Best Moving Companies in California
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While California is renowned for its beautiful scenery, moving across its mountainous terrain, sprawling deserts, and coastal areas can be a challenge. The state is also notorious for its congested highways and strict permitting requirements in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, which can throw a wrench into your moving plans.
To help you find a reliable mover with experience in California, we researched 15 leading moving companies. Our team surveyed 1,000 moving customers, read hundreds of customer reviews, and gathered quotes to get accurate pricing. We then chose the top five that we think serve California best, with Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines landing our No. 1 and 2 spots.
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Top Moving Companies in California
We chose the following five companies due to their customer support track record, reputation, pricing, service offerings, item protection, and scheduling options:
- Allied Van Lines
- North American Van Lines
- JK Moving Services
- International Van Lines
- Safeway Moving Inc.
There are a few small local companies we also like, which we get into later in this article. However, larger companies typically have more resources, including a fleet of trucks and experienced personnel, which allows them to handle the logistical challenges that come with navigating California’s diverse terrains. They also tend to have better access to equipment, specialized services, and technology for tracking and coordinating moves.
Comparing Top California Movers
Below is a table comparing our recommended California movers. We calculated the average pricing for each company based on five quotes for two-bedroom moves ranging between 500 and 800 miles. Moving costs can vary based on your home’s size. Larger homes often cost more because they require additional labor, larger trucks, and sometimes extra moving days.
| Provider | Our Score | BBB Rating* | Average Price | Deposit | Get an Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $5,370 | None | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $5,969 | None | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $5,250 | Up to 25% | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| B- | $5,631 | Up to 40% | GET ESTIMATE | ||
| A+ | $7,171 | $250 | GET ESTIMATE |
*The Better Business Bureau is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of November 2024.
Services Offered
All of our recommended movers offers packing/unpacking and loading/unloading services. In table below, we’ve highlighted any additional services they offer that you may be looking for.
| Specialty Services Offered | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines | JK Moving Services | International Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly/reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Crating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Appliance and electronics handling | ✔ | ✔ | X | X | ✔ |
| Antique/specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Key Moving Terms Explained
Moving contracts and industry jargon can be confusing—especially when you’re trying to make sense of estimates and service agreements. Here are a few moving terms you’ll come across when looking for movers:
- Carriers: These are moving companies that offer moving services with their own fleet of trucks. This is our preferred option because it’s a more streamlined experience, and they assume responsibility for any damages during your move.
- Brokers: These moving companies don’t have their own moving trucks and don’t transport goods themselves—instead, they outsource these services to other providers. Brokers aren’t responsible for damages to your belongings. While it’s totally possible to have a good experience with a broker, the quality varies more than with a carrier because of the large network of contractors you could be paired with.
- Nonbinding estimate: This is a rough estimate of what your move will cost, which could fluctuate depending on your inventory weight and add-on services.
- Binding estimate: This type of estimate locks you in at a certain price based on the weight of your belongings. Additional services may increase your total cost.
- Not-to-exceed estimate: This is the least common estimate type, but it’s also the best option. You won’t pay more than your original estimate, even if your inventory weight ends up being higher, and if it’s lower, you could even pay less than originally quoted.
Our Reviews of the Best California Moving Companies
The movers below all have experience with relocations across California, making them ideal for navigating the state’s complex logistics.
Allied Van Lines
North American Van Lines
JK Moving Services
International Van Lines
Safeway Moving Inc.
Moving Long-Distance To or From California
For long-distance moves, think about how far your new home is and which route your movers will need to take. Finding movers who know a variety of terrains is important if you’re moving to or from a different environment, like going from New York to California. Expertise in cross-country logistics is also useful. Movers experienced in long-haul journeys, like the companies listed above, are more likely to efficiently handle challenges such as crossing the Rocky Mountains or navigating the Southwest’s arid deserts.
Discuss special items and storage options, and gather detailed cost estimates from multiple movers to get the best value. Make sure to comply with interstate regulations and understand the legal requirements for your move.
Moving Locally Within California
When moving within California, you and your movers should account for heavy traffic—especially if you’re moving to a big city like Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego. The state’s diverse terrain, including mountains and coastal areas, can also challenge moving trucks, so communicate any access issues to your movers ahead of time. California’s varied weather and potential need for parking permits in some cities should also be considered.
Local California Moving Companies
We recommend national van lines for long-distance moves because of their extensive networks and resources, but local California movers may be a better fit if you’re moving a short distance in the state. Here are a few standout options:
Sacramento and Northern California
Mother Lode Van and Storage: This family-owned business has served California since 1975. It helps military personnel, students, and more with their moves throughout the greater Sacramento and Northern California regions.
San Francisco/Bay Area
Gentle Giant Moving: This company is a popular choice for local moves in California. We like the fact that it offers a money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with your moving services. It also has plenty of locations around San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Los Angeles
Oz Moving and Storage: This company has over 25 years of experience and offers comprehensive moving options, including last-minute moves and senior moves.
