Best 5 Movers in Oakland, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in Oakland

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in Oakland.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, the average moving company in Oakland costs $78 per hour. The average local move costs $4,579 total for two-bedroom homes. Your home size, move distance, move date, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will determine your actual cost.

You should get quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Ask for written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Comparing the estimate provided by your mover to the final cost after the move helps ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Solid customer feedback is important for all moving companies. Reading customer reviews on forums such as Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and social media will show you which movers prioritize positive customer experiences. We recommend thoroughly researching customer reviews before choosing a moving company.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in Oakland must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you are only moving within California, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.

If you're moving across state lines, the regulations are different. Interstate moving companies must be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and must carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers to look up the company’s registration status and complaint history on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is crucial during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your belongings when requesting quotes and make a list of any basic or add-on services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Inform your moving company representative regarding any special conditions or needs to evaluate whether the company can provide adequate service.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will include the following moving services in the base price for standard moves:

• Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
• Loading and unloading
• Released liability coverage for loss or damage

If you need special services from your moving company, share these during the quote process. Services that contribute to increased pricing include the following:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Piano moving
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in Oakland, CA

Consider the following before moving to, from, or within Oakland.

Schedule an Early Move

Oakland sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be more difficult in a moving truck. Getting stuck in traffic can lead to delays and impact your budget since local movers charge by the hour. We suggest arranging before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid heavy traffic and complete the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

Moving season peaks between May and September. In Oakland, this time corresponds to very hot summer weather, which can delay or worsen your moving experience. You should be able to schedule with your preferred moving company by contacting movers well in advance. However, keep in mind that the heat may impact your movers.

Pack in Advance

Begin packing approximately six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a few boxes each day to make the process less stressful. Most movers only transport items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive.

How Much do Movers Cost in Oakland, CA

Movers in Oakland cost $2,757 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,629 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.