The Best Moving Companies in California (2023 Review)

As one of the union’s largest and most populous states, California is sure to have plenty of options for both local moving and cross-country relocations. This wealth of options at your fingertips could sometimes seem overwhelming if you’ve never planned a move before. We’ve done all the necessary research to narrow down the best moving companies in California.

Get a free quote from a top-rated California mover:

The 8 Best California Movers

Our top recommended California moving companies for 2023:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines:
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Best Overall Moving Broker: Safeway Moving Systems
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

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Compare the Best Moving Companies in California

Here, we’ve included a quick comparison of the best moving companies in California. You’ll find our rating, Better Business Bureau accreditation level, and basic pricing information. To learn more about each, read our provider summaries below.

Company	Website	Our Take	Our Rating	BBB Rating	Local Cost	Long-Distance Cost
International Van Lines	Site	Best Full-Service Mover	9.8	B	$600 – $1,200	$1,900 – $4,900
Allied Van Lines	Site	Most Vehicle Shipping Options	9.7	A+	$750 – $1,350	$1,800 – $4,500
American Van Lines	Site	Most Transparent Pricing	9.6	N/A	$500 – $1,000	$2,300 – $5,300
Safeway Moving Systems	Site	Best Overall Moving Broker	9.6	N/A	No local services	$2,000 – $5,000
Moving APT	Site	Most Moving Partners	9.5	B		$2,500 – $4,800
JK Moving Services	Site	Most Customizable Moving Experience	9.4	A+	Call for a quote	$2,500 – $5,500
U-Pack	Site	Most Widely-Available Container Service	9.3	A+	N/A	$1,200 – $2,200
North American Van Lines	Site	Best Pricing Options	9.2	A+	$750 – $1,350	$1,800 – $4,500

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International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

Why We Recommend IVL

International Van Lines (IVL) is one of the U.S.’s most highly-regarded moving carriers and brokers today. It began handling domestic relocation services in 2004 and has since expanded to one of the industry’s most expansive companies. It operates through a network of qualified local agents to handle more than 20,000 moves per year, all backed by quality work and industry-leading customer service.

Despite contracting out many of its moves, International maintains an excellent reputation within the moving industry. Its partner companies are licensed and insured and can handle various moves and moving services. Above all, its clients rave about the open lines of communication that IVL maintains throughout all moves.

Services Offered

International works through its extensive network of partners to provide clients with a diverse range of basic and add-on services. IVL offers packing and unpacking services, storage options, custom crating, debris removal, auto transport, piano moving, air and ocean freight, and more.

International Van Lines Cost

IVL’s rates are routinely among the most competitive in the industry. You can stage a two-bedroom move of under 250 miles for as little as $1,400 with them, which is decidedly at the low end for full-service moving.

Here, we’ve put together some sample rates for moves with IVL. Viewing these should help you set your budgetary expectations before getting free quotes.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,400 – $4,400	$1,900 – $4,900	$2,100 – $5,100	$2,400 – $5,400
4 BR	$3,200 – $6,200	$5,100 – $8,100	$5,700 – $8,700	$6,200 – $9,200

Get a quote from IVL here.

Read our full International Van Lines review here.

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Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

Why We Recommend Allied

Allied Van Lines has been in the industry for almost 90 years and is one of the most recognized moving brands in the country. Due to the size of its moving network, you’ve likely seen one of its distinctive trucks on the road at some point. This mover comes highly recommended, with a 96% satisfaction rating maintained through thousands of moves.

Allied Van Lines is one of the top choices for large domestic shipments, including specialty vehicle transportation needs. Along with its leading range of services offered, it is one of the most effective auto shippers. It never outsources these large shipping requests to a third party, which means you will have fewer logistical hurdles as a customer.

Services Offered

Allied provides the following leading services to its clients throughout the U.S.: local and long-distance moving; packing (full-service or partial) and unpacking; furniture assembly and disassembly; boat and specialty vehicle shipping; debris removal; GPS shipment tracking; packing supplies; and more.