San Diego
The Rock Movers: This San Diego-based moving company offers residential and commercial moving services. It has moving plans ranging from $129 per hour to $199 per hour, including assembly, packing/unpacking, and loading/unloading.
Other Moving Options
If a full-service move is outside of your budget or you prefer to do things yourself, moving container or truck rental companies are a cheaper way to move in or out of California. Container services allow you to pack your belongings at your own pace into a portable storage unit. This is useful for short local moves, and it’s often less expensive than paying for packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading. Of the movers on our list, only Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines offer moving containers.
Another option to consider is self-truck rentals from companies such as U-Haul or Penske. Renting a truck allows you to control your timeline and reduce costs. Before you choose this option, make sure you’re comfortable driving a large truck through California’s terrain and traffic. You’ll also need to tow your vehicle or have someone drive it for you.
How Much Does a California Move Cost?
Moving a three-bedroom home across state lines to California costs roughly $6,914, according to multiple quotes we gathered for the moving providers on our list. Based on the results of our survey, this is pricier than most three-bedroom interstate moves by around $2,670.
Moving to California tends to be more expensive for several reasons. First, the state’s large population and high demand for movers can drive up costs. Major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego experience frequent moves, which increases competition for movers—especially during peak seasons like summer. This high demand can lead to increased pricing for interstate moves.
California also has strict regulations regarding transportation and emissions, which can affect moving costs. Moving trucks must meet specific environmental standards, and the state imposes heavy fees on noncompliant vehicles. These regulations often result in higher operating costs for moving companies, which are passed down to customers. The state’s diverse geography, ranging from urban centers to rural areas, can also make navigating and transporting goods more complicated, further raising prices for movers.
Home Size
The following chart summarizes average moving costs for different home sizes across the country. We gathered and analyzed 84 cost estimates from 11 moving companies based on inventory weight and move distance. All estimates we gathered were binding.
Inventory weight
| 1 Bedroom (2,000–4,000 lbs) | 2 Bedroom (4,000–7,000 lbs) | 3 Bedroom (7,000–10,000 lbs) | 4 Bedroom(10,000+ lbs) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Distance | Cost | Cost | Cost | Cost |
| < 1,000 miles | $2,850–$4,230 | $4,060–$7,150 | $7,350–$8,590 | $11,000–$14,800 |
| 1,000–1,500 miles | $3,250–$5,130 | $5,500–$8,750 | $8,250–$12,000 | $11,800–$17,800 |
| > 1,500 miles | $3,550–$5,130+ | $6,000–$8,750+ | $8,650–$12,000+ | $12,200–$21,000+ |
Remember that California’s moving market is generally higher than average. If you’re planning a move into, out of, or within California, budget slightly above these ranges—especially if you’re moving to a high-demand city or need a multiday move.
Single-Day vs. Multiday Moves
Single-day moves are typically cheaper because they involve less logistical coordination and fewer resources, while multiday moves may be more expensive due to increased labor, time, and potential overnight fees.
Full-Service vs. Partial-Service Moves
Full-service moves include packing, loading, and transportation, while partial-service moves may only include one or a couple of these services. The moving companies on our list are full-service movers. However, they also offer partial-service packages. If you’re looking to cut costs, a partial-service mover could be a better choice.
Tipping
Tipping movers is generally appreciated and can be a good way to acknowledge their hard work—especially if you’re happy with your service. A typical range is $20–$50 per mover for a standard local move, but the amount may vary based on the difficulty of the move and the level of service provided.
How To Get a Good Price
Here are a few expert tips on how to get the best price for your California move:
- Shop around: Get quotes from several movers to compare rates and services. Be sure to ask if your estimate is binding or nonbinding.
- Understand estimate types: For a more predictable price, choose a binding estimate— especially if you’re moving long distances or have a tight budget.
- Book early and during off-peak times: If you can, plan your move for fall or winter when demand is lower. You may be able to get a lower price.
- Ask about discounts: Many moving companies offer discounts for military members, students, and seniors. Check movers’ websites or ask about these discounts when getting a quote.
- Read your moving contract: Make sure you understand all the details of your contract, including what’s included in the price and any additional fees. Some companies charge extra for services like packing, moving up or down stairs, or transporting items long distances from your home to the truck. Be aware of these fees so you don’t get hit with any surprises.
What Is Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance protects your belongings while relocating. All full-service moving companies are required to offer the following two insurance options:
- Released value protection: Every moving company provides this insurance if your belongings are damaged or lost. However, the amount you’ll be reimbursed depends on the item’s weight.
- Full-value protection: This insurance reimburses you for the full value of lost or damaged items, but you’ll need to pay extra. Nearly 75% of our moving survey respondents chose full-value coverage and said that the extra charge was worth the peace of mind.
