10 best movers in Anaheim, California

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for moving out of California. If you're moving in the Anaheim area, use the filters below to find other local moving companies.

Long-distance movers in Anaheim

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to another state. If you're moving across state boundaries, you must be especially cautious that the mover you use has the right federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To verify a carrier's licensing status, you can input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

The reliable long-distance movers below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
• Lists add-on service costs online
• Services all 50 states

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4.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Operates exclusively as a carrier
• Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
• Offers storage for high-value items and antiques

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3.7

Our Rating

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

• Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
• Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
• Includes packing and storage in all quotes

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Anaheim is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Anaheim is above 97.4% of the country.

Moving expenses add up fast based on what services you need. Common moving expenses include the following:

• Packing
• Professional labor
• Storage
• Supplies
• Junk removal
• Fuel

Your total cost may also be affected by these extra considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move valuable, oversized or fragile items. The following items can be more expensive to move:

• Safes
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology
• Artwork and sculptures
• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Pianos

When researching moving companies, ask whether they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or reduced the stress of your move. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as transportation emergencies, inclement weather, traffic and a lack of supplies. These can raise your moving costs and extend your timeline. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by keeping a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Anaheim.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid unexpected charges on the day of your move. Be especially communicative about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, small items can likely be added to the truck without a problem, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — need to be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve agreed to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and reserve the movers you want.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, you may want to move outside of those months, as there may be less competition or lower rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a budget - friendly mover that meets your needs, there are alternative routes you can take.

Handling the move by yourself is an option. Before going this route, consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have bulky items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone to help you move.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack is another alternative. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these independent contractors may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Anaheim

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers handle all aspects of the moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth it considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are generally only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an interstate move, you should screen companies for legitimate USDOT and MC numbers beforehand by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in California are also required to have a license from the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services.

How does moving insurance work?

Estimate the total worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. All companies should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be sensible if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The best time to move ranges across May through September, resulting in lower supply and inflated pricing nationwide for relocations of all sizes. The steep rates may prevent you from a summer move. Moreover, you may wish to avoid relocating in the summer given Anaheim's extreme heat, which could further complicate a move.

We recommend moving in the spring or early fall seasons when you can expect more favorable weather and lower costs.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving businesses cap insurance coverage for high-value items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about possible loss or damage, pack those invaluable or irreplaceable possessions in your own car.

There are certain goods and materials that moving services aren't allowed to move. These include the following:

• Compressed tanks or gas
• Plants
• Batteries
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Perishable foods and produce
• Aerosols
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Fertilizers
• Fuel sources

Our methodology for selecting moving companies

The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.

We review national moving providers against our full moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.