Quick answer: After reviewing 371 moving companies in San Diego, our top pick for local moves is Best California Movers. They’ve built a strong reputation with 1,177 reviews, 98.5% of which are positive.
For long-distance relocations from San Diego, our recommendation is Colonial Van Lines. With a strong national presence, they deliver transparent pricing, top-quality service, and consistently high customer satisfaction.
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At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we aim to offer readers precise, insightful data for moving and car shipping, alongside impartial company evaluations.
We’ve evaluated more than 4,000 professional movers across the country using our own ranking system. Our process looks closely at pricing, customer experiences, and the range of services offered — plus we dig into online reviews to uncover each company’s strengths and weaknesses.
We focus on giving you the insights you actually need. That’s why our expert team continually reviews our content to make sure it remains accurate and up to date.
Top-Rated Local San Diego Movers
A fresh start in San Diego doesn’t need to come with headaches. With trusted local movers, even quick moves across town are handled with ease.
Here are our picks for the best local movers to handle your relocation:
Best California Movers
Best California Movers (DOT: 3489907) provides a wide range of services including full-service moving, packing, and crating, making them a versatile option for those looking to move within or across state lines. They also offer labor-only services, catering to various customer needs, and small moves.
While they provide climate-controlled storage and unpacking services, Best California Movers does not handle international moves, which could be a drawback for customers seeking assistance with overseas relocations. Additionally, they require a deposit and do not accept cryptocurrency or cash payments, but do accept credit cards.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Republic Moving & Storage
Republic Moving & Storage (DOT: 3369820) offers an extensive range of services to accommodate various moving needs. They provide full-service moving solutions, including international, interstate, and intrastate moves, as well as specialized services for fragile items, antiques, and large objects like pianos and safes. The company also supports convenient options like climate-controlled storage, shipment tracking, and instant email quotes, enhancing the overall moving experience.
While Republic Moving & Storage excels in offering diverse services, they do not provide junk removal, which may be a downside for some customers seeking comprehensive moving solutions. Nevertheless, they cater to unique needs by accepting multiple forms of payment, including cash and money orders, and they offer full valuation coverage, ensuring your belongings are well-protected during transit.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Oakley Relocation
Oakley Relocation (DOT: 070851) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including interstate and international relocations, which makes them a versatile choice for many customers. They provide specialized services such as packing, unpacking, and handling delicate items like pianos and antiques, which ensures that valuable possessions are well cared for during the move. While they do offer senior moving services, some customers may find it disappointing that Oakley Relocation does not provide discounts for seniors or other specific groups like students or military personnel. Despite these limitations, their commitment to full service and shipment tracking demonstrates a dedication to ensuring a seamless moving experience.
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
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
One Stop Moving & Storage
One Stop Moving & Storage (DOT: 1956864) offers a comprehensive range of moving services including full-service moves, interstate moves, and specialized handling for items like hot tubs, antiques, and pianos. They also provide climate-controlled storage and unpacking services, making them a versatile choice for those with diverse moving needs. While they offer packing and labor-only services, a potential downside might be the absence of international moving services for those looking to relocate globally. Despite these extensive services, One Stop Moving & Storage does require a deposit, which customers should keep in mind when planning their budget.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Misplaced or lost items
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (DOT: 2527384) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate moves, and unpacking assistance. They also cater to specialized needs such as piano and safe transportation, alongside providing storage solutions. Customers can take advantage of a 5% discount on local moving services, which adds value to their offerings.
However, it's worth noting that they do not provide international moving services, which could be a consideration for those with global relocation needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Poor complaint handling
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Labor-only
- 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 San Diego
Leaving San Diego opens the door to countless new possibilities, whether your next stop is just beyond the border of California or thousands of miles away. Partnering with a trusted interstate mover ensures your journey starts smoothly. Here are some of the best to guide the way:
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 reputable full-service moving company located in Pompano Beach, Florida, specializing in long-distance relocations across 48 states. Boasting over 50 years of experience and managing 12,000+ moves annually, they provide expert packing, storage solutions, and interstate transportation services throughout the continental United States. Their moving teams are thoroughly trained. Their intuitive mobile app facilitates fast and easy quote generation, while clients frequently commend the friendly, professional, and dependable customer service they receive.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Removal of trash and debris
- Skilled in-house teams
- Setup of home electronics
Cons
- Service not offered in Alaska or Hawaii
- Does not handle local or international relocations
Services
- Customizable quotes using our moving app or with a specialist, ensuring transparent and precise estimates with virtual inventory tracking.
