- A+ BBB rating
- Fast quote process
- Detailed quote process
- Accommodate any move
Native Van Lines
- High customer ratings
- 500+ agents
In the 20+ years that we’ve been connecting customers with movers in California, we’ve learned a thing or two about what it takes to provide an exceptional moving experience.
Our face-to-face business with the professional movers in our network (and authentic customer feedback) means Moving APT can connect you with the best moving companies in California.
We only work with the best of the best when it comes to moving companies in California. To make sure you get a provider you can trust, we use a proven vetting method that includes background checks and insurance and licensing verification. This ensures you can trust your provider to show up on time, do the job right, and treat your belongings with care.
From Redding to San Diego, we’ve helped thousands of people across the state find movers for their residential, commercial, local, and long distance moves – and we can help you, too. Read on to find the best movers in California.
In this article
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Long Distance Movers in California?
California long-distance movers can cost as little as $1,200 and as much as $18,500 and up. It’s a big window, but your price depends on several factors.
Average Cost of California Long Distance Movers
| # of Miles | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
| 250 miles | $1200 to $2,300 | $1,600 to $3,950 | $2,050 to $5,200 |
| Over 1000 miles | $1600 to $2,950 | $2,300 to $7,950 | $5,900 to $8,100 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1,900 – $3,950 | $3,800 – $9,400 | $9,100 to $18,500+ |
Overall, the total will depend mainly on how much you are moving, the distance being traveled, and your particular needs when moving long distances across the state or the country.
To get the most accurate estimate for your move, it’s always best to consult with a few different long distance moving companies in California. This will ensure you get the most favorable pricing for your moving needs and avoid any unexpected costs along the way.
The total price of a long distance move will mainly depend on how much you’re moving, and the distance you’re traveling. There may be some additional factors that raise your price, but we’ll talk more about those in this section.
In the meantime, Check how much a local move will cost in California.
What Should I Look For in Professional Movers?
When searching for movers to help with a California relocation, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a few key things:
- A company that is licensed and insured. This protects you in the event of damages or accidents during the move. By choosing a mover through Moving APT, you can guarantee you are hiring a licensed and insured moving company.
- A company with good reviews. Checking online reviews is a great way to understand past customers’ thoughts about a particular mover. Look at positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded view of the company.
- A company that offers a range of services. From packing and unpacking to storage and transportation, find a mover that can provide all the services you need to save time, money, and stress.
Whether if you looking for a moving company in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or anywhere else in California, be sure to choose a reputable company with the help of our expert moving team.
Compare Moving Companies in Long Beach
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| Rating | 4.9 4.9/5 | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.9 4.9/5 | 4.5 4.5/5 |
| Avarage Price (2-3 Bed) | $3210- $7320 | $3300- $7900 | $2950 - $6650 | $3050 - $6820 | $3950- $8250 |
| Superlative | Most Experienced Movers | Most Efficient Movers | Best Customer Service | Best For Long Distance | Most Customer-Oriented |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
The 5 Best Moving Companies in California
We checked authentic customer feedback and pulled from over 22 years of face-to-face experience with the movers in our network to find the 5 best moving companies in California. Take a look:
Roadway Moving has a fleet of over 100 moving trucks in California equipped to handle any type of local or long-distance move.
Whether it’s residential or commercial, the highly trained movers are Roadway Moving can handle it all while providing top-notch customer service.
Roadway boasts an A+ rating with the BBB for their professional packing, storage, furniture assembly, and moving services.
Serving thousands of customers in the 15 years since they first opened, Roadway Moving definitely has the experience needed to make your move a success.
Pros
- A+ BBB rating
- Hundreds of high-tech moving vehicles
- Fast online quote process
- Expert art & piano movers
Cons
- Pricing varies significantly between local and long-distance moves
Why We Recommend Roadway Moving
Reliable movers in California can be hard to come by, but with Roadway Moving you can be sure that your belongings are in safe hands.
With an A+ rating from the BBB and over 15 years of experience, the team at Roadway has all the training and expertise needed to handle any move – no matter the complexity.
