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  • Written by
    Jessica Hurtault
  • Fact Checked
  • Updated

A professional moving company can help when relocating from, to, or within the vibrant city of San Mateo, California. A professional mover can make moving easier in San Mateo's sometimes uncomfortable temperatures. We've put together a list of the top local and long-distance movers in San Mateo below.

Consider the movers below for your long-distance or local move.

Top Pick
IVL logo
4.8/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

  • Best Overall
  • Full-Service Mover
  • Worldwide Availability
Most Experienced Mover
American Van Lines logo
4.5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

  • Experienced Crews
  • Binding Estimates
  • Price-Matching Policy
Most Customer-Oriented
Safeway Moving logo
4.4/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

  • No-fuss estimates
  • Nationwide moves
  • Donates to St Jude Children's Research Hospital

10 Best Moving Companies in San Mateo

Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.

Top Rated Provider
Nice Bay Movers Logo
Top Rated

Nice Bay Movers

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 88 reviews


533 Airport Blvd. #400, Burlingame, CA 94010

(650) 488-8555

nicebaymovers.com

Ian's Movers

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 41 reviews


827 El Camino Real #3, Burlingame, CA 94010

(415) 738-7701

iansmovers.com
IMOVING LLC Logo

IMOVING LLC

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 36 reviews


1160 Chess Dr STE 6, Foster City, CA 94404

(415) 678-8794

imovingllc.com
101 Bay Area Movers Logo

101 Bay Area Movers

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 30 reviews


754 Bounty Dr, Foster City, CA 94404

(415) 347-3266

101bayareamovers.com
CEO Moving Logo

CEO Moving

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 21 reviews


645 Old County Rd Apt 113, Belmont, CA 94002

(650) 477-8736

www.ceomoving.com
The Flying House Moving Services Logo

The Flying House Moving Services

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 130 reviews


1015 Foster City Blvd apt D, Foster City, CA 94404

(415) 741-1777

www.tfhmoving.com
ML Movers Logo

ML Movers

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 41 reviews


834 Willow St, Redwood City, CA 94063

(650) 780-9695

mlmovers.com
Movee Me Logo

Movee Me

4.6/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 29 reviews


338 Highland Ave, San Mateo, CA 94401

(415) 699-6883

moveemellc.com

Wally's Moving & Junk Removal Services

4.6/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 129 reviews


119 N Amphlett Blvd, San Mateo, CA 94401

(650) 766-2811

www.movingcompanyinsanmateo.com
White Red Moving & Storage Logo

White Red Moving & Storage

4.6/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 55 reviews


21 22nd Ave, San Mateo, CA 94403

(650) 777-8960

whiteredmoving.com

Facts about San Mateo

  • Population:
    102,400
  • Median Age:
    39 years
  • Median Rent:
    $3,345
  • Median House Value:
    $1,500,748
  • Cost Of Living Percentile:
    100%
  • Median Income:
    $149,152

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Mateo

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when choosing movers in San Mateo.

Determine Your Budget

The average hourly rate for local movers in San Mateo is $117. A two-bedroom move in the area costs around $4,520 in total. Your home size, move date, move distance, and any additional tasks you need the movers to do will contribute to your actual cost.

We suggest getting quotes from three or more reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should outline your total cost and the hourly rate or flat fee. Keep your mover's estimate and compare it to the final invoice to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Moving companies depend on customer feedback. Read customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google Reviews, and social media to find moving companies with excellent customer service.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in San Mateo must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're making a close-range move that's purely 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.

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

Services

Ask if the mover you chose provides the services that align with your expectations while obtaining quotes. Create a list of any basic or add-on services you may require and take a full inventory of your home before seeking quotes. Notify your moving company representative regarding any specific requirements or unique circumstances to evaluate whether the company can provide suitable service.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers will include the following services in the base price:

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

If you require additional services from your moving company, mention these during the quote process. Services that can contribute to higher pricing are:

  • 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 Mateo, CA

Here are some extra tips to keep in mind when moving in San Mateo.

Schedule an Early Move

San Mateo usually gets congested with traffic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a standard personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may lead to delays and a higher cost since local moving companies charge by the hour. Arranging your move for the early morning ensures that your movers arrive before rush hour and make the trip to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is lighter.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with San Mateo's hot weather. This can affect your moving process if you begin looking too late and can't find an available moving company. Plan ahead and book your chosen mover at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the hot summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.

Pack in Advance

You should start packing about six weeks before you move. Allocate some packing time each day to avoid needing to pack at the last minute. Most moving companies won't handle items that haven't been packed by your scheduled moving time.

How Much do Movers Cost in San Mateo, CA

Movers in San Mateo cost $2,736.79 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,378.44 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.

DistanceStudio-1 Bedroom2-3 Bedroom4+ Bedroom
Less than 250 miles$2,736.79$3,643.31$8,378.44
250-999 miles$3,355.63$4,327.66$11,735.01
1,000-2,499 miles$3,409.22$4,908.79$12,617.17
2,500+ miles$3,413.42$6,001.91$14,813.81

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving in San Mateo

Moving Data Sources

CDC Wonder

U.S. Census

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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