Best Moving Companies in California of 2023

At Moving Feedback, we’re committed to giving our readers helpful information they can trust. That’s why our research team spent hours looking through the moving companies in California, checking out authentic customer reviews, and reaching out to make sure our list is as accurate as possible.

We even used our 10+ years of experience in the moving industry to give you some behind-the-scenes info.

If you’re ready to get started, read on to check out our list of the top 5 movers in California, and check out our tips and tricks to make the moving day even easier.

California movers will cost anywhere between $500 and $4800 for a local move, and $1300 and $15000 for a long-distance move.

If you’re trying to plan a budget ahead of time, keep in mind that the price of your move depends on how much you’re moving, and how far you’re going.

If you’ve moved before, then you’re probably already aware of how important it is to choose the right moving company. It’s no exaggeration when we say that your choice of moving company in California can either make or break your moving experience.

Before you pick a moving company at random, here are some of the things we think you should consider before hiring a mover in California.

1. Affordability

Don’t just choose the first mover in California with shiny graphics and an attractive tagline. Seriously, save some of that money, you’ll need it for the rent.

We know that hiring a moving company is typically the single largest expense you’ll have to pay during your move. Trying to reduce the cost of your California movers should be the first thing you think about.

Call ahead and ask about any discounts, and see if you can schedule your move far enough in advance to avoid the moving-season markup (June through August are the priciest months).

2. Customer Service

Have you ever been bought something you could have gotten for a whole lot cheaper someplace else, but the way you were treated was so great you didn’t mind the extra price?

That’s the difference that great customer service makes, and moving companies in California are no exception. When you’re moving, you’re transporting your whole life, and every little piece (no matter how old or worn out) has sentimental value. You want a moving company that appreciates this and treats your property with the care and respect you deserve.

You also want a California mover with a reputation for delivering on its promises. While every mover in California will claim they provide the best service on the planet, a look at their Yelp or Twitter page will reveal how they really interact with their clients – and what these clients have to say about them.

3. Service Options

Most movers are quick to point out that they aren’t a monolith, and it’s true. Movers are all unique, with their own pros and cons. This also means each mover in California differs in their approach to customers, their quotes, and their service options.

Before you pick a mover, ask for a list containing the range of services they offer. If the particular service you want isn’t on the list, then try another company.

4. Insurance and Licensing

Last, but most definitely not least, always confirm that the California mover you choose is fully insured and registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the US Department of Transportation.

1. Moving APT
2. Roadway Moving
3. Rockstar Pro Movers
4. Adams Van Lines
5. Native Van Lines

If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to re-negotiate your deal with your movers.

You’re probably aware that the cost of hiring a moving company in California is flexible, so this article will give you all the tools you need to storm into the negotiating room and get a favorable deal for yourself.

In order to do this, however, you’ll need to know how these costs are broken down and how they compare to rival moving companies (and the national average).

1. Labor Costs

Life in California isn’t cheap, and labor isn’t cheap either. Compared to cities like Austin where the hourly rate ranges between $60 to $140, movers in California charge between $200 to $400 per hour.

If you want to estimate the amount a moving company in California will charge, it’s simple math. Take their hourly rate, and multiply it by the number of workers on the job.

Take that amount, and multiply it by the number of hours they’ll be working. That final product is your rough estimate of the total cost of labor.

For example, let’s assume you live in a three-bedroom apartment in the middle of the city, and you have belongings that’ll take a three-man team four hours to move.

If you choose a moving company in California that charges hourly rates of $300 per mover, expect to pay $3,600 for labor alone.

2. Additional Costs

Aside from labor, there are other factors that play a significant role in determining how much you pay for your move in total. These services may only be offered by select feeling companies in California, and will almost certainly make your life easier even though they may cost a little more:

3. Accessorial Services

Accessorial services are any additional services aside from routine transportation. This includes packing, extra pickups or dropoffs, or the use of storage facilities.

Moving companies in California typically offer these services for the DIY-deficient to keep the moving process from becoming a total disaster.

If you know you have difficulty with properly wrapping up Christmas presents and you feel that packing property will pose similar challenges, it’s best to contact a mover in California to find out how they can help you.

4. Access Fees

Sometimes a move can get complicated. Extra obstacles for your movers may mean extra fees on your final bill. Some of these extra obstacles include:

• Stairs and Elevators: This is especially important in high-rise buildings, as your movers will have to maneuver bulky bits of property down several flights of stairs (or Tetris them into an elevator) before loading all that stuff into their truck.

• Assembly and Disassembly: If you’re moving furniture or gym equipment, movers in California can help you disassemble and then reassemble this equipment at your destination for an additional fee.

• Long Carries: When the entrance or exit from your apartment is a long distance from the moving truck – typically over 75 feet – some California movers will charge a little extra. Keep in mind, certain movers may be a little more flexible on that 75-foot limit.

You probably don’t need us to write a sales pitch about moving to California. The state has been synonymous with the fast life and carefree living since before the internet was actually a thing.

The Golden State means different things to different people, and thousands of people have historically flocked to California to seek their fortune while thousands more leave to seek saner climes.

