Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Key Takeaways
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased moving and car shipping information and company reviews.
We evaluated more than 4,000 pro movers across the U.S. using our in-house ranking system. Our ratings are based on key factors like cost, customer satisfaction, and services. We also analyze thousands of online reviews to determine companies’ most common strengths and potential downsides.
We strive to deliver the information that is most relevant to your needs. Our team of experts regularly fact-checks all articles to ensure what we give you is always accurate and up-to-date.
Top Local Movers in California
After evaluating 370 moving companies in California, Meathead Movers 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:
Meathead Movers
Meathead Movers (DOT: 921143) offers a variety of services for those looking to move, including full-service moves, interstate relocations, and packing services. They accommodate senior moves, providing tailored services for older adults. While they offer unpacking services and storage solutions, some customers might be disappointed by the lack of international moving options. Meathead Movers accepts credit card payments, providing convenience for their clients.
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
Seka Moving
Seka Moving (DOT: 3014539) offers a comprehensive range of moving services including full service, interstate, fragile-only packing, and specialized handling for items like hot tubs, antiques, pianos, and pool tables. They provide convenient payment options, accepting cash, credit card, and money orders, and prioritize the safety of your items with full valuation coverage.
Customers looking for a mover that provides international moving services or climate-controlled storage options may need to consider alternatives, as Seka Moving does not offer these services. While they offer a variety of services, discounts for groups such as seniors, military, and students are not available, which could be a consideration for some budget-conscious clients. Overall, Seka Moving appears to be a reliable choice for customers needing specialized moving services and secure handling for delicate and high-value items.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unprofessional behavior
- Poor complaint handling
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Grace Moving Company
Grace Moving Company (DOT: 2806730) is a versatile moving service provider offering a variety of services, including full service moving, interstate moves, and specialized handling for delicate items such as antiques, pianos, and art. They also provide packing and unpacking services and have the convenience of instant email quotes for easy planning.
While the company does not offer international moves or climate-controlled storage, which may be a downside for some customers, they provide unique value with a focus on office relocations and comprehensive crating services.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Inaccurate estimates
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Merit Moving Systems
Merit Moving Systems (DOT: 1839600) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocations, and specialized handling for pianos and pool tables. They accept cryptocurrency as a payment method and provide packing and unpacking services, making moves more convenient for their clients. A highlight is their offering of fragile-only packing, ensuring delicate items are well protected during transit.
Although they offer a wide array of services, it may be a downside for some customers that they do not handle junk removal. Additionally, Merit Moving Systems supports customers with full valuation coverage and shipment tracking, adding peace of mind to any moving process.
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
Air 1 Moving & Storage
Air 1 Moving & Storage (DOT: 1095485) provides a comprehensive range of services, including full-service packing, interstate and international moving, and climate-controlled storage. They are well-equipped for handling special items such as antiques, grandfather clocks, and pianos, and offer labor-only services as well.
While they provide extensive options for packing and storage, it is notable that they do not offer junk removal or accept payment by cryptocurrency, which might be a consideration for some customers.
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
- Antioch
- Apple Valley
- Avocado Heights
- Big Bear City
- Bonita
- Chula Vista
- Commerce
- Concord
- Dublin
- El Sobrante
- Emeryville
- Fairfield
- Fontana
- Fremont
- Fresno
- Grand Terrace
- Hemet
- Hesperia
- Home Gardens
- Irvine
- Kingsburg
- Lake Los Angeles
- Lakeland Village
- Lancaster
- Larkspur
- Livermore
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Marysville
- Mendota
- Modesto
- Moreno Valley
- Newman
- Oakland
- Ontario
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Palos Verdes Estates
- Pleasanton
- Riverside
- Roseville
- Sacramento
- Salinas
- San Anselmo
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- San Marino
- Santa Ana
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Rosa
- Scotts Valley
- Solana Beach
- Stockton
- Sun Village
- Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
- Thousand Oaks
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in CA?
The cost of a local move depends on crew size and time spent. Movers in California charge an average hourly rate of $122, 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 |
Use our free moving cost calculator to help estimate the cost of your move.
Best Long-Distance Movers in California
Colonial Van Lines took the lead among 370 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 else 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 trusted full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, handling long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years of experience and 12,000+ moves annually, they offer expert packing, storage, and interstate transport throughout the continental US. Moving crews are highly trained Their user-friendly mobile app makes getting a quote fast and easy, and customers consistently praise their 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 with the mission to offer military precision relocation. Safeway offers very competitive pricing because they have access to a huge network of truck capacity across the country. Their multi-stage quality assurance process also ensures moves go smoothly from pickup to delivery. This focus on quality and accurate pricing is a huge reason why Safeway made 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) started in 1995 with only two trucks and a single location. The company has grown to become a nationwide mover with over 70 trucks servicing all 48 states. Despite their rapid growth, AVL still feels like a family-owned business. Their focus on customer service and affordable pricing put them at the top of our list!
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 largest and most well-known moving networks globally. With agent locations in all 50 states, as well as worldwide, and over 80 years in business, the company comes well-equipped for just about any type of move. The only drawback to Allied is they're known as a premium brand in the industry and their pricing can often come in above the competition.
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# 3182355), was founded seven years ago by Semen Mayzlin. Semen began his career as a moving company driver but got frustrated with the existing companies in the industry and decided to start his own premier long distance moving company. The company has grown over the past 7 years and now has 10 tractor trailers servicing moves all over the country.
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)
How California Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,180 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 370 are located in CA.
- Average rating: 4.33 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.3 stars.
- Mover associations: California has 29 in-state mover associations — a strong indicator of quality standards and coordination in the local moving industry.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | CA Movers | CA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 227 | 61.35% | 1,465 | 46.07% |
| Art | 229 | 61.89% | 1,449 | 45.57% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 73 | 19.73% | 1,035 | 32.55% |
| Debris Removal | 58 | 15.68% | 821 | 25.82% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 105 | 28.38% | 748 | 23.52% |
| Labor-Only | 189 | 51.08% | 1,728 | 54.34% |
| Office Moving | 346 | 93.51% | 2,710 | 85.22% |
| Small Moves | 150 | 40.54% | 1,555 | 48.9% |
| Total Movers | 370 | 100% | 3,180 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | CA Movers | CA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | 7 | 1.89% | 36 | 1.13% |
| Military Discount | 7 | 1.89% | 130 | 4.09% |
| Senior Discount | 7 | 1.89% | 141 | 4.43% |
| Student Discount | 2 | 0.54% | 37 | 1.16% |
| Teacher Discount | 2 | 0.54% | 11 | 0.35% |
| Total Movers | 370 | 100% | 3,180 | 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 317 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 7 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.
