Cheapest Movers in Palo Alto, CA (2025 Guide)

Quick answer: After reviewing 281 California movers, our top pick for local moves in Palo Alto, CA, is NOR-CAL Moving Services based on pricing, services, and customer reviews. For long-distance and out-of-state moves from California, we recommend Safeway Moving because they provide a good balance of quality service and affordability.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing

Our track recordtoggle

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

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9 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Palo Alto, CA

If you are moving within Palo Alto or to a nearby California city like Stanford or East Palo Alto within 50 miles of Palo Alto, check out these affordable, top-rated moving companies:

  1. NOR-CAL Moving Services: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Ninja Movers, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Chipman Relocation & Logistics: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. The One Move Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  6. Rosado Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  7. Careful Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  8. Everest Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
  9. Zapt Movers: 4.28 out of 5 stars

NOR-CAL Moving Services

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #: 1844592

Years in Business: 42

3129 Corporate Pl, Hayward, CA 94545

NOR-CAL Moving Services has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Hayward, CA, since 1984. While the company has a solid Better Business Bureau rating of A+, their consumer reviews present a mixed yet generally positive picture, with a 4.5 average rating on Google but a somewhat lower 3.2 average on Yelp. NOR-CAL sets itself apart from many nearby movers by also offering long-distance and international moving services, as well as specialized packing for fragile items and full valuation insurance coverage. Their comprehensive services and long-standing reputation make them a reliable choice for a range of moving needs.

Get a Quote (510) 269-4905

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Local Associations

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Gentle Giant Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 373544

Years in Business: 44

361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Gentle Giant Moving Company has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in South San Francisco, CA since 1981. With stellar consumer reviews reflecting an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 5.0 on Google My Business, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out for its reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby movers, Gentle Giant also offers office moving services, comprehensive packing and unpacking services, and even storage options if needed. Additionally, they do not require a deposit and accept credit cards, making the moving process as seamless and convenient as possible for their clients.

Get a Quote (415) 544-7000

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Great Giant Moving Company
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Ninja Movers, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2967361

Years in Business: 8

401 Nelo St, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Ninja Movers, Inc. offers top-notch local residential moving services throughout Santa Clara, CA and has been a trusted name in the industry since 2018. They stand out from nearby competitors with their strong consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.1 on Google My Business, and an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Customers frequently praise their efficiency and professionalism. In addition to local moves, Ninja Movers provides packing and unpacking services, and they are equipped to handle specialty items such as pianos, art, and safes. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the moving process flexible and convenient for their clients.

Get a Quote (408) 638-6963

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Ninja Movers
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Chipman Relocation & Logistics

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 233667

Years in Business: 86

1555 Zephyr Ave, Hayward, CA 94544

Chipman Relocation & Logistics stands out among local moving companies in Hayward, CA, with a rich history dating back to 1939. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer extensive services including local and long-distance residential moves, office relocations, and specialized handling for art and antiques. Their consumer reviews reflect a solid reputation, with a 3.7 average rating on Yelp and a 4.2 average on Google, along with an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau. Additionally, Chipman provides comprehensive packing and unpacking services, no deposit requirement, and full valuation insurance coverage, making them a reliable choice for a stress-free moving experience.

Get a Quote (510) 474-3600

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 233667
  • State license #: 0114272

Alternative Business Names

  • Chipman Corporation
  • Chipman Adjusting Services/Chipman Van Lines
  • Chipman United
  • Caton Moving & Storage, Inc.
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The One Move Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 1785090

Years in Business: 20

961 E Charleston Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303

The One Move Movers, a local moving company based in Palo Alto, CA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2006. With impressive consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and 5.0 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out for its reputation. Unlike many local competitors, The One Move Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, crating services, and the expertise to handle delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (650) 963-9463

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • K.H World Wide Inc
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Rosado Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 5

Years in Business: 11

1549 Grant Rd, Mountain View, CA 94040

Rosado Movers, a local moving company in Mountain View, CA, has been providing top-notch residential moving services since 2013. Compared to other nearby movers, they stand out with their comprehensive offerings, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, as well as specialty moving for items like pianos and antiques. Customer reviews reinforce their reputation for excellence, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and 4.7 on Google My Business, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. For those seeking reliable and highly-rated local movers, Rosado Movers is a standout choice.

Get a Quote (650) 537-8800

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by credit card
  • State license #: 0190868
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Careful Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 5

DOT #: 1464935

3641 Haven Ave C, Menlo Park, CA 94025

Careful Movers, established in 2007, is a highly reputable local moving company specializing in residential moves in and around Menlo Park, CA. With an impressive track record, they boast over 618 Yelp reviews averaging 4.8 stars and 103 Google reviews averaging 4.7 stars, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, Careful Movers excels in meticulous packing and unpacking services and is adept at moving delicate items such as pianos and antiques. They offer full valuation insurance coverage and accept credit cards, ensuring a stress-free moving experience without the need for a deposit.

