The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Palo Alto, CA

Quick answer: Our top pick for the best long-distance moving company in Palo Alto, 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

Our track record

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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
  • 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 Palo Alto for those moving out of state

If you’re leaving Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto for those staying in state

Are you moving from Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto, CA, movers:

Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (38%)
  • Efficient service (32%)
  • Careful handling (30%)
Cons
  • Higher-than-expected costs (25%)
  • Damage to items (21%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
Review Analysis
Careful Movers has 808 online customer reviews, 87% of which are positive. Many customers praised the company for their professionalism, efficiency, and careful handling of belongings during moves. Clients appreciated the friendly and hardworking crews who completed jobs ahead of schedule. However, some customers reported issues with communication and unexpected costs. A few also experienced damage to items during the move, which detracted from their overall satisfaction. Despite these concerns, the majority of feedback highlights Careful Movers as a top choice for anyone needing reliable moving services.
Get a Quote (650) 595-8400

Company Info

State license #: 0190156

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 1464935

Alternate Names: Carfull Movers, Inc.


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.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (40%)
  • Efficient service (38%)
  • Careful handling (36%)
Cons
  • Unexpected charges (22%)
  • Damage to items (20%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
The One Move Movers has 868 online customer reviews, 85% of which are positive. Customers praise the company's professionalism, efficiency, and careful handling of belongings. Many highlighted the friendly and courteous staff, with several mentioning how quickly the team worked to complete moves. Some negative feedback included issues with unexpected charges and instances of damage to items during the move. Overall, customers feel that One Move provides excellent service compared to other companies in the area, making the stressful process of moving much easier.
Get a Quote (650) 963-9463

Company Info

State license #: 0190519

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1785090

Alternate Names: K.H World Wide Inc


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.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Good communication (28%)
Cons
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Damage to items (18%)
Review Analysis
Everest Moving has 209 online customer reviews, with 83% being positive. Customers praise the company's efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many appreciated the clear communication and transparent pricing. On the downside, some experienced issues with delayed arrivals and unexpected charges. Overall, Everest Moving stands out for its professionalism and reliability compared to other moving companies in the area.
Get a Quote (408) 828-8191

Company Info

State license #: 0191560

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2916070


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.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card

Best long-distance movers in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, check out these suggestions:

Best for Small Moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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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 Palo Alto, CA

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto 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
Check prices Check prices

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

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, CA

Company Our Rating Quote
The One Move Movers starstarstarstarstar
4.48 overall rating
Get A Quote
Zapt Movers starstarstarstarstar
4.34 overall rating
Get A Quote
Everest Moving starstarstarstarstar
4.34 overall rating
Get A Quote
Safeway Moving starstarstarstarstar
4.85 overall rating
Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
Get A Quote
BLVD Moving starstarstarstarstar
4.25 overall rating
Get A Quote
PODS starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
Get A Quote
American Van Lines starstarstarstarstar
4.5 overall rating
Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto, CA to popular cities:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
Columbus, OH 2,464 miles 3 bedroom $5,062 - $7,704
Sioux Falls, SD 1,780 miles 2 bedroom $3,228 - $5,599
Nashville, TN 2,275 miles 1 bedroom $2,581 - $5,703

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Palo Alto, 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 Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto?

Moving companies in Palo Alto 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 Palo Alto?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Palo Alto. The cheapest options for moving out of Palo Alto 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.

Long-distance movers in nearby cities

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