The BEST Movers in San Luis Obispo, CA (2024 Guide)
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in San Luis Obispo, CA, is Meathead Movers 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.
- Best San Luis Obispo-based mover: Meathead Movers
- 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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 rating
 
4.25 / 5
Licensed
 Insured
Price
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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
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- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Best movers for those moving locally in San Luis Obispo, CA
If you are moving within San Luis Obispo or to a nearby California city like Los Osos or Grover Beach within 50 miles of San Luis Obispo, check out these top-rated moving companies:
- Meathead Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Martian Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Central Coast Moving Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- ASAP Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Louie’s Central Coast Movers: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Meathead Movers
rating
4.9 / 5
DOT #: 921143
Years in Business: 27
3600 S Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services around San Luis Obispo, CA, since 1998. The company stands out with its glowing consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.2 on Yelp and 4.3 on Google My Business, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many other local moving companies, Meathead Movers also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services, all without requiring a deposit. With their solid reputation and wide range of services, they remain a top choice for residents seeking reliable and efficient movers locally.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 921143
- State license #: 189849
Alternative Business Names
- Meathead Packers
Martian Movers
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 3196615
Years in Business: 7
901 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401Martian Movers, serving San Luis Obispo, CA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 2017. Renowned for their exceptional service, they boast an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google My Business, with a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other movers in the area, Martian Movers stands out for their comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as their expertise in handling specialty items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. No deposit is required, and they offer full valuation insurance coverage, making them a reliable choice for those seeking peace of mind during their move.
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
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 3196615
Alternative Business Names
- Cal-Safe Movers
Central Coast Moving Co.
rating
4.66 / 5
Years in Business: 6
3051 Propeller Dr, Paso Robles, CA 93446Central Coast Moving Co. offers top-tier local residential moving services in and around Paso Robles, CA, since 2018. Compared to other nearby moving companies, they stand out with their exceptional Yelp reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 from 76 reviews, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. They provide a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, as well as the expertise to move specialty items like pianos and hot tubs. They accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a reliable and customer-friendly choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
ASAP Movers
rating
4.58 / 5
DOT #: 1278931
Years in Business: 21
925 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401ASAP Movers has been a trusted local moving company in San Luis Obispo, CA, since 2003, specializing in residential relocations. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 across both Yelp and Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company stands out for its exceptional customer satisfaction. They offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, senior moving, and even fragile-only packing. Unlike many nearby movers, ASAP Movers accepts credit cards and does not require a deposit, making them a convenient and reliable choice for your local moving needs.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1278931
- State license #: 0190288
- DOD certified
Alternative Business Names
- A S A P Movers
Louie’s Central Coast Movers
rating
4.28 / 5
Years in Business: 7
810 E. Stanford Road, Santa Maria, CA 93454Louie’s Central Coast Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving in and around Santa Maria, CA, since 2017. Their stellar reputation is reflected in customer reviews, boasting a 4.8 average rating on Yelp and a perfect 5.0 on Google My Business. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for antiques and pianos. Notably, no deposit is required, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
Best movers for those 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:
- 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 Luis Obispo, CA
While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your 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 in San Luis Obispo instead.
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.
If moving containers sound like the best fit for you, we suggest starting with these highly rated 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 Luis Obispo, CA move
Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within San Luis Obispo, 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.
It’ll be more work to use a moving truck rental company, but if you want to keep your relocation expenses low, check out our top recommendations:
- 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 Luis Obispo, CA
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.
Here are our choices for best moving labor companies in San Luis Obispo, California:
- 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 other nearby California cities
How we chose the best movers in San Luis Obispo, CA
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 280 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 San Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo 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 | $422 | $134 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $568 | $134 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $852 | $188 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,846 | $263 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,151 | $263 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,338 | $369 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
FAQs
How do I know if my mover is properly licensed?
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 San Luis Obispo mover?
Looking for a reliable San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo moving companies handle long-distance moves?
Some of the moving companies that service San Luis Obispo 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 San Luis Obispo.
What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in San Luis Obispo, CA?
The cheapest day to hire a mover in San Luis Obispo, 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 San Luis Obispo, 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.
Do San Luis Obispo movers offer storage?
Most San Luis Obispo moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some San Luis Obispo 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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