Relocating can be tricky. Even if you’re going from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, moving comes with complexities. Pick the right company to ensure you and your belongings get taken care of. I’ve highlighted my choices for the best moving companies in California in this article.
As a secret shopper, I reached out to each mover to inquire about services and receive estimated quotes. By law, California movers must conduct visual assessments of homes before they deliver written estimates. However, I was able to get quotes on comparable long-distance moves throughout the country. Based on our criteria, we scored every brand on this list by their basic services, customization, reputation, and transparency.
My research helps you cut down the legwork you’ll need to do ahead of your move. While you will still have to schedule a moving assessment to secure a binding price estimate, this list of the five best moving companies in California should allow you to hit the ground running.
Top 5 California Moving Companies
Highlights
- If you’re looking to move a long distance within California or into or out of the state, I recommend using International Van Lines as your moving partner. IVL can handle most Californians’ needs, and it has a strong reputation on trusted third-party review sites. In addition, its website and emailed quotes are excellent resources for understanding what to expect from the brand.
- IVL doesn’t handle local moving, however. For Californians staying within the state and moving fewer than 400 miles, I suggest turning to Moving APT. It is a moving broker with over 2,500 partners. It offers a wealth of partners and services for local moves within California.
- Moving companies in California must conduct a visual assessment, either virtually or in person, to deliver a written quote to customers. While it may be possible to get a ballpark estimate from movers, you will have to schedule an assessment to receive a binding estimate.
Read our full Moving Methodology for more details.
My Expert Recommendation
If you’re looking for a long-distance mover in California, I suggest working with International Van Lines. IVL has most of the services Californians are going to look for, and a strong reputation backs it. With the highest score, according to our criteria, it is one of the best movers on our list. The company’s website contains plenty of details about its services, resources for moves, and tips for homeowners.
However, IVL doesn’t offer local moving services. If you’re moving within 400 miles of your home in California, I’d recommend going with Moving APT and its network of 2,500 movers. As a moving broker, it can pair you with the brand that is best for your moving needs.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
If you’re looking for a long-distance mover in California, I suggest working with International Van Lines. IVL has most of the services Californians are going to look for, and a strong reputation backs it.
California Moving Companies I Didn’t Include
I didn’t include Safeway Moving on the list because it’s not clear if the brand offers local moves in California. Safeway’s website is also sparse on details about services, which makes it difficult to determine if it is the proper mover for your belongings.
I also didn’t include Mayflower Moving. Although the brand has been around since 1927, Mayflower’s reputation is hard to pin down. It does not have reviews on Google or Yelp, and the few reviews I read on Trustpilot and the BBB do not inspire.
Compare The Highest Rated Moving Companies In California
| Company | Rating | BBB Rating | Cost | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
A |
$1,400–$9,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,700–$13,800 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,250 – $8,500 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
C |
$3,000–$11,200 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
B |
$1,200–$11,250 |
VISIT SITE | |
 |
A+ |
$600–$5,100 |
VISIT SITE | |
 JK Moving Services |
A+ |
$3,000–$6,000 |
View More
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of publication.
Our Reviews of the Best Moving Companies in California
Best Full-Service Mover
International Van Lines
4.5
Our Rating
Limited Time Offer:
Get 10% Off Your Next Move
Most price quotes for long-distance moves from International Van Lines include full service, letting IVL handle the packing. Because packing is part of the move package, you could well save hundreds of dollars or more on the cost of your move.
International Van Lines has a well-organized and informative website, which includes details about the company’s services, plus tips for moving, a list of moving challenges, and how to hire a mover. Also, IVL’s emails are some of the best I’ve seen in the industry.
Californians who have a shorter move ahead — say, from Santa Monica to Malibu or from Sacramento to Santa Rosa — must find another mover. IVL only handles local moving in parts of Texas and Florida. IVL defines long-distance moves as those of 400 miles or longer.
Full-service packages can also be a double-edged sword. While IVL sets up cost and time savings for the customer, not every California homeowner is going to want someone else packing all of their belongings. They may not want to spend the extra money, either. IVL advertises that it’s not cost-effective for homeowners to forgo full-service with IVL.
