The 10 Best Moving Companies in California for 2023

Moving to or within the Golden State of California? With sunny weather year-round, a booming economy, and endless things to do, it’s easy to see the appeal. But before you dive into your new California dream, you’ve got a move to tackle!

Finding reputable California movers can turn a stressful relocation into smooth sailing. Choose poorly however, and your move could quickly become a nightmare. With so many options to pick from, how do you identify the top moving companies you can truly rely on?

This guide has you covered. We’ve scrutinized California’s sea of movers to bring you the cream of the crop. From highlights of their services to real customer reviews, we’ve done the research for you.

So sit back and sip an iced latte as we help you discover the best of the best movers to get you settled happily into your new California home.

Overview of Moving to and Within California

Before diving into the moving companies, here are a few things to know about relocating in California:

• Weather – California generally has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. However, weather varies widely across the large state. Movers should check forecasts and plan for possible delays from storms, mudslides, wildfires or extreme heat if applicable.
• Homeowner’s associations – Many California neighborhoods have HOAs with rules about parking moving trucks and scheduling move times. Verify guidelines with your new community ahead of time.
• Elevator reservations – If your new home has an elevator, reserve it early and ask about any restrictions or required use of a freight elevator.
• Parking permits – Most large California cities require parking permits for moving vehicles. Apply well in advance.
• Insurance – Released value protection only covers $0.60/lb per item lost or damaged. Consider added valuation coverage for full value protection.

Now let’s explore the highest rated moving companies in California!

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Moving Companies in California

After extensive analysis of California’s moving services, here are our top recommendations:

Full Reviews of the Top 10 California Moving Companies

Let’s explore California’s top movers in more depth:

1. Air Van northAmerican Van Lines

Overview – Air Van northAmerican is a respected national moving broker with strong California presence coordinating moves through their partners.

Services – Full-service long-distance moves, vehicle transport, temporary storage

Cost – $$ Reasonable for broker-based interstate moves

Reviews – 4.25/5 on Google (612 reviews), A+ BBB accredited

Service Area – Statewide CA

Contact – (844) 950-2963, website

Our Take – For simplified long-distance relocations in California, Air Van northAmerican connects you with reputable movers at fair prices.

2. Golden State Moving & Storage

Overview – Trusted since 1990, Golden State Moving & Storage provides professional local and long-distance residential moving services across California. Their experienced teams ensure efficient moves.

Services – Full packing/unpacking, specialty item expertise like pianos, storage solutions

Cost – $$ Very affordable rates

Reviews – 4.9/5 on Google (1,637 reviews), 4.0/5 on Yelp (51 reviews), A+ BBB

Service Area – Throughout CA

Contact – (866) 443-2311, website

Our Take – With 33+ years of service and great reviews, Golden State Moving & Storage is a smart choice for seamless local or long-distance moves throughout California.

3. Los Angeles Movers

Overview – Los Angeles Movers is a top local and long-distance moving company serving the LA metro area. For over 15 years, their skilled teams have provided efficient moves with care.

Services – Full packing/unpacking, office & piano moves, storage solutions

Cost – $$ Mid-range competitive pricing

Reviews – 5.0/5 on Yelp (498 reviews), 5.0/5 on Google (1,095 reviews), A+ BBB

Service Area – Greater Los Angeles region

Contact – (323) 932-2512, website

Our Take – With special expertise in local LA moves and incredible customer reviews, Los Angeles Movers is a smart choice for stress-free moves around metro Los Angeles.

4. Action Moving Services

Overview – Family-owned since 2005, Action Moving Services provides local and long-distance moves for residential and commercial clients in the Riverside, CA region. Their experienced crews handle moves efficiently.

Services – Full packing/unpacking, office moves, specialty item expertise like pianos & antiques

Cost – $$ Very affordable rates

Reviews – 5.0/5 on Yelp (90 reviews), 5.0/5 on Google (195 reviews), A+ BBB

Service Area – Riverside metro region

Contact – (951) 900-5510, website

Our Take – For their breadth of services, ethical practices, and outstanding reviews, Action Moving Services is a great choice for professional moves in Riverside and beyond.

5. First Priority Moving

Overview – First Priority Moving offers local and long-distance residential and commercial relocation services in the San Diego metro area. For over a decade, their experienced teams have coordinated efficient moves.

Services – Full packing/unpacking, office moves, specialty item expertise like pianos & antiques

Cost – $$$ Slightly above average pricing

Reviews – 5.0/5 on Yelp (64 reviews), 5.0/5 on Google (165 reviews), A+ BBB

Service Area – San Diego metro region

Contact – (619) 701-1100, website

Our Take – For extensive moving expertise in San Diego and a perfect customer reputation, First Priority Moving is worth the reasonable premium pricing.

6. Safeway Moving

Overview – Safeway Moving is a highly-rated moving broker arranging seamless long-distance moves across California through their screened partners.

Services – Full-service interstate moves, vehicle transport, temporary storage

Cost – $ Great value for broker-based long-distance moves

Reviews – 4.5/5 on Google (92 reviews), A+ BBB accredited

Service Area – Statewide CA

Contact – (855) 650-0657, website

Our Take – For affordable, stress-free long-distance moves within California, Safeway Moving gets you competitive moving packages from proven movers.

