7 Best Moving Companies in California of 2022

Are you planning to move into, out of, or to a different location in California? If so, you’re probably on the hunt for a trustworthy moving company. But finding one can be easier said than done. Many have confusing websites, less-than-impressive reviews, or both. So where should you turn? Well, we’ve done some of the hard work for you. After reviewing dozens of moving companies that serve California, here are our 7 top picks. Have a look at them – and if you want to see how they stack up to out-of-state competition, compare these to the best moving companies nationwide.

Our top picks for the best moving companies in California

• Best moving company overall in California: NorthStar Moving Company
• Best for intrastate moves: Got2Move
• Best for long-distance moves: International Van Lines
• Best for satisfaction guarantee: Meathead Movers
• Best for Northern California: Nor-Cal Moving Services
• Best for Southern California: MuraWay Moving
• Best for Central California: Mid Cal Moving and Storage

Best moving companies in California reviews

After considering factors such as service area, add-on options, customer reviews, safety ratings, and more, here are our picks for the top 7 moving companies in California!

About the company: NorthStar Moving Company was founded in1994 and is based out of Northridge, California. It offers a lineup of services that can help you move within the state, across state lines, or to another country.

Why we picked it: We named NorthStar as the best overall moving company in California for a number of reasons. First, it’s one of the few companies that help with all types of moves (local, intrastate, interstate, and international) while specializing in California moves.

Further, it offers full-service moves that include packing and unpacking, boxes and supplies, and the specialized handling of heavy and fragile items. Additionally, in true California style, there are luxury packages so you can “move like a movie star.” The luxury services include offerings like pet care, yacht transport, and even a post-move picnic.

As for customer satisfaction, Northstar Moving has a 4.5/5 star rating on Yelp after 919 reviews, an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and a 5/5 star rating from the BBB after 21 reviews. The company also has a good safety track record and lower-than-average outage rates for its drivers and trucks.

Bottom line: Overall, NorthStar Moving Company is a solid all-around service provider and is worth considering if you’re moving anywhere in California.

Best for intrastate moves: Got2Move

About the company: Got2Move is a moving company based in San Leandro, California that’s been in business since 2004 and serves California exclusively. It has a presence in the state’s major metropolitan areas, including San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, and Los Angeles.

Why we picked it: Got2Move stands out because of its presence across California and its fast intrastate deliveries between the northern and southern parts of the state (within 24 hours).

The company also shines when it comes to ratings. It’s earned 4.5 out of 5 stars on Yelp after 293 reviews, and an A+ rating from the BBB. Also, it only has one BBB complaint on record in the past three years.

As for safety and reliability, Got2Move hasn’t had any crashes in the past two years and has lower-than-average outage rates for its trucks.

Bottom line: If you’re moving across California, Got2Move is an efficient intrastate specialist worth considering.

About the company: International Van Lines (IVL) was established in 2000 and is headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida. The company started out as an international moving company but now offers local and interstate moving services as well.

Why we picked it: IVL has expertise in helping customers with longer moves, both cross-country and cross-border. It moves about 20,000 people per year and offers full-service options. From packing services to storage, it can help to make long-distance moves less stressful by taking care of everything from move-out to move-in.

Further, it’s one of the only moving companies that posts pricing on its website, making it easier to understand what to expect. The company also fares well when it comes to safety with only one accident reported in the past two years.

Bottom line: No matter where you live in the U.S., IVL can arrange to pick up your belongings and deliver them to your new home — even if it’s overseas. It’s a provider to consider when shopping for long-distance moving companies.

About the company: In 1997, two brothers in San Luis Obispo founded Meathead Movers. Today, it remains family-owned and has grown into the largest independent moving company in California. The humorously ironic name comes from the fact that the company hires student-athletes as employees. Each employee undergoes military-inspired training on 400 procedures to help them deliver smooth moving experiences.

Why we picked it: Meathead Movers stands out because of the excellent ratings it maintains despite the high volume of moves it performs (18,000 per year). Another differentiating factor is the satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with your moving experience, you get your money back. Additionally, the company ticks all the other boxes for great safety, full-service offerings, and a good online user experience. Oh, and it offers payment plans, too!

Bottom line: Meathead Movers is well worth considering as it specializes in serving California, has a reputation for outstanding service and offers your money back if you’re not satisfied. Plus, when moving day comes, you’ll have athletes jogging around to get everything done for you quickly.

About the company: Founded in 1982, Nor-Cal Moving Services specializes in helping customers with local moves (40 miles or less). Its service area includes Hayward, San Jose, San Francisco, and the surrounding areas. However, it’s also a long-time Allied Van Lines agent and can help with interstate and international moves as well.