Get a Quote (650) 595-8400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Everest Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.38 / 5

DOT #: 2916070

Years in Business: 8

1260 Cortez Dr, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Everest Moving, serving Sunnyvale, CA, and surrounding areas since 2017, specializes in local residential moves and stands out among nearby competitors for its comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and piano moving. Clients appreciate that Everest Moving accepts credit cards and requires no deposit. With an impressive BBB rating of A+ and high consumer ratings averaging 4.7 on Yelp, Everest Moving is recognized for its reliability, although their Google reviews are more moderate at a 3.6 average. Ideal for local moves, Everest Moving's commitment to customer satisfaction sets them apart in the region.

Get a Quote (408) 828-8191

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Zapt Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.28 / 5

DOT #: 3438977

Years in Business: 4

101 Industrial Rd #11, Belmont, CA 94002

Zapt Movers, a local moving company serving Belmont, CA, has been providing comprehensive residential moving services since 2021. Known for their reliability and quality, they outshine many nearby competitors. With an impressive 4.5-star rating from 339 Yelp reviews and a 4.4-star rating on Google, they are highly regarded by customers, despite a BBB rating of F. Zapt Movers offers an array of services, including packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing, and they can handle specialty items like pianos and antiques. They accept credit cards, require no deposit, and provide full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a hassle-free moving experience.

Get a Quote (415) 843-2532

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • ZAPT MOVERS
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Other local CA moverstoggle

While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

Relocating from California to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
  3. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Cheapest DIY moving options in Palo Alto, CA

While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your Palo Alto, California relocation, it will also likely be the most expensive route. To save some money, you may want to consider using one of the top moving container companies, or moving truck rental companies in Palo Alto instead.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

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How we chose the best movers in Palo Alto, CAtoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 281 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.

Average cost of movers in Palo Alto, CA

Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Palo Alto area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in California.

Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.

Home Size Avg. Total Cost Cost/hour # of Movers # Hours
Studio $600 $274 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $854 $269 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,439 $388 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $3,560 $533 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $4,140 $538 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $6,353 $753 5 movers 10 hours

Compare the top Palo Alto, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Palo Alto, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company moveBuddha rating BBB rating Yelp rating Google rating
NOR-CAL Moving Services 4.8/5 A+ 3.1/5 4.5/5
Gentle Giant Moving Company 4.8/5 A+ 4.7/5 5/5
Ninja Movers, Inc. 4.8/5 A+ 4.2/5 4/5
Chipman Relocation & Logistics 4.7/5 A- 3.6/5 4.2/5
The One Move Movers 4.6/5 A+ 4.8/5 5/5
Rosado Movers 4.4/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.7/5
Careful Movers 4.4/5 B+ 4.8/5 4.7/5
Everest Moving 4.4/5 NR 4.6/5 3.8/5
Zapt Movers 4.3/5 C- /5 4.4/5

FAQs

How do I know if my mover is properly licensed?toggle

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 properly licensed. Take a look at our best movers in California list for more recommendations.

How do I find a reputable Palo Alto mover?toggle

Looking for a reliable Palo Alto moving company can be difficult, but there are certain things to consider to ensure you choose a trustworthy mover. These include:

  • Reputation: A mover's reputation is crucial, whether they're a new mom-and-pop business or a seasoned van lines company.
  • Dispute resolution: It's best to avoid movers with lots of unresolved customer complaints. Every Palo Alto moving company will face customer issues. The best companies resolve customer disputes in a timely manner.
  • Experience for your move: Even if a mover has great reviews for local moves, they may not have the experience needed to handle a cross-country move. Check if they have experience with the type of move you require.

Do Palo Alto moving companies handle long-distance moves?toggle

Some of the moving companies that service Palo Alto can handle long distance moves, while others only offer local moving services. If you're moving out of state, see our list of the best long distance movers in Palo Alto.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in Palo Alto, CA?toggle

The cheapest day to hire a mover in Palo Alto, California, will typically be a weekday, since weekends are typically busier times for moving. In general, the cheapest time to move is between October and April. The peak season for movers is May–September, so you’ll pay more during this time due to increased demand.

The earlier you book your move from Palo Alto, the better. Avoid weekends, holidays, and peak moving seasons (summer) to save money. Beware of choosing a mover solely based on the lowest quote, as some companies may low-ball their initial quote and raise the price significantly on moving day.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state from Palo Alto, CA?toggle

Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within Palo Alto, California. Keep in mind, though, that this is also the most bare-bones moving option — you’ll have to handle the packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and driving.

Are moving containers a good idea for my move from Palo Alto?toggle

Moving containers allow you to move at your own pace… although you’ll have to do all the heavy lifting yourself. Once you’re loaded up and ready to move, the container company will pick up your container and transport it to your new home, so you won’t have to worry about driving.

What if I need help loading my moving container in Palo Alto?toggle

Labor-only moving companies can be a great addition to a more DIY move done with a rental moving truck or moving container. Hiring third-party assistance with loading and unloading can help cut down on the workload and make your move quicker and more efficient.

Do Palo Alto movers offer storage?toggle

Most Palo Alto moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some Palo Alto movers use third-party warehouses to store your items. It's best to ask about storage options and pricing when screening potential movers.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?

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