The bottom line: If you’re planning a 2,006 mile move from California to Mississippi, expect to spend anywhere from $772 to as much as $6,021. Our top recommendation for full-service moving is Safeway Moving, while Seka Moving is our choice for local movers in California.
- Best Long-Distance Movers
- Best Moving Containers
- Best Moving Truck Rentals
- Best Small Load Movers
Check out these options to narrow down your search:
Going the other way? Check out our moving from Mississippi to California guide.
Best California to Mississippi Full-Service Moving Companies
Relocating from California to Mississippi means handling a lot of moving parts — and the pressure can build fast.
That’s why we recommend hiring an interstate mover you can trust. The right team makes all the difference when it comes to a smooth transition.
We’ve vetted the best options based on customer satisfaction, reliability, and value for your money:
- Safeway Moving
- American Van Lines
- International Van Lines
- Mayzlin Relocation
- North American Van Lines
- Our Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
- Best For: Sustainability
- Availability: 48 states (not in AK or HI)
1. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving locks in pricing upfront, so you won’t get hit with surprise charges on long-distance moves. The company handles relocations across all 50 states and includes 30 days of free storage with every move, which can be helpful if your new home isn’t ready right away.
Safeway is known for its military-grade packing standards and commitment to price transparency. If you want a predictable, hands-off move with no hidden fees, it’s a solid option.
2. American Van Lines
American Van Lines (AVL) stands out as a full-service mover with strong values at its core. Committed to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, AVL makes environmental responsibility a top priority in every move.
They walk the talk by upgrading their trucks with cutting-edge, energy-saving tech, giving back to local communities, and constantly finding new ways to shrink their environmental footprint.
AVL stands out for its variety of services and dependable team, making it a solid choice for anyone tackling an interstate move. If you want peace of mind and a straightforward moving experience, AVL should definitely be on your radar.
3. International Van Lines (IVL)
International Van Lines (IVL) provides full-service long-distance moving across all 50 states, offering everything from packing and storage to furniture disassembly and reassembly. If you’re moving overseas, IVL also has air and ocean freight options.
The company requires a deposit to book, but its flexible cancellation policy allows you to adjust plans if needed. With virtual estimates available, you can get a quote without scheduling an in-home walkthrough.
4. Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation focuses on long-distance moves with a personal touch, offering binding estimates so you know your total cost upfront. The company provides packing, storage, and furniture disassembly, with the option to add white-glove handling for fragile or high-value items.
Unlike some movers, Mayzlin doesn’t hand off jobs to outside crews but instead handles everything in-house, ensuring consistency from start to finish. It handles moves across the lower 48 states and builds customized moving plans to fit your needs.
5. North American Van Lines (NAVL)
North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been handling long-distance moves since 1933, with services available in all 50 states. The company provides binding estimates, so you’ll know your cost upfront, and offers full-value protection for extra peace of mind.
One of its standout features is real-time shipment tracking, which lets you follow your move every step of the way. Whether you need full packing services or just transportation, NAVL gives you the flexibility to plan your move your way.
Learn more about the best movers in California.
DIY California to Mississippi Moving Options
California to Mississippi Moving Containers
A moving container is a cost-effective solution for relocating across California without the hassle of driving a rental truck.
You can take your time loading your items, while the container company handles the long-haul transport. It’s ideal if you want more flexibility and built-in storage in case your new home isn’t move-in ready.
Here are our top picks for moving container companies for your interstate journey from California to Mississippi:
1. PODS
PODS gives you flexibility with long-distance moves by letting you pack at your own pace. You can keep the container in your driveway, store it at a PODS facility, or have it delivered straight to your new home. Pricing is transparent, with month-to-month rental options, and there’s no rush to unload since you keep the container as long as needed.
2. U-Pack
With U-Pack, you only pay for the space you use on a moving trailer or in a ReloCube, making it a budget-friendly choice for interstate moves. Unlike PODS, you have just three days to load and unload, but transportation is included in the price. There’s no deposit required, and U-Pack regularly offers discounts, including savings for military members and students.
California to Mississippi Moving Truck Rentals
For those comfortable behind the wheel, renting a truck can be a smart and economical way to move from California to Mississippi.
