The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Santa Cruz, CA
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: After comparing prices, services, quality ratings, and customer satisfaction, we recommend Safeway Moving as the top long-distance moving company in Santa Cruz, CA. Safeway Moving provides the best overall value, thanks to its balance of stellar service and reasonable rates.
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best Santa Cruz-based company: Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Best for small moves: MiniMoves
- Best moving container: PODS
- Best labor-only company: HireAHelper
- Best rental truck: U-Haul Truck Rental
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Best long-distance movers in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz:
- 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
- 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
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
Best long-distance movers in Santa Cruz for those staying in state
Even if you’re just relocating from Santa Cruz 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 Cruz:
- Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Lambert & Son Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Fairprice Movers: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- 831 Movers: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Southwest Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff (49%)
- Efficient service (47%)
- Excellent communication (42%)
- Damage to items (19%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
- Unexpected charges (14%)
Company Info
State license #: 0095753
Years in Business: 59
DOT #: 44159
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Salinas, CA, since 1966. With consistent high ratings on Yelp (4.6) and Google My Business (4.4), and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company is known for its reliability and customer satisfaction. While many local movers might struggle with complex moves, Scarr Moving & Storage excels, offering specialized services such as piano, hot tub, and antique moving. Additionally, they stand out by accepting credit cards, requiring no deposit, and providing shipment tracking, making them a convenient and reputable choice for your local moving needs.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service (34%)
- Professional and polite staff (28%)
- Careful handling (26%)
- Damage to items (18%)
- Lack of communication (15%)
- Unexpected charges (12%)
Company Info
State license #: 0189973
Years in Business: 20
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 and polite staff (37%)
- Efficient service (31%)
- Careful handling (29%)
- Unexpected charges (20%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
- Lack of communication (12%)
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 service (44%)
- Professional and polite staff (36%)
- Good communication (32%)
- Damage to items (16%)
- Unexpected charges (12%)
- Delayed arrival or delivery (8%)
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
- Professional and polite staff (53%)
- Quick moving process (47%)
- Careful handling (47%)
- Lack of communication (6%)
- Unfriendly or rude staff (6%)
- Damage to items (6%)
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 long-distance movers in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz that specializes in small moves.
Here are our top suggestions:
- No minimum size
- Top-quality materials
- Full-service packing
- Specializes in small moves
- Guaranteed delivery date
- Online chatbot and resources for a seamless move
- Car shipping services
- Gives back with charitable donations
Moving containers for long-distance moves in Santa Cruz
A moving container can be a great solution if you want to save a little money on your move from Santa Cruz 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:
- 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
Labor-only moving companies in Santa Cruz
If you don’t mind driving from Santa Cruz but want some helping hands in terms of loading and unloading, look into labor-only moving companies.
Here’s who we suggest:
- 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
Rental trucks in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz costs $19–$39 a day for a truck rental, plus a per-mile fee of $0.89–$1.39.
Using moving rental trucks definitely requires the most work, but if budget is your biggest concern, check out these options:
- 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
How we chose the best long-distance movers in Santa Cruz, CA
Average cost of long-distance movers in Santa Cruz
The average cost for professional movers in Santa Cruz is $99 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 Cruz
- 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 Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz.
FAQs
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