If you’re moving to or from the Golden State, we recommend American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines as the best moving companies in California. American Van Lines offers competitive rates and transparent pricing for long-distance moves to and from the state, while Allied Van Lines can provide both local and long-distance moves backed by decades of experience.
When choosing moving providers, we also looked at other details that can affect moves, like weather and wildfire risks, California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulations, and more. Read on to learn more about the best moving companies in California and see what each of our top picks can offer for your move.
Key Takeaways
- The best moving company in California is American Van Lines for its customer-friendly features and transparent pricing, including a convenient mobile app and not charging a deposit to book a move.
- The average cost of moving in California is $3,019, based on quotes we gathered for local and long-distance moves for various home sizes.
- Our 2025 survey showed that 43% of California movers used professional packing services, making it the most popular add-on service for customers in the state.
Top Moving Companies in California
Narrowing down the best company for your moving needs is one of the most important parts of the moving process, regardless of whether you’re moving state-to-state from Nevada to California or within state lines from Sacramento to San Jose. To help you get a head start on your planning, we’ve listed our top-rated California moving companies below.
- American Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Industry Experience
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
Compare the Top Moving Companies in California
If you’re shopping around for moving companies, it helps to compare what each provider has to offer before you start calling and getting quotes. The table below can help you decide which California movers line up with your budget and service expectations.
| Provider | Star Ratings | BBB Rating | Average Price | Deposit Required | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A- | $3,218 | 10%–50% | Carrier | ||
A+ | $3,520 | None | Carrier/Broker | ||
A+ | $3,112 | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | ||
A+ | $2,273 | $250 | Carrier | ||
A+ | $3,601 | None | Carrier/Broker |
Notes: The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of June 2025.
We determined average prices by gathering roughly 4,000 free quotes from 15 moving companies nationwide, including 466 quotes for moves to and from California. We then averaged those costs by provider, home size, distance, and state.
Our Top Picks For Moving Companies in California
American Van Lines
American Van Lines is our top pick for California movers because of its price-matching policy, flat-rate billing, and wide selection of services. While many moving companies will negotiate with you on your rate, not many offer price matching, making American Van Lines a standout option. Plus, the company offers flat-rate pricing, which includes a select number of moving services along with your standard rate—and protects customers from hidden fees.
American Van Lines operates in the lower 48 U.S. states, but doesn’t offer local moving services in California. The company limits its local moving services and storage options to the three major hubs in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. Still, for Californians looking to move out-of-state or cross-country, including those moving from California to Texas, American Van Lines offers competitive prices. The company also includes piano moving, antique services, and assembly and disassembly services for free with its flat-rate prices, making it a budget-friendly option for long-distance moves.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers a price-match that can meet the rates of competitors
- Includes piano moving, antique services, and assembly and disassembly services with flat-rate pricing
- Handles long-distance moves to and from California and across the entire contiguous U.S.
Cons
- Doesn’t handle local moves in California
- No storage options available in California
Cost and Services
American Van Lines costs $3,218 on average, based on quotes we averaged for local and long-distance moves of various sizes and distances. This makes American Van Lines one of the more affordable options on our list. The company offers the following services for movers to and from California:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
While American Van Lines includes piano moving, loading, unloading, and furniture disassembly and reassembly services in its flat-rate pricing, rates exclude packing and unpacking services. If you opt for packing or unpacking services, you can expect additional costs, which may vary depending on how many items you have to pack.
Allied Van Lines
According to our 2025 survey, Allied Van Lines is one of the most popular moving providers in California, with 21% of respondents using the company. Allied Van Lines is also one of the largest carriers in the country, with more than 3,500 vehicles and 4,200 drivers on its roster. The company even handles vehicle shipping with its own trucks, a service that many competitors can’t match. Plus, Allied offers customer-friendly perks, like deposit-free booking, 24/7 online shipment tracking, a mobile app, and local moving services in all 50 U.S. states—a rarity for national moving companies.
