The Best Moving Companies in California of 2025

The bottom line: Based on our analysis of pricing, customer feedback, and services, we have found the best local and long-distance moving companies in California. If you’re relocating from the Golden State to another state, we recommend Safeway Moving for its balance of quality and affordability.

The best mover for you will depend on your unique needs and budget. Check out these options to narrow down your search:

• Best Long-Distance Movers
• Best Local Movers in CA
• Best Cheap Movers
• Best Hourly Movers
• Best Office Movers
• Best Small Load Movers

Company	Quote	Rating
All Star Movers & Storage	Get A Quote	4.96 / 5.0
Two Men and a Truck	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5.0
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5.0

5 Best Movers When Moving Out of California

If you are moving out of California, we recommend using an interstate moving company. Here are the top options:

• Safeway Moving
• International Van Lines
• Mayzlin Relocation
• JK Moving Services
• American Van Lines

1. Safeway Moving

Started in Florida in 2020, Safeway Moving has rapidly gained popularity and trust in the industry. They focus on offering efficient and timely moves at fair prices. Safeway also gives 24/7 customer support, flat-rate pricing, a price-match guarantee, and special deals and resources for seniors.

The company can handle long-distance relocations in all 50 U.S. states, as well as international moves.

Get a quote: Safeway Moving

2. International Van Lines (IVL)

International Van Lines handles both domestic and international moves. Founded in 2000, the company is known for its skill in managing complicated relocations. They provide full-service options, including packing, storage, and vehicle transportation, along with customizable moving plans. Based in Florida, IVL serves all 50 states and over 140 countries.

Get a quote: International Van Lines

3. Mayzlin Relocation

Mayzlin Relocation, based in North Carolina, offers high-quality long-distance and interstate moves across all 50 states. This family-owned business is praised for its excellent customer service and reasonable prices. Besides their full-service options like packing, they also provide additional services such as storage and car shipping, similar to larger moving companies.

4. JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services is well-known for offering customizable moving options and personal support. They provide packing, storage, and can handle special items such as pianos, antiques, fine art, and IT equipment. Each customer gets a dedicated coordinator to help create a custom moving plan. JK Moving uses advanced technology for real-time GPS tracking and has extensive experience with interstate moves across the U.S.

5. American Van Lines (AVL)

American Van Lines is a seasoned moving company based in Florida. They are known for their skilled crews and expertise in long-distance moves. They offer packing, storage, and special care for items like antiques and pianos. Their services are available throughout the continental U.S., and they use flat-rate pricing to prevent unexpected costs.

Get a quote: American Van Lines

5 Best Local California Moving Companies

If you are relocating to a new home in roughly the same area of the state (about 50 miles or less), check out our recommendations for local California movers:

3 Most Affordable California Moving Companies

Moving isn’t cheap, and the larger the move, the more it’s likely going to cost.

If you’re looking for reliable California moving services that won’t break the bank, consider one of these top-notch affordable movers:

• Safeway Moving: Safeway Moving is our top pick for budget-friendly moves. They maintain quality while offering lower prices. Their affordable long-distance services are comparable to more expensive companies. Plus, with flat-rate pricing and a price-match guarantee, you’ll get the best deal on your out-of-state move.
• Mayzlin Relocation: Mayzlin Relocation offers clear pricing and customized service, ensuring you receive the attention you need without overspending. If another mover gives you a lower quote, Mayzlin will match it. Plus, you can cancel up to seven days before your move date without any fees.
• U-Pack: U-Pack offers a budget-friendly and flexible moving option. You’ll need to do the heavy lifting, but U-Haul supplies the moving containers or cargo trailer and transportation. You only pay for what you use, so there’s no stress about overestimating the space you need.

Check out the average cost of movers in California by the type of move you choose.

Top Hourly Movers in California

Looking for flexible and efficient moving assistance charged by the hour? Hourly movers can come in handy with a DIY move… or if you just need help lifting heavy items like furniture and fitness equipment.

Here are our picks for best California hourly movers:

• HireAHelper: HireAHelper is ideal for people who have their own transportation but need help with heavy lifting. The company will assess your needs and send the right number of workers, charging you only for the time it takes to load your truck or moving container.
• U-Haul Moving Help: U-Haul’s Moving Help program lets you rent a truck and hire local movers in one place. With the online platform, you can find and book hourly movers nearby. You can also get instant quotes to compare prices and services easily. Additionally, you can hire Moving Help crews for home cleaning or to move heavy items like pianos or safes.

3 Best Office Movers in California

Relocating your business without disrupting work flow can be tricky. For a smooth and efficient transition, consider these highly rated California office movers:

• American Van Lines (AVL): American Van Lines excels in office moves thanks to its skilled teams. They can disassemble and reassemble furniture and safely transport delicate office equipment such as computers and electronics. AVL’s crews get regular training for various moving situations, ensuring they can handle your essential equipment and documents with care.
• Mayzlin Relocation: Mayzlin Relocation provides adaptable moving solutions for offices. These include packing services, secure transport, and storage for both short and long periods. All crew members are fully trained and have passed background checks, ensuring your office move is professional and efficient.
• North American Van Lines: North American Van Lines offers complete office moving services such as furniture assembly, IT equipment handling, and logistics coordination. Their vast nationwide network and years of experience in the moving industry support these services.

