The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Salinas, CA
Quick answer: After comparing prices, services, quality ratings, and customer satisfaction, we recommend Safeway Moving as the top long-distance moving company in Salinas, CA. Safeway Moving provides the best overall value, thanks to its balance of stellar service and reasonable rates.
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best Salinas-based company: Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Best for small moves: MiniMoves
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only company: 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 long-distance movers in Salinas for those moving out of state
If you’re moving out of California, here are our top picks for best interstate moving companies in Salinas:
- 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 long-distance movers in Salinas for those staying in state
Even if you’re just relocating from Salinas to another California city, your move could still be a couple hundred miles or more. In that case, you’ll want to hire one of the top long-distance movers.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies that are located within Salinas:
- Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Tavares Packing & Loading: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- South Bay Moving Systems Inc.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff (49%)
- Efficient service (47%)
- Excellent communication (42%)
- Damage to items (19%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
- Unexpected charges (14%)
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
- Efficient service (36%)
- Professional and polite staff (30%)
- Good communication (29%)
- Damage to items (23%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
- Lack of communication (18%)
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
- Efficient service (32%)
- Professional and polite staff (27%)
- Good communication (26%)
- Damage to items (25%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (21%)
- Lack of communication (20%)
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
- Professional and polite staff (34%)
- Efficient service (31%)
- Quick response times (24%)
- Damage to items (31%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
- Unexpected charges (21%)
Company Info
State license #: 0094991
Years in Business: 60
DOT #: 1281833
Alternate Names: Monterey Transfer Records Management, Arpin of Monterey
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Salinas, CA, since 1965, distinguishing itself as a reputable and long-standing service provider compared to newer companies in the area. With an impressive average rating of 4.3 stars on Yelp and 4.6 stars on Google My Business, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, customers consistently praise their reliability and professionalism. In addition to local moves, they offer a wide array of services including packing, unpacking, and crating, and are also equipped to handle delicate items such as pianos, art, antiques, and safes. Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. stands out for its comprehensive service offerings and excellent customer feedback, making it a top choice for those seeking a dependable local mover.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Best long-distance movers in Salinas for small moves
Many full-service moving companies have a 3,000-pound minimum requirement and may not be able to help you if you are moving a college dorm or studio apartment — or have decided to just take a few items with you.
In that case, you might be better off going with a long-distance company in Salinas that specializes in small moves.
Here are our top suggestions:
- No minimum size
- Top-quality materials
- Full-service packing
- Specializes in small moves
- Guaranteed delivery date
- Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
- Car shipping services
- Gives back with charitable donations
Moving containers for long-distance moves in Salinas
A moving container can be a great solution if you want to save a little money on your move from Salinas to another California city or out of state. While you will have to handle the heavy lifting, you can load and unload containers at your preferred pace over several days or more. And the container company will still handle the driving for you.
Container costs vary depending on the distance of your move and the size and number of your containers, so it’s good to get multiple moving quotes to compare pricing for your specific relocation.
You can start with these two 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
Labor-only moving companies in Salinas
If you don’t mind driving from Salinas but want some helping hands in terms of loading and unloading, look into labor-only moving companies.
Here’s who we suggest:
- 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
Rental trucks in Salinas for a total DIY long-distance move
While you’ll save some money with the two alternatives above, the cheapest way to move out of state is by handling all aspects — the heavy lifting and the driving — yourself. On average, a full DIY move from Salinas costs $19–$39 a day for a truck rental, plus a per-mile fee of $0.89–$1.39.
Using moving rental trucks definitely requires the most work, but if budget is your biggest concern, check out these options:
- 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
How we chose the best long-distance movers in Salinas, 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%): 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, expedited delivery, and more.
Read more about our moving company rating methodology.
Average cost of long-distance movers in Salinas
The average cost for professional movers in Salinas is $140 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.
Factors that affect the cost of moving from Salinas
- How far you’re moving: Distance is the most impactful cost factor. Naturally, the farther you are moving, the more it will cost. Relocating a couple hundred miles from Salinas to another California city will not be as expensive as a cross-country move.
- The moving option you choose: Your costs will vary significantly depending on whether you choose a full-service mover, a moving container, or a rental truck. Every move is different, so balance your needs and your budget when deciding on the best relocation method.
- The amount of belongings you have: Movers determine cost by the total estimated weight of your household items and furnishings, so be sure to itemize your belongings to get the most accurate quote. You may also want to consider downsizing before moving out of Salinas to reduce your moving expenses.
- Any add-on services you choose: Additional services like third-party labor assistance or packing and unpacking help are convenient, but they will also contribute to your total moving costs.
- When you move: The time of the year, month, and even week can all affect what you pay. Summer moves are typically more expensive because they are the busiest season for movers. Moving between October and April can be more cost-effective. Mid-month and mid-week moves are also cheaper, since most people tend to move on the weekends around the start or end of the month.
To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve created a moving cost calculator to help you get a good idea of your long-distance move cost. Plus, we’ve put together a detailed post all about moving costs in Salinas.
FAQs
What else should I know about moving out of California?
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 of the Salinas 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 Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.
Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of Salinas?
If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Salinas is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of California, using a national moving company comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.
When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Salinas?
Moving companies in Salinas are usually slower in November and December due to the average winter low of °F, 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 Salinas?
DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Salinas. The cheapest options for moving out of the Salad Bowl of the World 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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