However, while Allied Van Lines advertises having 24/7 customer service, the company’s contact hours only note availability during weekly business hours. Allied also reported that 33% of its trucks have been out of service in the past two years, according to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is higher than the national average of 22%. While this may not impact you directly, it could suggest issues with truck maintenance. While we don’t consider these points dealbreakers, they’re still worth weighing when booking your California move.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Handles local and long-distance moving services in California and all 50 U.S. states
- Has a mobile app for shipment tracking and making claims
- Offers deposit-free booking, which can benefit California customers on a budget
Cons
- Doesn’t offer weekend customer service hours
- Has a higher percentage of out-of-service trucks than the national average
Cost and Services
Moving with Allied Van Lines costs $3,520 on average, making it one of the more expensive options in the industry. The company offers the following residential moving services for California movers:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
Allied Van Lines also offers portable storage container shipping services through Allied Express, giving customers an easier way to transport their belongings for smaller moves. Unlike do-it-yourself (DIY) options, Allied’s portable containers come with a moving crew of 2–4 employees that can help you load your shipment. Plus, Allied Express moves include a guaranteed delivery date, unlike most long-distance moves that only provide a date range. Allied will even pay you $75 for each day a shipment gets delayed, which is a perk for customers who need their belongings as soon as possible.
International Van Lines
For Californians looking to leave the state, or movers headed out West, International Van Lines covers long-distance moves nationwide and international moves to more than 140 different countries. Plus, the company offers international vehicle shipping and a range of other services to help you land on your feet wherever you go. IVL calculates your moving rate based on the volume of your items on the truck, not the weight, which is different from most interstate movers. This method could work in your favor if you have a smaller move with fewer items.
Despite its geographical reach for long-distance moves, IVL’s main drawback is its local moving services. The company only offers local moves in Florida and Texas, which doesn’t help local California movers. Another minor inconvenience is the company’s 25% deposit, which is more than other competitors we’ve reviewed. Still, if you’re not moving locally, IVL is one of the best international movers in the industry and offers competitive rates for cross-country moves to or from California.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Has a 24/7 online chat feature, unlike many competitors we’ve reviewed
- Handles international moves to more than 140 countries, including the U.S.
- Offers moving discount codes on its website
Cons
- Doesn’t handle local moves in California
- Charges a higher deposit than most competitors
Cost and Services
International Van Lines costs $3,112 on average, based on our quotes for domestic local and long-distance moves. International moves will likely cost more. IVL offers the following services for people moving to and from California:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Office moves
- Vehicle shipping
International Van Lines is also one of the few moving providers to offer international auto transport with “Roll-on-Roll-off” services at a local port in Long Beach, California. With this service, you can ship your vehicle internationally by driving your car to your local port and then picking it up at your new destination. IVL agents can also help you with your customs paperwork and marine insurance information, giving you peace of mind when dealing with the stress of moving your vehicle internationally.
JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services stands out as one of the best moving companies in California for the quality of its employees, specializing in high-end moving services, and transporting luxury items. JK Moving trains its employees in-house with a model home at the company headquarters and gives each mover a background check and drug test before hiring. JK Moving also offers financing options through Enhancify, making moving more affordable up-front for budget-conscious customers.
Much like some of the other long-distance movers on this list, JK Moving Services doesn’t offer local moving in California. The company also charges a flat-rate deposit of $250, which is reasonable but not as convenient as companies like Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines that let customers book without a deposit. Still, JK Moving’s reputation alone may warrant interest from California movers, with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an average 4.5 out of 5 star rating on Google. Plus, with quick artificial intelligence (AI)-powered virtual surveys, you can get an estimate for your move in as little as 15 minutes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides comprehensive training for its moving crews
- Can provide quicker estimates than competitors with AI-powered virtual surveys
- Offers customers financing options through Enhancify
Cons
- Doesn’t handle local moves in California
- Charges a $250 deposit, even for small moves
Cost and Services
JK Moving Services costs $2,273 on average for local and long-distance moves, making it the cheapest moving company on our list. JK Moving offers the following services for moves to and from California:
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
JK Moving’s financing options offer a feature not many competitors can match, allowing customers to afford quality moving services without the up-front cost. With Enhancify, customers can get rates as low as 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) financing. Plus, you can apply without hurting your credit score, making JK Moving an accessible moving option.
