The Best Moving Companies in California of 2025

We analyzed 351 licensed movers in California and surfaced the top companies for each type of move — from local and long-distance to piano, office, and more. Some movers appear in multiple categories because they specialize in several services.

These are the best moving companies that offer local moves within California.

Company	Rating	Quote
Grace Moving Company	5.0	Get a Quote
Meathead Movers	5.0	Get a Quote
Best California Movers	4.9	Get a Quote
Air 1 Moving & Storage	4.9	Get a Quote
Merit Moving Systems	4.86	Get a Quote

300 movers in California offer interstate moves (85.47%). They are specialized long-distance movers who handle relocations across state lines.

Company	Rating	Quote
Grace Moving Company	5.0	Get a Quote
Meathead Movers	5.0	Get a Quote
Best California Movers	4.9	Get a Quote
Air 1 Moving & Storage	4.9	Get a Quote
Merit Moving Systems	4.86	Get a Quote

328 movers in California offer office moving services (93.45%). These movers are experienced with commercial and business relocations.

Company	Rating	Quote
Grace Moving Company	5.0	Get a Quote
Best California Movers	4.9	Get a Quote
Merit Moving Systems	4.86	Get a Quote
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.	4.8	Get a Quote
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.8	Get a Quote

289 movers in California offer piano moving services (82.34%). These movers are experienced in safely transporting upright and grand pianos.

Company	Rating	Quote
Grace Moving Company	5.0	Get a Quote
Air 1 Moving & Storage	4.9	Get a Quote
Merit Moving Systems	4.86	Get a Quote
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.	4.8	Get a Quote
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.8	Get a Quote

224 movers in California offer antique moving services (63.82%). These movers are trained to protect fragile, high-value items during transit.

Company	Rating	Quote
Grace Moving Company	5.0	Get a Quote
Air 1 Moving & Storage	4.9	Get a Quote
Merit Moving Systems	4.86	Get a Quote
Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.	4.8	Get a Quote
NOR-CAL Moving Services	4.8	Get a Quote

254 movers in California offer senior moving services (72.36%). These companies specialize in helping older adults move with care and consideration.

Company	Rating	Quote
Grace Moving Company	5.0	Get a Quote
Meathead Movers	5.0	Get a Quote
Air 1 Moving & Storage	4.9	Get a Quote
Merit Moving Systems	4.86	Get a Quote
NOR-CAL Moving Services	4.8	Get a Quote

135 movers in California offer small move services (38.46%). These movers are ideal for apartment moves, dorm rooms, or a few large items.

Company	Rating	Quote
Best California Movers	4.9	Get a Quote
NOR-CAL Moving Services	4.8	Get a Quote
Rigo’s Moving Company Inc	4.8	Get a Quote

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
American Van Lines
International Van Lines
Mayzlin Relocation
JK Moving Services

Our Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Best For: Accurate Quotes
Availability: 50 states

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Our Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Best For: Sustainability
Availability: 48 states (not in AK or HI)

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Our Rating: 4.4 of 5 stars
Best For: International Moves
Availability: 50 states

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1. Safeway Moving

Established in 2020 in Florida, Safeway Moving is now a highly trusted and popular name in the moving industry. Safeway is dedicated to offering efficient and timely moves at affordable rates. Besides their full-service moving options, Safeway offers 24/7 customer support, flat-rate pricing, a price-match guarantee, and special discounts and resources for seniors.

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

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2. American Van Lines (AVL)

American Van Lines, based in Florida, is a seasoned moving company. They are known for their skilled moving teams and expertise in long-distance moves. They provide packing, storage, and special care for items like antiques and pianos. American Van Lines serves the entire continental U.S. and guarantees flat-rate pricing to eliminate surprise costs.

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3. International Van Lines (IVL)

International Van Lines, founded in 2000, focuses on both domestic and international moves. Known for their skill in managing complicated relocations, they offer full services like packing, storage, and vehicle transport, along with customizable moving plans. Based in Florida, IVL serves all 50 states and over 140 countries.

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4. Mayzlin Relocation

Mayzlin Relocation, based in North Carolina, offers quality long-distance and interstate moves across all 50 states. This family-owned business stands out for its excellent customer service and fair pricing. Besides standard full-service options like packing, they also provide add-ons like storage and car shipping, similar to larger van lines.

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5. JK Moving Services

JK Moving Services is well-known for their personalized moving options and customer support. They offer services like packing, storage, and handling specialized items such as pianos, antiques, fine art, and IT equipment. Their moving coordinators help customers develop a custom plan. JK Moving uses advanced technology for real-time GPS tracking and has experience with interstate moves across the U.S.

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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: To gauge a company’s customer service quality, go straight to the source. Online reviews and recommendations from friends or family can be very informative and help you narrow down your options.
Pricing and transparency: Choose companies that provide transparent and upfront estimates without hidden fees. To get a sense of fair pricing, compare quotes from at least three different companies.
Services: Consider what you require — full-service moving with packing and unpacking, or just help with heavy lifting? Ensure the company offers the services you need.
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: Pick a company that can handle last-minute changes without charging you high fees. Flexibility is key, whether you need to reschedule or add extra services.
Equipment and professionalism: Trustworthy companies use up-to-date equipment and have professional teams. A polite and ready crew can make a big difference on moving day.

Tips for a Smooth Move in California

Plan around the weather. California mostly enjoys a Mediterranean climate. In the Southeast, winters are colder and summers are hotter. The northern region gets more rain compared to other parts. Before you move, check for rainy or very hot days. 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 moving, keep essential toiletries and a few changes of clothes separate to avoid searching through boxes. Consider the season when packing your essentials bag: bring lightweight clothes and sunscreen for summer, or rain gear and layers for winter.
Keep valuables safe. Keep important items like jewelry, passports, and electronics with you instead of putting them in the moving truck. It reduces your worry.
Stay hydrated and take breaks. Stay hydrated and take breaks when necessary, especially if you’re moving in the summer. Even a short rest can help keep your energy up.
Engage the community. After you move in, meet your neighbors or check out local places to get to know the area.

Facts about California

Population

39,029,342

Average Income

$91,905

Average House Value

$771,057

Average Rent

$1,856

Crime Index

28.43

Cost Of Living Index

134%

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.

The Best Moving Companies in California of 2025

🚛 Local

🚚 Interstate

🏢 Office

🎹 Piano

🖼️ Antique

👵 Senior

📦 Small