The BEST Long-Distance Movers in Watsonville, CA

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

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We know that every move is different. Jump to a mover that fits your unique needs:
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

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

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
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Best long-distance movers in Watsonville for those moving out of state

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

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(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
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(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
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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
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Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
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
(866) 835-2392

Best long-distance movers in Watsonville for those staying in state

Are you moving from Watsonville 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 Watsonville, CA, movers:

Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (49%)
  • Efficient service (47%)
  • Excellent communication (42%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (19%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
  • Unexpected charges (14%)
Review Analysis
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc. has 43 customer reviews, with 88% of them being positive. Customers frequently praise the company for its professional and polite staff, efficient service, and excellent communication throughout the moving process. While most feedback is favorable, some customers reported issues such as damage to items, delayed arrival, and unexpected charges. Despite these concerns, many agree that Scarr Moving is one of the best moving companies they have encountered, often highlighting their care for belongings and overall service quality.
Get a Quote (831) 424-2784

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
Pros
  • Efficient service (36%)
  • Professional and polite staff (30%)
  • Good communication (29%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (23%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
  • Lack of communication (18%)
Review Analysis
Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc. has 85 online customer reviews, 79% of which are positive. Customers praise the company's efficient service, professional staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many appreciate the clear communication throughout the moving process. However, some feedback highlights issues with damaged items, delayed deliveries, and unresponsive customer service during claims. Despite these challenges, most customers find Cardinale to be a reliable choice compared to other moving companies.
Get a Quote (831) 632-4100

Company Info

State license #: 0102808

Years in Business: 52

DOT #: 45193


Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name in Castroville, CA for local residential moves since 1973. With decades of experience, they stand out for their comprehensive services, including packing, unpacking, and specialized moving for items like pianos and antiques. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer convenient payment options, including credit cards and cryptocurrency, and require no deposit. Their reputation is solid, with an A+ rating from the BBB, a 4.5-star average on Google, and a 3.9-star average on Yelp, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Efficient service (34%)
  • Professional and polite staff (28%)
  • Careful handling (26%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (18%)
  • Lack of communication (15%)
  • Unexpected charges (12%)
Review Analysis
Lambert & Son Moving has 335 customer reviews, with 92% of those being positive. Customers praise the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Many appreciate the transparent pricing and quick response times. However, some feedback points to issues like damage to items and a lack of communication in certain situations. Overall, Lambert & Son stands out in the moving industry for its professionalism and commitment to customer satisfaction, making it a top choice for those needing moving services.
Get a Quote (831) 420-0419

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
Pros
  • Efficient service (32%)
  • Professional and polite staff (27%)
  • Good communication (26%)
Cons
  • Damage to items (25%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (21%)
  • Lack of communication (20%)
Review Analysis
Tavares Packing & Loading has 124 online customer reviews, 79% of which are positive. Many customers praised the company for its efficient service, friendly staff, and careful handling of belongings. Customers appreciated how the team was punctual and professional throughout the moving process. However, some feedback highlighted issues such as damage to items, delayed communication, and unexpected charges. While many found the service to be reliable and reasonably priced, others experienced frustrating last-minute cancellations and poor customer service. Overall, Tavares is seen as a solid choice for moving, but potential customers should be aware of some negative experiences.
Get a Quote (831) 402-8949

Company Info

State license #: 0191257

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 3183311

Alternate Names: Tavares Eduardo, Eddie Tavares Packing & Loading


Tavares Packing & Loading has been providing top-notch local residential moving services in and around Salinas, CA since 2014. Known for their reliability and expertise, they also offer packing and unpacking services, making moving a seamless experience. With 93 Yelp reviews averaging 4.5 stars and 16 Google reviews averaging 4.3 stars, their customer satisfaction speaks volumes. Boasting an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Tavares Packing & Loading stands out among other nearby moving companies for their dedication to quality and service excellence. They accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, adding convenience to their exceptional service.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
Pros
  • Professional and polite staff (37%)
  • Efficient service (31%)
  • Careful handling (29%)
Cons
  • Unexpected charges (20%)
  • Delayed arrival or delivery (16%)
  • Lack of communication (12%)
Review Analysis
Fairprice Movers has 49 customer reviews, 90% of which are positive. Many customers praise the company for its professional and polite staff, efficient service, and careful handling of belongings. Positive feedback highlights their clear communication and affordable rates. On the downside, some customers reported unexpected charges and delays in delivery. Despite these issues, Fairprice Movers is often recommended for their reliable service, especially compared to other moving companies.
Get a Quote (831) 440-7939

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

Best long-distance movers in Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, check out these suggestions:

Best for Small Moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • No minimum size
  • Top-quality materials
  • Full-service packing
read our full review
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best for small moves
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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 Watsonville, CA

Moving containers, also known as pods, offer short- and long-term storage so you can move from Watsonville 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 Watsonville include:

Best Nationwide Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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
Check prices
Best value container
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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
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Rental trucks in Watsonville, CA for a total DIY long-distance move

Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move long-distance from Watsonville, 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:

Best Availability
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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
Most Reliable
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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 Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, CA:

Best Labor Only
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 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
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Best customer experience
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(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
(866) 774-5063

Comparing the best long-distance movers in Watsonville, CA

How we chose the best long-distance movers in Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, 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 Watsonville, CA to popular cities:

Destination Distance Home size Cost
Little Rock, AR 1,908 miles 3 bedroom $4,359 - $6,958
Jacksonville, FL 2,704 miles 2 bedroom $3,709 - $6,606
Louisville, KY 2,327 miles 1 bedroom $2,540 - $5,509

To get an accurate estimate of the cost for your long-distance move out of Watsonville, 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 Watsonville 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 Watsonville?

If you’re moving across town, a local moving company in Watsonville 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 Watsonville?

Moving companies in Watsonville 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 Watsonville?

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

Long-distance movers in nearby cities

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