The BEST Movers in San Mateo, CA (2024 Guide)

Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in San Mateo, CA, is Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. 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.

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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
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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
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Best movers for those moving locally in San Mateo, CA

If you are moving within San Mateo or to a nearby California city like Burlingame or Foster City within 50 miles of San Mateo, check out these top-rated moving companies:

  1. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Careful Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. AMS Bekins: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  5. SF Bay Area Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 3670248

Years in Business: 14

1149 Montgomery Ave, San Bruno, CA 94066

Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name for local residential moves in and around San Bruno, CA since 2010. They stand out with a solid reputation, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.4 on Yelp from 429 reviews, and a 4.6 average rating on Google from 129 reviews. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, customers frequently praise their professionalism and efficiency. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer comprehensive packing and unpacking services, along with the specialized capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. Flexible payment options, including cash and credit cards, and no required deposit, further underscore their customer-first approach.

Get a Quote (415) 404-7400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 3670248
  • State license #: 0190673
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Gentle Giant Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 373544

Years in Business: 44

361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA 94080

Gentle Giant Moving Company has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in South San Francisco, CA since 1981. With stellar consumer reviews reflecting an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 5.0 on Google My Business, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out for its reliability and professionalism. Unlike many nearby movers, Gentle Giant also offers office moving services, comprehensive packing and unpacking services, and even storage options if needed. Additionally, they do not require a deposit and accept credit cards, making the moving process as seamless and convenient as possible for their clients.

Get a Quote (415) 544-7000

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crane vans
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Great Giant Moving Company
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Careful Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 1464935

Years in Business: 17

3641 Haven Ave C, Menlo Park, CA 94025

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.

Get a Quote (650) 595-8400

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Carfull Movers, Inc.
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AMS Bekins

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 2256609

Years in Business: 72

444 Valley Dr, Brisbane, CA 94005

AMS Bekins, serving the Burlingame, CA area since 1952, is a reputable local moving company known for its extensive experience and variety of services. Unlike many nearby competitors, AMS Bekins not only offers local residential moving but also provides office moving, packing and unpacking services, and even fragile-only packing for delicate items. Their commitment to quality is reflected in their A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and solid consumer reviews; they hold a 4.5 average rating on Google but slightly lower at 3.4 on Yelp. For those in need of specialty services, this company can handle unique challenges such as moving pianos, hot tubs, art, and antiques, ensuring peace of mind with full valuation insurance coverage and shipment tracking.

Get a Quote (650) 239-2430

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bekins AMS Relocation, Inc.
  • AMS Relocation
  • Bekins
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SF Bay Area Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 2682402

Pricing: $145/hr

Years in Business: 9

310 Shaw Rd, South San Francisco, CA 94080

SF Bay Area Moving, operating since 2015, specializes in local residential moving services within South San Francisco, CA. With a stellar reputation, evidenced by 114 Yelp reviews averaging 4.5 stars and 122 Google My Business reviews averaging 4.9 stars, they stand out among local competitors. The company holds an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to residential moves, they offer packing, unpacking, crating, and specialized services for moving fragile items, artwork, and antiques. Competitive with a rate of $145 per hour, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a reliable and flexible choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (415) 663-2001

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

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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:

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
  2. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5 stars
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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
Check prices
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 moving containers in San Mateo, 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 Mateo 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:

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

Best rental trucks for your San Mateo, CA move

Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move out of state or locally within San Mateo, 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:

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 movers in San Mateo, 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 Mateo, California:

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

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

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How we chose the best movers in San Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo 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 $475 $202 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $662 $202 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,129 $291 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,660 $408 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,122 $396 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,683 $564 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 Mateo mover?

Looking for a reliable San Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo moving companies handle long-distance moves?

Some of the moving companies that service San Mateo 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 Mateo.

What is the cheapest day to hire a mover in San Mateo, CA?

The cheapest day to hire a mover in San Mateo, 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 Mateo, 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 Mateo movers offer storage?

Most San Mateo moving companies offer short- and long-term storage solutions. However, keep in mind that some San Mateo 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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