Best 5 Movers in San Francisco, CA

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Francisco

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in San Francisco.

Determine Your Budget

A local move costs between $97 and $140 per hour. Based on this, a local two-bedroom move costs $4,266 in total. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include any additional tasks you need done, move distance, the season, and your home size.

We advise obtaining quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Get written estimates, which should detail your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep the estimate from your mover and compare it to the final cost to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Solid customer feedback is essential for all moving companies. Read customer reviews on sites such as social media, Trustpilot, Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau to find movers that prioritize positive customer experiences.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in San Francisco 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 state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.

If you're moving to or from another state, the regulations are different. Choose a company licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It should also carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can use on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool to look up a mover’s registration status and complaint history.

Services

Assess whether the mover provides the specific services you need when requesting quotes. Compile a list of any services you may require and take inventory of your home before requesting quotes. Tell the moving company about any special conditions or needs to determine whether the company is a good fit.

Types of Moving Services

A full-service mover will include these services for standard moves:

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

Make sure you inform your mover of any special services you need in the quote process. Services that can lead to higher pricing include:

• 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 some additional tips to keep in mind when moving in San Francisco.

Schedule an Early Move

San Francisco sees its fair share of traffic, and navigating this can be difficult in a moving truck. Being stuck in traffic during your move can lead to delays and significantly impact your budget, as local movers charge by the hour. Planning your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers arrive before traffic peaks and head to your new home in the middle of the day when traffic is less congested.

Avoid Busy Season

The busiest time for movers—between May and September—coincides with San Francisco's hot weather. This can affect your move if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. Plan ahead and schedule your chosen moving company 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

Start packing around six weeks before your move so you won't have to rush at the last minute. You can pack a couple boxes each day to make the process less stressful. Most moving companies treat same-day packing requests similarly. In many cases, movers won't move loose items that haven’t been packed when your move is scheduled to begin.

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.