Top Small Load Movers in California

Many full-service movers have minimum requirements in terms of move size and time, so if you need help relocating a studio apartment in California, you may want to find one that specializes in smaller moves.

We like these California small load moving companies:

• MovingYourself: MovingYourself is an affordable option for small relocations. You pay for the truck space you use, not the whole truck. This way, you only cover the cost for the space needed on a 52-foot truck. While you’ll need to load your items yourself, it’s a great way to save money if you have just a few boxes and furniture pieces.
• MiniMoves: MiniMoves focuses only on small moves, providing full service no matter the size. They offer services like professional packing and furniture assembly for jobs most companies avoid due to weight limits. This specialized service is perfect for apartments, studios, or single-room moves.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Moving Company in California

• Licensing and insurance: Verify that the company has the necessary permits to operate in the Golden State and carries adequate insurance for damage or loss coverage. We only recommend movers that meet these requirements but you can confirm a company’s operating status through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database.
• Reputation and customer reviews: One of the best ways to find out about a company’s customer service quality is to go directly to the source. Online reviews and recommendations from friends or family can be incredibly enlightening and help you narrow your search.
• Pricing and transparency: Go for companies that offer clear, upfront estimates with no hidden fees. Comparing quotes from at least three companies can give you a good idea of fair pricing.
• Services: Think about what you need — full-service moving with packing and unpacking or just help with heavy lifting? Make sure the company provides the services that match your needs.
• Local knowledge: A mover familiar with California roads and neighborhoods can help make the process smoother, especially in areas prone to traffic or tricky routes.
• Flexibility: Choose a company that’s willing to adapt to last-minute changes without hitting you with hefty fees. Whether it’s rescheduling or adding extra services, flexibility goes a long way.
• Equipment and professionalism: Reliable companies use modern equipment and have professionalcrews. A courteous and well-prepared team can make all the difference on moving day.

Tips for a Smooth Move in California

• Plan around the weather. California enjoys a Mediterranean climate in most areas. The Southeast has colder winters and hotter summers. Northern California gets more rain than other regions. Check the weather for rain or high temperatures before you move. Check the forecast and have a backup plan for bad weather.
• Avoid big city traffic. Los Angeles, and other major cities can be rough during morning and evening rush hours (usually between 7 and 9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.). Schedule your move outside those times for a less stressful drive.
• Check local ordinances. Some California towns have specific rules for moving trucks, like parking restrictions or time limits. Check ahead to avoid last-minute surprises.
• Pack for the season. When you move, keep essential toiletries and a few changes of clothes separate so you don’t have to search through boxes for them. When packing an essentials bag, consider the season — pack light clothes and sunscreen for summer, or rain gear and warm layers for winter.
• Keep valuables safe. Keep important items like jewelry, passports, and electronics with you instead of in the moving truck. You’ll have one less thing to worry about.
• Stay hydrated and take breaks. Stay hydrated and take breaks as needed, especially when moving in the summer. Even a short rest can boost your energy.
• Engage the community. After you move in, say hello to your neighbors or check out local places to get to know the area.

FAQs

How much does it cost to hire professional movers in California?

The average cost to hire professional movers in California is $122.44 per hour. The total cost will be determined by how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving.

What should I know about California’s peak moving season?

Like most places, California sees a surge in moves during the summer months when the weather is favorable and school is out. This means moving companies might be busier and rates could be higher. If possible, consider moving during the off-peak season for potentially better rates.

Are there any items moving companies in California won’t transport?

Most California moving companies have a list of prohibited items they won’t move due to safety or regulatory reasons. Common items include hazardous materials, perishables, and in some cases, plants. It’s best to check with your chosen moving company in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

How We Chose the Top CA Moving Companies

To ensure we provide accurate and reliable recommendations, we use a thorough evaluation process to rate and review local and long-distance movers across the U.S. in these key categories:

• Pricing and payment options: Transparent pricing is a major factor. We assess whether companies offer flat-rate pricing and binding estimates to help customers avoid unexpected fees and stay within budget. We also look for multiple payment options (credit card, cash, and check).
• Services: We examine a company’s packages to see which services come standard and which ones come at an added cost, helping customers find the most comprehensive services at the most affordable rate.
• Customer feedback: We analyze online reviews from consumer review sites like the BBB, Yelp, Trustpilot, and Google and look for common praises and complaints.
• Reputation: A company’s reputation is crucial. We look at industry ratings, compliance with regulations, and whether they carry sufficient insurance to protect customers’ belongings.
• Add-on options: We evaluate optional services that carry an extra fee — like fragile-only packing, custom crates, and specialized handling of electronics — can make a move easier, especially if they’re not commonly offered by other companies.
• State availability: The number of states a company serves is key. Companies with a national reach are ranked higher than those within just the contiguous U.S. or with more limited availability.
• Ease of scheduling: We give higher ratings to companies that offer straightforward and accessible scheduling options to get things moving quickly.