Moving from New York to California (2024 Guide)
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Over the last several years, many New York residents have left the East Coast to settle down in California. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 40,000 New York residents relocated to California in 2019 alone. If you’re one of the thousands of New York residents moving to the West Coast, it’s important to begin planning your trek with a careful review of the best moving companies. This guide pulls from our 500+ hours of research to help make your move from New York to California seamless and stress-free.
Best New York to California Movers
We found the following providers to be the best New York to California Movers after reviewing their service offerings, protection plans, and more:
Compare Top New York to California Movers
The table below pulls from our research and methodology, providing an easy way to compare and contact top movers from New York to California.
| Best For | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Van Lines |  | Best Service Offerings | B | VISIT SITE | |
| American Van Lines |  | Best Overall Moving Labor | A | VISIT SITE | |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group |  | Most Efficient | B | VISIT SITE | |
| JK Moving Services |  | Best Specialized Packing | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| Allied Van Lines |  | Best for Vehicle Relocation | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| North American Van Lines |  | Best for Claims | A+ | VISIT SITE | |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT |  | Best Self-Service Mover | A | VISIT SITE |
| International Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Service Offerings |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| American Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Overall Moving Labor |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Most Efficient |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | B |
| JK Moving Services | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Specialized Packing |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| Allied Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best for Vehicle Relocation |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| North American Van Lines | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best for Claims |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A+ |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | |
|---|---|
| Logo |
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| Best For | Best Self-Service Mover |
| Star Rating | |
| BBB Rating | A |
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Estimate Info | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B | $2,500–$4,300 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A | $3,200–$3,500 | VISIT SITE | ||
| B | $2,800–$4,000 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | $7,550 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | $4,730–$5,380 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A+ | $4,700–$5,350 | VISIT SITE | ||
| A | N/A | VISIT SITE |
Benefits of Moving from New York to California
Moving from the East to the West Coast comes with more than a change in scenery. While the two cultures can be quite distinct, there are many reasons for New Yorkers to consider this move.
Here are three of the top reasons to move from New York to California:
- Mild weather: There’s a reason California is called the Golden State. With an average of just 21 inches of rainfall per year, California is awash in sunshine most days. For those who have braved New York winters, California’s moderate year-round temperatures are a welcome change. While summer months can be hot, fall and winter temperatures in California are usually mild, depending on which part of the state you’re in. For example, a typical January in San Francisco averages 53–66 degrees.
- Job opportunities: Although California’s cost of living is relatively high, it can still be an attractive place for people in certain professions. Silicon Valley is a draw for those in the tech industry and houses tech giants such as Facebook, Tesla, Apple, and Google. Los Angeles and Hollywood are still two of the best places to live if you work in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Central Valley’s agriculture industry is still the largest contributor to the state’s overall economy, and health care is fast becoming the largest employer statewide.
- Outdoor recreation: Few other places offer the diverse natural surroundings that can be found in California. From the redwoods to wine country to the desert landscapes and national parks, California is filled with opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. For those seeking year-round recreational opportunities such as biking, surfing, hiking, and mountain climbing, the Golden State is a great place to live.
How To Prepare for a New York to California Move
Here is a quick moving checklist to help you get started for your upcoming move.
- Choose between a DIY or full-service move: If you’re able to pay the higher cost of full-service movers and have lots of belongings, a full-service moving company may be your best option. However, if you prefer doing things yourself and have a tight budget, consider self-service.
- Hire a moving company: Do some research on moving companies near you and read customer reviews to vet your options. It’s best to start the process of hiring a mover three months before your anticipated move date. Some movers will give discounts for early reservations, so the sooner you get started, the better.
- Create a detailed inventory: While you create an inventory of your belongings, make note of your items’ conditions and take pictures. These photos and notes will come in handy if you have to file a damage claim for reimbursement.
- Start packing: Start packing around six to eight weeks before your move. Read about packing tips beforehand to get ideas for streamlining the process, and use your inventory list to determine the boxes you’ll need. To make the unpacking process easier, label your boxes and consider using specialty boxes, such as wardrobe boxes. Pack an essentials box with things you’ll need right away, such as clothes, medications, and important documents. Unpack this first in your new home.
- Downsize: Planning a long-distance move gives you the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Since your belongings’ weight impacts your move’s cost, you should declutter before getting a moving company estimate. If you know you will have bigger items, such as furniture, check out our guide on shipping furniture across the country.
- Inform key entities of your move: Be sure to inform insurance companies, tax agencies, utility companies, the post office, the Social Security Administration, and your internet service provider about your move. Update your license, registration, and insurance to your new California address.
Top Movers for New York to California
Before you make a move to California, you’ll want to consider the cost of relocating. Picking the right professional moving company comes down to which services you’ll need and how much you plan to spend. We recommend reaching out to at least three moving companies before making your decision.
Here are the best moving companies for New York to California moves.
International Van Lines
Best Service Offerings
American Van Lines
Best Overall Moving Labor
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Most Efficient
JK Moving Services
Best Specialized Packing
Allied Van Lines
Best for Vehicle Relocation
North American Van Lines
Best for Claims
1-800-PACK-RAT
Best Self-Service Mover
Our Conclusion
Take time to budget accordingly and consider whether you want a full-service or self-service move from New York to California. We recommend using a full-service company, such as International Van Lines, due to the extra peace of mind and protection.
Use our guides to help you prepare. Once you feel ready, request at least three quotes from different movers you want to use. This approach helps you compare and contrast all service options and protection plans against your budget.
Find Local Movers in NY
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving From New York to California
What should I do if my bill is higher on moving day than previously estimated?
If the moving cost is higher on moving day, you are not necessarily obligated to pay the additional charges at that time. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you are not required to pay more than 100% of a binding estimate (or 110% of a non-binding estimate) for any price increases after the moving truck has been loaded. The mover is required to bill any additional charges 30 days after delivery of your goods. A company cannot refuse to deliver your items due to non-payment of any added charges, which can be incurred if the inventory you provided ahead of moving day is incomplete or inaccurate. If you feel you have been hit with extra fees unfairly or a company will not deliver your possessions, you can file an online complaint with the FMCSA or contact the organization at 1-888-368-7238.
What steps should I take after relocating to California?
One of the first things to do after moving to the Golden State is to establish California residency. This can be done simply by renting or buying a home or apartment in California.
With residency established, you can get a California driver’s license and register your vehicle in the state. You will need to apply for a driver’s license within ten days of becoming a resident of California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles website provides step-by-step instructions on getting a state license, registering your car, and getting a new license plate.
You will also need to update your car insurance policy. Each state has slightly different requirements when it comes to car insurance, so it’s important to review your coverage with your existing insurance provider to see if your current policy meets California’s requirements or if you will need additional coverage.
Other important steps to take as a new resident of California include registering to vote, researching local health care providers, updating your banking information, and learning more about filing a tax return.
How soon should I look for housing in California?
We recommend researching neighborhoods and rental prices online about three months before your moving date. Make a preference list, including price range, amenities, and commute distance. This will give you a good idea of options and costs. Contact a landlord or property manager around one to two months before your move so you can apply for the property and confirm a move-in schedule.
The key is giving yourself enough time to explore different areas and options, identify the right property, and handle all needed logistics. The earlier you start, the better selection you’ll have.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
