Local moving companies in Indianapolis

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Busy Bee Movers: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  4. Stuartโ€™s Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Bellhop Moving

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 2878240

Years in Business: 13

4916 Lemans Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46205 US

Customers rave about Bellhop Movingโ€™s speed, efficiency, and friendly approach. Out of 115 reviews, nearly 70% share positive input, highlighting fast-moving crews, affordable prices, clear communication, and respectful service. Many describe the process as easy and stress-free. On the downside, about a quarter of feedback points to problems like late arrivals, damaged belongings, and a lack of follow-through from customer service. Complaints focus on delayed service, unwrapped or mishandled items, and poor responsiveness when issues arise. Compared to traditional movers, Bellhop often wins on price and flexibility but loses ground on reliability during peak times. Most customers praise the courteous staff and quick booking, yet a minority experienced significant disruptions or property damage. While Bellhop is often a cost-effective and efficient choice, those with high-value or complex moves may want to weigh the risk of potential delays or mishandling before booking.

Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Bellhops, Inc.
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Planes Moving & Storage Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.8 / 5

DOT #:  1458935

Years in Business: 105

2635 Planes Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46219 US

Planes Moving & Storage earns praise for its professional, helpful staff and efficient moving process, backed by 236 reviews with nearly 90% positive feedback. Customers often highlight careful handling of items, prompt service, and friendly movers who make the relocation much easier than with other companies. Many clients say the teams take extra steps to protect property and communicate well throughout moves. Affordability and transparent pricing also surface as advantages. In contrast, the most common complaints involve significant damage to belongings, unresolved compensation issues, and lack of communication from coordinators. Some people report surprise charges or poor response to claims. The volume and consistency of positive input position Planes ahead of most moving companies in reliability and customer satisfaction, though a few negative cases stand out for property damage and service gaps.

Get a Quote (317) 895-1444

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Planes Companies
  • Planes Specialized Logistics
  • Planes Commercial Services
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Busy Bee Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 573343

Years in Business: 34

6148 South Belmont Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46217 US

Buzzing with strong feedback, Busy Bee Movers stands out for efficiency, professionalism, careful handling, speed, and affordable rates, as reflected in 61.4% positive input from 324 reviews. Customers highlight respectful teams and jobs completed on time at competitive prices. Many appreciate transparent quotes and swift, careful moves. While the moving crews earn praise for their hard work, affordable rates, and organization, 34.3% of feedback points to drawbacks such as unexpected charges, inadequate communication, and items occasionally arriving damaged. Some reviewers describe being overcharged compared to estimates, and several mention frustration when issues go unaddressed by management. Compared to other moving companies, Busy Bee Movers is celebrated for dependable staff and cost savings, but concerns about billing accuracy and responsive support set them apart as a company best suited for those willing to double-check pricing and terms in advance.

Get a Quote (317) 695-9927

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Stuartโ€™s Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 3308205

Years in Business: 88

2058 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St., Indianapolis, IN 46202 US

Stuartโ€™s Moving & Storage earns acclaim for reliable, friendly movers and attention to detail, reflected in almost 90% positive feedback from 56 reviews. Customers praise the staff's professionalism, careful handling of belongings, efficiency, effective communication, and willingness to help on moving day. Positive feedback highlights accurate estimates, organized packing, and courteous treatment of property and people. Pricing is frequently described as fair, with several clients noting cost transparency and even savings. Negative input centers on rare but significant packing mistakes leading to damaged or missing items, and one case of unhelpful service regarding unloading assistance. Neutral comments report satisfactory moves but cite higher pricing and minor damages. Compared to similar companies, Stuartโ€™s stands out for its consistently helpful, personable movers and reliable execution but should note that a handful of clients experienced lapses in special item care and responsiveness.

