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7 Best Moving Companies in California of 2022
By Jessica Walrack MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, packing, unpacking
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Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, re-delivery, packing, unpacking, online tracking
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Local, long-distance, commercial
Packing, storage, piano moving
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Residential, corporate, government/military
Full-service packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly, auto transportation, and storage in route
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Are you planning to move into, out of, or to a different location in California? If so, you’re probably on the hunt for a trustworthy moving company. But finding one can be easier said than done. Many have confusing websites, less-than-impressive reviews, or both. So where should you turn? Well, we’ve done some of the hard work for you. After reviewing dozens of moving companies that serve California, here are our 7 top picks. Have a look at them – and if you want to see how they stack up to out-of-state competition, compare these to the best moving companies nationwide.
Our top picks for the best moving companies in California
- Best moving company overall in California: NorthStar Moving Company
- Best for intrastate moves: Got2Move
- Best for long-distance moves: International Van Lines
- Best for satisfaction guarantee: Meathead Movers
- Best for Northern California: Nor-Cal Moving Services
- Best for Southern California: MuraWay Moving
- Best for Central California: Mid Cal Moving and Storage
Best moving companies in California reviews
After considering factors such as service area, add-on options, customer reviews, safety ratings, and more, here are our picks for the top 7 moving companies in California!
Best Moving Company Overall: NorthStar Moving Company
About the company: NorthStar Moving Company was founded in1994 and is based out of Northridge, California. It offers a lineup of services that can help you move within the state, across state lines, or to another country.
- California-based and specializes in CA moves
- Provides local, interstate, and international moves
- Excellent ratings on Yelp and from the BBB
- ProMover-certified
- Storage solutions available
- Offers many other specialty services (including luxury packages)
- Video chat estimates are available
- No pricing information on the website
- Quotes delivered by follow-up, not online
Why we picked it: We named NorthStar as the best overall moving company in California for a number of reasons. First, it’s one of the few companies that help with all types of moves (local, intrastate, interstate, and international) while specializing in California moves.
Further, it offers full-service moves that include packing and unpacking, boxes and supplies, and the specialized handling of heavy and fragile items. Additionally, in true California style, there are luxury packages so you can “move like a movie star.” The luxury services include offerings like pet care, yacht transport, and even a post-move picnic.
As for customer satisfaction, Northstar Moving has a 4.5/5 star rating on Yelp after 919 reviews, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and a 5/5 star rating from the BBB after 21 reviews. The company also has a good safety track record and lower-than-average outage rates for its drivers and trucks.
Bottom line: Overall, NorthStar Moving Company is a solid all-around service provider and is worth considering if you’re moving anywhere in California.
Best for Intrastate Moves: Got2Move
Best for intrastate moves: Got2Move
About the company: Got2Move is a moving company based in San Leandro, California that’s been in business since 2004 and serves California exclusively. It has a presence in the state’s major metropolitan areas, including San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and Los Angeles.
- A California-based moving company with a statewide presence
- Fast intrastate deliveries (within 24 hours)
- Flat pricing
- Available seven days per week
- Storage solutions available across California
- Good ratings
- No crashes reported
- Video estimates offered
- Full-service packing and moving available
- No interstate or international moves
- Not ProMover-certified
Why we picked it: Got2Move stands out because of its presence across California and its fast intrastate deliveries between the northern and southern parts of the state (within 24 hours).
The company also shines when it comes to ratings. It’s earned 4.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp after 293 reviews, and an A+ rating from the BBB. Also, it only has one BBB complaint on record in the past three years.
As for safety and reliability, Got2Move hasn’t had any crashes in the past two years and has lower-than-average outage rates for its trucks.
Bottom line: If you’re moving across California, Got2Move is an efficient intrastate specialist worth considering.
Best for Long-Distance Moves: International Van Lines
About the company: International Van Lines (IVL) was established in 2000 and is headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida. The company started out as an international moving company but now offers local and interstate moving services as well.
- Specializes in international and interstate moves
- ProMover-certified
- Short- and long-term storage options (one month free)
- Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) license for international moves
- Services available in over 140 countries
- Full-service moves available
- Excellent safety ratings
- Virtual surveys available
- Pricing information on the website
- Average Yelp and BBB ratings
- Quotes delivered by follow-up, not online
- Outage rates are slightly higher than national averages
Why we picked it: IVL has expertise in helping customers with longer moves, both cross-country and cross-border. It moves about 20,000 people per year and offers full-service options. From packing services to storage, it can help to make long-distance moves less stressful by taking care of everything from move-out to move-in.
Further, it’s one of the only moving companies that posts pricing on its website, making it easier to understand what to expect. The company also fares well when it comes to safety with only one accident reported in the past two years.
Bottom line: No matter where you live in the U.S., IVL can arrange to pick up your belongings and deliver them to your new home — even if it’s overseas. It’s a provider to consider when shopping for long-distance moving companies.