Bottom Line: 9.3/10
Our choice for best full-service mover, International Van Lines earned a 9.3 out of 10, the highest on this list of best moving companies in California. Full-service packing is included in all quotes, which means IVL sources the packing supplies and handles the packing for customers. For homeowners looking for a full-service move, this is a perfect way to save money. However, for customers on a budget, a full-service move will cost you more. And IVL says that the savings you’d get from forgoing full-service on a long-distance move are negligible.
International Van Lines’ website and emails are among the best I’ve seen from California movers. The website explains various moving solutions and provides standout resources for homeowners, including advice for selecting movers, tips for moving, and checklists for packing. IVL’s email notifications deliver more information than what competitors send out. Emailed quotes break down moving costs, provide details about IVL’s cancellation and deposit policies, include the federally required “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move“ booklet, and more.
IVL won’t work for Californians facing a local move, however. For most companies, moving less than 400 miles is considered local. IVL only offers local moving solutions for customers in select areas of Florida and Texas. If you’re looking to move from Sacramento to San Francisco or Los Angeles to San Diego, find another moving company.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
While there are some exceptions, moving companies often only offer local moving services if they have an office nearby. By researching movers in your area, you can see your options if you are moving within 400 miles of your present location.
Basic Services and Cost: 10/10
In basic services, IVL scored 10 out of 10. However, it’s important to note that while IVL says it offers local moving as a service, that doesn’t apply to Californians. IVL only performs local moves in certain areas of Texas and Florida. However, for moves of more than 400 miles, including interstate and international moves, IVL is a full-service mover. It makes services available in more than 150 countries.
All long-distance moves with IVL include loading, unloading, and packing, but customers have the option of packing themselves. IVL representatives have let me know that this will save little money in the long run, though, because the cost savings of self-pack with IVL are negligible. Also, IVL includes 30 days of storage in its price, but unpacking services cost extra.
| Service | Availability |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
International Van Lines sent me a quote of “basic estimate price,” which included an origination services fee and costs for full packing, packing supplies, basic valuation protection, disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture, loading, unloading, protective pads, and blanket wrapping for furniture, and 30 days of storage upon request. IVL’s emails provide more details about the costs for extra services, such as elevator fees (a one-time charge of $75), long carry ($75 per every 75 feet), debris removal, bulky item packing ($150 each), piano handling (between $150 and $350), and unpacking services ($175 per hour with a minimum of four hours).
For a move between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC, a distance of 573 miles, I received a quote of:
- Full-service option: $4,000.52
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary. Factors such as additional services required and market fluctuations influence the price. Cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
International Van Lines offers 15% discounts to seniors and discounts of 10% to 15% for military service members and veterans. For people looking for a full-service move, IVL is also one of the more cost-effective options. IVL bakes full service costs into its estimates.
Customization: 9/10
Disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture, basic valuation coverage ($0.60 per pound per article), and packing materials come with all of International Van Lines’s full-service quotes. Customers can buy packing materials through the company ( even if they want to self-pack) or add more insurance through a full-value protection policy (with deductibles ranging from $250 to $2,000).
For car shipping, IVL handles it in-house with enclosed or open trailers for national moves and ocean freight containers for international moves. IVL crews can assist with piano, antique, and specialty-item moving with packing solutions and custom crating. It also offers junk removal, although it doesn’t include the service in its unpacking services. IVL only lost a point in customization because of its lack of home staging solutions, which landed the company at a 9.
| Customization Options | Availability |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Reputation: 10/10
International Van Lines has a strong reputation and received a 10 here. It is backed by an A rating on the BBB and a 4.1 on Trustpilot. Its score on Google reviews is also good, 3.9. The company’s score on Yelp, however, is much lower (1.7).
Positive reviews highlighted professionalism, stellar communication, and care from crews, representatives, and drivers alike. Reviewers who penned many negative reviews online explained that their items, including furniture, were damaged heavily upon delivery. IVL is responsive to both negative and positive reviews on Trustpilot and Google.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A/3.45 | 174 |
| Trustpilot | 4.1 | 60 |
| 3.9 | 851 | |
| Yelp | 1.7 | 542 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for International Van Lines
Customers leaving positive reviews for International Van Lines detailed reasonable costs, knowledgeable and communicative representatives, careful crews, and expert drivers. They found that communication and professionalism were top-notch before, during, and after their move.
