Best Moving Companies in California (April 2026)
We took a close look at 372 moving companies operating across California to find the ones that truly deliver on value, clear pricing, and dependable service. Start here to compare quotes, explore service options, and figure out which mover makes the most sense for you.
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Merit Moving Systems | 4.96
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Colonial Van Lines | 5.0
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we routinely evaluate more than 4,000 moving companies across the country using a data-driven scoring system built around performance, accountability, and overall customer experience. Our editorial team assigns weighted scores to the factors that matter most to consumers planning a move.
Here’s how we rank movers:
Customer feedback (40%): Verified consumer reviews carry the most weight in our methodology. We evaluate overall ratings, review volume, consistency across platforms, and patterns in customer experiences to measure satisfaction and service reliability.
Complaint track record (20%): While issues can arise in any move, resolution matters. We review complaint history through public consumer databases, focusing on frequency, severity, and how proactively a company works to address and resolve disputes.
Pricing transparency (15%): Clear estimates, well-defined deposits, and straightforward contracts score higher in our system. We prioritize movers that make it easy to understand what you’ll pay — without hidden fees or vague pricing language.
Service offerings (12%): Companies that provide a wide range of services — including full packing, specialty item handling, storage solutions, and interstate moving — earn stronger marks for flexibility and convenience.
Online experience (8%): We look at how easy a company makes it to get information, request a quote, and understand its services online. Up-to-date websites, clear contact details, and responsive review engagement all factor into the score.
Company track record (5%): Longevity, proper licensing, and overall business stability also play a role. Movers with a consistent operating history and verified credentials receive higher marks.
Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect new data, evolving consumer feedback, and shifts in company performance — helping you compare movers with confidence.
Top Local Movers in California
After evaluating 372 moving companies in California, Merit Moving Systems earned top marks for reliable short-distance shipping of household goods, as well as clear pricing, and customer care. Their moving experience makes them a standout for local relocations.
See our complete list of trusted movers within CA:
- Merit Moving Systems, 4.64 out of 5.0
- Meathead Movers, 4.58 out of 5.0
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc, 4.56 out of 5.0
- All Star Movers & Storage, 4.66 out of 5.0
- Air 1 Moving & Storage, 4.62 out of 5.0
Merit Moving Systems
Merit Moving Systems (DOT: 1839600) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate and international moves, and specialized handling of items like pianos and pool tables. They cater to specific needs with their offerings in fragile-only packing and full valuation coverage, ensuring peace of mind for clients with valuable or delicate items.
The company accepts cryptocurrency payments, providing flexibility for modern transactions, although they notably do not offer small moves, which may be a limitation for those with minimal moving needs. Merit Moving Systems also provides services such as debris removal and labor-only support, making them a versatile choice for a variety of moving projects.
"Our move was complex but the Merit team was organized, eager to ensure we were happy, and packed everything carefully. Alyson kept us informed about arrival times. Highly recommend!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Organized packing
Cons
- Misplaced or lost items
- Damage to items
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Meathead Movers
Meathead Movers (DOT: 921143) offers full moving services, including unpacking and storage solutions, making them a convenient choice for those looking to simplify their relocation process. They cater specifically to seniors, though they do not provide senior discounts, which might be a consideration for some customers.
While Meathead Movers do not facilitate international moves or junk removal, they accommodate interstate and intrastate relocations efficiently. Customers can enjoy the ease of payment by credit card, although options like cryptocurrency are not available.
"The easiest, smoothest move we have ever had. The guys arrived early, worked hard, and were friendly and respectful of our belongings. Very fair prices. We highly recommend this moving company!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Poor packing quality
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Rigo's Moving Company Inc
Rigo's Moving Company Inc (DOT: 3075110) is a versatile moving service offering comprehensive full-service moves, including interstate and intrastate transitions. They specialize in handling delicate items, such as antiques and art, and provide services for small moves and unpacking. While they offer senior services, a potential downside is the lack of discounts for students, seniors, and military personnel, which may be important for some customers.
The company notably makes payments convenient by accepting credit cards and provides crating and packing services. Their offerings are well-rounded, catering to various customer needs, although they do not provide international moves or climate-controlled storage.