- Professional packing and unpacking services, featuring experienced packers, customized crating, protective specialty blankets, and shrink-wrap.
- Family-owned nationwide service for over 50 years, completing more than 250,000 moves, and holding a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot.
- Colonial Moving App offering virtual estimates, inventory management, checklists, and the option to order boxes.
- Comprehensive full-service moving, managed by CVLU-certified professionals for a seamless start-to-finish experience.
- Efficient corporate and commercial relocation, offering packing, storage solutions, and furniture assembly and disassembly services.
- Long-distance moving available across the contiguous 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
- Storage solutions for moving, including short-term, long-term, and climate-controlled options for items in transit.
- Interstate and cross-country moving featuring full-service planning, from packing through to delivery at your destination.
- Training through Colonial Van Lines University ensures our movers are well-prepared, with a 2–4 week curriculum and an average of 10 years of experience.
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving, (USDOT: 3756000), is a veteran-owned relocation company dedicated to providing military precision in their services. With access to a vast network of trucking capacity nationwide, Safeway offers highly competitive rates. Their multi-stage quality assurance system guarantees a seamless moving experience from start to finish. The emphasis on precise pricing and high quality is a major factor in Safeway's inclusion on our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Verification process ensures quality service and accurate pricing
- Receive 30 days of complimentary storage on all interstate relocations
- Focuses on cross country and long distance relocations exclusively
- Veteran owned and operated company
- A donation is made to charity from every move
- Exceptional customer service and support
Cons
- No local moves are available
- A deposit is needed to book
Services
- Custom crating (for delicate, heavy, or valuable items such as art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled environment, long-term available, prorated billing)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual assessments, no hidden costs)
- 24/7 customer service (phone support always available)
- Price matching (will meet or exceed offers from qualified competitors)
- International moving (limited details online, contact customer service for more info)
- Packing and unpacking services (last-minute packing available for an extra fee)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value coverage option)
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, inventory scanned via barcode)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) began operations in 1995 with two trucks and one location. It has since expanded into a nationwide mover with a fleet exceeding 70 trucks that serve all 48 states. Yet, AVL continues to maintain the essence of a family-run business. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and affordable rates ranks them at the top of our list!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flat-rate pricing
- Exceptional customer service
- Expert handling of antiques, pianos, and fine art
- Availability for last-minute moves
- Secure private storage solutions
Cons
- Receiving automated calls could become too frequent
- A booking deposit might be needed
Services
- Corporate relocation (includes commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, and storage)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling for fragile or oversized items, custom crating available)
- Local moving (features affordable hourly rates, packing, and custom crating services)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
- Storage options (offering secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, and fire/storm protection)
- Military moves (includes in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, and furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
- Packing services (option to upgrade for professional wrapping, packing, and inventorying)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines, (USDOT# 076235), is a prominent and extensive moving network worldwide. The company is well-prepared for nearly any type of relocation, boasting agent locations across all 50 states and internationally, with over 80 years of experience. However, Allied is recognized as a premium brand in the moving industry, which means their pricing can often exceed that of their competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection services
- Long-term and short-term storage solutions
- International moving and shipping
- Expert packing services for specialty items
Cons
- Quotes can take 3-5 days to receive
- Costs are typically above that of other moving services
Services
- Corporate and office moves (employee relocation, packing of office items, disassembly and reassembly of furniture)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated coordinator for your move, clear pricing, no hidden charges)
- Portable storage containers (container rentals for packing and storage during relocation)
