Best Moving Companies in California (2026 Guide)
We analyzed 368 licensed movers in California and surfaced the top companies for each type of move, from local and long-distance residential relocations to specialty moving for pianos and offices. Some movers appear in multiple categories because they specialize in several services.
Best moving companies in California
These are the top-rated moving companies in California based on licensing data, verified reviews, and our editorial evaluation.
1. All Star Movers & Storage
FEATURED REVIEW: Team of 4 showed up on time, worked professionally and were done 2 hours before my estimate. Would recommend them any day for transparency, technology used and professionalism. The price was the best amongst all my research.
2. Meathead Movers
FEATURED REVIEW: The easiest, smoothest move we have ever had. The guys arrived early, worked hard, and were friendly and respectful of our belongings. Very fair prices. We highly recommend this moving company! —Joseph R, Google
3. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.
FEATURED REVIEW: The movers wrapped all my furniture and moved quickly. Nothing was damaged, and they were efficient and professional. Highly recommend their service and would definitely use them again! —Yelp
4. Best California Movers
FEATURED REVIEW: The crew that came to help were experts and lightning fast! They made sure to take care of our furniture, wrapping big, fragile items. Everything arrived safely and nothing was broken or missing. Fenomenal team! —Yelp
5. Grace Moving Company
FEATURED REVIEW: Grace Moving did a beautiful job. They professionally wrapped and packed each piece of furniture and our China. No breakage, showed up as scheduled and worked hard until done. Price was lower than anticipated. Highly recommend.
6. Rigo’s Moving Company Inc
FEATURED REVIEW: Rigos Moving Company made my move a breeze! Their team was punctual, professional, and handled my belongings with care. From start to finish, their communication was excellent, and they delivered on their promises. I highly recommend!
7. SOS Moving, LLC
FEATURED REVIEW: Ilbert and his team were so amazing with our move. They were courteous and speedy and really handled everything with care. Would highly recommend them! —None, Yelp
8. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
FEATURED REVIEW: My move was just completed an hour ago. So hardworking and professional. Booking was a breeze, fantastic office help. Everything wrapped and taped in moving pads. Final bill was less than expected. Can’t recommend them enough!
9. Courtesy Moving and Storage
FEATURED REVIEW: We had a great experience working with Mike, Mosses and their team! They were efficient, professional, and honest. They moved us from CA to OR with no problems. 10k less than another company we contacted.
10. Fresh Start Movers
FEATURED REVIEW: First time using movers and I honestly wouldn’t use any other company. Super quick and efficient, respectful, and friendly. Everything was wrapped up and packaged safely and transported professionally.
11. Golden Eagle Moving, LLC
FEATURED REVIEW: This is my second experience with this company and I can not say enough good about them. Very helpful from beginning to end. The crew worked well together. I would recommend them to everyone. —Yelp
12. Seka Moving
FEATURED REVIEW: The team that packed us and moved us were efficient, careful, and personable. Moving is clearly stressful, but with Seka running the show, it was a lot less stressful than it could have been. —Yelp
13. Grizzly Moving
FEATURED REVIEW: The crew was efficient and polite, wrapped and moved everything carefully, and finished the move faster than expected. All our belongings arrived undamaged, pricing was transparent, and I highly recommend Grizzly Moving for making the experience stress-free! —Yelp
14. One Stop Moving & Storage
FEATURED REVIEW: The movers arrived on time, worked efficiently, and nothing was damaged. Customer service was helpful and the quote matched the final price. I highly recommend them for moves large and small! —Audrey Hill, Google
15. 680 Movers
FEATURED REVIEW: Movers were prompt, efficient, and handled my belongings with care. They wrapped everything, worked hard, and the price was fair. Not a scratch on anything! I would recommend 680 Movers to anyone moving in the Bay Area. —Yelp
Best movers when moving from California to another state
These interstate moving companies specialize in long-distance and interstate relocations originating in California.
- Our Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
- Best For: Sustainability
- Availability: 48 states (not in AK or HI)
1. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned moving company that focuses on long-distance relocations. Known for its flat-rate pricing and commitment to quality, Safeway keeps the process straightforward from start to finish. Packing, storage, and transportation are all included in most plans, and moves are backed by a quality assurance program for added peace of mind.
The company can handle long-distance relocations in all 50 U.S. states, as well as international moves.
