The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Santa Barbara, CA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: May 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After comparing prices, services, quality ratings, and customer satisfaction, we recommend Safeway Moving as the top long-distance moving company in Santa Barbara, CA. Safeway Moving provides the best overall value, thanks to its balance of stellar service and reasonable rates.

We're here to help.

We know that every move is different. Jump to a mover that fits your unique needs:

Best overall value: Safeway Moving
Best Santa Barbara-based company: Meathead Movers
Best for small moves: MiniMoves
Best moving container: PODS
Best labor-only company: HireAHelper
Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

(866) 825-0554

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

Best long-distance movers in Santa Barbara for those moving out of state

If you’re moving out of California, here are our top picks for best interstate moving companies in Santa Barbara:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Allied Van Lines: 4.75 out of 5 stars
North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.85 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 825-0554

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

Get A Quote

(866) 825-0554

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.75 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 935-3437

At A Glance

Fragile packing
Storage options
24/7 shipment tracking
Quick & efficient
Accurate quotes

read our full review

Get A Quote

(866) 935-3437

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.5 / 5

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

At A Glance

Custom crates for electronics & art
Satellite shipment tracking
1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
Self-packing option
No deposit required

read our full review

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

Best long-distance movers in Santa Barbara for those staying in state

Even if you’re just relocating from Santa Barbara to another California city, your move could still be a couple hundred miles or more. In that case, you’ll want to hire one of the top long-distance movers.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies that are located within Santa Barbara:

Meathead Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Aloha Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Meathead Movers

1401 Maulhardt Ave., Oxnard, LA 93030

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (37%)
Efficient service (35%)
Careful handling (30%)

Customer Complaints

Higher-than-expected costs (28%)
Damage to items (26%)
Lack of communication (25%)

Review Analysis

Moving made easy—Meathead Movers consistently stands out with prompt, hardworking crews and outstanding service. Of the 524 reviews analyzed, 85% praised the company, often mentioning their quick, efficient work, respectful attitude, and excellent communication. Customers highlighted the movers' care in handling belongings and their professional, friendly demeanor. Many found the booking process simple and appreciated the clear pricing and follow-up. Negative feedback accounts for 12% and most often focuses on damages to furniture or property, estimates exceeding expectations, and extra fees not clearly communicated. Some clients experienced issues with missing items, slow claims, or inconsistent responses regarding damaged goods. Price surprises after the job and difficulties in resolving complaints proved frustrating for several clients. With far more positive feedback than typical moving services, Meathead Movers outperforms many competitors on staff attitude, efficiency, and reliability. For those seeking a trustworthy, careful moving team with clear communication and professional conduct, Meathead Movers is a favored choice, though customers should clarify quotes and damage policies in advance.

Get a Quote (805) 987-7201

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

Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.

1131 Industrial Ave., Oxnard, CA 93030

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Good communication (20%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (15%)
Lack of communication (12%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)

Review Analysis

Customer experiences with Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc. set a high mark for professionalism and care. Out of 179 detailed feedback entries, 88% highlighted courteous and skilled staff, careful handling, quick and efficient service, and steady communication. Most moves were completed on time with belongings arriving intact, earning the company frequent praise for minimizing stress and exceeding expectations. Some clients even found the crew to be helpful, flexible, and thoroughly organized in both local and cross-country moves. A small number of customers, about 11%, cited item damage, poor communication, or packing lapses as key issues, sometimes impacting move logistics or claim resolutions. Such pain points appear less often than with many moving services, especially those managing complex relocations. Only one neutral entry suggested that the value of a low quote was offset by minor mishaps and delays. In comparison to competitors, Worldwide Moving & Storage stands out for reliability, respectful service, and effective communication.

Get a Quote (805) 487-3901

Company Info

State license #: 0130677

Years in Business: 68

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

Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.

5390 Overpass Rd Suite E, Santa Barbara, CA 93111

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (40%)
Efficient service (38%)
Careful handling (36%)

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges (20%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Lack of communication (12%)

Review Analysis

A resounding chorus of praise sets Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc. apart. Among 182 pieces of customer feedback, 94.5% describe excellent service, with standout mentions for their professionalism, efficient team, careful handling of belongings, strong communication skills, and swift work pace. Movers are frequently described as polite, helpful, and highly attentive, resulting in a stress-free move for many clients. Customers appreciate scheduling flexibility, transparency in pricing, and the company’s willingness to go the extra mile. In contrast, 3.8% voiced concerns such as unexpected charges, property damage, and negative interactions with office staff. A handful of neutral comments note dissatisfaction with claims reimbursements and clarity on insurance coverage. Mammoth’s high satisfaction rate and attention to detail put them a step ahead of most moving companies, especially in a field where reliability and professional conduct are paramount.

Get a Quote (805) 968-8643

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

Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc

102 Powers Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93103

Customer Praise

Efficient service (40%)
Professional and polite staff (36%)
Careful handling (32%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (28%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (24%)
Lack of communication (16%)

Review Analysis

Glowing responses from nearly all customers put Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage in a league above typical moving companies. Out of 26 pieces of feedback, 92% praised their professional, respectful crews, careful handling, and smooth, efficient service. Many noted reliable communication, organized packing, and trustworthy, skilled staff—traits often hard to find in competitors. Most customers found employees polite, timely, and diligent, with special care for valuable or fragile items. A few highlighted affordable, transparent pricing and personalized support for complex situations. One major complaint pointed to damage to belongings, unexpected high charges, and poor service when handling issues. Another user described rushed unpacking and careless treatment for a high price. Compared to other movers, Hazelwood stands out for consistent professionalism and care; complaints about property damage or costs remain rare exceptions rather than the norm.