You’re in charge of the whole process — loading, driving, and unloading — with the flexibility to choose the right size vehicle for your belongings.
Here are the top-rated truck rental options across California:
1. Budget Truck Rental
Budget Truck Rental keeps costs low with frequent discounts, including deals for students, military members, and AARP members. One-way rentals for interstate moves include unlimited miles, so you won’t get hit with extra fees for going over a mileage cap. Budget’s fleet isn’t as big as U-Haul’s, but if you find a location near you, it’s often one of the cheapest ways to move.
2. Penske Truck Rental
Penske trucks are well-maintained and newer than most competitors, reducing the chances of breakdowns on a long drive. Unlimited mileage is included on all one-way moves, making it ideal for cross-country trips where you don’t want to worry about tracking every mile. Penske also partners with AAA to offer discounts, and there are additional savings for college students and military members.
3. U-Haul
U-Haul has the largest truck rental network in the U.S., which means there’s a good chance you’ll find a location nearby. One-way rentals don’t include unlimited mileage like some competitors, but U-Haul often beats other companies on base rental prices. If you need flexibility, U-Haul also offers trailer rentals and the option to hire loading help through its Moving Help marketplace.
California to Mississippi Small Load Movers
If you’re moving a smaller home or apartment from California to Mississippi, some full-service companies might not be the right fit due to minimum load sizes.
We’ve rounded up the best movers that focus on smaller, more flexible moves for people headed from California to Mississippi:
1. MovingYourself
MovingYourself is a cost-effective option for small moves, since you pay only for the truck space you need. Instead of renting an entire moving truck, you load your belongings into a designated section of a commercial trailer, keeping costs low. The company handles transportation, so you don’t have to drive a rental truck across state lines.
2. MiniMoves
MiniMoves specializes in small interstate moves, making it a solid option if you’re relocating a studio apartment or just shipping a few pieces of furniture. Unlike most full-service movers, MiniMoves doesn’t have high weight minimums, so you’re not stuck paying for space you don’t need. Packing and loading services are available, and the company offers custom crating for fragile or high-value items.
Cost To Move From California to Mississippi
As you make the move from California to Mississippi, you’re packing more than just boxes — you’re taking a whole chapter of your life with you.
Most people spend between $772 and $6,021 for professional help along this route. Expect movers in California to charge around $122 per hour for key services like packing, loading, and transport.
Take a look at the chart below for a move estimate to the Magnolia State.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $3,424 – $6,186 | $2,104 – $3,357 | $1,417 – $2,423 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,691 – $6,968 | $2,217 – $4,166 | $1,474 – $2,599 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,320 – $8,027 | $2,713 – $4,993 | $1,687 – $2,945 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,204 – $12,283 | $3,357 – $5,602 | $1,716 – $3,459 |
| 5 Bedrooms | $8,515 – $12,596 | $3,504 – $6,543 | $1,966 – $3,790 |
Cost Factors When Moving From California to Mississippi
The cost of moving from California to Mississippi depends on a few major factors:
- Volume of belongings: A larger household with lots of furniture and items will naturally cost more to move than a small apartment with minimal furnishings. Weight and quantity play a big role in pricing.
- Seasonality: Summer is the peak moving season, which often brings a 10%–15% increase in costs due to higher demand. For better deals, look at spring or fall dates when movers have more availability.
- Travel distance: Long-distance moves—especially from Los Angeles, CA to Jackson, MS—typically cost more than local relocations within Mississippi because of higher mileage fees.
- DIY or professional help: Doing the move yourself with a rental truck may cut costs by 20%–30%, but it requires handling everything from packing to lifting heavy objects.
- Added services: Specialized services such as packing assistance or moving valuable items like antiques or pianos will increase your total bill—sometimes significantly.
Get Accurate Estimates for Your Move From CA to MS
Planning a move from California to Mississippi? Getting solid estimates is a must for budgeting smartly.
Review sites are full of cautionary tales about unexpected costs from bad estimates. Vague or overly simple quotes can lead to headaches later.
To avoid surprises and get an accurate quote, follow these steps:
- Get multiple bids. Request quotes from several movers to understand pricing norms and identify any suspiciously low offers.