2. American Van Lines (AVL)
American Van Lines has been in the moving business since 1995 and is known for providing full-service long-distance moves with trained, background-checked crews. The company uses flat-rate pricing and specializes in handling antiques, fine art, and other high-value items. Their coast-to-coast coverage makes them a dependable choice for interstate relocations.
3. International Van Lines (IVL)
If you want a hassle-free move — whether it’s local, cross-country, or overseas— International Van Lines delivers. With more than 20 years in the industry, IVL handles tricky relocations with ease. You get customizable services ranging from packing and storage to car shipping, so you can pick what works for your move. They’re headquartered in Florida but operate nationwide and serve over 140 countries. That global expertise and flexibility are why IVL lands on our list of top moving companies.
4. Mayzlin Relocation
Based in North Carolina, Mayzlin Relocation shines when it comes to hassle-free long-distance and interstate moves anywhere in the U.S. As a family-owned company, they put a premium on friendly, honest service, with no hidden fees. You can tailor your experience with options like professional packing, secure storage, and even car transport—offerings that rival the biggest names in the business. Their hands-on approach and real commitment to making your move stress-free make them an easy pick for our list of the best moving companies.
5. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services earns a spot on our list for their personalized approach and impressive versatility. Not only can they handle your packing and storage needs, but they also excel at moving fragile and high-value items—pianos, fine art, antiques, and sensitive electronics are all in good hands. You’ll get your own moving coordinator, so your move is tailored to fit exactly what you need. Real-time GPS tracking lets you check in on your belongings every step of the way. Plus, their expertise in cross-country relocations means you can relax while they handle the logistics.
Top Movers by City in California
- Anaheim
- Antioch
- Apple Valley
- Bakersfield
- Chula Vista
- Concord
- Dublin
- Fairfield
- Fontana
- Fremont
- Fresno
- Hemet
- Hesperia
- Indio
- Irvine
- Lancaster
- Livermore
- Long Beach
- Los Angeles
- Merced
- Modesto
- Moreno Valley
- Oakland
- Ontario
- Oxnard
- Palmdale
- Pleasanton
- Riverside
- Roseville
- Sacramento
- Salinas
- San Bernardino
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Santa Ana
- Santa Barbara
- Santa Clarita
- Santa Cruz
- Santa Rosa
- Stockton
- Thousand Oaks
- Vallejo
- Victorville
- Visalia
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Moving Company in California
- Positive reputation: Reviews and referrals help separate the pros from the rest.
- Straightforward pricing: Transparent estimates help you budget without stress.
- Professional appearance and conduct: A respectful, on-time crew with the right tools sets the tone for the whole move.
- Flexibility with reschedules: Look for a mover that can handle last-minute changes without surprise costs.
- Customized service options: Only pay for what you need — nothing more.
- Local smarts: Familiarity with California traffic, roads, and neighborhoods goes a long way.
- Compliance with regulations: Every mover we recommend is fully authorized — but you can double-check via the FMCSA.
Tips for a Smooth Move in California
- Double-check local moving regulations: Many California cities have rules about when or where trucks can park.
- Break the ice in your new neighborhood: A small gesture like a wave or introduction can help you feel more at home.
- Keep valuables close and secure: Pack important or fragile items in a personal bag that travels with you.
- Pack for comfort based on the forecast: Having a seasonal essentials kit ready will save time and stress.
- Stay cool, hydrated, and alert: Moving is a marathon — take care of yourself to avoid burning out.
- Plan around local traffic hotspots: Avoid moving during peak hours in Los Angeles to keep things smooth.
- Prioritize seasonal safety. In California, summer is prime moving time—temperatures from 59°F to 87°F make hydration and shade critical.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire professional movers in California?
In California, professional movers typically charge about $122.44 per hour. Your final price will depend on the size of your move and the distance to your new place.
What should I know about California’s peak moving season?
In California, moving companies book up fast and rates climb during the popular summer months when the weather’s nice and school’s out. For better prices and a wider choice of dates, try booking your move in the off-season.
Are there any items moving companies in California won’t transport?
Moving companies in California typically have a list of items they won’t pack, like hazardous materials, perishable foods, or even certain plants, for safety and legal reasons. To keep your move smooth and stress-free, check with your movers ahead of time about what’s off-limits.
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.