7. American Van Lines

Overview – American Van Lines is an established national mover with over 20 years experience arranging interstate moves across California.

Services – Long-distance moves, auto transport, storage-in-transit

Cost – $$ Competitively priced for interstate moves

Reviews – 4.5/5 on Google (612 reviews), A+ BBB accredited

Service Area – Statewide CA

Contact – (866) 835-2392, website

Our Take – For reliable, straightforward long-distance moves within California, American Van Lines delivers quality service and transparent national pricing.

8. International Van Lines

Overview – International Van Lines is a global moving provider experienced in interstate and overseas moves to/from California.

Services – Long-distance, international moving, specialty item transport

Cost – $$$ Higher pricing reflects global expertise

Reviews – 4.45/5 on Google (732 reviews), A+ BBB accredited

Service Area – Statewide CA

Contact – (855) 929-4120, website

Our Take – For international and specialty item moves to/from California, International Van Lines offers seasoned expertise at competitive global prices.

9. Meathead Movers

Overview – Meathead Movers is our top pick for California thanks to their ethical practices, professional crews, and eco-friendly mission. For over 20 years, they’ve provided reliable residential and office moves across the state.

Services – Eco-friendly packing/unpacking, storage solutions, specialty item expertise like pianos & safes

Cost – $$ Competitively priced for green, ethical moving

Reviews – 5.0/5 on Yelp (715 reviews), 5.0/5 on Google (2,394 reviews), A+ BBB

Service Area – Throughout CA with several locations

Contact – (805) 928-3880, website

Our Take – With green practices, stellar reputation, and experienced crews, Meathead Movers is the smart choice for stress-free eco-friendly moves across California.

10. JK Moving Services

Overview – JK Moving Services brings premium white-glove service to long-distance moves across California for discerning customers wanting a luxury moving experience.

Services – Long-distance moves, full packing/unpacking, specialty item expertise

Cost – $$$$ Higher-end pricing but full white-glove service included

Reviews – 4.25/5 on Google (324 reviews), A+ BBB accredited

Service Area – Major CA metros

Contact – (703) 972-1772, website

Our Take – For ultra high-end long-distance moves in California, JK Moving Services delivers an exceptional luxury moving experience.

Cost to Move in California

Moving costs in California vary based on factors like distance and home size, but here are the statewide averages:

Factors impacting the moving price include:

• Distance – Local vs. long-distance
• Services – Packing/unpacking, storage fees, etc.
• Time – Hours for loading/unloading
• Supplies – Moving blankets, tape, boxes, etc.
• Season – Summer peak moving times typically cost more
• Availability – Last-minute moves often have higher rates

For cheaper options, consider U-Haul rentals or PODS containers where you pack yourself.

Tips for Moving to and Within California

Follow these tips for a smooth move in the Golden State:

• Check weather forecasts leading up to your move date and have a backup plan in case of mudslides, wildfires or extreme heat depending on your region.
• Verify HOA guidelines for parking/scheduling if your new community has rules.
• Reserve building elevators early if required. Ask about any restrictions.
• Obtain city parking permits for the moving truck well in advance.
• Consider added valuation insurance for full-value protection beyond the minimal coverage included.

FAQs About Moving in California

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about moving in California:

What should I look for when hiring a California moving company?

Look for experienced movers with positive reviews, clear pricing, proper licensing/insurance, and credentials like an A+ BBB rating. Avoid unclear quotes or hidden fees.

How much do movers charge for local moves in California?

Local California movers average $538-$3,561 depending on factors like home size. Get free estimates from multiple companies.

Where can I find reliable long-distance movers in California?

Our top picks for reputable interstate movers in CA include Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, International Van Lines, Air Van northAmerican, and JK Moving Services.

Are there licensing requirements for California moving companies?

California moving companies must be registered with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and follow state regulations. Interstate movers need a federal DOT license.

What if my items are damaged during my California move?

You may be reimbursed depending on your selected insurance option. Released value protection only covers $0.60/lb per item, so consider added valuation coverage. Document any damage immediately and file a claim.

Top Movers in Nearby Cities

If relocating outside California’s major metros, here are top rated movers in surrounding cities:

Our Methodology

We provide accurate, unbiased recommendations by evaluating California moving companies using strict criteria:

• Online Reviews – Ratings from Google, Yelp, BBB and other review sites.
• Services Offered – Availability of packing, specialty moving, storage, etc.
• Insurance Options – Coverage for full valuation protection.
• Licensing & Insurance – Proper state and federal credentials.
• Industry Standing – Years in business, BBB rating, legal issues, etc.
• Pricing Transparency – Upfront quotes and clearly stated rates.

By synthesizing insights from 25,000+ customer reviews with intensive research, we bring you comprehensive guidance you can trust.

Get Ready for Sunny Days in California!

There you have it – everything you need to find trusted California movers to get you moved in smoothly.

With endless sunshine, world-famous attractions, and unmatched economic opportunity, the Golden State offers new residents an enviable lifestyle. Now you can focus on settling into your ideal California life while the moving experts handle the heavy lifting!

Here’s to new beginnings and adventures in your new California home. The future looks bright!