The BEST Moving Companies in San Diego, CA
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in San Diego, CA, is We Like To Move It Moving, 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 San Diego-based mover: We Like To Move It Moving
- 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 San Diego, CA
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 24/7 Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Stella Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Cube Moving and Storage Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Excellent Customer Service
- Professional and Efficient Movers
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Potential for Damage to Property
- Issues with Communication
- Variability in Final Costs
Company Info
State license #: 0191446
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2843171
We Like To Move It Moving is a trusted local moving company serving San Diego, CA, and nearby areas since 2017. Specializing in local residential moves, they provide comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and moving specialty items such as pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. With an impressive track record of 175 Yelp reviews averaging 4.8 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out among other local movers for its reliability and customer satisfaction. For convenience, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, making them an excellent choice for stress-free moving.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and Efficient Movers
- Careful Handling of Belongings
- Good Communication and Scheduling
- Issues with Damaging Property
- Poor Claims Management
- Overcharging and Lack of Transparency on Pricing
Company Info
State license #: 0190947
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: TMT SoCal Inc
Two Men and a Truck has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA since 2013. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average Yelp rating of 3.6 from 346 reviews, they have a solid reputation for customer satisfaction. Unlike some nearby moving companies, Two Men and a Truck offers a broad range of services including packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, and they can handle specialty items like pianos and safes. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making the moving process straightforward and hassle-free.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient Service
- Professional Staff
- Transparent Pricing
- Communication Issues
- Damage During Move
- Missing Items
Company Info
State license #: 0191958
Years in Business: 4
DOT #: 3299407
Alternate Names: Stella Moving & Delivery, The Remarkable Movers
Stella Moving & Delivery offers exceptional local residential moving services in and around San Diego, CA, establishing itself as a reliable choice since 2020. With glowing reviews, an average of 4.8 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, Stella Moving boasts a reputation for high customer satisfaction, further reinforced by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby movers, they provide comprehensive packing and unpacking services, fragile-only packing, and specialized moving services for items like pianos and antiques. They accept both cash and credit cards, though a deposit is required, and they offer full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking for added peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
- Professional and Efficient Service
- Friendly and Caring Movers
- Fast Turnaround Time
- Potential for Hidden Fees
- Inconsistent Communication
- Occasional Damage to Belongings
Company Info
State license #: 0190874
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2764870
Cube Moving and Storage Inc, a reputable moving company serving the San Diego, CA area since 2011, specializes in local residential relocations. They stand out among nearby competitors with their comprehensive range of services, including packing and unpacking, office moves, and even piano transport. Garnering praise from customers, Cube Moving boasts an impressive 4.6-star rating on Yelp and a 4.8-star rating on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. For those seeking a reliable and well-reviewed local mover, Cube Moving and Storage Inc offers quality service and peace of mind.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 San Diego, 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 San Diego 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 San Diego, CA move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in San Diego, 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 $0.79–$1.09 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego:
- 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 San Diego
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 San Diego mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in San Diego, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego, California
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the San Diego 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 San Diego
If you’re moving within 50 miles of San Diego, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In San Diego, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.79 per mile to $1.09 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in San Diego is $200 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $499 | $280 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $779 | $280 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,395 | $392 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,513 | $549 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $4,062 | $549 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $6,363 | $768 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Interstate moving costs out of San Diego
The cost to move from San Diego to a different state is determined by how much you’re moving and how far away the new state is from California. Here are a few examples:
- San Diego to New York Movers: $1,614 to $8,126
- San Diego to Illinois Movers: $1,207 to $7,214
- San Diego to New York Movers: $1,614 to $8,126
- San Diego to New York Movers: $1,614 to $8,126
Don’t see your new home state? Check out these popular moving routes.
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in San Diego will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of San Diego 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 San Diego, 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 San Diego?
Type 1 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 2 working days prior to the intended move $16.00 permit fee Type 2 Moving Permits: Applications must be submitted at least 5 working days prior to the intended move for extra -legal loads that do not meet each of the Type 1 criteria. These moves require route evaluations prior to issuance of the permit. $212.00 Permit review and route evaluation fee is required.
For more info on parking permits in San Diego, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a San Diego moving company?
You can save money when hiring a San Diego 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 San Diego movers offer storage?
Yes, many San Diego 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 San Diego 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.
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