Most Common Criticism for International Van Lines
A common theme among IVL’s negative reviews is broken items. Often, customers who left 1-star reviews provided pictures of broken and scratched belongings or damaged furniture, explaining that little recourse was offered to them when they reached out to the brand about compensation.
Transparency: 8.7/10
International Van Lines tied with American Van Lines at an 8.7 in transparency. IVL lost points because it has no GPS tracking on some of its trucks and because some of its fees are difficult to find ahead of time. Some listed added costs are also contradictory among the website and emails.
For storage, IVL’s website gives two prices per cubic foot per month: $0.65 and $0.50. Emails give a third price: $0.60. However, IVL gained points for sample prices, online booking, over-the-phone booking, binding estimates, disclosure of its broker/carrier status, and posted customer service hours. IVL also has a quote feature on its website, but it will require your contact information if you wish to use it.
Most Transparent Pricing
American Van Lines
4.0
Our Rating
Limited Time Offer:
Price Matching Available
American Van Lines is our moving choice for the most transparent pricing. In fact, the company’s website features several sample prices and deals, including moves to and from certain California cities. It also explains how it determines price quotes and how customers can get an accurate quote from a moving company.
AVL has a strong reputation. Its review scores are some of the highest among the movers on this list. It has an A+ rating and 4.1 score from the BBB, a 4.3 from Trustpilot, and a 4.2 on Google. Customers often explained that their move was stress- and hassle-free from beginning to end.
Like International Van Lines, American Van Lines doesn’t make local moves in California. It only offers local services in states that are close to its headquarters, including Florida, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
AVL also lacks in the basic services and customization departments compared to other moving companies. It doesn’t handle moves outside of the continental United States, and it doesn’t offer car shipping, home staging, or junk removal. For moves under 400 miles away or if you need one of these services, you’ll have to find another mover.
Bottom Line: 8.5/10
American Van Lines landed an 8.5 based on the criteria we look for in movers who operate in California. It’s also our choice for the most transparent pricing because the brand is up-front about costs. The company’s website lists sample pricing and special deals when moving between its three largest cities (Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco).
AVL also has one of the strongest reputations of movers on this list, with 4.3 (out of 5 stars) on Trustpilot, a 4.2 on Google, n A+ rating, and 4.1 stars from the BBB as of this writing. Customers leaving positive reviews cited stress-free experiences, careful crews, excellent quoting processes, accurate moving estimates, communicative and knowledgeable representatives, and on-time delivery.
However, AVL won’t fit the needs of all Californians. First, it doesn’t handle local moves in California. It only executes local moves in Florida, Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina. AVL also doesn’t offer as many customization options as the other movers I’ve included on this list. It doesn’t perform car shipping, home staging, or junk removal at this time.
Basic Services and Cost: 9/10
American Van Lines received a 9 in basic services. It didn’t earn a 10 because it doesn’t perform international moves or even moves outside of the continental United States. While AVL has local moving services, these solutions are not available in California. And it only offers local moving near its facilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Florida. However, AVL can handle long-distance moves within California, which are over 400 miles, as moves across the country. Packing and unpacking are available at an extra cost, but it factors loading and unloading into all quotes. It also provides storage services, if needed, with the first month included with a move. Temporary, short-term, and long-term options are also available, and 24-hour security cameras help protect inside and outside of the buildings.
| Service | Availability |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | No |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
The price quote I received from American Van Lines included the transportation fee, packing, basic disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture, wrapping for furniture, and basic valuation coverage. Emails contained prices for “optional accessorial post contract services,” such as prices for navigating stairs, elevators, and multiple stops, but the costs for these services aren’t always clear. For example, elevator use with IVL is a one-time charge of $75. AVL’s quote lists it as $2.50/cwt (per hundred pounds). It’s not easy for the average customer to determine how much this will cost or whether it’s a one-time charge. I highly recommend getting an idea of what accessorial post-contract services you will need and the final price you will have to pay for them with AVL before signing a contract.