"Rigos Moving Company made my move a breeze! Their team was punctual, professional, and handled my belongings with care. From start to finish, their communication was excellent, and they delivered on their promises. I highly recommend!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
All Star Movers & Storage
All Star Movers & Storage (DOT: 2971368) is a versatile moving company that caters to various moving needs, including full service, interstate, and intrastate moves. They offer specialized services such as crating, piano moving, and art handling, catering to the needs of diverse clientele. The company provides unpacking services and has climate-controlled storage options, enhancing convenience for their customers.
While they do not offer international moving services, which may be a limitation for some clients, their commitment to customer satisfaction is evident with options like full valuation coverage and payment by credit card. For those seeking reliable and comprehensive moving support, All Star Movers & Storage is a solid choice, although they do not provide certain discounts like military or student discounts.
"Team of 4 showed up on time, worked professionally and were done 2 hours before my estimate. Would recommend them any day for transparency, technology used and professionalism. The price was the best amongst all my research."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Inaccurate estimates
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Air 1 Moving & Storage
Air 1 Moving & Storage (DOT: 1095485) offers a comprehensive array of services including full-service moving, interstate and international relocations, as well as specialized services for antiques, pianos, and grandfather clocks. They also provide climate-controlled storage and unpacking services, ensuring a seamless experience for their customers.
While the company facilitates payments through credit cards, they do not cater to small moves or offer junk and debris removal services, which might be seen as a limitation for some customers. Additionally, their service range is complemented by offerings such as full valuation coverage, although they do not provide discounts for seniors, teachers, or military personnel.
"I went with Air 1 Moving for a move from Dallas to Beverly Hills and if was a non stressful experience. The staff was professional, friendly and respectful. Strongly recommend this company."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Affordable rates
Cons
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Local Movers In California
Looking for a local moving company to work with? Check out these resources:
- Alum Rock
- Anaheim
- Antelope
- Antioch
- Apple Valley
- Arden-Arcade
- Avocado Heights
- Bakersfield
- Berkeley
- Big Bear City
- Bonita
- Burbank
- Carlsbad
- Carson
- Chico
- Chula Vista
- Citrus Heights
- Clovis
- Commerce
- Compton
- Concord
- Corona
- Costa Mesa
- Daly City
- Downey
- Dublin
- East Los Angeles
- El Cajon
- El Monte
- El Sobrante
- Elk Grove
- Emeryville
- Escondido
- Eureka
- Fairfield
- Fontana
- Fremont
- Fresno
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Gardena
- Glendale
- Glendora
- Grand Terrace
- Hayward
- Hemet
- Hesperia
- Home Gardens
- Huntington Beach
- Inglewood
- Irvine
- Jurupa Valley
- Kingsburg
- Lake Los Angeles
- Lakeland Village
- Lancaster
- Larkspur
- Livermore
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Marysville
- Mendota
- Menifee
- Mission Viejo
- Modesto
- Moreno Valley
- Murrieta
- Napa
- Newman
- Norwalk
- Oakland
- Oceanside
- Ontario
- Orange
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Pasadena
- Pleasanton
- Pomona
- Rancho Cucamonga
- Redding
- Rialto
- Richmond
- Riverside
- Roseville
- Sacramento
- Salinas
- San Anselmo
- San Bernardino
- San Buenaventura
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- San Luis Obispo
- San Marcos
- San Marino
- San Mateo
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clara
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Maria
- Santa Rosa
- Scotts Valley
- Signal Hill
- Simi Valley
- Solana Beach
- Stockton
- Sun Village
- Sunnyvale
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Temecula
- Thousand Oaks
- Torrance
- Tracy
- Truckee
- Tulare
- Twentynine Palms
- Vacaville
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
- Vista
- West Covina
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in CA?
The cost of a local California move depends on crew size and time spent. Movers in California charge an average hourly rate of $122 per hour, and you’ll want to budget for several hours depending on the size of your place. Take a look at what it typically takes to move different home sizes so you can better budget for your local CA move:
| Home Size | Crew Size | Move Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 BR | 2 movers | 3–4 hours | $735 – $980 |
| 2 BR | 3 movers | 4–5 hours | $1,469 – $1,837 |
| 3 BR | 4 movers | 6–7 hours | $2,939 – $3,428 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 4–5 movers | 8+ hours | $3,918 – $5,510 |
Best Long-Distance Movers in California
Colonial Van Lines took the lead among 372 long-distance moving companies in California. Their blend of competitive pricing and dependable service made them a standout in a crowded field.
