The BEST Long-Distance Movers in University of California-Santa Barbara, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara-based company: Presto Logistics
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 University of California-Santa Barbara for those moving out of state

If you’re leaving University of California-Santa Barbara 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 University of California-Santa Barbara for those staying in state

Are you moving from University of California-Santa Barbara 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, CA, movers:

Presto Logistics: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
Meathead Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Martian Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars

Presto Logistics

3965 Heritage Oak Ct, Simi Valley, CA 93063

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (26%)
Efficient service (23%)
Good communication (19%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (36%)
Unexpected charges (29%)
Lack of communication (21%)

Review Analysis

Customers consistently praise Presto Logistics for its professional and polite staff, efficient service, strong communication, quick moves, and helpful movers. About 75% of feedback is positive, highlighting timely arrivals, careful handling, clear estimates, and friendly workers who take the stress out of moving. Many customers emphasize that staff went above and beyond, communicating at every step and resolving last-minute changes. Despite strong satisfaction, a notable portion of input (20%) reports problems such as broken or missing items, unexpected charges beyond the quoted price, and significant delivery delays. Some customers experienced poor claim resolution for damages or felt misled about final costs, especially during interstate moves. Compared to competitors, Presto stands out for its interpersonal approach and professionalism, but cost transparency and careful item handling need improvement for the company to match the reliability of the very best in the industry. Out of 218 reviews analyzed, three quarters recommend Presto for peace of mind during relocation, while others urge caution due to risk of damage or extra fees.

Get a Quote (800) 435-4035

Company Info

State license #: 006727645C

Years in Business: 17

DOT #: 1691575

Services Offered

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

Air 1 Moving & Storage

9556 Cozycroft Ave, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Customer Praise

Efficient service (20%)
Professional and polite staff (18%)
Good communication (15%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (25%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (22%)
Unexpected charges (20%)

Review Analysis

Night-and-day experiences define Air 1 Moving & Storage’s reputation, based on 545 customer reviews. About 71% of the feedback highlights professional and polite staff, careful handling of possessions, efficient and fast moves, and affordable prices. Many people praise the company for managing stressful relocations with skill, moving items without damage or delays, and maintaining courteous communication throughout. Customers frequently mention the team’s reliability and trustworthiness, setting Air 1 apart from other movers. On the other hand, nearly 27% of the input focuses on negative incidents—most notably, unexpected charges, damaged or lost items, and delivery delays. Some report being billed far above initial quotes or experiencing broken or missing property without adequate resolution. Issues with last-minute fees and withheld communication stand out as significant frustrations. Compared to industry competitors, Air 1 garners above-average praise for its staff’s professionalism but struggles with cost transparency and consistency on long-distance moves.

Get a Quote (866) 485-1030

Company Info

State license #: 0189688

Years in Business: 22

DOT #: 1095485

Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc

Air 1 Moving & Storage has been a trusted provider of local residential moving services in and around Chatsworth, CA, since 2004. The company stands out among nearby competitors with its extensive array of services, including packing, unpacking, and crating, along with specialized care for moving pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive 4.4 average rating on Google and a solid A- rating from the Better Business Bureau, Air 1 Moving & Storage is well-regarded for its reliability and professional service. Customers looking for a reputable local mover will find Air 1’s no-deposit policy and acceptance of credit cards convenient and customer-friendly.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by credit card

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

Martian Movers

901 Buckley Rd, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Customer Praise

Efficient service (30%)
Friendly and polite staff (25%)
Careful handling (20%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (35%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
Unexpected charges (15%)

Review Analysis

Rave reviews pour in for Martian Movers, spotlighting efficient service, polite staff, careful handling, fast move times, and reliable communication. Among 295 reviews, 95% of feedback describes stress-free moves by friendly, professional crews attentive to property and timing. Clients often mention rapid service, courteous demeanor, and exceptional care with belongings—even challenging items like pianos—setting them apart from less consistent competitors. For value, they frequently finish under quoted prices, with transparent estimates and easy scheduling. Less than 5% of feedback details significant issues during long-distance moves, including damaged items, late deliveries, unreliable timing, and poor handling. Some clients cite missed arrival windows, mishandling, or lack of follow-up on claims for damages. For most customers, though, reviews indicate Martian Movers outperforms other moving companies on efficiency, professionalism, and customer care, while a few experienced notable problems with high-value or out-of-area jobs.

Get a Quote (805) 549-5122

Company Info

Years in Business: 7

DOT #: 3196615

Alternate Names: Cal-Safe Movers

Martian Movers, serving San Luis Obispo, CA, has been a trusted name in local residential moving since 2017. Renowned for their exceptional service, they boast an impressive average rating of 4.7 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google My Business, with a stellar A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Compared to other movers in the area, Martian Movers stands out for their comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as their expertise in handling specialty items like pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. No deposit is required, and they offer full valuation insurance coverage, making them a reliable choice for those seeking peace of mind during their move.

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
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

Best long-distance movers in University of California-Santa Barbara, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, CA

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from University of California-Santa Barbara 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 University of California-Santa Barbara 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from University of California-Santa Barbara, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, CA

Company	Our Rating	Quote
most popular Presto Logistics	4.72 overall rating	Get A Quote
Air 1 Moving & Storage	4.9 overall rating	Get A Quote
Meathead Movers	4.86 overall rating	Get A Quote
Martian Movers	4.76 overall rating	Get A Quote
Worldwide Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.76 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 University of California-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%): 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, 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 University of California-Santa Barbara, CA to popular cities:

Destination	Distance	Home size	Cost
Jackson, MS	1,945 miles	3 bedroom	$5,173 - $9,120
Kansas City, MO	1,716 miles	2 bedroom	$3,885 - $6,998
Seattle, WA	1,117 miles	1 bedroom	$2,862 - $6,118

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of University of California-Santa Barbara, 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 University of California-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 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 University of California-Santa Barbara?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in University of California-Santa Barbara 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 University of California-Santa Barbara?

Moving companies in University of California-Santa Barbara 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 University of California-Santa Barbara?

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