- Military relocations (PCS, deployment; short-term storage; adherence to DoD rules)
- Household relocations (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transporting, unloading, unpacking)
- Comprehensive packing & unpacking services (skilled teams, specialty materials, customized crating for delicate items)
- Long-distance & interstate relocations (across continental U.S.; complete service options)
- International moves (services in 130+ countries; online tracking, assistance with customs, and destination services)
- Storage solutions (temporary, short or long-term units with climate control and security)
- Moving supplies & kits (available moving kits, boxes, shrink-wrap)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation, (USDOT# 3182355), was established by Semen Mayzlin seven years ago. Semen, who originally worked as a driver in the moving industry, became disillusioned with the existing companies and decided to launch his own top-notch long distance moving service. Over the past 7 years, the company has expanded and now operates 10 tractor trailers, facilitating moves nationwide.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offering residential, corporate, and military relocation services
- Family-operated, serving the entire East Coast
- Available around the clock for customer support
- Full reimbursement on cancellations made 7 days prior to moving
Cons
- Requires a deposit when booking
- Services only moves starting from the east coast
Services
- Military relocations (regulation-compliant, fully supported services with experienced crews)
- Secure storage options (in-transit storage, climate-controlled short- and long-term units, includes 30 days free)
- Price match assurance (guaranteeing competitive rates)
- Move management and support (dedicated coordinator, 24/7 customer service, personalized plans)
- Furniture assembly & disassembly (included in full-service, expertly handled)
- Corporate relocations (office and commercial moves, employee transitions, furniture management)
- Packing and unpacking services (skilled packers, strong materials, special care for fragile items such as pianos, antiques, and art)
- Online booking & estimates (transparent pricing, virtual inventory, no hidden costs)
- Efficient small move services (specialized for lighter load needs)
- Upfront deposit & cancellation terms (25% deposit required, full refund for cancellations within 7 days)
- Long-distance relocations (nationwide service, price match, GPS tracking, instant quotes available online)
- Local moving services (residential moving teams, expert packing help)
Moving Services Offered in San Diego
Moving companies differ significantly in the services they provide, and what is available often depends on the specific location. Some movers boast expertise in handling delicate items, pianos, or even offer comprehensive storage options, whereas others might not have these services available in San Diego.
The table below breaks down how many movers in San Diego offer each service, alongside totals for California and the U.S. as a whole. It’s a quick way to spot which options are widely available nearby and which could be harder to find.
| Service | San Diego | CA | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | 29 | 368 | 3,073 |
| Unpacking | 29 | 359 | 2,973 |
| Packing Materials | 25 | 252 | 1,809 |
| Piano | 21 | 297 | 2,303 |
| Antiques | 16 | 227 | 1,466 |
| Art | 16 | 230 | 1,451 |
| Standard Storage | 29 | 318 | 2,695 |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 10 | 73 | 1,032 |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 11 | 106 | 748 |
| Custom Crating | 23 | 291 | 1,932 |
Full-Service Moving Alternatives
With full-service movers, every detail is covered — packing, transport, and unloading. Still, you have other choices if you want more control or lower costs, including container rentals, do-it-yourself truck rentals, and help from hourly moving crews.
Did you know? DIY movers in San Diego can still get extra muscle on moving day. With 23 labor-only options, you can book help by the hour for loading and unloading.
FAQs
Do all San Diego movers handle out-of-state relocations?
Not all movers are licensed for interstate work. In San Diego, 25 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 13 movers in San Diego offer instant online quotes, it's easy to compare off-season rates and potentially save hundreds.
Are San Diego movers insured and licensed?
Most are, but always confirm credentials. A good sign of professionalism is that 29 movers in San Diego also provide storage, often requiring additional regulatory compliance.
Do San Diego movers offer discounts?
Yes. We found 1 offer AAA discounts, 1 offer military pricing. No senior discounts are currently offered.
Can I pay movers in cash in San Diego?
Yes. 10 movers in San Diego accept cash, compared to 121 statewide.
How many San Diego movers provide packing services?
29 movers in San Diego offer packing services, and 25 also sell materials like boxes and tape.
Do any San Diego movers specialize in fragile or high-value items?
Yes. 11 movers in San Diego offer fragile-only packing, while 16 handle fine art shipments.
How many movers in San Diego provide storage options?
There are 29 movers in San Diego that offer standard storage, and 10 provide climate-controlled units — both above the national average.