North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL) stands out as one of the best movers in California because it offers both local and long-distance moves with multiple pricing options. While most providers only offer binding or non-binding quotes, NAVL has bottom-line pricing, not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing. This gives customers the ability to choose the pricing option that works best for their moving situation and their budget.
NAVL functions as both a carrier and a broker, meaning it has its own trucks and employees, but also acts as an agent by outsourcing moves to third-party companies. While this gives NAVL more availability to book local moves nationwide, it also means customers may end up with third-party movers, which can impact service quality. Many customer complaints on review sites are actually about the quality of third-party movers, not North American Van Lines itself. Still, NAVL offers 24/7 customer service, has temperature-controlled storage solutions, and doesn’t require a deposit to book, making it a convenient option for California movers, whether you’re going down the street or across the country.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Doesn’t require a deposit to book
- Offers multiple pricing options for various moving budgets
- Has 24/7 customer service
Cons
- Is more expensive than most competitors on average
- Works with third-party movers, which can impact service quality
Cost and Services
North American Van Lines costs $3,601 on average, making it the most expensive California mover on our list. However, it’s tied with Allied Van Lines for the most moving service options out of all our top providers. Here’s a list of services you can expect when using NAVL in California:
- Appliance and electronics disconnection
- Fragile-only packing
- Furniture disassembly and reassembly
- Junk removal
- Loading and unloading
- Office moves
- Packing and unpacking
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
Many people pack their own belongings to save money, and if you plan on doing so, NAVL offers a wide range of packing materials to help you out. Customers can purchase the following:
- Dishpack barrels
- Mattress boxes
- Mirror boxes
- Moving boxes
- Stretch wrap
- Wardrobe boxes
How Much Does a California Move Cost?
The average cost of moving in California is $3,019, which is based on quotes for local and long-distance moves of various home sizes. However, your specific moving rates can vary by hundreds—or thousands—of dollars depending on how far you’re traveling and how many belongings you have. Most long-distance moving companies charge based on the weight of your shipment and the distance to your moving destination, while local movers usually charge by the hour, including drive time. Either way, the more items you have and the further you have to drive from point A to point B, the more expensive your move.
To give you a general ballpark of what you can expect to pay, use the table below to see how your average cost can vary depending on the size of your home.
| House Size | Average Cost in California |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $2,264 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,711 |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,566 |
| 4 bedrooms | $5,166 |
How We Collected Moving Cost Data
To give readers a better idea of how much their move may cost, we requested roughly 4,000 quotes from 15 different moving companies, including 466 quotes from California. These quotes were based on sample moves in cities such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Clarita, Huntington Beach, and San Francisco. The quotes we received covered both local in-state moves and long-distance moves across state lines, some of which included packing services. Moves also spanned a wide range of home sizes, from small studio apartments to large four-bedroom homes. Then, we averaged those prices by provider, home size, distance, and state to show readers how these factors can affect overall costs.
Additional Factors Affecting Move Costs
Home size and distance traveled are the biggest factors that affect your moving costs, but they’re not the only ones. A few factors can make a difference in how much you pay for your move, even if you’re moving between similarly sized homes and not traveling very far.
- Time of year: Weekends in the summer are the busiest time of year for moving companies, and since the demand is high, so are the prices. If you want a lower rate, the best time to move is on a weekday in late fall or winter for a cheaper price.
- Services: While some moving companies, such as American Van Lines, offer flat-rate pricing that includes certain services for free, most don’t. Expect to pay an additional fee for packing services, unpacking, vehicle transport, junk removal, and other services beyond loading and unloading.
