Best 5 Movers in San Diego, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Diego

You should consider a few key factors when choosing a moving company. These are some things to look for when hiring movers in San Diego.

Determine Your Budget

Based on our findings, the average cost of a local mover in San Diego is $86 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,304 for a two-bedroom move. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, the season, your home size, and move distance.

You should get quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Request written estimates that provide a clear breakdown of the total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies rely on positive customer reviews. Read customer reviews on platforms like social media, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Google Reviews, and Yelp to identify movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in San Diego 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 check a company's license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.

The requirements change if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can find a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Ask if your chosen mover provides the services that align with your expectations as you receive quotes. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any basic or add-on services you might require. Inform your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to evaluate whether the company can provide suitable service.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers provide the following basic services as a part of their base price:

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

Inform your moving company about any additional services you require as you go through the quote process. Increased pricing may apply for the following services:

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

Tips To Consider When Moving in San Diego, CA

Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within San Diego.

Schedule an Early Move

San Diego usually gets hectic during rush hour. Navigating it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local movers charge by the hour. We advise planning before morning rush hour, which makes sure the movers avoid heavy traffic and complete the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest period for moving, which falls between May and September, coincides with the hot summer temperatures in San Diego. This can negatively impact your moving experience. By planning your move at least eight weeks in advance, you should be able to secure the moving company you want. However, be prepared for the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.

Pack in Advance

Most moving companies only carry items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. You should start packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes each day to avoid rushing when move day comes. Your movers may have a few spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.

How Much do Movers Cost in San Diego, CA

Movers in San Diego cost $2,662 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,464 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.