Here’s who made our list of best movers in CA:
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Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, that handles long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years in the business and over 12,000 moves completed each year, they know their way around an interstate move. Colonial offers packing, storage, and long-distance transport throughout the continental US, all handled by highly trained crews. Their easy-to-use mobile app makes getting a quote quick, and customers often highlight the company’s friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expert in-house crews
- Home electronics setup
- Trash & debris removal
Cons
- No local or international moves
- Not available in AK or HI
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
- Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
- Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
- Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
- Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
- Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
- Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
- Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
- Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving (USDOT: 3756000) is a veteran-owned moving company built around the idea of military-level precision. Thanks to its nationwide network of truck capacity, Safeway is able to offer very competitive pricing without cutting corners. The company also uses a multi-stage quality assurance process to keep moves on track from pickup through delivery. That combination of accurate pricing and consistent quality is a big reason Safeway earned a spot on our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Long distance and cross country moves only
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
Cons
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
Services
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
- Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
- Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
- Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
- International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
- 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) is a long-distance moving company known for its hands-on approach and experienced crews. Based in Florida, the company handles interstate moves nationwide and stands out for using full-time, background-checked movers rather than temporary labor. American Van Lines offers packing, storage, and specialty services for items like antiques and pianos, with a strong focus on careful handling. Customers often point to the company’s professionalism and attention to detail as key reasons it earns high marks.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Last-minute moves
- Private storage options
- Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
- Flat-rate pricing
Cons
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Services
- Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
- Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
- Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines (USDOT: 076235) is one of the most recognizable names in the moving industry, with a nationwide and global network backed by more than 80 years of experience. Alongside full-service local, long-distance, and international moves, Allied offers Allied Express, a portable container option that includes professional loading and unloading. With packing, storage, and specialty services also available, Allied provides flexible solutions for a wide range of moving needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Specialty packing services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- International shipping
Cons
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days
Services
- Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
- Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
- International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
- Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
- Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
- Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
- Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation (USDOT: 2513600) is a long-distance moving company that focuses on transparent pricing and a more hands-on customer experience. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers from booking through delivery. With professional packing, storage options, and consistent communication throughout the process, Mayzlin Relocation is a solid choice for customers who want clarity, support, and fewer surprises on moving day.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- 24/7 customer support
- Residential, corporate & military moves
Cons
- Only service moves originating on the east coast
- Deposit required at booking
Services
- Local moves (residential service with professional teams and packing assistance)
- Long-distance & out-of-state moves (nationwide across all contiguous states with online quotes, price-match guarantee, and real-time GPS tracking)
- Corporate moves (commercial & office relocation, employee moves, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Military moves (compliant with regulations, trained crews, full-service support)
- Packing & unpacking services (trained packers, durable materials, wrapping for fragile items like antiques, pianos, fine arts)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units, 30 days free storage included)
- Small moves (efficient handling of smaller load requirements)
- Price match guarantee (ensures competitive pricing)
- Deposit & cancellation policy (25% deposit, full refund if canceled within 7 days)
- Online estimates & booking (virtual inventory, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly (handled by crew as part of full-service)
- Dedicated move coordinator & customer support (personalized planning, 24/7 assistance throughout)
Popular Moving Routes from California
- California to Alabama
- California to Arkansas
- California to Arizona
- California to Colorado
- California to Florida
- California to Georgia
- California to Idaho
- California to Illinois
- California to Indiana
- California to Kansas
- California to Kentucky
- California to Louisiana
- California to Massachusetts
- California to Maryland
- California to Minnesota
- California to Missouri
- California to Montana
- California to North Carolina
- California to New Jersey
- California to Nevada
- California to Ohio
- California to Oklahoma
- California to Oregon
- California to South Carolina
- California to Tennessee
- California to Texas
- California to Utah
- California to Virginia
- California to Washington
How California Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,170 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 372 are located in CA.
- Average rating: 4.35 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.32 stars.
