The BEST Moving Companies in Santa Barbara, CA
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Santa Barbara, CA, is Meathead Movers, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service.. If you’re moving out of California to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Santa Barbara-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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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 Santa Barbara, CA
- Meathead Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Aloha Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff (37%)
- Efficient service (35%)
- Careful handling (30%)
- Higher-than-expected costs (28%)
- Damage to items (26%)
- Lack of communication (25%)
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Packers
Meathead Movers has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Oxnard and LA since 1998. Known for its reliability, the company also offers packing and unpacking services, making it a one-stop solution for your moving needs. With 328 Yelp reviews averaging 4.2 stars and 180 Google reviews with a similar rating, plus an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Meathead Movers stands out compared to other nearby movers. No deposit is required, and they accept both cash and credit cards, providing convenience and peace of mind to their customers.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service (30%)
- Professional and polite staff (25%)
- Good communication (20%)
- Damage to items (15%)
- Lack of communication (12%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)
Company Info
State license #: 0130677
Years in Business: 66
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Mayflower, WWMS, Inc., Worldwide Moving and Storage, Inc., Worldwide Moving and Storage, Worldwide Moving & Storage
Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Oxnard, CA since 1958. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+ and stellar consumer reviews on Google averaging 4.8, it's clear they have a longstanding reputation for quality service. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer extensive services including packing, crating, and storage, along with specialized moving for fragile items, pianos, and antiques. Though they require a deposit, the company accepts both cash and credit cards. Overall, Worldwide Moving & Storage stands out for its comprehensive services and decades of reliability.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
- Efficient service (60%)
- Professional and polite staff (57%)
- Careful handling (53%)
- Higher-than-expected costs (15%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)
- Lack of communication (8%)
Company Info
State license #: 0191816
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2660138
Aloha Moving is a reputable local moving company providing residential moving services in and around Santa Barbara, CA, since 2000. With stellar reviews, an average rating of 4.5 on Yelp, and a perfect 5.0 on Google, coupled with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among nearby moving companies. In addition to local moves, Aloha Moving offers comprehensive services such as packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for pianos, pool tables, art, and antiques. Notably, they require no deposit, making them an accessible and trusted choice for your moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Efficient service (40%)
- Professional and polite staff (36%)
- Careful handling (32%)
- Damage to items (28%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
- Lack of communication (16%)
Company Info
State license #: 0102801
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 2645119
Alternate Names: Hazelwood Moving and Storage
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc has been a trusted local moving company in Santa Barbara, CA since 1989, providing top-notch residential moving services. Unlike other nearby movers, Hazelwood Allied excels with an impressive average rating of 4.5 on Yelp and a perfect 5.0 on Google, reflecting their exceptional customer satisfaction. With a Better Business Bureau rating of A+, this company offers comprehensive moving solutions, including packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized care for items like pianos and antiques. Full valuation insurance coverage and the availability of storage options further set them apart from the competition.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff (40%)
- Efficient service (38%)
- Careful handling (36%)
- Unexpected charges (20%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
- Lack of communication (12%)
Company Info
State license #: 0173549
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 2645059
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc., based in Santa Barbara, CA, has been a trusted local residential moving service since 1990. With a stellar reputation backed by over 100 combined reviews on Yelp and Google averaging above 4.4 stars and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among nearby moving companies. They offer comprehensive moving solutions, including packing and unpacking services, and are capable of handling complex items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Unlike some competitors, Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. doesn't require a deposit and accepts credit cards, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Best movers for those moving out of California
As you may guess, interstate — or out-of-state — moves are those that cross state lines. Movers must meet certain federal licensing requirements and standards to handle interstate moves. Consider one of these highly rated, fully licensed interstate moving companies if you’re leaving California for a new state:
- 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 Santa Barbara, CA
Moving containers offer a hybrid DIY solution that falls somewhere between a full-service moving company and a rental truck. With moving containers, you won’t have the help of a moving crew (you’ll have to do the loading and unloading) but you will get the benefit of a professional driver — a perk that doesn’t come with renting a truck.
Container costs in Santa Barbara vary depending on how many containers you need and how far you’re moving. Be sure to get moving quotes from multiple companies so you can best compare prices and services.
We recommend starting with these two top-tier moving container 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 Santa Barbara, CA move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Santa Barbara, a moving truck rental is your best option. On average, a truck rental in California costs a base rate of $19–$39 a day and a fee of $0.79–$1.09 per mile.