I requested a moving estimate for a two-bedroom home for a move between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC. AVL’s quotes to me were:
- Self-packing option: $3,651.39
- Full-packing option: $4,251.39 to $4,451.39
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors such as the required additional services and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
American Van Lines presents special offers between select cities on their website. Several are for moves to or from California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Representatives also offered me seasonal discounts when I called, including a springtime promotion. However, it’s not clear how much this took off the final price.
Customization: 7/10
AVL included in its quotes basic disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture. In its full-service estimates, it included basic valuation coverage. Customers opting for self-pack can also purchase packing materials through the brand. For those who need more insurance, AVL offers full-value protection at an extra cost, with available deductible levels ranging from $0 to $1,000. The brand is known for its white-glove treatment of antiques, special items, and pianos, with crews who have extensive experience handling and transporting these belongings. Custom crating is also available through AVL. However, AVL only received a 7 in customization because it doesn’t offer car shipping, junk removal, or home staging to customers.
| Customization Options | Availability |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | No |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | No |
| Home Staging | No |
Reputation: 10/10
With a reputation score of 10, AVL has one of the highest review scores among all the best moving companies in California. As of this writing, it has a 4.2 on its Google Business Profile, a 4.3 on Trustpilot, and an A+ and 4.1 from the BBB. On Yelp, its score is lower (2.3). Brand representatives respond only to positive reviews on Google, so it’s not clear how they help customers who leave 1-star reviews. Happy customers explained they had a stellar experience with AVL from beginning to end, with communicative representatives, efficient crews, and helpful drivers. However, 1-star reviews often detail broken belongings upon delivery, including smashed boxes and scratched furniture.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+/4.1 | 442 |
| Trustpilot | 4.3 | 83 |
| 4.2 | 1,014 | |
| Yelp | 2.3 | 452 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for American Van Lines
Customers praising American Van Lines stated that the entire moving experience was perfect from beginning to end. Quotes were on point, and representatives were more than happy to answer their questions and address their concerns. Crews were also efficient and careful during pickup and delivery.
Most Common Criticism for American Van Lines
One of the biggest complaints among reviewers for American Van Lines concerns broken belongings. Unhappy customers often post pictures alongside their reviews that showcase smashed boxes, damaged furniture, and scratched belongings. AVL doesn’t respond to negative reviews.
Transparency: 8.7/10
With an 8.7 in transparency, American Van Lines is tied with International Van Lines for the highest score in this area. AVL’s website details sample prices for moves, including special offers between select cities such as San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles. GPS tracking is only available on some of their trucks, but they do offer online and over-the-phone booking as well as binding estimates to their customers. The company also posts customer service hours on its website, and AVL discloses their status as a carrier. AVL will work with you from beginning to end, and it won’t outsource the job. Although it has a quote feature on its website, AVL requires your contact information to use, and it doesn’t return with an estimate. Instead, it lets you know a representative will be in touch shortly. AVL lost points because it doesn’t have clearly listed fees available online.
Best Quoting Experience
Moving APT
3.9
Our Rating
Limited Time Offer:
Use Code APT23 For 20% Off
Moving APT is our choice for the best quoting experience. Getting price quotes from moving companies can be a lengthy process. Calls can last more than 40 minutes, and in California, brands must conduct in-person or virtual assessments to determine how much you’ll be moving. The full process can take several days. My initial call with Moving APT took just 10 minutes, and it may be possible to walk away with a ballpark number with this brand after a quick call.
Unlike other full-service movers on this list, Moving APT offers local moves within California. As a broker with over 2,500 agents, this mover can match customers with local movers that fit the customers’ needs and location.
Moving APT operates only as a broker. So, it outsources all jobs to trusted partners, and Moving APT acts as a middleman connecting customers to movers. However, not all of Moving APT’s 2,500 partners are of the same quality, and customers are relying on chance as to what company will execute the move.
As a result, Moving APT has mixed reviews on trusted review sites. Customers have varying experiences with partners. Some are happy, others are not. Moving APT’s responses to negative reviews leaves a lot to be desired. It offers little in the way of apologies or recourse.
Bottom Line: 8.2/10
Moving APT earned an 8.2 based on our evaluative criteria for California movers. It is our choice for the best quoting experience, as I was on and off the phone with a representative in just 10 minutes. Other movers require you to stay on the phone for over 40 minutes or take over a day to get back to you. Your experience with Moving APT may take longer because California movers must conduct a visual assessment of a home before they deliver written moving costs. However, you could get a ballpark estimate over the phone.