Allied Van Lines’ Cost

Allied Van Lines’ quoted rates are fairly reliable. Local moves will cost you a minimum of $500 to $600, as it charges four-hour minimums for such service. Here, we’ve included a breakdown of basic cost ranges for moves of different sizes. Note that the shipping weight and volume will largely dictate costs when you plan a long-distance move with Allied.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,800 – $4,500	$2,400 – $5,400	$2,700 – $5,700	$4,400 – $7,400
4 BR	$3,300 – $6,000	$5,700 – $8,700	$7,500 – $10,500	$10,900 – $13,900

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

Read our full Allied review for more information.

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American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

Why We Recommend AVL

American Van Lines brings more than 25 years of experience to each move it carries out. Though based in Florida, this nationwide provider has locations across the U.S. and can handle moves in all lower 48 states, including California. This provider’s flat-rate pricing, experienced movers, and range of additional services offered make them ideal for most moving needs.

American Van Lines’ flat rates come with some excellent options for clients with moving needs of all sizes. This company offers last-minute moving service at no additional charge, which is frequently featured in its customer reviews. Aside from this, it offers fairly regular moving shuttles between major cities. These include Los Angeles, San Francisco, and many other major metropolitan areas in California, which can help drive down costs for you.

Services Offered

As a carrier, American Van Lines does not contract work out to other movers. When you hire them for a move, one of its crews will directly provide every moving service needed for local or long-distance moves. These services include full-service or partial packing, car shipping, storage, furniture assembly and disassembly, antique moving, and more.

American Van Lines Cost

While not a rarity in the industry, American Van Lines’ flat rates are a welcome change for clients wary of hidden fees. Flat rates can lead to higher costs, but help alleviate any “sticker shock” when seeing the final bill. Here are some sample rates from past American Van Lines moves:

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,700 – $4,700	$2,300 – $5,300	$2,600 – $5,600	$4,200 – $7,200
4 BR	$4,800 – $7,800	$5,600 – $8,600	$7,400 – $10,400	$10,800 – $13,800

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

For a better look at this flat-rate mover, read our full review.

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Safeway Moving Systems: Best Overall Moving Broker

Why We Recommend Safeway

Safeway Moving Systems is one of the most-trusted movers in the business today. It offers flat rate pricing for all moves and related services and can provide an efficient solution to any moving need within the state of California. Safeway’s moving partners can help you reach your destination, regardless of where your next move may take you.

Safeway’s most notable calling card is its customer service. While it does not provide moving assistance directly, its team of moving consultants facilitates moves through a network of partner companies that spans all 50 states. This enables Safeway to offer nearly any specialty moving service you could need at an easy-to-understand flat rate.

Services Offered

Safeway Moving Services’ partners offer various services, which can be dependent on location or the exact company you ultimately book with. Safeway offers packing and unpacking, packing materials (as a retailer), short and long-term storage, piano moving, car shipping, commercial relocations, liability insurance, and full valuation coverage.

Safeway Cost

Safeway’s average rates will fluctuate depending on move distance, home size, and add-on service needs. The following price ranges show what you can expect from this provider.

	250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$2,000 – $5,000	$2,100 – $5,100	$2,200 – $5,200	$2,700 – $5,700
4 BR	$3,200 – $6,200	$4,700 – $6,700	$5,500 – $7,500	$7,800 – $10,800

State Availability: 50  States

Learn More: Read our full Safeway review before booking your move.

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Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Founded in 1999, Moving APT is a brokerage with more than 500 local agents and 2,500 partners throughout the U.S. It grew from a small initial crew of just five workers and two trucks to a team of 30, making moving services accessible to all. You’ll find thorough breakdowns of movers organized by location and services on its website. All movers it partners with are fully licensed and insured, with up-to-date federal and local registrations, so you can rest assured that your move is in good hands with them.

