Cheapest Movers in San Rafael, CA (2025 Guide)

Quick answer: After reviewing 281 California movers, our top pick for local moves in San Rafael, CA, is NorthStar Moving Company 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.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing

Our track recordtoggle

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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
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
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9 Cheapest movers when moving locally in San Rafael, CA

If you are moving within San Rafael or to a nearby California city like San Anselmo or Larkspur within 50 miles of San Rafael, check out these affordable, top-rated moving companies:

  1. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  3. Jay's Small Moves: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Pure Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  6. Sweet Lemon Moving Services: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  7. OCD Moving Services: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  8. Route 66 Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  9. Moving Mountain Logistics, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars

NorthStar Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 1836576

Years in Business: 30

One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA 94104

NorthStar Moving Company, established in 1996, offers premier local residential moving services throughout San Francisco, CA, and its surrounding areas. With an impressive track record, they boast 931 Yelp reviews averaging 4.6 stars and 701 Google My Business reviews with an average rating of 4.9 stars. Rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, NorthStar stands out among local competitors. They also provide comprehensive packing, unpacking, and crating services, ensuring a seamless moving experience. Notably, NorthStar accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, offering convenience and peace of mind for customers.

Get a Quote (415) 635-3844

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

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

Additional Information

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Luigy's Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 02740355

Years in Business: 25

5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112

Luigy's Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Francisco, CA since 2001. Compared to other nearby companies, Luigy's stands out with their comprehensive service offerings, including packing, unpacking, and crating services, as well as specialized handling for pianos, hot tubs, art, and antiques. Boasting exceptional consumer reviews with an average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.6 on Google, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Luigy's reputation for reliability and quality is well-earned. While a deposit is required, they accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring flexible payment options for their clients.

Get a Quote (415) 413-4646

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

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 02740355
  • State license #: 0192210
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Jay's Small Moves

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

Pricing: $140/hr

Years in Business: 17

2525 Mandela Parkway, Oakland, CA 94607

Jay's Small Moves has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Oakland, CA, since 2008. With stellar consumer reviews, boasting an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, coupled with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, this company stands out among nearby movers. In addition to residential moves, they offer specialized services like office moving, packing, unpacking, and handling fragile items such as art and antiques. At $140 per hour for a local move with no deposit required, Jay's Small Moves provides reliable and cost-effective solutions tailored to meet clients' needs.

Get a Quote (510) 501-5800

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

  • State license #: 0190688

Alternative Business Names

  • Jays Small Moves
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Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 2611854

Years in Business: 46

110 Belvedere St., San Rafael, CA 94901

Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage has been a cornerstone of the San Rafael, CA community since 1980, providing exceptional local residential moving services. Consistently receiving high praise, this company boasts an impressive 4.7 average rating from both Yelp and Google My Business reviews, and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, reflecting their commitment to customer satisfaction. Unlike some nearby movers, Johnson & Daly offers a full suite of services including packing, unpacking, crating, and specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. With no deposit required and the convenience of credit card payments, they stand out as a reliable and versatile choice for local moves.

Get a Quote (415) 491-4444

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Johnson & Daly Moving & Storage

Local Associations

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Pure Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3207734

Years in Business: 9

401 Terry A Francois Blvd #110, San Francisco, CA 94158

Pure Moving Company, serving San Francisco, CA, has been a trusted local residential mover since 2015. Known for their exceptional customer satisfaction, they proudly hold an average Yelp rating of 4.9 from 675 reviews and a flawless 5.0 rating on Google from 743 reviews. They boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, showcasing their reliability and commitment to quality service. Unlike many competitors, Pure Moving Company offers comprehensive moving solutions including packing, unpacking, and even piano moving without requiring a deposit. This combination of top-tier reviews and versatile services makes them a standout choice among local moving companies.