Whether you’re moving into California to seek your fortune or leaving the state to focus on yourself, we’ve assembled a guide that will help you make the most of your decision.

Here’s a comprehensive list of all you need to know if you’re planning on moving in or out of California.

According to our research, the average cost of living in California is about $46,000 per year. However, this figure doesn’t really tell you much about what day-to-day life in California actually costs.

The Moving Feedback team dug a little deeper and found that you can get a meal for one in a regular restaurant for about $20.50. A monthly pass for transportation will cost around $100.00, and basic utilities and internet service will cost $150.00 and $65.00 respectively.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in urban California is about $2,320, but it really varies by city (and which part of the city you’re living in). If you want to buy an urban apartment, get ready to pay up to $8,921 per square meter.

It’s not all sunshine, musicals, and roses in California. For every gated estate with a million-dollar view, there are places you’d only rest your head if you had a guardian angel and a very good healthcare provider – and if you could afford that, you’d live somewhere else.

Fortunately, there are plenty of good neighborhoods to look out for all across the state. Check out our list of some notable spots, and don’t be afraid to do a little digging on your own. It’s a huge state. You’re bound to find something.

1. Santa Monica

Located in Los Angeles County, with a population of 91,000. Santa Monica has pretty much everything you want in a residential neighborhood with high scores in diversity, housing, nightlife, and family friendliness with a decent score in crime prevention.

2. Hermosa Beach

Although not quite as highly ranked as Santa Monica, Hermosa Beach has a population of 19,500 and with similar scores across the board. You might find it a bit difficult to get houses, though, as they are evidently in very high demand.

3. Albany

Albany is located in Oakland and has a population of 19,772. While it scores lower in housing and safety than Hermosa Beach and Santa Monica, it more than makes up for it in family friendliness and nightlife.

4. Mountain View

Mountain View is located in Santa Clara County and has a population of 81,000. Mountain View scores lower in available housing than the other neighborhoods, but it makes up for it in safety and location. If you can afford to live in Mountain View, chances are you’re working at one of the biggest players in the tech industry.

California is probably one of the only places on the planet where, no matter where you look, there’s always something going on.

Home to Hollywood stars and up-and-comers alike, California boasts of attractions and attractive people alike, with something to cater to every taste. If you’re a fan of the movies or you want to bask in the reflected glitter of celebrity, try the Hollywood Sign out for size.

If you’re more interested in the sun, water, and swimwear, you’ll be pleased to learn that the Venice Beach Boardwalk is currently open to tourists after being closed for the entire duration of the pandemic.

At Yosemite National Park, you can bask in more natural beauty and spend some time with friends and loved ones. If you’re feeling nostalgic and in the mood to revisit your childhood, go say hello to the formidably-copyrighted characters at Disneyland.

How do I find moving companies in California?

A simple Google search will bring literally hundreds of results, along with their ratings. But sometimes information overload can hide the real truth.

We recommend getting in touch with family and friends to hear about their experiences or checking out review sites (such as yours truly) to get an inside scoop on how movers operate. Use the information in this article to select the right moving company in California that suits your particular needs.

What is the average cost of hiring movers in California?

Movers in California charge between $200 to $400 per hour for labor alone. You can negotiate with them to find out what days may be cheaper for your move, and some movers provide some pretty serious discounts.

There are plenty of ways you can whittle the price down, from downsizing your move to just being flexible on the pickup and dropoff dates.

How Much Should You Tip Movers In California?

While it can (and should) vary according to the quality of service you receive, tipping movers in California is pretty much required to show appreciation for good service.

We recommend budgeting out between 10% and 20% of the total cost of your move, to be divided between your moving team. You can always go a bit higher if you can afford it and the service was exemplary.

What’s The Best Thing About Living In California?

It’s probably the weather. Most of California has warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. It’s enough to blow your mind if you’re moving in from colder states. Aside from the weather, you’ve got Disneyland, beaches and the chance to occasionally run into celebrities.

We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.

We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s: 

• Pricing – fair and transparent pricing policies with binding estimates and no hidden fees.
• Professionalism – fast responses and knowledgeable staff and a willingness to be flexible and solve problems.
• Provision of Services – the ability to deliver a wide range of services successfully, including packing, furniture assembly, storage, and more.
• Protection – insurance coverage and quick resolution of any damage claims.
• Personalization – customized moving packages depending on need.
• Perks – GPS tracking, free storage, discounts, and promotions.

Moving can be a daunting task, but with the help of the best moving companies in California, the process can be made simple and stress-free. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, the top-rated movers on our list are equipped to handle all of your moving needs.

If you’re ready to get started, get in touch with one of our recommended moving companies to make your move a success – and don’t forget to check back in with Moving Feedback for more mover reviews, tips, and tricks to make moving day even easier.

Recommended Resources

• Best Long Distance Moving Companies
• Best Moving Companies for Cross Country
• Best Moving Companies on 2023
• How Much Does Moving Cost?
• Best Interstate Movers in the US
• Best Coast-to-Coast Moving Companies

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