Moving APT’s operation exclusively as a broker grants them nearly unmatched versatility in the services offered. It also offers a price-matching service to any client who can provide proof of a lower quote from a competing moving company. This mover also discounts several groups, including veterans, senior citizens, and those who decide to book their move early.

Services Offered

Moving APT’s service offerings will vary greatly from location to location, as its agents in each area will offer slightly different basics and add-ons. Moving APT offers storage (one free month included with all moves), piano moving, auto shipping, packing services and supplies, appliance connection services, and furniture assembly. The company does local, long-distance, commercial, and residential moves.

Moving APT Cost

Moving APT does a great job breaking down its relative costs on its website. Per its data, a 1,200-mile move with one of its partners will cost around $4,300. Pricing can vary greatly between partners, and many reviews report that this broker’s local agents can change the service price at the last minute. You should get a quote from this mover to see your costs.

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

If Moving APT’s price matching and versatility interest you, read our full review to learn more.

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JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

Why We Recommend JK

JK Moving Services has been in the industry for more than 40 years and has assisted more than half a million individual moves. It operates as a carrier, broker, and service moving needs throughout the lower 48 states. As a broker, JK works with various other professional movers for most relocations outside its immediate home base in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.

JK Moving Services’ customer service throughout the booking process and during moves is what separates them from the pack. Its AI-assisted virtual estimate tool helps establish accurate pricing for clients in any location, which helps customers get on-demand quotes no matter where they may be. JK also provides GPS tracking for all moves, from pick-up to delivery, meaning you’ll always be kept up-to-date on the location of your goods.

Services Offered

JK Moving Services can provide clients with the following services. Note that these could vary from place to place. Get a quote before booking to ensure that your movers have an adequate service profile for your needs.

JK does local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., as well as long-distance and international moving. The services offered are packing (full-service or fragile-only), climate-controlled storage options, furniture wrapping, and GPS shipment tracking.

JK Moving Services Cost

A two-bedroom, 500-mile move with JK will likely cost you $2,500 and $5,500, depending on inventory and service requirements. You should call to get a quote at least a month ahead of moving day to get a more concrete estimate for your move. Note that, with JK, you’ll be afforded excellent financing options for your final total. This means that a JK move can fit most budgetary restrictions.

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

Our full JK Moving Services review can provide you with more information about this mover.

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U-Pack: Best Overall Container Mover

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack is our choice for the best container service based on its reputation with customers, pricing model, and wide availability. With more than 240 locations across all 50 states, U-Pack can provide long-distance moving assistance to clients everywhere. With “pay for what you use” pricing, it is a fairly unique service and cost structure, allowing customers to move at a fairly low price.

U-Pack’s three-day loading and unloading windows and pricing make them a fairly common choice among those just planning moves for the first time. Its trailer option is an outlier among container shipping services, as it can fit most three-bedroom homes. Even with this sizing option, you can hope to pay a far lower price than you would expect. For example, if you only use ten of the 27 feet of trailer space, then this is all you will be charged.

Services Offered

U-Pack’s sizing options make them an equally great fit for studio apartments and larger homes alike. However, U-Pack does not provide any local moving services, which could be a negative for some.

• Choose from an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer
• Short-term and long-term storage at U-Pack centers
• Moving help can be hired if needed

U-Pack Cost

U-Pack’s pricing structure and basic service offerings make them one of the best movers for anyone trying to work within a tight budget. Here is a breakdown of some of U-Pack’s recent average price points.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$600 – $1,600	$1,200 – $2,200	$1,600 – $2,600	$2,100 – $3,100
4 BR	$800 – $1,800	$1,800 – $2,800	$2,800 – $3,800	$4,100 – $5,100

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

Read our U-Pack review to learn more about this leading container provider.