Moving APT is a moving broker that serves as a middleman between their moving agents and their customers and matches clients with movers. This model allows them to offer local moving in California, unlike the other full-service movers on this list, as well as cross-country and international solutions. However, Moving APT is at the mercy of its partners’ quality. With a network of 2,500 moving partners, not every company will perform well — and some will perform poorly.
The result for Moving APT is that its reviews are some of the lowest on this list of movers. Customers detail inefficient and unhelpful crews as well as poor communication during and after the move. Moving APT’s public responses to negative reviews isn’t inspiring either, as they tend to argue with the customer rather than offer any apologies or recourse. Many other brands apologize and explain how the client can reach their care team.
Basic Services and Cost: 10/10
Moving APT received a perfect 10 in the services area. Thanks to its large network of movers, it can offer local moves in California, and it is the only full-service mover on this list to do so. It also specializes in interstate and long-distance moves and international moves to 180 countries.
Moving APT sells two moving packages: Standard Full Service Move and Platinum Full Packing Service Move. Both include loading and unloading, but only Platinum includes packing. Unpacking is available for an added charge. Storage services are also available through some of its partners, but if you think you’ll need storage, I recommend letting your Moving APT representative know as soon as possible. Early communication will help ensure you’re paired with the correct mover for the job.
| Service | Availability |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
Moving APT has two packages available: Standard Full Service Move and Platinum Full Packing Service Move. The Standard package includes loading, unloading, disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture pieces, basic limited liability protection, and one month of free storage. Platinum includes everything that comes with Standard, as well as packing, custom crating for breakable items, and packing. You can incur fees for special handling and bulky items on certain possessions, such as custom-built furniture and heavy objects. However, Moving APT’s emails and website don’t detail how much this could potentially cost their customers.
I requested a quote for a move between Maybrook, NY, and Carrboro, NC. I received the following estimates:
- Self-service option: $2,700
- Full-service option (without unpacking): $3,700
- Full-service option with full value protection (without unpacking): $4,522.64
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors, such as the required additional services and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
As a broker, Moving APT can pair customers with moving partners who offer specific discounts, such as a senior discount or military discount. My quote included a three-day pickup window flexibility coupon that took nearly $1,300 off of the final price. If you don’t have to move on a specific day, flexibility is one way to save serious money.
Customization: 10/10
Moving APT is the only mover on this list to receive a perfect 10 for customization. For Californians in need of home staging, Moving APT is your mover. This service can help homeowners attract attention to their home, potentially speeding up the sale process and helping the house command a higher price.
The company includes disassembly and reassembly of standard furniture pieces and basic limited liability coverage ($0.60 per pound per article) in its Standard Full Service Move and Platinum Full Packing Service Move packages. It also includes packing materials in Platinum plan, but even customers who self-pack can buy packing materials through Moving APT’s website or emails. Extra valuation coverage, known as full-value protection, is also available. In addition, Moving APT’s partners can assist with piano moving, car shipping, antique moving, custom crating, special item moving, and junk removal upon request.
| Customization Options | Availability |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | Yes |
Reputation: 7.8/10
Moving APT is the lowest on this list when it comes to reputation (7.8). That score stems from its lower rating on the BBB (B+) and its lack of presence on Trustpilot. Reviews across the BBB and its Google Business Profile are mixed, and its rating on Yelp is low (1.3). Positive reviews explained that movers were efficient, professional, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout the entire process. Customers who left negative reviews detailed concerning experiences, including hostage loads, where items are held for ransom until the client agrees to pay an additional fee.
Moving APT’s representatives respond to positive and negative reviews on Google but are not exactly helpful to those leaving 1-star reviews. While many other movers apologize for their poor experience and advise as to the next steps, Moving APT’s representatives argue with the customer, fall back on its status of “just the broker,” or claim the review is fake.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | B+/3.38 | 16 |
| Trustpilot | N/A | N/A |
| 3.7 | 260 | |
| Yelp | 1.3 | 172 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for Moving APT
Positive reviews for Moving APT on trusted review sites highlighted excellent communication during, before, and after their move. The crews that moved them were knowledgeable, professional, and efficient. Even when issues arose, such as problems with the home purchase, Moving APT and its partners were able to adjust to meet the customers’ new needs.