- Book a pre-move survey. Whether it’s virtual or in person, this gives movers a clear view of what they’re transporting so they can quote accurately.
- Insist on a written agreement. Go over your contract carefully to ensure all charges — and any exclusions — are spelled out clearly.
- Choose a binding estimate. This protects your budget and ensures your price doesn’t change once your belongings are weighed.
- Confirm your moving timeline. Verify pickup and delivery windows and make sure all addresses and timing are correct.
Learn more about the average cost of movers in California.
Living in California vs. Mississippi
Every state is unique, from the economy to the weather to the people who live there. Here are a few key differences between living in California and Mississippi to consider before your move.
Cost of living
| Metric | California | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $896 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $181,313 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 85 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | Not available | Not available |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.7% |
Weather
| Metric | California | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 87ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 57″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 1″ |
Demographics
| Metric | California | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 60.9-38 |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 19.92 |
Things To Do in Mississippi
Moving can be overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore a brand-new place, with new things to do.
Luckily, there’s plenty to discover in Mississippi.
Popular Attractions in Mississippi
- Vicksburg National Military Park
- Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
- Natchez Trace Parkway
- Gulf Coast Beaches & Water Activities
- Jackson Zoological Park
- Gulf Islands Waterpark
- Elvis Presley’s Birthplace
- Tupelo National Battlefield
- Marine Life Oceanarium
- Riley Center
Museums in Mississippi
- 1. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum
- 2. Mississippi Museum of Natural Science
- 3. Elvis Presley Birthplace & Museum
- 4. Mississippi Children’s Museum
- 5. The Delta Blues Museum
- 6. Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
- 7. U.S.S. Cairo Museum
- 8. Walter Anderson Museum of Art
- 9. Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art
- 10. Mississippi Armed Forces Museum
Parks in Mississippi
- 1. Vicksburg National Military Park
- 2. Bonita Lakes Park
- 4. Jones Park
- 5. Flowood Nature Park
- 6. Bluff Park
- 7. War Memorial Park
- 8. Tunica RiverPark
- 9. Pascagoula Beach Park
- 10. Ballard Park
- 12. Olive Branch City Park
FAQs
What are the benefits of moving from California to Mississippi?
Some of the benefits of moving from California to Mississippi include:
- Southern hospitality
- Delicious comfort food
- Mild winters
- Low cost of living
- Nice beaches
Who regulates interstate moves out of California?
For interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency that oversees all safety regulations for moving companies that handle moves out of California.
The FMCSA also makes sure all moving companies are registered through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and maintain a USDOT number.
When is the worst time to move to Mississippi?
The worst time to move to Mississippi is during the summer months, when the weather is at its hottest and moving costs are at their highest due to the peak season.
How far in advance should I book movers from California to Mississippi?
You should book your move from California to Mississippi as far in advance as possible, but the rule of thumb is between three and six months ahead of moving day.
This will help ensure you get the moving date you want, and some companies may even offer an early-bird discount for booking early.
Should I get in-home estimates for a move from California to Mississippi?
It’s a lot easier to get an online estimate for your move from California to Mississippi, but this could cost you in the long run.
Taking a little extra time for an in-home or virtual walkthrough of your home will help ensure your mover accurately quotes you a price based on the amount of items you have and the size and layout of your home.
What’s the cheapest way to move from California to Mississippi?
The cheapest way to move from California to Mississippi is likely to rent a moving truck and handle the move yourself.
While this can save you some money, keep in mind that a DIY move means you’ll be doing the heavy lifting and driving on your own.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of moving, a full-service company, while more expensive, might be the better option.
What should you do when you arrive in Mississippi?
Moving is more than just getting your stuff from California to Mississippi. You also need to handle logistics to settle into your new home.
Here’s what to add to your to-do list for a seamless move:
- Forward your mail and change your address for things like banks, credit cards, tax agencies, and insurance companies.
- Contact local utility companies in Mississippi to get your internet, cable, electricity, water, and gas set up.
- Plan for a safe transition by installing a security system, testing smoke detectors, and changing the locks on your new home.
- Register your car and visit the Mississippi DMV for a new driver’s license.
- Plan a housewarming party and start exploring your new neighborhood in Mississippi!
How We Chose the Top California to Mississippi 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.