Specializing in discreet and high-security moves, Rockstar Pro Movers is the go-to company for anyone looking for a safe and hassle-free moving experience.
From government officials to celebrities, these movers in California have completed some of the most sensitive relocations in California – so you can be sure your belongings will be in good hands.
With a fleet containing multiple sizes of trucks, vans, and SUVs, Rockstar Pro Movers can accommodate moves of any size – from small apartments to large estates.
They also offer a wide range of services such as packing, unpacking, and storage to make your move as seamless as possible.
Pros
- Highly-trained and experienced movers
- Able to accommodate any move
- Offers a range of services
- Detailed quote process
Cons
- Pricing is not readily available on the website
Why We Picked Rockstar Pro Movers
If you’re looking for movers in California that can provide a discreet and high-security move, look no further than Rockstar Pro Movers.
With a team of highly trained and experienced movers, they have the expertise and resources needed to accommodate any move.
And with their professional moving add-ons such as packing and storage, they can make your move as seamless as possible.
Native Van Lines is a great option for California moving. They have over 20 years of experience, and plenty of awards to back up their reputation. If you need storage, packing, or just an extra pair of hands, Native can help.
Native Van Lines is a moving broker, which means they actually have their own network of third-party movers to handle your haul.
Don’t worry – the movers in their network are held up to super strict standards, and as a broker it’s Native’s job to filter out all the sketchy movers that aren’t worth your time.
Pros
- Award winning moving broker
- High customer ratings
- 500 agents across the United States
- Storage and other services available
Cons
- Need a quote for more info about third-party movers
Why We Recommend Native Van Lines
As a moving broker, Native Van Lines acts as an important go-between. They ensure your move gets handled by the best movers in the area, and they help you find the company that’s the right fit for your needs.
We’re big fans of the wide range of different services that are available through their network, as well.
Another great moving broker for your California move, Adams Van Lines has a solid reputation for customer service. Their customer support system is streamlined and easy to use: If you need to get in touch, they’ll give you a single point of contact so you don’t get bounced around between different departments.
Adams Van Lines can also provide custom-tailored moves that are built around your own needs. While most big brand moving companies include a lot of extra services in your final price, you may not actually end up needing those services at all – even though you had to pay for them. A custom move avoids that problem, and you always know what you’re paying for.
Pros
- Streamlined customer service
- Custom-tailored moves
- Price-matching available
- Flat-rate prices
Cons
- Quote required for price of extra services
Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines
When it comes to a move, communication is key. Fortunately, Adams Van Lines’ customer service system makes it easy.
We’re big fans of any company that puts extra emphasis on keeping their customers in the loop, and as a moving broker, Adams also makes sure their customers get help from the best movers in the area.
FlatRate Moving offers a number of handy moving resources to help make your California move a breeze. Voted one of the best California moving companies due to their transparent and fixed pricing, FlatRate makes it easy to budget for your move with upfront binding quotes that won’t change unexpectedly.
FlatRate Moving also offers a wide range of services such as packing, unpacking, storage, and vehicle transport to make sure you have everything you need for a successful move.
Pros
- Voted one of the best moving companies in California
- Upfront, binding quotes
- Fixed pricing
- A range of services offered
- Online booking available
Cons
- May be pricier for long-distance moves
Why We Recommend FlatRate Moving
Saving time and money is always at the top of the list for anyone planning a California move, and FlatRate knows it. By providing upfront binding quotes, FlatRate Moving lets you budget your move with ease while avoiding any unexpected costs.
FlatRate Moving offers more than just great quotes. They offer a whole range of helpful services to make your life easier. This is especially true for their storage options, which are available for free for up to two months with most bookings.
Factors Behind the Cost of Your California Move
When trying to estimate or calculate the total cost of your move, be it local or long-distance, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to ensure that you are getting a fair price and that all of your needs are being met.
Doing so will ensure that you stay on your moving budget and don’t get hit with surprise fees on moving day.