Get a Quote (805) 963-4493

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

Aloha Moving

226 W Mason St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Customer Praise

Efficient service (60%)
Professional and polite staff (57%)
Careful handling (53%)

Customer Complaints

Higher-than-expected costs (15%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (10%)
Lack of communication (8%)

Review Analysis

Aloha Moving stands out as a trusted choice for relocation in the Santa Barbara area, with 102 pieces of feedback analyzed. A remarkable 97% of customer input rates their service positively. Most people praise the professional and polite staff, efficient service, and the careful handling of belongings. Customers often highlight excellent communication, quick moving processes, and consistently stress-free experiences compared to other movers. Costs are typically seen as fair, estimates accurate, and appointments handled on schedule. The company's owner, Paul, frequently receives personal mentions for his direct involvement and reliability. On the downside, a small number of negative comments mention higher-than-expected costs and instances of pushy or unprofessional behavior, but these are rare in comparison to the volume of praise. In terms of reliability, service, and care, Aloha Moving repeatedly exceeds what’s expected from moving companies, setting a high standard in the local industry.

Get a Quote (805) 564-8800

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

Best long-distance movers in Santa Barbara for small moves

Many full-service moving companies have a 3,000-pound minimum requirement and may not be able to help you if you are moving a college dorm or studio apartment — or have decided to just take a few items with you.

In that case, you might be better off going with a long-distance company in Santa Barbara that specializes in small moves.

Here are our top suggestions:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Check prices Visit Website

At A Glance

No minimum size
Top-quality materials
Full-service packing

read our full review

Check prices Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.7 / 5

Check prices 800-626-1257

At A Glance

Specializes in small moves
Guaranteed delivery date
Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
Car shipping services
Gives back with charitable donations

read our full review

Check prices 800-626-1257

Moving containers for long-distance moves in Santa Barbara

A moving container can be a great solution if you want to save a little money on your move from Santa Barbara to another California city or out of state. While you will have to handle the heavy lifting, you can load and unload containers at your preferred pace over several days or more. And the container company will still handle the driving for you.

Container costs vary depending on the distance of your move and the size and number of your containers, so it’s good to get multiple moving quotes to compare pricing for your specific relocation.

You can start with these two companies:

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.8 / 5

Get A Quote

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

Get A Quote

Check prices

Licensed

Insured

Price

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

Labor-only moving companies in Santa Barbara

If you don’t mind driving from Santa Barbara but want some helping hands in terms of loading and unloading, look into labor-only moving companies.

Here’s who we suggest:

Licensed

Insured

Price

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

Licensed

Insured

Price

4.3 / 5

Get A Quote

(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

Get A Quote

(866) 774-5063

Rental trucks in Santa Barbara for a total DIY long-distance move

While you’ll save some money with the two alternatives above, the cheapest way to move out of state is by handling all aspects — the heavy lifting and the driving — yourself. On average, a full DIY move from Santa Barbara costs $19–$39 a day for a truck rental, plus a per-mile fee of $0.79–$1.09.

Using moving rental trucks definitely requires the most work, but if budget is your biggest concern, check out these options:

Licensed

Insured

Price

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

Licensed

Insured

Price

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

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Santa Barbara, CA

Over the past 10 years, we’ve developed a rigorous review process to identify the absolute best moving companies.

We look at:

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, expedited delivery, and more.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of long-distance movers in Santa Barbara

The average cost for professional movers in Santa Barbara is $100 per hour, but even the best interstate moving companies need more information about the distance and size of your move to give you a moving quote.

Factors that affect the cost of moving from Santa Barbara

How far you’re moving: Distance is the most impactful cost factor. Naturally, the farther you are moving, the more it will cost. Relocating a couple hundred miles from Santa Barbara to another California city will not be as expensive as a cross-country move.
The moving option you choose: Your costs will vary significantly depending on whether you choose a full-service mover, a moving container, or a rental truck. Every move is different, so balance your needs and your budget when deciding on the best relocation method.
The amount of belongings you have: Movers determine cost by the total estimated weight of your household items and furnishings, so be sure to itemize your belongings to get the most accurate quote. You may also want to consider downsizing before moving out of Santa Barbara to reduce your moving expenses.
Any add-on services you choose: Additional services like third-party labor assistance or packing and unpacking help are convenient, but they will also contribute to your total moving costs.
When you move: The time of the year, month, and even week can all affect what you pay. Summer moves are typically more expensive because they are the busiest season for movers. Moving between October and April can be more cost-effective. Mid-month and mid-week moves are also cheaper, since most people tend to move on the weekends around the start or end of the month.

To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve created a moving cost calculator to help you get a good idea of your long-distance move cost. Plus, we’ve put together a detailed post all about moving costs in Santa Barbara.

FAQs

What else should I know about moving out of California?

A moving company helping you move out of California must be properly licensed and have a U.S. Department of Transportation number. Of course, all of the Santa Barbara movers we’ve included on this list have everything in order but you can check for yourself on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database.

If you’re moving from one state to another, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving out of Santa Barbara?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Santa Barbara is going to be the most cost-effective approach. If you’re moving out of California, using a national moving company comes with more experience, which may cost a bit more.

When is the cheapest time of year to move away from Santa Barbara?

Moving companies in Santa Barbara are usually slower in November and December due to the average winter low of °F, the holidays and kids being in school, so you can negotiate with a mover more during those months and save some money.

What are the cheapest ways to move out of Santa Barbara?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Santa Barbara. The cheapest options for moving out of the American Riviera are usually renting a moving truck like U-Haul or a moving container like PODS. We’ve also got a helpful guide if you’re looking for the cheapest ways to move out of state.