The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Santa Monica, CA

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: May 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: Our top pick for the best long-distance moving company in Santa Monica, CA, is Safeway Moving. We like Safeway Moving for its overall value. The company provides high-quality service without the high price tag.

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 Monica-based company: 5 Star Moving
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 Monica for those moving out of state

If you’re leaving Santa Monica and crossing state lines for a new home outside of California, these are our recommendations for top interstate movers:

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 Monica for those staying in state

Are you moving from Santa Monica but staying in California? Depending on how far you’re relocating, some in-state moves are still considered long-distance.

If your move within California is a couple hundred miles or more, you should hire one of the best long-distance moving companies.

Consider these top Santa Monica, CA, movers:

5 Star Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Royal Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Simple Moving Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
H2H Movers Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
ABC Moving Systems: 4.52 out of 5 stars

5 Star Moving

4920 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019

Customer Praise

Efficient service (28%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Good communication (23%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (22%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (19%)
Unexpected charges (18%)

Review Analysis

Five Star Moving impresses with outstanding efficiency and professionalism, as reflected in the 585 customer inputs analyzed—94.9% highly positive. Movers stand out for their promptness, careful handling, and excellent communication, making even complex moves stress-free. Customers frequently mention affordable rates and polite crews who work swiftly without sacrificing quality or care for belongings. Such reliability is rare in the moving industry and explains the company's loyal repeat clientele. Negative input centers on slow or unreliable timing, occasional damage to items, and unexpected increases in final charges. Some mention inefficient crews that draw out the process and a handful cite inadequate wrapping leading to minor damages. While infrequent, these issues resemble common pitfalls in the moving sector but occur less here than with most competitors. In summary, Five Star Moving provides industry-leading service through efficiency, respectful staff, and detailed attention to customer needs, setting a benchmark for trustworthy moving services while leaving only a small margin for dissatisfaction.

Get a Quote (424) 352-0352

Company Info

State license #: 191087

DOT #: 3158416

Alternate Names: 5 Star Moving, Beeline Movers

5 Star Moving, established in 2024, specializes in local residential moving services in and around Los Angeles, CA. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 from over 300 reviews on both Yelp and Google, the company stands out for its exceptional customer satisfaction compared to other nearby moving services. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and handling delicate items like pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, 5 Star Moving accepts both cash and credit cards with no deposit required, though their BBB rating of C+ suggests there's room for improvement.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Royal Moving & Storage

4133 Redwood Ave, Unit 3031, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Customer Praise

Efficient service (28%)
Professional and polite staff (25%)
Careful handling (23%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (19%)
Unexpected charges (17%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)

Review Analysis

Moving with Royal Moving & Storage feels like a breeze for most, as shown by 546 feedback entries—more than 95% praise their efficiency and care. Customers consistently highlight the organized, professional attitude, careful handling of belongings, prompt arrivals, and open communication. Many users found the team quick, polite, and easy to work with; others valued clear upfront pricing and quotes that avoided hidden fees, making the cost structure more transparent than many moving companies. Some feedback also notes flexible scheduling and responsive service, which isn't as common among industry competitors. The most common downsides include occasional item damage, rare delays, and a few accounts of unprofessional staff or poor behavior—issues not unique to Royal but still important to watch for when selecting movers. While negative feedback is minimal, it often mentions serious incidents, such as significant damage or communication lapses, reminding customers to verify details up front. Compared to similar companies, Royal stands out for its consistent care, fast and safe process, and overall customer satisfaction.

Get a Quote (424) 500-2221

Company Info

State license #: 0191476

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 2894555

Alternate Names: Royal Moving Co., Royal Moving and Storage

Royal Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving in and around Los Angeles, CA since 2017. This company distinguishes itself from other nearby movers by offering a comprehensive suite of services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos and pool tables. Consumers rave about Royal Moving & Storage, with a high average rating of 4.8 on both Yelp and Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, attesting to their exceptional service and reliability. Additionally, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and dependable choice for local moves.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Simple Moving Inc.