The Basics
The basic services you get when hiring professional movers in California typically include loading, transport, and unloading. These services make up the bulk of your pricing on a moving quote, and knowing how these services are priced is essential to understanding the total cost of your move.
While local moving rates can vary significantly, the average hourly price charged by moving companies in California is about $125. This price may increase or decrease if you have especially heavy items, require services outside the norm, or the company is running a special discount you qualify for.
Long distance or interstate moves will be charged a flat rate for basic moving services such as loading, transport, and unloading. In the case of these moves, companies will charge up to $1.00 per mile traveled and pound hauled, with the total cost being a combination of the two.
These higher prices in comparison to local movers are often due to the extra time, effort, and resources that are needed when completing a long-distance move. This includes gas, tolls, and additional moving labor that may be required to complete the distance being traveled.
The Add-Ons
Additional moving services can quickly increase the total cost of your move. The services are entirely optional, but they go a long way to ease the stress of the moving process. Professional movers who know how to get the job done quickly and efficiently are priceless, but their services always come with a price tag.
Some of these additional services may include:
- Packing/unpacking services
- Storage options
- Specialty item crating
- Furniture disassembly/assembly
- Car shipping
These services come at an additional cost, either charged hourly or at a flat rate. It’s important to mention whether or not you’ll need these additional services from your California movers. This way, they can provide you with a detailed quote and ensure they send enough manpower for the job.
Be aware that moving certain items, such as a piano, safe, hot tub, or pool table will automatically incur additional “add-on” pricing that can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the equipment needed and the distance being traveled.
This is also true in some cases for moving incredibly valuable or delicate objects such as chandeliers, wine collections, antiques, and artwork.
Finally, if you want extra protection for your belongings beyond the basic coverage provided by moving companies in California, you’ll likely pay an additional cost. While moving insurance isn’t necessary in every case, it can be vital in claiming damages from your moving company should anything be lost or broken during transport.
Non-Negotiable Access Fees
The final factor behind your moving costs are known as access fees. When your move requires the use of an elevator, a long carry (over 75 feet), stairs, or a shuttle service, you’ll have to pay a little extra. These fees are typically non-negotiable, and will be tacked on to your quote.
While the extra price may seem like an annoyance, these access fees exist for a reason. Elevators, stairs, and long carries are all extra challenges for your moving team to handle, and they expect to be compensated for the trouble.
By being upfront during the moving quote process, you can be aware of these potential fees ahead of time and save yourself from any surprises on moving day.
Best California Movers by City
Popular Routes from California
About 360,000 people left California in 2021 alone, and the number’s growing every day. If you think you’ve had enough of the Golden State, check out our guides for how to get out and start fresh.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire Local Movers in California?
If you’re moving local in California, expect to pay anywhere from $278 to $8,000 and beyond. Local moves are charged per mover, per hour.
Average Cost of California Local Movers
| Home Size | Average Price | No. of Movers | Ave Cost / Hr | # Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $278 – $ 599 | 2 movers | $95/hr | 2-4 hours |
| 1 Bedroom | $389 – $750 | 2 movers | $95/hr | 3-6 hours |
| 2 Bedroom | $750 – $1900 | 3 movers | $125/hr | 4-8 hours |
| 3 Bedroom | $1250– $3500 | 4 movers | $165/hr | 6-12 hours |
| 4 Bedroom | $1,400 – $5100 | 4 movers | $165/hr | 8-14 hours |
| 5 Bedroom+ | $2500 – $8000 | 5 movers | $200/hr | 10-16 hours |
Local moves will typically be charged at an hourly rate based on the complexity of the move, the number of movers needed, and the type of items being moved.
Because local moving distances are considered to be rather close, charging based on the hour is more efficient for both the customer and the moving company.
What to Know When Moving From California
Before you pack up and head out to your new home or office with the help of one of the best moving companies in California, be sure you’re prepared for the move.
- Get rid of unwanted items. This will help decrease moving costs and ensure that you’re only paying to move things you actually want or need.
