Best Moving Companies in California (August 2026)
We took a close look at 375 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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Rigo's Moving Company Inc | 4.78
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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 375 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, 4.56 out of 5.0
- Best California Movers, 4.5 out of 5.0
- Grace Moving Company, 4.58 out of 5.0
- Meathead Movers, 4.62 out of 5.0
- Courtesy Moving and Storage, 4.56 out of 5.0
Merit Moving Systems
72050 Varner Rd, Thousand Palms, CA, 92276
Merit Moving Systems (DOT: 1839600) offers a comprehensive array of services, including full-service moving, both interstate and international relocation capabilities, as well as specialty services like piano and pool table moving. They enhance convenience with options like fragile-only packing and unpacking services. A noteworthy feature is their acceptance of cryptocurrency as a payment method, appealing to modern and tech-savvy customers.
On the downside, Merit Moving Systems does not offer junk removal, which could be a limitation for customers seeking a one-stop moving solution. Despite this, their commitment to handling delicate items and providing secure storage solutions demonstrates their dedication to a quality moving experience. The absence of a senior discount might also be a consideration for some customers seeking cost-saving options.
"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
Best California Movers
7241 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA, 91605
Best California Movers (DOT: 3489907) offers a wide range of services including full-service moves, interstate moves, and storage solutions, making them a versatile option for various moving needs. They cater to small moves and provide crating services, making them a great choice for specialized packing requirements. However, some customers may find it inconvenient that Best California Movers does not offer international moving services or accept cryptocurrency payments. They also require a deposit, which might be a consideration for those seeking more flexible payment options.
"Best California Movers handled everything quickly and carefully. The movers were friendly and professional, and made sure all of our items arrived without damage. Pricing was exactly as quoted—no surprise fees. I highly recommend them!"
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Transparent pricing
Cons
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Inaccurate estimates
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Grace Moving Company
800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351
Grace Moving Company (DOT: 2806730) offers a variety of services, including full-service moving, interstate moves, and experienced handling of antiques, pianos, and art.
Notably, they provide unpacking services, crating, and also offer specialized attention for senior customers, though they do not provide a senior discount. Their lack of international moving services may be a downside for clients looking to relocate abroad.
Grace Moving Company is dedicated to a comprehensive moving experience with features like instant email quotes available and the option to pay by credit card, but potential clients should be aware that they do not offer climate-controlled storage or shipment tracking.
"Grace Moving did a beautiful job. They professionally wrapped and packed each piece of furniture and our China. No breakage, showed up as scheduled and worked hard until done. Price was lower than anticipated. Highly recommend."
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
Meathead Movers
4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93722
Meathead Movers (DOT: 921143) offers a variety of convenient moving services, including full-service moves, interstate relocations, and unpacking services. They provide dedicated support for senior moves, though they do not offer a senior discount. A potential downside is the lack of international moving services, which may be a limitation for some customers. Additionally, Meathead Movers ensures flexibility in payment options by accepting both cash and credit card payments.
"Highly recommend Meathead Movers! We had a great experience with their entire team from the administrative side to the movers we worked with day of. All of our items were handled with care and were perfectly placed in our new home."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Courtesy Moving and Storage
3515 N Sabre Dr, Fresno, CA, 93727
Courtesy Moving and Storage (DOT: 3119841) offers a wide array of moving services, covering everything from full-service and interstate moves to international relocations. They provide specialized options such as fragile-only packing, climate-controlled storage, and handling of items like hot tubs, pool tables, and pianos. Despite this extensive range of services, customers seeking junk removal or the ability to pay using cryptocurrency may find this company lacking in these areas.
"We had a great experience working with Mike, Mosses and their team! They were efficient, professional, and honest. They moved us from CA to OR with no problems. 10k less than another company we contacted."
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Helpful movers
- Affordable rates
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Misplaced or lost items
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- 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 375 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)
BLVD Moving
BLVD Moving (USDOT: 3342827) is a long-distance moving company that puts a strong emphasis on clear pricing and customer communication. The company coordinates interstate moves nationwide and is known for assigning a dedicated move coordinator to guide customers through each step of the process. With professional packing, storage options, and a focus on consistency from pickup to delivery, BLVD Moving is a solid choice for customers who want a more organized, transparent moving experience.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Full-time professional crews
- Flexible rescheduling
- Last-minute services
Cons
- Limited insurance options
- Limited pricing on website
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide interstate relocations coordinated across the contiguous US), Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing through delivery), Professional packing & unpacking (trained crews, high-quality materials, specialty packing for fragile items), Moving storage services (short- and long-term storage options through partner facilities), Dedicated move coordinator (single point of contact from quote to delivery), Transparent pricing model (detailed estimates based on virtual or phone inventory reviews), Carrier-vetted moving network (licensed and insured interstate carriers meeting BLVD’s service standards), Specialty item moving (oversized furniture, antiques, and delicate household goods), Customer support throughout the move (proactive communication and scheduling updates from pickup to drop-off)
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 3,185 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 375 are located in CA.
- Average rating: 4.34 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.32 stars.
- Mover associations: California has one in-state mover association, California Moving & Storage Association, providing centralized support for industry standards and advocacy.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | CA Movers | CA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 228 | 60.8% | 1,453 | 45.62% |
| Art | 229 | 61.07% | 1,441 | 45.24% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 82 | 21.87% | 1,051 | 33.0% |
| Debris Removal | 61 | 16.27% | 851 | 26.72% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 105 | 28.0% | 748 | 23.49% |
| Labor-Only | 197 | 52.53% | 1,758 | 55.2% |
| Office Moving | 353 | 94.13% | 2,724 | 85.53% |
| Small Moves | 159 | 42.4% | 1,586 | 49.8% |
| Total Movers | 375 | 100% | 3,185 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | CA Movers | CA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | 7 | 1.87% | 36 | 1.13% |
| Military Discount | 10 | 2.67% | 135 | 4.24% |
| Senior Discount | 14 | 3.73% | 157 | 4.93% |
| Student Discount | 2 | 0.53% | 36 | 1.13% |
| Teacher Discount | 2 | 0.53% | 9 | 0.28% |
| Total Movers | 375 | 100% | 3,185 | 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 323 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 — 10 CA movers offer military discounts, and 14 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
