Car shipping services
  • Gives back with charitable donations
read our full review
Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Monterey, CA

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Monterey at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Monterey include:

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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Rental trucks in Monterey, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Monterey, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

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 moving companies in Monterey, CA

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from Monterey, CA:

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

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Monterey, CA

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Monterey, CA

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies. We look at:

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
  • Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
  • Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
  • Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Monterey, CA

The average cost for professional movers in California is $122 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Here’s the average long-distance move cost from Monterey, CA to popular cities:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
Indianapolis, IN 2,303 miles 3 bedroom $5,046 - $7,232
Portland, ME 3,296 miles 2 bedroom $4,204 - $7,625
Omaha, NE 1,766 miles 1 bedroom $2,435 - $4,928

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Monterey, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in California.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

A moving company helping you move out of California must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all the Monterey movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order, but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Monterey?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Monterey is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of California, using a national moving company like Safeway Moving comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Monterey?

Moving companies in Monterey are usually slower in November and December due to the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Monterey?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Monterey. The cheapest options for moving out of Monterey are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.

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