Get a Quote (415) 919-6497

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
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Sweet Lemon Moving Services

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3277021

Years in Business: 8

1100 Pacific Marina, Alameda, CA 94501

Sweet Lemon Moving Services, based in Alameda, CA, has been providing outstanding local residential moving services since 2017. Known for their reliability and professionalism, they stand out from other nearby moving companies with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating and near-perfect scores on Yelp and Google. Their range of services includes packing, unpacking, and specialized moves for pianos and antiques, making them a versatile choice for any local move. With no deposit required and flexible payment options, Sweet Lemon Moving Services consistently earns high praise from satisfied customers.

Get a Quote (415) 500-4298

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bay Investment Group, Inc.
  • Bay Moving Services
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OCD Moving Services

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 2597230

Years in Business: 10

5914 Cobblestone Ct, El Sobrante, CA 94803

OCD Moving Services has been a trusted name for local residential moving in and around El Sobrante, CA since 2016. With stellar reviews averaging 5.0 stars on both Yelp and Google My Business, along with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, their reputation for excellence stands out. Unlike many nearby competitors, they offer a plethora of specialized services such as packing, unpacking, crating, and moving delicate items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Additionally, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, providing full valuation insurance coverage for peace of mind.

Get a Quote (510) 375-3844

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
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • OCD Moving Services LLC
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Route 66 Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.58 / 5

DOT #: 3070307

Pricing: $85/hr

Years in Business: 15

801 Avenue H, San Francisco, CA 94130

Route 66 Moving, serving San Francisco, CA since 2009, is a highly reputable choice for local residential moves. The company stands out with an impressive average rating of 4.5 stars on Yelp and 4.8 stars on Google, backed by an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Route 66 Moving offers comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized moves for pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. At $85 per hour for local moves and with the convenience of credit card payments, they provide reliable, top-tier service for those staying within the Bay Area.

Get a Quote (415) 915-5533

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • EasyBusy Moving Co
  • Got2move
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Moving Mountain Logistics, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.52 / 5

DOT #: 2687114

Years in Business: 20

448 Ignacio Blvd # 195, Novato, CA 94949

Moving Mountain Logistics, Inc. has been a staple in the Novato, CA community since 2004, specializing in local residential moving services. Compared to other nearby companies, they boast a stellar reputation with an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and 4.5 on Google My Business, coupled with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. The company also offers a range of additional services including office moving, packing, unpacking, and crating, making them a versatile choice for various moving needs. Though a deposit is required, they accept both cash and credit cards, ensuring convenience for their clients.

Get a Quote (415) 382-8826

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
  • DOT #: 2687114
  • State license #: 0189933
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Other local CA moverstoggle

While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when 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. International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
  3. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 24/7 cust. service
  • Competitive rates
  • 10% discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Cheapest DIY moving options in San Rafael, CA

While a full-service mover is the most convenient option for your San Rafael, 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, or moving truck rental companies in San Rafael instead.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

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How we chose the best movers in San Rafael, CAtoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 281 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael 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 $479 $202 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $690 $208 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,131 $288 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,728 $404 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,136 $404 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,647 $559 5 movers 10 hours

Compare the top San Rafael, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in San Rafael, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company moveBuddha rating BBB rating Yelp rating Google rating
NorthStar Moving Company 4.8/5 A+ 4.6/5 4.9/5
Luigy's Moving & Storage 4.8/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.6/5
Jay's Small Moves 4.7/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.9/5
Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage 4.7/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.7/5
Pure Moving Company 4.6/5 A+ 4.9/5 5/5
Sweet Lemon Moving Services 4.6/5 A+ 4.9/5 5/5
OCD Moving Services 4.6/5 A+ 5/5 5/5
Route 66 Moving 4.6/5 A+ 4.7/5 4.8/5
Moving Mountain Logistics, Inc. 4.5/5 A+ 4.8/5 4.5/5

FAQs

How do I know if my mover is properly licensed?toggle

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 Rafael mover?toggle

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

Some of the moving companies that service San Rafael 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 Rafael.

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

The cheapest day to hire a mover in San Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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.

What is the cheapest way to move out of state from San Rafael, CA?toggle

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

Are moving containers a good idea for my move from San Rafael?toggle

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.

What if I need help loading my moving container in San Rafael?toggle

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.

Do San Rafael movers offer storage?toggle

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