How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Francisco
Some factors you should consider when looking for a moving company include customer reviews, cost, services offered, and licensing.
Determine Your Budget
The average hourly rate for local movers in San Francisco is $119. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,266 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, the season, your home size, and move distance.
We suggest obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should break down your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate handy until the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing practices.
Read Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are indispensable when looking into moving companies. You can find movers with positive customer experiences by reading reviews on platforms like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, social media, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot.
Ensure Proper Licensing
Moving companies in San Francisco must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're moving from one California city to another, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's local 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
Asking whether the mover provides the services you need is essential during the quote process. Conduct an inventory of your home before requesting quotes and make a list of any additional services that might be necessary to ensure accurate pricing. Tell the moving company about any particular needs to evaluate whether the company is a good fit.
Types of Moving Services
Full-service movers will provide 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
Inform your moving company about any extra services you need while going through the quote process. Services that can lead to higher 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 San Francisco, CA
Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind for your San Francisco move.
Schedule an Early Move
San Francisco usually gets congested during rush hour. Maneuvering through 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 moving companies charge by the hour. You can avoid this by scheduling your move several hours before or after morning rush hour.
Avoid Busy Season
Moving season peaks between May and September. In San Francisco, this time overlaps with hot summer weather, which can worsen 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, keep in mind the possibility that the hot weather could make the move more difficult for your movers.
Pack in Advance
You should begin packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time daily to avoid needing to pack at the last minute. Most movers won't move items that aren't packed by the time your move starts.
How Much do Movers Cost in San Francisco, CA
Movers in San Francisco cost $2,649 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,305 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.
| Distance | Studio-1 Bedroom | 2-3 Bedroom | 4+ Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 250 miles | $2,649 | $3,164 | $7,305 |
| 250-999 miles | $3,263 | $3,796 | $10,766 |
| 1,000-2,499 miles | $3,303 | $4,351 | $11,191 |
| 2,500+ miles | $3,228 | $5,420 | $13,337 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in San Francisco
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