10 best movers in Millbrae, California

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

Long-distance movers in Millbrae

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

We've verified that the long-distance moving companies below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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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?

Moving within or out of Millbrae 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 Millbrae is higher than 99.9% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up fast. Typical moving expenses include the following:

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

Your total cost may also be affected by these additional factors:

Transporting specialty items

When hiring a moving companiy, you may have to pay more for moving fragile, valuable or oversized items. The following items can be more expensive to move:

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

Ask potential movers whether they move these items and charge extra for them.

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t required, it's common to tip if they provide quality service. For long-distance moves, a standard tip is $20–$40 per mover per day. For local moves, tip $5–$10 per mover per hour.

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Traffic, bad weather, limited supplies and transportation emergencies can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Be prepared for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can reduce your moving costs in Millbrae.

Be communicative

Communicate any changes to your schedule or inventory to avoid surprise 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, your movers can likely add small items to the truck without issue, but large items — like new appliances or furniture — should be discussed ahead of time. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve consented to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Moving in the off-season or during the week can reduce costs and ensure you reserve your preferred moving team.

Peak moving season is between May and September. Consider moving during other months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be less competition or lower moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable mover that meets your needs.

You can handle the move by yourself, but consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for moving bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers provide significant value if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Millbrae

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving means the movers tackle every part of the moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Full-service moving is pricier than standard moving services, which typically only include loading and moving your belongings. The cost can be worth it, considering the time and labor packers spare you, as well as the packing supplies costs it covers. Full-service moving may also offer more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these goods can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will show 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?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, inquire about your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're transporting valuable goods — just know that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The prime time to move falls during May to September, leading to notably higher demand and elevated pricing for moves both big and small. The high summer rates could understandably deter you from moving at that time of year.

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?

On moving day, keep personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any expensive electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving companies cap insurance coverage for costly items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about potential 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:

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

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.