Best for Satisfaction Guarantee: Meathead Movers
About the company: In 1997, two brothers in San Luis Obispo founded Meathead Movers. Today, it remains family-owned and has grown into the largest independent moving company in California. The humorously ironic name comes from the fact that the company hires student-athletes as employees. Each employee undergoes military-inspired training on 400 procedures to help them deliver smooth moving experiences.
- Specializes in California intrastate and interstate moves
- Impressive ratings
- Offers satisfaction guarantee
- Hires and supports college student-athletes
- Payment plans available
- Full-service moves available
- No outsourcing
- Intense employee training
- Multiple storage facilities
- Lower-than-average outage rates
- No pricing information online
- No support for international moves
- Not ProMover-certified
Why we picked it: Meathead Movers stands out because of the excellent ratings it maintains despite the high volume of moves it performs (18,000 per year). Another differentiating factor is the satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your moving experience, you get your money back. Additionally, the company ticks all the other boxes for great safety, full-service offerings, and a good online user experience. Oh, and it offers payment plans, too!
Bottom line: Meathead Movers is well worth considering as it specializes in serving California, has a reputation for outstanding service and offers your money back if you’re not satisfied. Plus, when moving day comes, you’ll have athletes jogging around to get everything done for you quickly.
Best for Northern California: Nor-Cal Moving Services
About the company: Founded in 1982, Nor-Cal Moving Services specializes in helping customers with local moves (40 miles or less). Its service area includes Hayward, San Jose, San Francisco, and the surrounding areas. However, it’s also a long-time Allied Van Lines agent and can help with interstate and international moves as well.
- Specializes in Northern California local moves
- Offers local, interstate, and international moves
- Allied Van Lines agent
- Full-service moves available
- Short- and long-term storage options available in San Francisco
- ProMover-certified
- Only one accident in the past two years
- Average outage rates
- Local moves require an in-home estimate (no virtual estimate option)
- Local moves (under 40 miles) restricted to the Northern California service area
- Limited pricing information on the website
Why we picked it: Nor-Cal Moving Services was named the best moving company for Northern California due to its specialization in the area, service lineup, and reliable track record. The company offers full-service moves through add-ons like packing and unpacking, crating and uncrating, appliance set-up, furniture wrapping, and more. Further, it offers vehicle and boat transport and local storage options.
As for safety and reliability, Nor-Cal Moving is BBB-accredited and has had only one accident reported in the last two years. Further, its driver outage rate is far below the national average, while its truck outage rate is in line with the average.
Bottom line: If you’re moving within the Northern California area, Nor-Cal’s local movers are worth considering. Additionally, thanks to the company’s partnership with Allied Van Lines, it can help with long-distance and international moves, too.
Best for Southern California: MuraWay Moving
About the company: Founded in 2017, MuraWay Moving is a moving company located in Southern California that specializes in helping people move to and from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.
- Specializes in Southern California moves
- Transparent pricing listed on the website
- Local moves come with free help and supplies
- Strong ratings from past customers and the BBB
- Good safety record
- No international moves
- Local moves in other parts of California are not available
- Not ProMover certified
Why we picked it: MuraWay Moving is the best option for SoCal moves because it specializes in the area, has transparent pricing, and has earned great reviews from past customers.
Local moves are billed by the hour and come with free furniture disassembly/assembly, wardrobe boxes, shrink wrap, tape, dollies, straps, and more. Interstate moves, on the other hand, are charged at fixed rates which are listed online. If you don’t see your moving price listed, you can request a custom quote.
As for reviews and ratings, MuraWay has a five-star Yelp rating after 195 reviews, an A rating from the BBB, and no BBB complaints in the past three years. The company also has a great safety record with no accidents over the past two years and very low outage rates.
Bottom line: If you’re moving to, from, or within Southern California, be sure to get a moving quote from MuraWay.
Best for Central California: Mid Cal Moving & Storage
About the company: Mid Cal Moving and Storage was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Stockton, California. It specializes in serving those moving into, out of, or around Central California. That said, as a dedicated Bekins Van Lines agent, it can also help with cross-country and international moves.
- Specializes in central California moves
- Provides intrastate, interstate, and international moves
- Partners with Bekins Van Lines
- Offers full-service moves
- Strong ratings from customers and the BBB
- ProMover-certified
- Storage services available in Modesto and Stockton
- Clean safety record
- Provides a dedicated move coordinator
- Low outage rates
- In-home estimates, no virtual option
Why we picked it: Mid Cal Moving and Storage is our top pick for central California because it specializes in the area, has good ratings, and has a comprehensive lineup of services. Local moves come with hand-wrapping of breakables, professional padding, and customized crating for fragile items. Additionally, you can add on packing and unpacking, automobile transport, fine art transport, local storage, and more.
As for ratings, Mid Cal Moving and Storage is BBB-accredited, has an A+ rating from the BBB, and has earned 4/5 stars after 28 Yelp reviews. It also has a clean safety record without any accidents in the past two years.
Bottom line: If you’re moving to or from the central California area, be sure to get a quote from Mid Cal Moving and Storage.