Most Common Criticism for Moving APT
Customers who had poor experiences related stories of increased moving expenses, delayed deliveries, and non-deliveries of some items. During these events, many 1-star reviews said Moving APT was unresponsive.
Transparency: 5.3/10
Moving APT earned a low transparency mark, 5.3. The company’s website doesn’t have posted customer service hours, sample prices, or clearly listed additional fees. The lack of pricing information could stem from its status as a broker. Costs can vary, depending on the partner the customer works with. Moving APT also lost points because not all its moving partners have GPS tracking.
The moving broker gained points because of a disclosure of its status as a broker, online and over-the-phone booking, and binding estimates. Moving APT also has one of the best quick quote features I’ve personally seen during my research. It doesn’t require your contact information to use it. However, you can supply your email after receiving a ballpark cost estimate. As of this writing, it offers a 15% discount to those who do.
Most Customizable Moving Experience
JK Moving Services
4.2
Our Rating
Limited Time Offer:
No current offers available.
JK Moving Services is my go-to recommendation if customers want to customize their move. The company makes it easy to mix and match various services to meet customers’ unique needs. For example, clients can choose between full-packing, fragile-only packing, and DIY kits.
JK Moving has an easy-to-use website and informative emails. Its website and emails detail exactly what you can expect when working with the brand, its various services, financing options, and more. The emails I received were full of YouTube videos relevant to the services I requested and PDFs designed to make my moving experience as stress-free as possible.
Like International Van Lines and American Van Lines, JK Moving Services doesn’t do local moves in California. It only offers local moves in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
Of the movers I contacted, JK Moving Services delivered the most expensive quote for a comparable move. Many customers said their experience was the same but that it was worth the price. However, for Californians on a budget, JK Moving likely isn’t the best option.
Bottom Line: 8.4/10
JK Moving Services is our choice for the most customizable moving experience, and it earned an 8.4. The company makes it easy to mix and match solutions so that it fits their customers’ needs. When it comes to packing, for instance, customers can choose between a full-pack option, fragile-only packing, or a DIY kit that includes packing materials.
JK Moving’s website and emails also go into extensive detail about services and customers’ options. The emails I received included YouTube video suggestions and PDFs tailored to my questions and move. Their website also explains their services in an easy-to-understand fashion.
However, there are two reasons JK Moving Services won’t work for every Californian: It doesn’t handle local moves within the state, and it is by far the most expensive brand on this list. JK Moving only offers local moving within Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. When it comes to price, it is two to three times more expensive than the other movers I’ve contacted for comparable distances and move sizes.
Today’s Homeowner Tips
Moving companies within California are required to conduct an in-person or virtual assessment of a home, condominium, or apartment before delivering a written quote. Estimates delivered over the phone or the internet are illegal and likely aren’t enforceable.
Basic Services and Cost: 10/10
JK Moving Services offers everything we look for in a moving company under basic services, so it gets a score of 10 here. However, Californians should note that JK Moving doesn’t tackle local moves within the state. It only does local moves in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. However, for moves over 400 miles, known as long-distance moves, JK Moving can assist. It handles interstate and international moves in more than 170 countries.
As with most full-service moving companies, loading and unloading are included in their quotes, but packing and unpacking will cost extra. Short and long-term storage services are available to customers, too, and all of its facilities come with fire suppression systems, motion sensors, video surveillance, and climate-controlled options.
| Service | Availability |
| Local Moving | Yes |
| Long Distance/Interstate Moving | Yes |
| International Moving | Yes |
| Packing and Unpacking | Yes |
| Loading and Unloading | Yes |
| Storage Services | Yes |
Cost
JK Moving Services is the most expensive mover on this list. Its quotes were two to three times more than other movers’ quotes for comparable moves. For example, JK Moving’s self-service option was $4,822 more than Moving APT’s estimate for a comparable move distance and size. Some customers leaving reviews explained this was their experience as well, with many explaining they were worth the price. However, for those on a tight budget, I’d recommend going with another brand.