Some moving companies offer additional coverage options, such as catastrophic coverage and high-value item coverage, to give you more flexibility and assurance. These options vary by company, so ask your moving representative for more details when you get a quote.
If your moving company doesn’t offer the insurance you want, you can opt for third-party insurance. This means your belongings are covered by a separate company that will be responsible for lost or damaged items, rather than your mover. Third-party insurance often provides more flexibility, higher coverage limits, and customizable policies, so it may be a good fit if you need specialized coverage or higher protection limits than what your mover offers.
California Moving Regulations
California has specific regulations for moving companies, including licensing requirements and insurance mandates. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) oversees intrastate moving companies to make sure they’re properly licensed and insured. To check that your moving company is legit, you can verify its licensing status on the CPUC website. Out-of-state movers must adhere to federal regulations set by the FMCSA.
If you’re moving within a city, be aware of any local regulations regarding parking permits for moving trucks or restrictions on moving during certain hours. Check with your local city or county office for specific requirements that may apply to your move.
Nailing Down Your Moving Timeline
Having a timeline for your move will help you stay organized and avoid potential headaches. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Eight weeks before: Create an inventory of your belongings and sort them into “keep,” “donate,” and “discard” categories. Use the “keep” inventory to gather estimates and quotes.
- Six weeks before: Confirm your chosen moving company and lock in your preferred pickup and delivery dates. Pack nonessential items such as out-of-season clothing and decorative items.
- Four weeks before: Continue packing, focusing on less frequently used items such as books, media collections, and off-season sporting equipment. Arrange to disconnect and reconnect utilities at both your current and new addresses. Transfer or cancel subscriptions, memberships, or recurring services.
- Two weeks before: Pack semi-essential items, reserving only necessities such as basic kitchenware, toiletries, and a few changes of clothing. File an official change of address with USPS for mail forwarding. Reconfirm all details with your chosen moving company, including pickup and delivery dates, insurance coverage, and any specific handling requirements.
- Moving week: Finish packing any remaining items, such as kitchen essentials and clothing. Assemble a separate bag or box containing important documents and valuables, keeping it readily accessible during transit. Do a final walkthrough of your current residence.
Advice From a Moving Customer
While we recommend full-service movers for bulky or long-distance moves, self-service options can work well if you’re on a tight budget or not moving a lot of stuff. For example, 26-year-old Rheana P. used U-Haul for her move from Minnesota to San Diego, California in early 2023, then again when she moved to Washington seven months later.
“You pick up the truck, you pack it up yourself, drive it, and then drop it off at the nearest location,” Rheana said of her U-Haul experience. “I thought that worked wonderfully with the amount of people I was moving with. If I didn’t have my parents helping me, I probably would’ve needed to hire movers to help me carry stuff in and out.”
Rheana also mentioned that parking restrictions were a bit of a hassle with her truck rental. “We did have some trouble finding places to park the U-Haul when we first got there.” Rheana was able to park the moving truck at a rental property she stayed at for a couple of days, but if you don’t have one available to you, we recommend securing a temporary parking permit or scouting out nearby public parking lots that allow oversized vehicles. Planning ahead can save time and prevent unexpected fines or delays on moving day.
How We Evaluated California Movers
We chose our top five California movers after closely comparing 14 leading moving companies. We looked for movers that offer reliable, transparent, and high-quality services to meet the specific challenges of moving within, to, or from California.
Our Rating System
We did independent research, read thousands of reviews, spoke with industry experts, and gathered feedback from customers who had recent moving experiences to rank our recommended moving companies. Our team compared and tested movers across several metrics, using a comprehensive scoring system to assess the quality of each company.
These are the criteria we used:
- Customer service: We checked each company’s BBB rating and complaint response rate to gauge overall customer satisfaction. We also tested how easy it was to use their online platforms. We awarded the most points to companies with A or A+ BBB scores that responded to at least 90% of BBB complaints.
- Reputation: We checked each mover’s license status, truck out-of-service percentage, and whether they background check their movers. Companies with carrier licenses, below-average truck-out-of-service percentages, and background-checked movers received the most points in this category.
- Value: For a standard comparison, we collected and averaged pricing estimates for a two-bedroom move over 500-800 miles, using five quotes per mover. We also checked whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they provide portable storage containers. We gave more points to movers that cost under $4,000, had flat-rate pricing, and offered storage containers.
- Service offerings: We evaluated the range of services each mover offers, such as packing, loading, unloading, and whether they sell packing supplies. Moving companies that offer the largest service selection received the most points in this category.
- Item protection: We looked at the number of insurance options provided and additional protection services like crating, GPS tracking, and specialized services for antiques and other high-value items. Companies that offered more than two insurance options and all protection services were awarded the most points.
- Scheduling: We assessed how flexible and accessible the company’s scheduling process is, including contact methods, the quote process, and the availability of a mobile app for easier management. We gave movers with the most flexible scheduling options the most points.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.