9696 Culver Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90232

Customer Praise

Efficient service (25%)
Professional and polite staff (22%)
Good communication (18%)

Customer Complaints

Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)
Damage to items (12%)
Unexpected charges (10%)

Review Analysis

Straightforward moves and fast service are what set Simple Moving Inc. apart, according to nearly all of the 1,355 pieces of customer feedback analyzed—over 95% rated their experience as positive. Customers routinely praise the team's efficiency, careful handling, professional and polite staff, as well as strong communication. Many highlight a quick moving process where items are protected and tasks completed within or under quoted timeframes. Transparent pricing helps remove stress, while friendly and highly organized crews make for a seamless experience. On the flip side, a small portion of feedback mentions damage to items, occasional delays with arrival or during moves, and some reported unexpected or unclear charges. These negative experiences appear in about 3% of the input—lower than what is typical for similar companies. In comparison, Simple Moving Inc.'s volume of consistently positive feedback, especially about speed, care, and communication, places them above many competitors in the moving industry. Anyone considering a move will likely find that this company delivers reliable, hard-working crews with attention to detail and respect for property, though potential customers should stay attentive to billing details and clarify expectations to minimize surprises.

Get a Quote (888) 588-4118

Company Info

State license #: 0191762

Pricing: $119/hr

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3126394

Simple Moving Inc. offers top-notch local residential moving services in and around Los Angeles, CA, and has been dedicated to quality and customer satisfaction since 2019. With an impressive average rating of 4.8 from 928 Yelp reviews and 240 Google reviews, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, the company stands out for its reliability and professionalism compared to other nearby movers. Simple Moving Inc. not only handles local moves but also provides comprehensive packing and unpacking services, ensuring a hassle-free experience for their clients. At a competitive rate of $119 per hour and without requiring a deposit, Simple Moving Inc. proves to be both affordable and customer-friendly.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

H2H Movers Inc

17352 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90272

Customer Praise

Efficient service (29%)
Professional and polite staff (27%)
Good communication (26%)

Customer Complaints

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

Review Analysis

H2H Movers Inc receives high marks for making moving much easier than expected. After analyzing 613 pieces of customer feedback, 86.8% were positive. Most praised the efficiency of service, polite and professional movers, and the careful handling of belongings. Others valued the speed of the process and frequent communication before and during moves. Customers frequently enjoyed stress-free moves completed quickly, often for less than the estimated price. Some reviews specifically noted that H2H manages logistics with precision and care, often exceeding what competitors offer, especially with responsiveness and skill. In contrast, a small but consistent group reported negative experiences: damaged or lost items, delays in arrival or delivery, and unexpected upcharges. A few reviewers mentioned that communication after an issue could be slow or lacking. Most neutral feedback included minor problems such as missing items, unclear fees, or crews that were less organized, but often also described management efforts to resolve complaints. H2H Movers stands out from other moving companies for reliability, consistent professionalism, and efficiency; though some customers experienced damage or delays, the overwhelming majority found the experience affordable, careful, and courteous.

Get a Quote (213) 784-0373

Company Info

State license #: 0192046

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 2428328

H2H Movers Inc, a reputable moving company based in Los Angeles, CA, has been providing top-notch local residential moving services since 2021. With an impressive average rating of 4.3 on Yelp and 4.6 on Google, the company is highly regarded by its satisfied customers. H2H Movers Inc also boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, setting them apart from many nearby competitors. They offer a comprehensive range of services including packing, unpacking, and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a smooth and secure moving experience.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Crane vans
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

ABC Moving Systems

1800 Vine St, Ste 330, Los Angeles, CA 90028 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (36%)
Efficient service (31%)
Careful handling (28%)

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges (24%)
Damage to items (22%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)

Review Analysis

Movers who hustle and deliver—customer input shows ABC Moving Systems stands out for fast, skilled, and friendly service. Out of 322 feedbacks, 92.5% are positive, making ABC Moving one of the most highly rated in the industry. Clients consistently highlight efficient crews, professional behavior, speedy moves, careful handling, and excellent communication. Many found the booking process simple and reported transparent pricing, with several customers saying final costs were at or below initial quotes. Still, a small percentage of users experienced item damage, higher-than-expected costs, or unprofessional conduct, especially during complex jobs or with high-value items. These negative incidents receive more emphasis here than at many competitors. Most neutral accounts mention minor billing issues or less professional temporary staff, but they still respect the core team’s reliability. With glowing recommendations outpacing complaints, ABC Moving ranks among the most dependable movers for those seeking a swift, safe move with courteous staff.

