10 best movers in Oceanside, California

The best mover for relocating out of California is International Van Lines. If you're planning to move in the Oceanside area, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Oceanside

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. Make sure the moving company you choose has the necessary federal licensing when moving across state lines. 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 confirmed that the long-distance moving companies below are actively licensed. These reliable and experienced movers can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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?

Moving within or out of Oceanside is fairly costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense as the cost of living in Oceanside is above 97.8% of the country.

Various factors are involved in moving, leading to expenses adding up fast. Here are some common moving costs:

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

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

Transporting specialty items

When hiring professional movers, you may have to pay more for moving valuable, fragile or very bulky items. These items commonly cost more to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping your movers is optional, it’s customary if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move less stressful. 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

It's common for a move to be delayed due to issues such as a lack of supplies, inclement weather, traffic and transportation emergencies. These can add to your moving costs and prolong your timeline. There’s no way to combat delays, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping these ways in mind can save you money on moving in Oceanside.

Be communicative

Communicate 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.

While small items can usually be accommodated without issue, larger pieces such as new furniture or appliances should be discussed ahead of time. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve consented to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or during the week to lower the cost and reserve your movers of choice.

Most people schedule moves between May and September. If your timeline is flexible, you may want to move outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

There are several alternatives if you have difficulty finding an affordable moving provider.

One alternative is handling the move yourself. Consider the amount of labor required and the following costs when deciding between professional moving team and moving yourself:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Your family, friends or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have heavy items such as furniture. Professional movers are worth it if you don’t have the time or support to commit to self-moving.

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

FAQ about moving in Oceanside

What’s full-service moving?

When you choose full-service moving, your hired movers will take care of every part of the moving process. This includes supplying packing materials, providing packing services for your belongings, transporting them and unpacking everything for you.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your belongings, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing supplies you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving can provide 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 accepted for self-packed damaged items.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving companies will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on all official documents such as estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should confirm 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. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. A full-value protection policy may be practical if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months, May through September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to constrained availability and inflated costs countrywide for substantial and small moves alike. This might deter you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid Oceanside's extreme summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating exceptionally difficult.

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?

To be safe, keep important financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping expensive technology with you while moving.

Most moving companies limit insurance coverage for high-value possessions, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're concerned about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, keep those belongings with you.

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

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

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.