Quick answer: We picked Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc. as the best overall choice for local moves after analyzing 370 movers in Salinas, The company has received 43 reviews, with 88.4% being positive.
For long-distance moves from Salinas, our top pick is Colonial Van Lines. They earn this spot with clear flat-rate pricing, dependable service, and consistently excellent customer reviews.
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, our goal is to give readers the clarity they need for moving and car shipping decisions, backed by trustworthy data and fair, unbiased reviews of top companies.
Our research covers over 4,000 movers nationwide, analyzed through a ranking system we built in-house. By weighing factors like cost, customer feedback, and service quality, and by studying real reviews, we highlight what each company does well — and where they could improve.
Relevance and accuracy guide everything we publish. Our dedicated specialists verify each piece of content so you can trust that it’s both dependable and timely.
Top-Rated Local Salinas Movers
Good news: Moving to a new place in Salinas can be simple. The right local mover makes even a short trip across town smooth and stress-free.
Here are some of the top-rated pros to help you make the short trip with ease:
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc. (DOT: 44159) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocations, and specialized services such as piano and pool table moving. They also provide crating and packing options to ensure the safe transport of fragile and valuable items. Their storage solutions, however, do not include climate-controlled options, which may be a downside for customers with sensitive belongings.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Unprofessional behavior
- Misplaced or lost items
- Crew arrived unprepared
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.
Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc. (DOT: 45193) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full service packing, interstate, intrastate, and international moving. They also provide specialized services for items like pianos and art, as well as packing and unpacking services.
For customers looking for storage solutions, Cardinale Moving offers storage services, though unfortunately, they do not offer climate-controlled storage, which may be a drawback for some. Additionally, they accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment, providing a modern payment option.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Poulos Moving Systems
Poulos Moving Systems (DOT: 2618126) is a highly capable moving company offering a comprehensive array of services. They specialize in full-service packing, unpacking, and the transportation of delicate items such as pianos, antiques, and pool tables. Additionally, the company provides a variety of attractive discounts, including a 10% discount for active duty personnel and complimentary estimates within the Metropolitan Monterey Peninsula Area.
While they offer climate-controlled storage and crating services, they do not provide international moving services, which might be a limitation for some clients. Despite this, their extensive service offerings and discounts make them a strong contender for most domestic moves.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Lack of communication
- Unexpected charges
Services
- Full-service
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Mod Movers
Mod Movers (DOT: 2983026) is a diverse moving company offering a wide range of services tailored to meet client needs. They excel in providing full-service moves, handling fragile-only packing, and offering specialized services for pianos and pool tables. A notable perk is their inclusion of senior services, although they do not provide a senior discount, which some clients might find limiting.
While Mod Movers offers convenient payment options like credit cards, they do not accept cryptocurrency or cash, which could be a downside for some customers. Additionally, they provide unpacking services and junk and debris removal, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience from start to finish.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Helpful movers
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Lambert & Son Moving
Lambert & Son Moving (DOT: 3528657) offers a comprehensive range of moving services including full-service moves, interstate relocations, and specialized handling for hot tubs, pianos, safes, antiques, and fine art. Customers can also benefit from their well-equipped storage facilities. They conveniently accept payment by credit card, though not by cryptocurrency or cash, which might be a limitation for some clients.
While Lambert & Son Moving delivers expert crating and packing services, they do not provide certain niche services like international moving, grandfather clock relocation, or debris removal, which could be seen as a downside. Despite this, their commitment to thorough and reliable moving solutions makes them a noteworthy choice for those in need of professional moving assistance.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Lack of communication
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
More California Moving Options
Curious about all moving solutions near you? Check out this list of the best moving companies in California.
The Best Long-Distance Movers in Salinas
Moving on from Salinas brings endless opportunities, whether you’re heading to a nearby town or state or across the country. A dependable interstate mover helps set the stage for a smooth transition. Here are a few top choices to get you started:
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)
Moving Services Offered in Salinas
The services offered by moving companies can vary substantially, with availability often linked to the specific location. Certain movers are adept at packing fragile items, moving pianos, or providing storage, while some may not provide these options in Salinas.
For easier decision-making, we’ve mapped out the number of movers in Salinas that provide each service, plus averages for California and nationwide. This snapshot shows what’s readily available locally and what might require extra searching.
| Service | Salinas | CA | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | 12 | 367 | 3,073 |
| Unpacking | 11 | 358 | 2,973 |
| Packing materials | 8 | 252 | 1,813 |
| Piano | 11 | 296 | 2,299 |
| Antiques | 9 | 227 | 1,464 |
| Art | 12 | 229 | 1,448 |
| Standard storage | 8 | 317 | 2,695 |
| Climate-controlled storage | 2 | 73 | 1,034 |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 | 105 | 747 |
| Custom crating | 11 | 290 | 1,928 |
Full-Service Moving Alternatives
A full-service mover manages the entire process, but that’s not the only route. Renting a container, booking a truck, or hiring movers by the hour lets you tailor the move to your budget and needs.
PODS |
Budget Truck Rental |
South Bay Moving Systems Inc. |
Did you know? You can get help with heavy lifting even if you opt for a DIY move. In Salinas, there are 3 labor-only options to choose from, meaning you can pay an hourly crew to assist with loading your moving container or rental truck.
FAQs
Do all Salinas movers handle out-of-state relocations?
Not all movers are licensed for interstate work. In Salinas, 11 companies can handle out-of-state moves, compared to 317 across California.
Is it cheaper to move during certain times of the year?
Yes. Peak summer months tend to be pricier. Since 2 movers in Salinas offer instant online quotes, it’s easy to compare off-season rates and potentially save hundreds.
Are Salinas movers insured and licensed?
Most are, but always confirm credentials. A good sign of professionalism is that 8 movers in Salinas also provide storage, often requiring additional regulatory compliance.
Do Salinas movers offer discounts?
Yes. We found 1 offer military pricing. No AAA discounts are currently offered. No senior discounts are currently offered.
Can I pay movers in cash in Salinas?
Yes. 2 movers in Salinas accept cash, compared to 121 statewide.
How many Salinas movers provide packing services?
12 movers in Salinas offer packing services, and 8 also sell materials like boxes and tape.
Do any Salinas movers specialize in fragile or high-value items?
Yes. 2 movers in Salinas offer fragile-only packing, while 12 handle fine art shipments.
How many movers in Salinas provide storage options?
There are 8 movers in Salinas that offer standard storage, and 2 provide climate-controlled units — both above the national average.