- Mover associations: CA does not currently have any official moving associations. A lack of in-state mover associations doesn’t necessarily reflect poorly on movers in CA — many still meet high standards — but it may mean there's less local oversight or coordination compared to states with active industry groups.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | CA Movers | CA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 229 | 61.56% | 1,460 | 46.06% |
| Art | 231 | 62.1% | 1,445 | 45.58% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 77 | 20.7% | 1,041 | 32.84% |
| Debris Removal | 58 | 15.59% | 816 | 25.75% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 107 | 28.76% | 752 | 23.72% |
| Labor-Only | 192 | 51.61% | 1,730 | 54.61% |
| Office Moving | 348 | 93.55% | 2,703 | 85.3% |
| Small Moves | 153 | 41.13% | 1,559 | 49.2% |
| Total Movers | 372 | 100% | 3,170 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | CA Movers | CA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | 7 | 1.88% | 36 | 1.14% |
| Military Discount | 7 | 1.88% | 127 | 4.01% |
| Senior Discount | 11 | 2.96% | 150 | 4.73% |
| Student Discount | 2 | 0.54% | 36 | 1.14% |
| Teacher Discount | 2 | 0.54% | 9 | 0.28% |
| Total Movers | 372 | 100% | 3,170 | 100% |
What Impacts the Cost of California Long-Distance Moves?
- The date of your move: Expect to pay more if you're moving during peak season, especially late spring through early fall.
- Move distance: Longer moves increase fuel usage, road time, and logistics coordination — all of which raise costs.
- Optional add-ons: In California, 99.19% of movers offer packing services, and 319 companies offer storage. These services aren’t included in your base quote and will cost extra.
- How much you are moving: More furniture and boxes mean more work for the crew and more space in the truck, which increases the final price.
How To Choose the Right California Mover
Choosing a mover in California isn’t just about the lowest price — it’s about trusting a company to safely ship your belongings. The best movers bring transparency, reliability, and responsive service to the table.
Here are a few key things to check before booking:
- Licensing and credentials: Make sure the company is FMCSA-licensed to transport household goods and properly insured for interstate shipments.
- Pricing and estimates: Get in-person or video walkthroughs for more accurate quotes. It’s smart to collect at least three estimates before deciding.
- Discounts and price matching: Ask about deals — 7 CA movers offer military discounts, and 11 provide special rates for seniors. Many movers will match a lower quote, too.
- Service and reviews: Look for movers with strong online ratings and consistent customer feedback. It’s a good sign they treat shipments with care.
- Booking and flexibility: Review availability, rescheduling options, and cancellation policies in advance.
FAQs
What’s included in a full-service move?
Full-service moves usually cover loading, transport, and unloading. Sometimes, short-term storage is included. Packing and unpacking is typically available for an additional charge. The transport portion includes moving your household goods in a dedicated or shared truck, depending on the size of your move.
How is the weight of my move determined?
Movers weigh the truck before and after loading (a process called tare weight and gross weight). The difference is your shipment weight, which affects your final cost.
Do movers consolidate shipments of household goods?
Yes, especially for smaller moves. Some companies use freight-style consolidation to combine multiple moves headed in the same direction. This can lower costs but add time to delivery.
Is it cheaper to move with a container or a moving truck?
It depends. Containers may offer more flexibility and lower upfront costs, but full-service movers often handle the logistics of transporting household goods more efficiently for long-distance relocations.
Thinking About Moving to California?
Starting fresh in California? We’ll give you a quick look at what life here is like, from housing costs and crime levels to weather patterns and career opportunities.
Life in California: What To Expect
- California's cost of living is 34% above the national average, with average rent around $1,856 and homes valued at $771,057.
- The job market in California is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 5.4%. Top industries include Real estate and rental and leasing ($504 billion), Professional and business services ($397.3 billion), and Manufacturing ($320.7 billion).
- Recreation options in California include attractions like Yosemite National Park and Golden Gate Bridge, outdoor escapes such as La Jolla Cove and Heisler Park, and museums like The Getty Center and USS Midway Museum.
- Sports lovers can cheer on teams like Anaheim Ducks (NHL) and Los Angeles Kings (NHL), which draw fans from across the state.
California Relocation Resources
