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

Our Top Pick: If you're moving locally in San Rafael, CA our top pick is Luigy's Moving & Storage. We've rated them 4.86 out of 5 stars. If your move extends beyond San Rafael, our well-curated guide on the best movers in California is a valuable resource.

The key to a successful move in San Rafael is choosing the right movers. Whether you're relocating within San Rafael, across California, or seeking the best interstate moving companies for an out-of-state move, our unbiased reviews will help you choose the right moving company for you.

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

How we chose the best movers in San Rafael, CA

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.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

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

Luigy's Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.86 / 5

DOT #: 02740355

Years in Business: 23

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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Johnson & Daly Moving and Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2611854

Years in Business: 44

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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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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NorthStar Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 1836576

Years in Business: 28

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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Moving Mountain Logistics, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.42 / 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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Best movers for those moving out of California

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
  2. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
  3. BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
  4. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
  5. American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
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

Alternative San Rafael moving options

Moving Containers

  1. U-Pack: 5 out of 5
  2. PODS: 4.8 out of 5
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 Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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

Labor Only

  1. HireAHelper: 4.5 out of 5
  2. Bellhop: 4.3 out of 5
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
Check prices Check prices
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

Full DIY

  1. U-Haul Truck Rental: 4.15 out of 5
  2. Penske Truck Rental: 4 out of 5
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

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 $471 $206 2 movers 3 hours
1 Bedroom $689 $202 2 movers 4 hours
2 Bedroom $1,100 $288 3 movers 5 hours
3 Bedroom $2,665 $400 4 movers 8 hours
4 Bedroom $3,065 $400 4 movers 9 hours
5+ Bedroom $4,688 $547 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 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.

Learn more: The cheapest time to move

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?

Helpful San Rafael Resources

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