The BEST Moving Companies in Salinas, CA
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Salinas, CA, is Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc., 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.
- Best Salinas-based mover: Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Best interstate mover: Safeway Moving
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only mover: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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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 movers for those moving locally in Salinas, CA
- Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Poulos Moving Systems: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Tavares Packing & Loading: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- South Bay Moving Systems Inc.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Professional Service
- Excellent Communication
- Efficient and Friendly Staff
- Poor Communication from Management
- Lost Items
- Staff Not Adhering to Safety Protocols
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
- Professional and Friendly Service
- Efficient and Careful Packing
- Excellent Communication
- Missing or Damaged Items
- Poor Claims Handling
- Occasional Unresponsiveness
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
- Professional and Friendly Staff
- Efficient and Smooth Moving Process
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Occasional Damage to Items
- Slow Customer Service Response
- Miscommunication Regarding Services
Company Info
State license #: 0190661
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2618126
Poulos Moving Systems, a reputable local moving company in Salinas, CA, has been providing exemplary residential moving services since 2011. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer specialized services, including office, senior, and military moves, as well as the capability to move delicate items like pianos, pool tables, art, and antiques. Customers consistently commend their high-quality service, reflected in a 4.1 average rating on Yelp and Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. With no deposit required and credit card payments accepted, Poulos Moving Systems stands out as a reliable choice for local moves in the area.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
- Punctual Service
- Professional and Friendly Staff
- Competitive Pricing
- Last-Minute Cancellations
- Property Damage
- Poor Customer Service Responsiveness
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
- Professional and polite staff (32%)
- Efficient service (28%)
- Good communication (24%)
- Damage to items (36%)
- Misplaced or lost items (28%)
- Unexpected charges (20%)
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 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:
- 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 moving containers in Salinas, 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 Salinas 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:
- 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
Best rental trucks for your Salinas, CA move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Salinas, 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 $0.89–$1.39 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:
- 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
Labor-only movers in Salinas, 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 Salinas:
- 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
Top-rated movers in nearby cities
How we chose the best movers in Salinas
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 279 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 Salinas mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Salinas, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Salinas 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 Salinas, California
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Salinas 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 Salinas
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Salinas, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Salinas, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.89 per mile to $1.39 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Salinas is $140 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $505 | $196 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $701 | $196 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,131 | $274 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,613 | $384 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,997 | $384 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $4,613 | $538 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Salinas will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Salinas 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 Salinas, 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 Salinas?
Residential Permit Parking Districts limit on-street parking to residents with a permit, initiated by resident petitions, requiring a certified petition, parking study, community meetings, Traffic and Transportation Commission review, and City Council approval.
For more info on parking permits in Salinas, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Salinas moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Salinas 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 Salinas movers offer storage?
Yes, many Salinas 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 Salinas 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.
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.
Helpful Salinas Resources
Salinas Moving Services
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