Quick answer: We compared 370 movers in Santa Cruz, CA, and found a standout for local moves — Best California Movers. They’ve accumulated 54 reviews, with 94.4% positive feedback.
For long-distance moves from Santa Cruz, we recommend Colonial Van Lines. As a trusted national company, they stand out with clear flat-rate pricing, reliable service, and consistently strong customer reviews.
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Our team assessed over 4,000 professional movers nationwide utilizing our proprietary ranking system. We consider essential criteria such as pricing, customer feedback, and service offerings. Additionally, we scrutinize numerous online reviews to identify each company’s typical highlights and areas for improvement.
You can count on us to provide information that’s relevant and trustworthy. Our specialists regularly review and verify our content so it stays precise and current.
Top-Rated Local Santa Cruz Movers
Moving to a new location in Santa Cruz can be stress-free with experienced local movers. With the right team, your short-distance move can be seamless and straightforward.
Here’s our shortlist of the best local movers to ensure your move goes off without a hitch:
Best California Movers
Best California Movers (DOT: 3489907) offers a comprehensive range of services including full-service moves, interstate moving, and unpacking. They also provide crating and climate-controlled storage solutions for your convenience.
While they accept credit card payments, some customers might find it inconvenient that they do not accept cryptocurrency or cash. Additionally, they require a deposit for their services.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Overly complex pricing
- Misleading marketing
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
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
Vector Moving and Storage
Vector Moving and Storage (DOT: 3152229) offers a comprehensive range of services including full-service moving, interstate relocation, and specialized handling for pianos and pool tables. Customers can also benefit from their packing, unpacking, and crating services, making the moving process seamless and efficient.
Although they provide storage options, one limitation is the absence of climate-controlled units, which may be a concern for those with temperature-sensitive items. Despite lacking international moving services, Vector Moving and Storage stands out with its convenient payment options and no deposit requirement.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Highly recommended
Cons
- Damage to items
- Unexpected charges
- Unreliable timing
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- 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
Lunardi Moving
Lunardi Moving (DOT: 2762936) offers a comprehensive array of moving services, specializing in full-service, interstate, and intrastate moves, and they are equipped to handle items such as pianos, art, and pool tables with care.
The company provides additional convenience with services such as unpacking and storage solutions, making them a reliable choice for both residential and office relocations. However, they do not offer international moving services, which could be a limitation for customers seeking relocation abroad.
Despite the broad range of services, the absence of senior and other common discounts may also be a drawback for some potential clients. Lunardi Moving places emphasis on providing quality service without requiring a deposit, appealing to those looking for flexibility in their payment options.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unexpected charges
- Damage to items
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- 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 Santa Cruz
Saying goodbye to Santa Cruz is the start of a new chapter. With the right interstate moving company, your move — whether near or far — begins without unnecessary stress. Take a look at our top picks to help you plan your relocation:
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 Santa Cruz
Not every moving company offers the same range of services, and availability can vary widely from one location to another. Some movers may specialize in fragile-item packing, pianos, or storage solutions, while others may not offer these services at all in Santa Cruz.
To make comparison simple, the table below lists how many movers in Santa Cruz provide each service, with state and national figures included for context. This way, you can see what’s common locally and which services might take more effort to track down.
| Service | Santa Cruz | CA | U.S. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Packing | 44 | 367 | 3,073 |
| Unpacking | 43 | 358 | 2,973 |
| Packing materials | 33 | 252 | 1,813 |
| Piano | 39 | 296 | 2,299 |
| Antiques | 27 | 227 | 1,464 |
| Art | 32 | 229 | 1,448 |
| Standard storage | 35 | 317 | 2,695 |
| Climate-controlled storage | 8 | 73 | 1,034 |
| Fragile-only packing | 7 | 105 | 747 |
| Custom crating | 38 | 290 | 1,928 |
Full-Service Moving Alternatives
If convenience is the priority, full-service movers pack, load, and unload everything for you. For those who prefer to save money or stay more involved, alternatives such as moving containers, rental trucks, or hired labor by the hour can be a smart fit.
PODS
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Did you know? You don’t have to choose between full-service movers and doing it all alone. In Santa Cruz, there are 16 labor-only providers ready to give you hourly help with the heavy lifting.
FAQs
Do all Santa Cruz movers handle out-of-state relocations?
Not all movers are licensed for interstate work. In Santa Cruz, 39 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 Santa Cruz offer instant online quotes, it’s easy to compare off-season rates and potentially save hundreds.
Are Santa Cruz movers insured and licensed?
Most are, but always confirm credentials. A good sign of professionalism is that 35 movers in Santa Cruz also provide storage, often requiring additional regulatory compliance.
Do Santa Cruz 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 Santa Cruz?
Yes. 10 movers in Santa Cruz accept cash, compared to 121 statewide.
How many Santa Cruz movers provide packing services?
44 movers in Santa Cruz offer packing services, and 33 also sell materials like boxes and tape.
Do any Santa Cruz movers specialize in fragile or high-value items?
Yes. 7 movers in Santa Cruz offer fragile-only packing, while 32 handle fine art shipments.
How many movers in Santa Cruz provide storage options?
There are 35 movers in Santa Cruz that offer standard storage, and 8 provide climate-controlled units — both above the national average.