- Home layout: Living in a large home with multiple floors can make your move take longer, which can increase your costs. Local movers normally charge by the hour, so if you want to cut down the time it takes to move everything from the top floor down to a truck, try consolidating your boxes on the ground floor before the movers get there.
- Tipping: If you’ve never hired professional movers before, you may not know that tipping is an expectation. As a general rule, we recommend tipping your movers $5–$10 per mover per hour for top-notch service, lowering the amount slightly if the crew is rude or if any items get damaged.
- Moving insurance: By law, released-value protection is included for free with interstate moves and provides a maximum of 60 cents per pound per damaged article, which isn’t very much. If you want more protection for your items, you must purchase moving insurance, either full-value protection or third-party insurance, which varies in price depending on the size and value of your shipment.
How Do California Moving Costs Compare to Nearby States?
The average moving cost in California for local and long-distance moves combined is $3,019, which is $1 cheaper than the national average cost of $3,020. This cost is 14% cheaper than the closest five states’ average cost of $3,516.
| State | Average Moving Cost | % Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $3,415 | +13% |
| Arizona | $3,606 | +19% |
| Oregon | $4,012 | +33% |
| Utah | $2,954 | -2% |
| New Mexico | $3,594 | +19% |
Note: Data based on a 2025 survey of people who have moved within the past 3 years
Moving Factors To Consider in California
If you’re planning on moving to or from California, here’s a list of tips to keep in mind:
- Climate considerations: Southern California doesn’t get much rain, which means you shouldn’t have a high chance of precipitation on your moving day, but you may have a greater risk of wildfires. Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and San Diego counties have the highest wildfire risk in the state, which is worth keeping an eye on if you’re moving to those areas during the hottest parts of the summer.
- City parking: To reserve parking for your moving truck in a major city like Los Angeles, you’ll have to apply for a permit with the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT). While this isn’t a legal requirement, it can help you secure parking directly outside your home on busy streets where street parking is scarce.
- Updating your documentation: Once you move to California, you must legally change your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days. You’ll also need to get a California driver’s license within 10 days of moving to the state by making an appointment with your local DMV, and register your vehicle within 20 days. To register an out-of-state vehicle, you’ll need to complete an Application for Title or Registration form and make an appointment with your local DMV.
- Pets: If you’re bringing your dog with you to California, you must have documentation proving current rabies vaccination if your dog is 4 months or older. According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), you’ll also need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) within 10 days before moving your pet. Cats don’t need this health certificate.
How Does California Regulate Moving Companies?
While the federal government regulates interstate moving companies through the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the FMCSA, every state regulates local in-state moving providers differently. In California, the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) regulate household goods moving companies. California moving companies must register with both the BHGS and the CPUC to operate legally in the state.
When planning your move in California, keep the following tips in mind:
- To file a complaint against a local California moving company, you’ll need to contact the BHGS. You can complete the online complaint form and submit it digitally or print a complaint form and submit it by mail.
- To file a complaint against an interstate moving company, you must contact the FMCSA. You can file a complaint against a moving company online or over the phone by calling 888-368-7238 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST from Monday to Friday.
- If you have lost or damaged items, you have to file a claim in writing with your moving company within nine months of when you receive your goods. From there, the moving company has to either pay your claim, decline to pay it, or make a settlement within 60 days.
Insights from Movers in California
According to the United Van Lines 2024 National Movers Study, California had the fourth-highest outbound move percentage in the country at 58%, with 29% of residents leaving for family-related reasons and 21% leaving because of a job.
To learn more about real experiences with professional moving companies, we conducted a survey of 1,000 moving customers nationwide in 2025, including 84 Californians. Our survey showed that 43% of California customers purchased packing services with their move, higher than the national average of 34%. The most common price for packing services was $50, but some customers reported paying $1,000, $2,000, or even $10,000 for their packing jobs. The second most popular add-on choice was packing supplies at 31%, with 33% of respondents declining to purchase any add-on services whatsoever.