Other companies we considered
To find the best moving companies in California, we considered dozens of service providers, including brokers and carriers that operate on various levels (local, national, and global). Some of the companies we considered that didn’t make the list were Moving APT, 1-800-Pack-Rat, United Van Lines, Osmon Moving, Executive Moving Systems, and more.
While we did review the biggest names in the business that often make these lists, such as Atlas Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, and North American Van Lines, we found that serving California is not typically their specialty. Instead, they tend to excel at long-distance moves nationwide and don’t fare too well when it comes to ratings and reviews. However, many smaller local moving companies are agents for these larger operators, offering customers the best of both worlds — personalized service and mature infrastructure.
Moving companies in California FAQ
What is the most reputable moving company in California?
All the companies that made our list are licensed, insured, and fare well in customer reviews. Most have many years of experience. However, NorthStar, MuraWay, and Meathead Movers stand out above the rest when it comes to their ratings and reviews.
What is the cheapest way to move out of California?
To find the cheapest way to move out of California, you'll need to do some research. Your moving costs will depend on factors such as how far you need to move, how much you need to move, and whether you need assistance (packing, loading, storage, etc.). You can typically save by doing as much as possible on your own — such as packing, loading, and even driving your own moving truck. However, if you need or want assistance, be sure to shop around to find the best deal. Prices can vary greatly from one provider to the next.
How do I know if a moving company is licensed in California?
Moving companies must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) to move household goods in California. You can look up a company's status on the ca.gov Transportation Carriers Lookup page. All movers need to have an active Household Goods Permit. Additionally, companies that move household goods across state lines must have a U.S. DOT number. You can look up DOT numbers on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) page.
What are the average prices for a moving company in California?
Moving costs vary depending on the length of the move, the weight of the belongings you move, and how much assistance you need. However, some authorities place the average cost of a local move at $1,250. A long-distance move of 1,000 miles averages $4,890. Note that these averages are based on estimates for moving a two- to three-bedroom home with 7,500 pounds of belongings.
The best way to get a ballpark figure for your specific situation is to contact a few companies and request quotes. Some offer video inspections so you don't have to wait for someone to come to your house to get an accurate estimate.
What kind of moving insurance should I buy in California?
California requires moving companies to carry basic liability insurance for their cargo. However, it only covers $0.60 per pound. The actual value of your items isn't considered. If you have homeowners' or renters' insurance, your policy may provide coverage for your belongings. However, it's best to check with your agent or insurer to be sure. If you end up needing more protection, third-party moving insurance providers offer coverage based on the actual value of some or all of your belongings. You decide how much coverage you want.
What are the different types of moving companies in California?
You'll find a few different types of movers when you're shopping around for moving companies in California. Companies can be carriers, brokers, or a mix of both. Carriers handle moves directly, using their own trucks and drivers, while brokers are middlemen that connect customers with other moving companies.
There are several very large moving companies in the U.S. that operate nationwide and function as both carriers and brokers. They typically have fleets of semi-trucks and specialize in long-distance moves between states. Beyond that, they often have local partner networks so they can broker shorter moves as well.
There are also smaller moving companies that operate on local, statewide, or regional levels. They often act as carriers for shorter-distance moves (within states and to those nearby). However, some are also agents for the larger companies mentioned above. In this case, they'll receive local move referrals from the bigger companies and can refer long-distance moves to them in return.
It pays to ask at the outset whether a company you're considering will handle the move itself by using its own employees and trucks or whether it will contract out the job to other companies. There can be a trade-off here between price and accountability. Using a broker may save you money because the job goes to the carrier with the lowest bid. But using a carrier ensures that you know which company to hold accountable if things don't go right.
How we found the best moving companies in California
We found the best moving companies in California by researching dozens of providers that serve customers in the Golden State. When assessing each, we considered a variety of factors, including:
- Service offerings: The types of moves a company offers (intrastate, interstate, and international) and the additional services it provides (packing, crating, storage, etc.).
- License/insurance/credentials: The necessary licenses, permits, and insurance required to operate in the state and beyond.
- Entity type: Whether the company is a carrier, broker, or both.
- Ratings: Customer ratings from Yelp, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- User experience: Online quote availability, price transparency on the website, professional online presence, customer support, shipment tracking, and more.
- Safety and reliability: Crash stats and outage information (on trucks and drivers) from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Summary of the best moving companies in California of 2022
- Our pick for the best moving company in California overall goes to NorthStar Moving Company
- For intrastate moves across California, be sure to check out Got2Move.
- If you’re moving cross-country or internationally, check out IVL.
- For excellent customer satisfaction, check out the Meathead Movers.
- For the best moving company in Northern California, check out Nor-Cal Moving Services.
- For the best moving company in Southern California, check out MuraWay Moving.
- And for the best moving company in Central California, check out Mid Cal Moving and Storage
- To find the best moving company for you, we recommend you get quotes from at least three different providers and compare them side-by-side.
