10 best movers in Lancaster, California

International Van Lines is the best long-distance mover for relocating out of California. For a local move in the Lancaster area, use the filters below to find other local companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in Lancaster

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to another state. Make sure the mover you hire has the right federal licensing when moving across state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. To look up a carrier's licensing status, you can input the USDOT number, MC number or mover's name into the FMCSA's database.

We've verified that the long-distance moving firms below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.

Featured

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 Lancaster is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. This makes sense given that the cost of living in Lancaster is higher than 93.8% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast, as there are many factors involved. The following are typical moving expenses:

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

Your final moving bill may also be affected by these additional considerations:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move fragile, oversized or valuable items. These items commonly cost more to move:

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

If you have to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

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

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for various reasons such as traffic, limited supplies, transportation emergencies and bad weather. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. Be prepared for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving expenses in Lancaster.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items after getting a quote from the movers.

While small items can usually be accommodated without a problem, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed in advance. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve consented to the additional cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or on a weekday to save money and book the movers you want.

Movers are the most booked from May through September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you can't find an economical moving provider that works for you.

While you can move yourself, consider the amount of labor required and the following costs:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Getting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky or heavy items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Professional movers are worth it if you don’t have the time or support to commit to self-moving.

Hiring movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack is another option. Hiring hourly help can cost less, but gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Lancaster

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers manage the entire moving process, including supplying packing materials, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is more expensive than services that only include loading and transporting your belongings, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be tough to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration completely before hiring movers 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?

See what insurance policies your movers provide. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound per item. A full-value protection policy may be necessary if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable time to move falls during May and September, creating elevated demand and heightened rates for moves of all scopes. The lofty prices could deter you from making a move in the summer. Furthermore, Lancaster's extreme summer heat might mean moving amid high temperatures, which can pose extra challenges.

We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.

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 valuable keepsakes in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Many moving companies cap insurance coverage on high-value items, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about possible loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.