The BEST Moving Companies in Santa Cruz, CA
Quick answer: Our top pick for local moves in Santa Cruz, CA, is All Reasons Moving & Storage, thanks to their reputation for quality customer service and specialized handling of pianos and antiques. If you’re moving out of California to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving in terms of overall value.
- Best Santa Cruz-based mover: All Reasons 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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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 Cruz, CA
- All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Lambert & Son Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Fairprice Movers: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- 831 Movers: 4.24 out of 5 stars
- Southwest Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Efficient service (35%)
- Professional and polite staff (30%)
- Careful handling (28%)
- Damage to items (25%)
- Unexpected charges (22%)
- Lack of communication (20%)
Company Info
State license #: 0189789
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: All Reasons Moving and Storage
All Reasons Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around San Jose, CA, since 1992. Renowned for their reliability and professionalism, they hold a high standard with an impressive 4.6 average rating on Yelp and a stellar 4.8 on Google My Business. They also boast an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many nearby moving companies, All Reasons Moving & Storage offers comprehensive packing, unpacking, and office moving services, and they have specialized capabilities to handle delicate items like pianos, art, and antiques. They stand out for accepting credit cards and requiring no deposit, making the moving process smoother for their clients.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Friendly Staff
- Professional Service
- Efficient and Timely
- Communication Issues
- Some Unfavorable Experiences Reported
- Minor Damages in Occasional Moves
Company Info
State license #: 0189973
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 3528657
Lambert & Son Moving, a Santa Cruz-based company, has been providing top-notch local residential moving services since 2006. This reputable company stands out with an impressive average rating of 4.8 across 170 Yelp reviews and 65 Google reviews, and holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to their primary services, they offer packing, unpacking, and crating services, and are adept at moving specialty items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. Lambert & Son Moving accepts credit cards, though a deposit is required, distinguishing their comprehensive and reliable service from other local competitors.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Professional Service
- Efficient Handling
- Courteous Staff
- High Pricing
- Lack of Clear Payment Communication
- Limited Availability on Short Notice
Company Info
State license #: 0190880
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2192738
Fairprice Movers, established in 2012, offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Santa Cruz, CA. They distinguish themselves from other local movers by providing a comprehensive suite of offerings that include packing, unpacking, and specialized services for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With a stellar reputation backed by an average rating of 4.8 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Fairprice Movers stands out as a trusted and reliable choice. Unlike some competitors, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making your moving process smooth and hassle-free.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient Team
- Excellent Customer Service
- Professional and Friendly Staff
- Minor Scheduling Issues
- Limited Availability During Peak Times
- High Demand for Services
Company Info
State license #: 0191403
Years in Business: 7
Alternate Names: Services On Demand
831 Movers, a reputable local moving company based in Santa Cruz, CA, has been providing stellar residential moving services since 2017. Widely recognized for their exceptional customer satisfaction, they boast an impressive average rating of 5.0 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google My Business, though their Better Business Bureau rating remains NR. Unlike many nearby companies, 831 Movers offers a comprehensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving services for delicate items like pianos, antiques, and art. They also accept flexible payment options such as credit cards and money orders, with no deposit required, making them a convenient and reliable choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- Fast and Professional
- Careful Handling
- Friendly Staff
- Communication Issues
- Coordination Challenges
- No Major Issues Reported
Company Info
State license #: 0191389
DOT #: 1922488
Southwest Moving stands out as a top-tier local moving company in Santa Cruz, CA, specializing in residential moves. With an impressive average rating of 5.0 from 142 Yelp reviews and 12 Google My Business reviews, they have established a strong reputation for excellence. Unlike many nearby movers, Southwest Moving also offers specialized services such as packing, unpacking, and crating, and they are equipped to handle delicate items like pianos and art. Payment flexibility is a plus, accepting money orders, cash, and credit cards, though a deposit is required. For those seeking reliable and comprehensive local moving services, Southwest Moving proves to be a superior choice.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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 Cruz, 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 Cruz 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 Cruz, CA move
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to move out of state or locally in Santa Cruz, 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 $0.89–$1.39 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 Cruz, 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 Cruz:
- 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 Cruz
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.
How do I find a reputable Santa Cruz mover?
If you’re looking for the best movers in Santa Cruz, here’s what you should look for:
- A good reputation: Whether they’re a new family-owned business in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz, California
The pricing table below shows ballpark costs for local moves within the Santa Cruz 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 Cruz
If you’re moving within 50 miles of Santa Cruz, it’s considered a local move. The cost of a rental truck combines a base fee and the mileage fees. In Santa Cruz, the base fee ranges from $19 to $39 while the mileage ranges from $0.89 per mile to $1.39 per mile.
And if you’re looking for some labor help, the average cost for movers in Santa Cruz is $99 per hour.
| Home Size | Avg. Total Cost | Cost/hour | # of Movers | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $370 | $139 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $509 | $139 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $813 | $194 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1,863 | $272 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $2,135 | $272 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ Bedroom | $3,271 | $380 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
Factors that affect the cost of your move
- Distance: Your moving costs in Santa Cruz will be determined in large part by where you are relocating. A local move within 50 miles of Santa Cruz 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 Cruz, 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 Cruz?
Only the slip licensee of record may pick up parking permits. Bring photo ID, vessel documentation/registration, and proof of current insurance to receive stickers from the harbor office, open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
For more info on parking permits in Santa Cruz, visit the local DOT website.
How can I save money when hiring a Santa Cruz moving company?
You can save money when hiring a Santa Cruz 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 Cruz movers offer storage?
Yes, many Santa Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz Resources
Santa Cruz Moving Services
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