The BEST Movers in San Rafael, CA (2024 Guide)
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in San Rafael, CA, is Luigy's Moving & Storage 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 Rafael-based mover: Luigy's Moving & Storage
- 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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4.25 / 5
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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 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 top-rated moving companies:
- Luigy's Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Jay's Small Moves: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Moving Mountain Logistics, Inc.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Luigy's Moving & Storage
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 02740355
Years in Business: 23
5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112Luigy'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.
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
NorthStar Moving Company
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 1836576
Years in Business: 30
One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA 94104NorthStar 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.
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
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1836576
- State license #: 0182466
Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage
rating
4.76 / 5
DOT #: 2611854
Years in Business: 44
110 Belvedere St., San Rafael, CA 94901Johnson & 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.
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
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2611854
- State license #: 159465
Alternative Business Names
- Johnson & Daly Moving & Storage
Local Associations
Jay's Small Moves
rating
4.66 / 5
Pricing: $140/hr
Years in Business: 17
2525 Mandela Parkway, Oakland, CA 94607Jay'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.
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
Moving Mountain Logistics, Inc.
rating
4.42 / 5
DOT #: 2687114
Years in Business: 20
448 Ignacio Blvd # 195, Novato, CA 94949Moving 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.
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
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 Rafael, 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 Rafael 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 Rafael, CA move
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.
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 Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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 Rafael, 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 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 | $470 | $200 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $676 | $208 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $1,140 | $291 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $2,714 | $400 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $3,059 | $400 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $4,634 | $570 | 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 Rafael mover?
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?
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?
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.
Do San Rafael movers offer storage?
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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