We also learned that 74% of all California respondents moved locally, meaning they either stayed within state lines or moved within a day or less. Of the residents that hired hourly local movers, customers reported prices from $50–$150 per hour, with the most common hourly rates being $75 and $150.
Only 42% of California customers reported receiving a binding estimate from their movers, but roughly 85% said their final total matched the initial quote. Of the customers that paid more than their original quote, additional prices ranged from a modest $8 all the way up to $7,500. Roughly 87% of Californians said they’d hire the same company in the future, with the remaining 13% citing damages as the main reason they wouldn’t use their movers again. Still, close to 85% of all California respondents said they were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their moving experience, suggesting most customers don’t regret their decision to hire professional movers.
FAQs About Moving Companies in California
How much does moving cost in California?
The average move in California costs $3,019, but your specific move may cost more or less depending on how many items you have and how far you’re going.
What should I look for when choosing a moving company in California?
Look for a company that meets your budget, offers the services you need, has a solid reputation, and especially if you’re moving locally, handles moves in your area. Local California movers will need a license from the BHGS and CPUC, while interstate movers need a USDOT number. Make sure the company you choose has proper licensing before you book.
Is it cheaper to use PODS or a professional moving company?
Companies like PODS and U-Haul typically cost less than full-service moving companies because these options cut out the cost of professional labor. In other words, renting a moving truck or portable storage container is cheaper because you’ll have to do the loading and unloading yourself.
How do you tell if a moving company is reputable?
The easiest way to tell if a moving company is reputable is to check if it’s registered with the proper authorities, including USDOT for interstate movers and BHGS and CPUC for intrastate California moves. You can also look into a company’s years of experience and learn about past customer experiences by reading reviews on sites like the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google.
How We Ranked the Best Moving Companies in California
When narrowing down the best moving companies in California, we focused on companies that handle moves throughout the entire country, rather than local movers that only operate within state lines. This is because California has a large percentage of outbound moves compared to other states. We also prioritized full-service movers with add-ons like packing, unpacking, and vehicle shipping services, excluding any DIY rental companies from our list. Finally, we made sure the top providers offer competitive rates and maintain a solid industry standing.
To fairly and thoroughly evaluate moving companies, we developed a 100-point rating system grounded in real customer feedback, regulatory data, and hands-on testing. We gathered quotes, verified licensing and safety records, analyzed thousands of customer reviews, and even conducted secret shopping to get a full picture of the customer experience. Each company was scored across six essential categories and then given a final rating out of 5 stars.
Here’s how we broke down our review:
- Customer service (18%): We looked at reviews on the BBB and Trustpilot, surveyed 1,000 moving customers, and tested each company’s website and support team ourselves. Companies earned higher marks for having clear communication, responsiveness, and a helpful, user-friendly online experience.
- Reputation (14%): We verified that each mover has proper licensing through the USDOT and checked FMCSA safety records, specifically truck maintenance data. We also gave extra credit to companies that publicly commit to background-checking their crews, showing they prioritize customer safety.
- Value (18%): Using real quotes for 3-bedroom moves ranging from 500–800 miles, we compared average prices across providers. We also considered whether companies offer flat-rate or binding estimates and if they have a clear and simple billing process.
- Service offerings (19%): We evaluated the range of services available, from packing and unpacking to piano moving and junk removal. Movers that offer more options, including DIY solutions like portable storage, scored higher for flexibility and convenience.
- Item protection (20%): We reviewed each company’s insurance offerings and how well they prevent damage during the move. Higher scores went to movers that offer full-value protection and use best practices like shrink wrap, padding, and floor guards.
- Scheduling (11%): We assessed how easy it is to request a quote, speak to a representative, and manage a move from start to finish. Companies with multiple contact options, digital tools like apps or customer portals, and streamlined booking processes stood out from the rest.