For a two-bedroom home move between Mobile, AL, and Dallas, TX, a distance of 588 miles, JK Moving Services quoted me:
- Self-service option: $7,522
- Full-service option: $9,388
Editor’s Note: The cost data provided in this article is based on Today’s Homeowner’s standardized sample moving scenario from Maybrook, NY, to Carrboro, NC, for a single-family home, with a move date set eight weeks away. Please be aware that these estimates may vary depending on factors, such as the required additional services and market fluctuations. The cost data presented was accurate at the time of writing.
Available Discounts
JK Moving Services doesn’t advertise many discounts, but most movers offer discounts for seniors, military members, and veterans. One deal JK Moving Services does advertise is 2% off for customers of Brookfield Residential. Brookfield Residential has several communities within California, including in San Bernardino, Orange, and Santa Clara counties.
Customization: 9/10
Because it doesn’t provide home staging, JK Moving Services received a 9 in customization. It includes disassembly and reassembly of furniture and basic valuation coverage in its quotes, with added full value protection available upon request for an additional fee. Packing materials come with the full-service and fragile-only packing packages, but you can also buy them separately. A third-party partner handles custom crating, but JK Moving’s crews take care of piano, antique, special item moving, and junk removal.
It offers car shipping through a partner, McCollister’s Auto Logistics. All of their trucks come with GPS tracking and custom-fitted lift gates. JK Moving even offers vehicle storage, which is not a service I’ve seen offered by other movers. Cars in vehicle storage are housed in a climate-controlled facility with camera surveillance and fire suppression surveillance. Maintenance and detailing are also available while the vehicle is in storage.
| Customization Options | Availability |
| Assembly/ Disassembly | Yes |
| Sells Packing Materials | Yes |
| Offers Valuation Coverage | Yes |
| Piano Moving | Yes |
| Car Shipping | Yes |
| Special Item/ Antique Moving | Yes |
| Custom Crating | Yes |
| Junk Removal | Yes |
| Home Staging | No |
Reputation: 9/10
JK Moving Services scored a 9 for reputation. It has an A+ rating from the BBB but only one review on Trustpilot, which landed it at a 3.6 as of this writing. The review score on Google is 4.5. It has mixed reviews on Yelp and the BBB, 3.5 and 3.95, respectively. JK Moving responds to positive and negative reviews on Google and Yelp. Those who had stellar experiences with the company detailed smooth and stress-free moves thanks to knowledgeable representatives and efficient crews. Those who had less-than-ideal experiences with JK Moving stated that costs were higher than expected on moving day, and many items were delivered broken.
| Rating Site | Rating | Number of Reviews |
| BBB | A+/3.95 | 75 |
| Trustpilot | 3.6 | 1 |
| 4.5 | 1,342 | |
| Yelp | 3.5 | 378 |
Editor’s Note: The ratings provided were accurate at the time of writing.
Most Common Praise for JK Moving Services
The positive online reviews for JK Moving Services highlighted wonderful customer service during the quote process and the move. Representatives were responsive, helpful, and communicative, while crews were efficient, kind, and careful during packing, loading, and unloading.
Most Common Criticism for JK Moving Services
Negative reviews often criticized JK Moving Services’ handling of possessions. Belongings were poorly loaded, and many people who left 1-star reviews provided pictures of broken items, smashed boxes, and scratched furniture. In addition, other customers said their moving expenses were higher than the company quoted.
Transparency: 6.3/10
JK Moving Services received only a 6.3 for transparency. Its website doesn’t detail sample pricing or additional fees. Customers have to contact the brand to get a quote, which can be an extensive process. I had to wait 24 hours to talk to a representative and get a ballpark estimate. I was told that I would have to submit 30 to 60 videos of my belongings to get a binding estimate. Also, the company’s quote tool didn’t provide estimates or any information on potential moving costs. It collects your contact information to pass on to one of their representatives, who will reach out to you.
JK Moving Services doesn’t disclose its status as a broker/carrier, which means it may outsource your move to one of its partners, depending on your needs and location. However, the brand did get some points thanks to the GPS tracking availability on their trucks, posted customer service hours, online booking, over-the-phone booking, and binding estimates.