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North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

Why We Recommend NAVL

North American Van Lines is one of the business’s most experienced and widely-respected movers. After more than 85 years of experience, it has expanded into a nationwide network with more than 500 local agents spread across all 50 states. Whether your California move takes you from Sacramento to San Diego, New York, or Hawaii, it’ll be able to handle things directly.

North American is a nationwide mover whose pricing flexibility reflects the practices of a more local moving company. It offers “bottom line” and “not to exceed” pricing options, which help to give customers a greater degree of comfort when booking moves of all sizes. If you’re worried about running over budget, you can inquire about these features during your quote.

Services Offered

North American provides its clients with the following services. Given the sheer size of its network, you should note that the availability of certain services will vary from location to location. NAVL offers packing and unpacking (full-service or partial), furniture assembly and disassembly, debris removal, 24/7 shipment tracking, appliance installation, and storage options.

NAVL Cost

North American Van Lines’ reputation partially hinges on its agreeable pricing model and easy-to-understand rates. Here is a more thorough breakdown of expected costs when moving with them.

	<250 mi	500 mi	1,000 mi	2,000 mi
2 BR	$1,800 – $4,500	$2,400 – $5,400	$2,700 – $5,700	$4,400 – $7,400
4 BR	$3,300 – $6,000	$5,700 – $8,700	$7,500 – $10,500	$10,900 – $13,900

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

Read our NAVL review to learn more.

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How to Choose a Moving Company in California

Selecting a mover can seem like a daunting task at first. You may not know what to look for or where to start the vetting process. In reality, there is a simple list of qualifications and traits to keep in mind, which will simplify this greatly. With all that we’ve listed here, you should be able to book a stress-free move. Feel free to request proof of registration and insurance when getting quotes from any mover.

Proper Registration

All California movers are required to comply with certain registration guidelines, whether they be at the federal or state level. If you elect to book your move with a provider that conducts interstate business, but is primarily based in C.A., then your movers will have to comply with the following:

• FMCSA Registration: Interstate movers are all regulated at the federal level by the FMCSA. This governing body also requires movers to carry US DOT and MC numbers, which can be used to research a mover’s complaint history and registration status through this link.
• CPUC: The California Public Utilities Commission is responsible for licensing all local and locally-based moving companies in the state. You can check the validity of this particular registration here.

Fully Insured

Movers have to carry multiple forms of insurance to operate within the U.S. legally. These include:

• Workers’ Compensation: This essential insurance policy protects your interests in the event of a work-related injury during a move. Without such coverage, you could be held liable for damages.
• Released Liability Coverage: This provides a small amount of reimbursement for lost or damaged goods during a move. At a rate of $0.60 per pound per item, you won’t be able to recover the full value of most goods. However, this is included in your base cost and can be supplemented with valuation coverage options from many movers.

Well-Reviewed

Third-party customer reviews are essential when evaluating any mover. It’s easy for a mover to make a good impression during a personal estimate, but these reviews will give you better insight into a mover’s conduct. Aside from BBB accreditation and associated reviews, you should look into consumer feedback from the following sources:

• Google
• Yelp
• Social media

Full-Service Moving

This comes to mind for most people when moving of any kind is brought up in conversation. This type of relocation will come with the highest associated costs, but this will be coupled with the greatest amount of convenience. Moves with this service model can include everything, from basic loading and unloading to full-service packing, unpacking, specialty item moving, and far more.

Self-Service

Self-service moves can either entail renting a truck from a service like U-Haul or Penske or renting a container from a provider like U-Pack or PODS. In most cases, self-service moving means handling the loading and unloading of your own goods. The increased work on your end is the tradeoff for the lower price of your move.

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Moving To California

In recent years, California has become one of the most-departed states in the U.S. This is owing mainly to the large-scale departure of businesses in the face of greater regulation, which has impacted the job market. This trend doesn’t hold across all industries and demographics, however.

When you move here, you’ll be afforded nearly unmatched access to the outdoors via the many national parks and world-famous beaches, with plenty of excellent ski resorts located inland. The tourism, forestry, agriculture, and tech industries thrive in California. Although it is always recommended that you find a job prior to moving anywhere, it will be far from impossible to find work here.