- Label all of your boxes. This will help the moving company keep track of your belongings and make the unpacking process much easier for you once you reach your destination.
- Pack an essentials bag. This bag should include items such as toiletries, medications, snacks, a change of clothes, and any other items you may need during the first few days in your new place.
- Make arrangements for your pets. This may include making reservations at a pet-friendly hotel or boarding facility for the nights leading up to and including moving day.
- Notify important parties of your change of address. Be sure to update your address with the post office, subscription services, your employer, and anyone else who may need your new contact information.
Moving can be a stressful experience, but by being prepared and working with one of the best moving companies in California, you can rest assured that your belongings will arrive at your new home or office safe and sound.
Here’s How We Rank Our California Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in the local and long-distance moving field, serving more than 22,000 clients to date. Unlike other recommendation sites, we do real, face-to-face business with the movers in our network.
This makes our data more in-depth and reliable than anything else you’ll find online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Online Reputation: We sort through reviews and company profiles to make sure your movers are highly-rated and backed by plenty of experience.
- Industry-Insider Information: We work with movers to get a full picture of the services provided by other companies across the field.
- Mystery Shopping: We make sure movers are giving you the same rate they give us. Sometimes we call and pose as complete strangers to make sure they’re honest.
licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: Movers are legally required to have an arbitration program in place to compensate for lost or damaged items. We make sure it’s up to date.
- Active Claim Department: We check to see if movers have any outstanding claims to see how they handle customers who’ve reported damages – and how quickly they help.
- Safety Record: The FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System provides us with up-to-date information about a mover’s safety track record, including accidents and inspections.
- Active Moving Insurance: Long-distance movers in NYC are legally required to provide full or released-value protection on all of your items. We make sure of it.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: We ask our own clients for short video testimonies detailing their experiences with their movers. It shows which movers are exceeding expectations.
- Online surveys: We take the time to read about each completed move to get the full picture of how a mover performed.
As a moving broker, Moving APT actually deals with drivers and movers on a daily basis. We negotiate deals for our clients and ensure that movers always honor their contracts – no last-minute upselling, no overcharging, and no funny business.
It’s how we help our clients get moved with minimal fuss, and it’s part of maintaining clear communication between clients and moving companies.
More customers for better movers If a mover is exceeding expectations, we send them more business. If a mover needs to improve, we don’t. It’s simple.
CA Moving FAQ
When should I move in California?
Avoid peak moving season by scheduling around holidays and the summer. If you try to book a move during June, July, and August, you’ll end up having to compete with students moving in and moving out, as well as families who are taking advantage of the summer break. That means paying more money – and who wants to move during a summer heatwave anyways?
Will movers transport plants?
Moving companies won’t transport plants locally or across state lines. You can thank the US Department of Agriculture for that. If you’re moving plants within California, you’ll need to make other arrangements for their transport.
How much does it cost to hire moving companies in California?
The total cost to hire California movers depends on whether the move local or long distance. Local moves range from $278 – $8000 (and sometimes more). Long-distance moves can be as much as $18,500 and up. These prices will also depend on the number of items being moved, the time of year, and other factors such as access fees.
What’s included in the cost of hiring moving companies?
Your moving cost includes loading, hauling and unloading, and sometimes packing or disassembly. You may end up paying a bit more for shipping materials and extra services like storage. Check out this section for more info about what goes into the price of your move.
Is $40 a good tip for movers?
If you’re happy with the job they’ve done, a $40-$50 tip per mover is a nice gesture. But, keep in mind the amount you pay should reflect the total price of your move. Aim for a 15% – 20% tip, to be divided up across the entire moving team. Some moving companies explicitly decline tips and gratuity, but for most movers a tip is expected.
Start Your California Move with the Best of the Best
No matter where you’re going, use Moving APT to get in touch with the best California movers. Our moving experts did the research and cultivated a list of the best movers, checking licensing, insurance, and ratings to make sure they’re the right fit for the job.
Check out our cost calculator, and reach out to one of the best moving companies in California. You’ll be on your way to a stress-free move in no time.