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Longevity is a key indicator of trust, and Moving APT has been at it for 22 years. And even though it’s a moving broker that doesn’t control the entire moving process, there are some advantages there. Moving APT offers to find you the cheapest moving company, which is helpful for customers on a tight budget.
Moving APT’s website is odd and unintuitive. Though you can find plenty of information, it’s buried in menus that aren’t immediately obvious, leading to a somewhat frustrating experience. That kind of confusing experience can make it difficult to research the company properly, and that’s a disadvantage to customers.
Bottom Line: 7.9/10
Although Moving APT’s longevity in the industry is impressive, I otherwise found this company to be fairly average.
Basic Services and Cost: 10/10
Moving APT offers discounts for military members, seniors and for early booking. You can also get potential discounts through being flexible about pick-up dates. If you agree to a range of possible moving dates rather than a specific moving day, the representative might be able to get you a better deal.
Customization: 10/10
Moving APT’s customization options are great. It ticks all our boxes for a truly full-service moving company: assembly and disassembly, piano moving, car shipping, and more. Most noteworthy, it offers home staging where its competitors on the list don’t. Home staging is a tremendously useful service for the busy homeowner, and it’s an invaluable service for those with mobility challenges. For that, Moving APT earned a perfect score in this category.
Reputation: 7.8/10
The most reported problems were poor communication and mismanaged expectations. In my opinion, they’re both two sides of the same coin. Communication is infrequent or unclear, which leads customers to expect things that never happen or happen later than they want.
Transparency: 4.3/10
This is the weakest category from Moving APT. It first lacks sample pricing, which makes the process of shopping around unnecessarily involved and overly committal. Having to work with representatives through an entire formal quote process only to find there’s better pricing elsewhere is frustrating. Beyond that, the lack of GPS tracking was acceptable 20 years ago, but the customer of today expects it. I feel the company could be doing much more to increase transparency.
What to Look for in a Reputable Moving Company in California
Moving companies in California must have a Household Mover permit and aren’t allowed to give a written quote without a visual inspection of the home, condominium, or apartment and the items to be moved. Reputable movers will also meet federal requirements, which include being registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and having a USDOT number. Movers must also give customers a copy of their bill of lading (the document that details the inventory to be moved) and a copy of the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. In addition, homeowners should check the reviews of the company and read over any contracts carefully before signing.
How To Avoid Moving Scams in California
Moving scams can range from hostage loads, where a company holds your items for ransom until you agree to pay a larger fee, to bait and switches, where the mover initially lowballs you but suddenly raises the price on moving day when you have few options. Mover fraud is all too common, such as when a mover presents itself as a legitimate company but takes your deposit and disappears.
Knowing the signs of moving scams in California can help you avoid them:
- They don’t require a visual assessment.
- California movers must conduct a visual assessment of the home and belongings before they can deliver a written estimate.
- They only accept cash for the down payment.
- If a brand only accepts cash for the down payment, it’s likely a scam. Reputable movers will usually accept credit cards, debit cards, cashier’s checks, and/or money transfers.
- There are blank spots on the contract, or the contract is incomplete.
- Contracts should be complete with no blank spots when it’s signed. If there are blank spots, it could mean the mover will change something at a later date.
- They frequently changed names.
- Movers that change names frequently often mean they’re trying to hide lawsuits or complaints against the company.
- They don’t meet state or federal requirements.
California Moving Company News
U-Haul released its list of the Top Growth States of 2023 earlier in 2024, and California has a net loss of residents for the fourth year in a row, according to the data. This isn’t an independent source, but the numbers align with government figures. California’s finance department found that the state has lost residents to other states for more than 20 years.
A California mover was sued for age discrimination in 2023. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Meathead Movers, located in San Luis Obispo, was found to not have recruited or hired anyone over 40 into available moving, packing, or customer service positions.
FAQs
How Much Does a Moving Company Cost in California?
The average cost of a moving company in California is $4,007.98, but your cost depends on your location, your home, your move distance, the services you need, and the amount of belongings to be moved. Customers can negotiate a lower price with movers.
Should You Tip Movers in California?
Are Moving Companies in California Worth It?
A moving company is worth it for most California homeowners and tenants. While it’s possible to handle your move yourself, moving is a lot of work, and professional services can help cut down on the complexity and heavy lifting.