Why we picked it: Nor-Cal Moving Services was named the best moving company for Northern California due to its specialization in the area, service lineup, and reliable track record. The company offers full-service moves through add-ons like packing and unpacking, crating and uncrating, appliance set-up, furniture wrapping, and more. Further, it offers vehicle and boat transport and local storage options.

As for safety and reliability, Nor-Cal Moving is BBB-accredited and has had only one accident reported in the last two years. Further, its driver outage rate is far below the national average, while its truck outage rate is in line with the average.

Bottom line: If you’re moving within the Northern California area, Nor-Cal’s local movers are worth considering. Additionally, thanks to the company’s partnership with Allied Van Lines, it can help with long-distance and international moves, too.

About the company: Founded in 2017, MuraWay Moving is a moving company located in Southern California that specializes in helping people move to and from Los Angeles and the surrounding areas.

Why we picked it: MuraWay Moving is the best option for SoCal moves because it specializes in the area, has transparent pricing, and has earned great reviews from past customers.

Local moves are billed by the hour and come with free furniture disassembly/assembly, wardrobe boxes, shrink wrap, tape, dollies, straps, and more. Interstate moves, on the other hand, are charged at fixed rates which are listed online. If you don’t see your moving price listed, you can request a custom quote.

As for reviews and ratings, MuraWay has a five-star Yelp rating after 195 reviews, an A rating from the BBB, and no BBB complaints in the past three years. The company also has a great safety record with no accidents over the past two years and very low outage rates.

Bottom line: If you’re moving to, from, or within Southern California, be sure to get a moving quote from MuraWay.

About the company: Mid Cal Moving and Storage was founded in 1953 and is headquartered in Stockton, California. It specializes in serving those moving into, out of, or around Central California. That said, as a dedicated Bekins Van Lines agent, it can also help with cross-country and international moves.

Why we picked it: Mid Cal Moving and Storage is our top pick for central California because it specializes in the area, has good ratings, and has a comprehensive lineup of services. Local moves come with hand-wrapping of breakables, professional padding, and customized crating for fragile items. Additionally, you can add on packing and unpacking, automobile transport, fine art transport, local storage, and more.

As for ratings, Mid Cal Moving and Storage is BBB-accredited, has an A+ rating from the BBB, and has earned 4/5 stars after 28 Yelp reviews. It also has a clean safety record without any accidents in the past two years.

Bottom line: If you’re moving to or from the central California area, be sure to get a quote from Mid Cal Moving and Storage.

Other companies we considered

To find the best moving companies in California, we considered dozens of service providers, including brokers and carriers that operate on various levels (local, national, and global). Some of the companies we considered that didn’t make the list were Moving APT, 1-800-Pack-Rat, United Van Lines, Osmon Moving, Executive Moving Systems, and more.

While we did review the biggest names in the business that often make these lists, such as Atlas Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, and North American Van Lines, we found that serving California is not typically their specialty. Instead, they tend to excel at long-distance moves nationwide and don’t fare too well when it comes to ratings and reviews. However, many smaller local moving companies are agents for these larger operators, offering customers the best of both worlds — personalized service and mature infrastructure.

How we found the best moving companies in California

We found the best moving companies in California by researching dozens of providers that serve customers in the Golden State. When assessing each, we considered a variety of factors, including:

• Service offerings: The types of moves a company offers (intrastate, interstate, and international) and the additional services it provides (packing, crating, storage, etc.).
• License/insurance/credentials: The necessary licenses, permits, and insurance required to operate in the state and beyond.
• Entity type: Whether the company is a carrier, broker, or both.
• Ratings: Customer ratings from Yelp, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• User experience: Online quote availability, price transparency on the website, professional online presence, customer support, shipment tracking, and more.
• Safety and reliability: Crash stats and outage information (on trucks and drivers) from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Summary of the best moving companies in California of 2022

• Our pick for the best moving company in California overall goes to NorthStar Moving Company
• For intrastate moves across California, be sure to check out Got2Move.
• If you’re moving cross-country or internationally, check out IVL.
• For excellent customer satisfaction, check out the Meathead Movers.
• For the best moving company in Northern California, check out Nor-Cal Moving Services.
• For the best moving company in Southern California, check out MuraWay Moving.
• And for the best moving company in Central California, check out Mid Cal Moving and Storage
• To find the best moving company for you, we recommend you get quotes from at least three different providers and compare them side-by-side.