California Moving Costs

Here, we’ve broken down some average costs from many of our top providers. These price points are representative of actual data from recent moves. After reviewing these to set your budget, you should always pursue quotes and get written estimates.

Long-Distance	1 BR	2 BR	3 BR	4 BR
Local	$1,200	$1,500	$2,000	$2,750
250 mi	$2,750	$3,800	$5,100	$6,000
500 mi	$3,100	$4,100	$6,000	$6,700
1000 mi	$3,500	$4,500	$6,400	$8,400
2000 mi	$4,300	$4,900	$6,800	$9,000
2500 mi	$4,800	$5,100	$7,100	$10,000
3000 mi	$5,100	$6,000	$8,750	$11,250

Learn how to move to California for under $2,000 with the video below:

Best Cities in CA

If you’re looking to move to California and haven’t decided where you’d like to settle down, the following can provide you with plenty of the best aspects of life in the Golden State.

• San Diego: San Diego lies immediately on the Mexican border while serving as a major port city. This makes it a prime example of the cultural melting pot that California is known for. The weather, nightlife, and abundant tourist and outdoor attractions make this one of the most sought-after locales in the entire country. The median home values are over $800,000, and average rentals will cost more than $2,700 per month.
• Palo Alto: Palo Alto is often recognized as the birthplace of Silicon Valley. It is also one of the state’s richest and safest towns. This town of just 66,000 boasts some of the best schools in the state, plenty of green spaces and parks, and a number of highly-regarded dining and nightlife destinations. The presence of Stanford University and plenty of families gives the town a far more youthful, vibrant feel.
• Irvine: It’s no surprise that another city with a substantial college presence has made this list. Irvine is home to 270,000 people in the heart of Orange County. With a year-round average temperature of 76 degrees and 16,000 acres of parks and open spaces, this city mixes outdoor recreation and standard urban life. The presence of UC Irvine and some of the best schools in the state make it a hub for young professionals and families alike. The median home price is over $1 million, meaning that renting may be the better option here.
• Sacramento: The state’s capital city is worth looking at if you’re still hunting for a home. Though it doesn’t receive the same acclaim as the Bay Area or San Diego, it provides residents with a relatively (for the state) low cost of living and a more laid-back, suburban atmosphere. Median home costs of $520,000 are relatively cheap for the state and, with the number of urban amenities you’ll have access to, should be considered.

Living in California

Here, we’ve listed a few key data points you should be aware of when planning a move to California.

• Cost of living: Simply put, California is one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S. Across the state, you’ll pay nearly 50% more for day-to-day expenses when compared to national averages.
• Housing: This accounts for much of the inflated cost of living. At 239% of the national average, California is only outpaced by Hawaii and Washington D.C. Here, you’ll pay an average of $2,500 per month for a two-bedroom apartment; these costs are elevated further in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. If you want to buy a home, the median cost is currently $788,679, according to Zillow.
• Weather: Weather patterns in California are incredibly diverse. From the desert to southern coastal zones to a more alpine climate further inland, California is impossible to typecast as far as weather patterns are concerned. High temperatures range from 87 degrees in July to a mild 54 degrees in January.

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Final Thoughts

With all of the information we’ve provided, we’re confident that you’ll be able to book a move with relative ease. Whether you’re booking with long-distance movers or are planning an intrastate move, it’s important to begin the planning process far in advance. Around two months ahead of your moving date, begin researching providers in your area while conducting a thorough inventory of your home.

If you line up quotes with different providers, you’ll be able to vet each provider properly you come into contact with and will ultimately make the right choice. We recommend getting a quote from the best moving companies in California, such as International Van Lines or American Van Lines.

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House Method’s Methodology

At House Method, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.

• Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
• Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
• Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
• Services Offered (1.5): These rates are lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, the breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
• Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.

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