Get a Quote (310) 746-3376

Company Info

State license #: 178603

Years in Business: 32

DOT #: 2437030

Alternate Names: A B C Moving & Storage, ABC Office Moving Systems, ABC MSC Moving and Storage Systems

ABC Moving Systems has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Los Angeles, CA since 1994. Known for their exceptional service, they boast an average Yelp rating of 4.4 from 110 reviews and an impressive 4.9 average from 215 Google reviews, alongside an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Unlike many competitors, they offer comprehensive services such as packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos, art, and antiques. With full valuation insurance coverage and credit card acceptance, ABC Moving Systems stands out as a reliable and customer-focused choice for local moves.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Best long-distance movers in Santa Monica, CA, for small moves

Did you know that most professional moving companies have a minimum requirement for the total weight of your belongings? This means that if you are moving a small amount of items, those companies will likely not be an option for your relocation.

Some companies, however, specialize in small moves. So, if you are moving a studio apartment or just have a few pieces of furniture to relocate from Santa Monica, check out these 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 Monica, CA

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Santa Monica at your own pace. With this option, you pack and load the container yourself and the professionals drive the container to your new home for you.

Our top picks for moving containers for long-distance moves from Santa Monica include:

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

Rental trucks in Santa Monica, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Santa Monica, but also require the most work. You do everything yourself — from boxing up your belongings to loading, driving the whole way, and unloading on your own. Costs can increase dramatically when you add on mileage fees, tolls, and gas though so make sure this option really is cheaper for your move before making a final decision.

Here are our favorite rental truck companies for long-distance moves:

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

Labor-only moving companies in Santa Monica, CA

Labor-only companies handle the heavy-lifting for you, offering services related to packing, loading, and assembly. You’ll provide the truck, packing supplies, and other materials. Think of it as hiring professional movers without the truck.

Hire these top-notch labor-only movers for your long-distance move from Santa Monica, CA:

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

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Santa Monica, CA

Company	Our Rating	Quote
most popular 5 Star Moving	4.72 overall rating	Get A Quote
Royal Moving & Storage	4.72 overall rating	Get A Quote
Simple Moving Inc.	4.66 overall rating	Get A Quote
H2H Movers Inc	4.58 overall rating	Get A Quote
ABC Moving Systems	4.52 overall rating	Get A Quote
Safeway Moving	4.85 overall rating	Get A Quote
Mayzlin Relocation	4.9 overall rating	Get A Quote
American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote
Allied Van Lines	4.75 overall rating	Get A Quote
North American Van Lines	4.5 overall rating	Get A Quote

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Santa Monica, 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%): Companies that consistently deliver services in a timely manner — with good communication and within the estimated cost — score the highest within this category.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry, so we look for companies that take a customer-focused approach to handling their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): We look at whether a company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (15%): It’s important to us that a company maintains a professional website with accurate information and promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a wide breadth of services, including packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Read more about our moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of a long-distance move out of Santa Monica, CA

The average cost for professional movers in California is $122 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.

Here’s the average long-distance move cost from Santa Monica, CA to popular cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Waterbury, CT	2,880 miles	3 bedroom	$6,554 - $10,301
New Orleans, LA	1,908 miles	2 bedroom	$4,062 - $7,294
Virginia Beach, VA	2,739 miles	1 bedroom	$3,399 - $7,208

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Santa Monica, use our moving cost calculator. And, be sure to check out our detailed post about moving costs in California.

FAQs

What else should you know about moving out of state?

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 the Santa Monica 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 the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move document from the FMCSA.

Should I use a local company or a national company when moving from Santa Monica?

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

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

Moving companies in Santa Monica are usually slower in November and December due to 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 Monica?

DIY moving will always be cheaper, especially when moving within 50 miles of Santa Monica. The cheapest options for moving out of Santa Monica 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.