10 best movers in Mountain View, California

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

Long-distance movers in Mountain View

A long-distance move is when you move more than 50 miles away or relocate from one state to another. If you're moving across state lines, you should be especially cautious that the mover you use has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. Input these numbers or the mover's name into the FMCSA's database to look up a carrier's licensing status.

The reliable and experienced long-distance moving companies below are actively licensed. They can help get you and your belongings safely and smoothly to your new home.

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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?

The average hourly moving rate for moving within or out of Mountain View is higher than the national average, making it a fairly expensive process. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Mountain View is above 99.9% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast, as there are many factors involved. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, breakable or oversized. Some items that can incur higher fees include these:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s common if your movers got your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently. 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, limited supplies, transportation emergencies and bad weather can all make your move more expensive and take longer. Prepare for delays by allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your budget and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to save money on moving in Mountain View.

Be communicative

Keep your movers informed about any modifications to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

Small items may not pose a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to adjust their estimate for these item and get your consent to these fees before starting the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Schedule your move in the off-season or on a weekday to lower the cost and reserve the movers you want.

Peak moving season is from May through September. Consider moving outside of those months if you have a flexible schedule, as there may be lower moving rates or less competition.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider taking an alternative route if you can't find a cheap that meets your needs.

You can move on your own, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies
• Fuel

You may also need to get help from friends, family or neighbors for moving bulky items such as furniture. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you lack the time or support to commit to self-moving.

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

FAQ about moving in Mountain View

What’s full-service moving?

Hiring full-service movers means they will manage all aspects of the moving process, including providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them and unpacking them.

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you consider the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can get you more comprehensive insurance coverage, as self-packed goods are generally only insured up to 60 cents per dollar, and it can be difficult to get a claim approved for self-packed damaged goods.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should check a company’s USDOT and MC numbers when planning an interstate move by checking 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. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which insures items at 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this additional coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or sentimental items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The ideal moving time ranges across May through September, resulting in capped supply and elevated pricing nationwide for relocations of all sizes. The steep rates may prevent you from a summer move. Furthermore, you may wish to avoid relocating in the summer given Mountain View's intense heat, which could further complicate a move.

We recommend moving during the spring or early fall to experience the best possible weather and lower rates for service.

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

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

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

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

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

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.