Get a Quote (317) 924-0505

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Stuart's Household & Furniture Moving & Storage, Inc.
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Sherman Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 719392

Years in Business: 92

990 National Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227 US

Sherman Moving & Storage earns praise for a professional and courteous team, efficient service, careful handling of belongings, and a moving process many customers find fast and stress-free. Most feedback highlights their reliability, with many saying the movers protect property and provide peace of mindโ€”a notable advantage compared to other moving companies. Users often describe the staff as friendly, knowledgeable, and highly recommended the service. On the downside, some customers report significant issues such as damages to items, especially furniture, higher costs than quoted, and unprofessional behavior from certain staff members. Concerns about billing transparency and complaint handling occasionally surface. Sherman stands out positively for its attentive staff and efficiency, but some past clients report disappointment due to unresolved damages or unexpected charges. Out of 74 reviews, 71.6% were positive.

Get a Quote (317) 784-5462

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Alternative Business Names

  • Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
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Factors influencing moving costs from Indianapolis to California

The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Indianapolis, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Indianapolis, IN, to California

If youโ€™re moving to California from Indianapolis, IN, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Indianapolis vs. California

Indianapolis, IN California
Average rent cost $1,399 $1,856
Average home cost $220,467 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $59,110 $91,905
Unemployment rate 5.6% 5.4%
State income tax 3.15% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 54% more expensive in California than in Indianapolis.
  • Home prices are about 240.6% higher in California than in Indianapolis.
  • The average income is about 48.8% higher in California than in Indianapolis.
  • California has a lower unemployment rate than Indianapolis by about 5.6%.
  • Income taxes are 322.22% higher in California than in Indianapolis.

How life is different in Indianapolis, IN, from California

Indianapolis, IN California
Population 887,642 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 49-48 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 84ยบF 87ยบF
Winter low 20ยบF 59ยบF
Annual rain 42" 22"
Annual snow 22" 7"
Crime index 60.71 28.43
  • The population of California is approximately 4,297% greater than the population of Indianapolis.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Indianapolis voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ยบ F and in Indianapolis, itโ€™s 84ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ยบ F and Indianapolis gets down to 20ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs. 42 inches of rainfall in Indianapolis.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs. 22 inches of snow in Indianapolis.

Other considerations when moving to California from Indianapolis

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, youโ€™ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a โ€œT Numberโ€ issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in California

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.

Museums in Californiatoggle

  • The Getty Center
  • USS Midway Museum
  • Hess Persson Estates
  • California State Railroad Museum
  • The Getty Villa
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
  • Norton Simon Museum
  • Mission San Luis Rey
  • Tallac Historic Site
  • Petersen Automotive Museum
  • Original McDonald's Site and Museum
  • Oakland Museum of California
  • March Field Air Museum
  • Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum

Parks in Californiatoggle

  • La Jolla Cove
  • Heisler Park
  • Sonoma Plaza
  • Mount Rubidoux Park
  • Redwood Regional Park
  • MacKerricher State Park
  • Tilden Regional Park
  • Dinosaur Caves Park
  • Greystone Mansion and Park
  • Rancho San Antonio County Park
  • Serra Cross Park
  • Coyote Hills Regional Park
  • Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
  • Palisades Park
  • Irvine Regional Park

Sports Teams in Californiatoggle

  • Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
  • San Jose Sharks (NHL)
  • Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
  • Oakland Athletics (MLB)
  • San Diego Padres (MLB)
  • San Francisco Giants (MLB)
  • Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
  • Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
  • San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
  • Golden State Warriors (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
  • Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
  • Sacramento Kings (NBA)
  • LA Galaxy (MLS)
  • Los Angeles FC (MLS)
  • San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)

Universities in Californiatoggle

  • Stanford University
  • University of California, Berkeley
  • University of California, Los Angeles
  • University of Southern California
  • University of California, San Diego
  • University of California, Davis
  • University of California, Irvine
  • California Institute of Technology
  • University of California, Santa Barbara
  • University of California, Riverside
  • University of California, Santa Cruz
  • University of California, San Francisco
  • San Diego State University
  • California State University, Northridge

FAQs

How long does a move from Indianapolis to California take?

The time it takes to move from Indianapolis, IN, to California depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Indianapolis to California?

Need to get your car from Indianapolis to California? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Indianapolis to California car shippers.

Why are people moving from Indianapolis to California?

Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Indianapolis?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Indianapolis.

Helpful moving resources