We analyzed 370 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.
Meathead Movers
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Highly recommend Meathead Movers! We had a great experience with their entire team from the administrative side to the movers we worked with day of. All of our items were handled with care and were perfectly placed in our new home. —Kristen Matthews, Google
2.
Best California Movers
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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
3.
All Star Movers & Storage
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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.
4.
Seka Moving
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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
5.
Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.
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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
6.
One Stop Moving & Storage
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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
7.
Grace Moving Company
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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.
8.
Air 1 Moving & Storage
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I went with Air 1 Moving for a move from Dallas to Beverly Hills and if was a non stressful experience. The staff was professional, friendly and respectful. Strongly recommend this company.
9.
Oakley Relocation
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The movers were extremely professional, efficient, and treated my belongings with the utmost care. They worked seamlessly as a team, making a stressful day smooth and even enjoyable. Highly recommend!
10.
Maison Moving
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They were on time, professional, and very efficient. All my things arrived safely, and the movers were friendly and took great care. Their communication was clear and upfront. Highly recommend Maison Moving!
11.
Merit Moving Systems
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Our move was complex but the Merit team was organized, eager to ensure we were happy, and packed everything carefully. Alyson kept us informed about arrival times. Highly recommend! —Yelp
12.
Gentle Giant Moving Company
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Gentle Giant packed up everything for me and moved me into my new apartment within three hours! Courteous, efficient, and careful with all my belongings. Highly recommend! —Yelp
13.
Republic Moving & Storage
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The crew showed up on time and made quick work moving our storage unit. They were friendly, thoughtful, helpful and professional. Would recommend them to anyone. Two thumbs up!
14.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
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The team was efficient, careful with my belongings, and extremely polite. They wrapped everything, worked quickly and took the stress out of my move. Will absolutely recommend and use again!
15.
Rigo’s Moving Company Inc
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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!
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.