While you’ll certainly save money by renting a truck rather than hiring full-service movers or using a moving container, you will ultimately be responsible for every aspect of your move — including the driving.
We recommend these top truck rental companies for a full DIY move:
- 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 Santa Barbara, CA
Labor-only companies can be helpful if you are using a moving container or rental truck but still want some assistance with the heavy lifting. A labor-only mover will provide you with a moving crew to load and unload your items, and you can also pay for additional packing support, as well as disassembly and reassembly of furniture, fitness equipment, and electronics.
Check out our picks for labor-only companies in Santa Barbara:
- 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 nearby cities
How we chose the best movers in Santa Barbara
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.
How do I find a reputable Santa Barbara mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Santa Barbara, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Santa Barbara or a large van lines company with years of experience operating all over California, a good reputation is absolutely essential. Watch out for red flags and common moving scams.
- Look into dispute resolution: All businesses may have some hiccups, but it's how they handle these incidents that shows the company’s true colors. If a mover in Santa Barbara has a history of unresolved customer complaints, it might be best to look elsewhere.
- Ensure experience aligns with your move: A mover with excellent reviews for local moves in Santa Barbara may not be the best interstate moving company. Verify that the company has adequate experience with the type of move you're planning.
- Get multiple estimates: Reputable Santa Barbara movers should provide a free estimate for your move. Getting moving quotes from multiple companies will give you a good idea of a fair price for the services you need.
Fortunately, the Santa Barbara movers on this list all pass this checklist with flying colors and have been hand selected by our experts at moveBuddha.
If you want to broaden your search to the whole state, check out the best moving companies in California.
Average cost of movers in Santa Barbara, California
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Santa Barbara area and its surrounding suburbs. Or check out our post on the cost to move in California for more pricing info.
Keep in mind the price ranges listed are only averages. Actual costs can vary greatly depending on the specific requirements of your move.
You can also check out our moving cost calculator for more accurate moving cost estimate.
Local moving costs in Santa Barbara
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Santa Barbara, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Santa Barbara, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.79 per mile to $1.09 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Santa Barbara is $100 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $439 | $140 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $579 | $140 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $887 | $196 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,943 | $274 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,217 | $274 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,371 | $384 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Santa Barbara will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Santa Barbara will be less expensive than moving 450 miles across California state lines.
- Move size: The more stuff you have, the more your move will cost, since moving companies determine price based on how large your truck and moving truck need to be. For long-distance and interstate relocations out of Santa Barbara, a moving company will base your price on the total estimated weight and volume of your belongings. Decluttering and downsizing to reduce those total measurements can help you keep costs down.
- Moving method: A full-service mover will likely be the most expensive option, and renting a truck will save you the most money. Just make sure you are factoring in services with pricing, so you don’t end up skimping on the help you need for your specific move just to cut costs.
- Additional services: No matter what kind of move you opt for, extra options like packing, labor, and comprehensive insurance will all come with added fees.
- The time of the year: Relocating during peak moving season (May–September) will cost you more because demand is higher and availability is lower. If possible, plan your move between October and April for a lower rate.
FAQs
Do I need to get a parking permit for local movers in Santa Barbara?
The Residential Permit Parking Program manages parking in mixed-use areas by restricting non-resident vehicles to encourage turnover. Residents in designated areas may be eligible for parking permits exempting them from these restrictions.
For more info on parking permits in Santa Barbara, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Santa Barbara moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Santa Barbara mover by planning your moving date outside of peak season, which runs from May through September. Moving during the week and between October and April allows for the greatest savings.
There are other ways to negotiate your moving costs, including asking a company about any moving discounts or deals that may apply to you.
Do Santa Barbara movers offer storage?
Yes, many Santa Barbara movers offer short- and long-term storage options. Many moving companies operate their own storage facilities, but some may partner with a third-party warehouse. It's always worth asking about a mover’s storage options and getting estimates for the added cost.
If your Santa Barbara mover doesn’t offer storage — or you need services beyond what they can provide — reach out to at least three of the best self-storage companies to get an idea of the price of self-storage before choosing one.
How can I see all moving companies in California?
You can see all moving companies in California by taking a look at our full list of California movers.
Helpful Santa Barbara Resources
Santa Barbara Moving Services
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