10 best movers in Pleasant Hill, California

International Van Lines is the best long-distance moving company for relocating out of California. If you're moving around Pleasant Hill, use the filters below to find other movers in your area.

Long-distance movers in Pleasant Hill

A long-distance move means relocating more than 50 miles away or from one state to another. If you're moving across state boundaries, you need to be especially cautious that the moving company you hire has the necessary federal licensing. Interstate movers are required to have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use the MC number, USDOT number or mover's name to look up a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We’ve verified that the long-distance moving companies below have an active license. These reliable movers can help get your belongings safely and smoothly across state lines.

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 Pleasant Hill is relatively costly, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Pleasant Hill is above 99.2% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved in moving, resulting in expenses adding up fast. The following are common moving expenses:

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

These extra considerations can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are fragile, valuable or particularly large. Some common items that can cost more to move include the following:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers is optional, it's customary to tip if they provide quality service. For local moves, a typical tip is $5–$10 per mover per hour. For long-distance moves, tip $20–$40 per mover per day.

Unexpected delays

Delays are common due to issues such as inclement weather, a lack of supplies, traffic and transportation emergencies. These can increase your moving costs and prolong your timeline. 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 lower moving costs in Pleasant Hill.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

Small items may not pose a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new furniture or appliances. Additional fees may apply for these items, and your movers won’t start the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

Since reliable and budget-friendly movers are in high demand, consider moving on a weekday or in the off-season to keep costs down while still getting your preferred movers.

Peak moving season is between May and September. You may get less competition and lower moving rates if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move outside of those months.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap moving provider that meets your needs, there are several alternatives to consider.

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

• Moving truck rental
• Fuel
• Packing supplies

Your friends, family or neighbors may also need to help you move, especially if you have large items such as furniture. Movers are worth the cost if you lack the time or anyone to help you move.

Another alternative is to find movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be less expensive, but freelance service providers may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Pleasant Hill

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers take care of all aspects of the moving process for you. They supply packing materials, pack your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Standard moving services are more affordable than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be a justifiable expense when you take into account the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Full-service moving may also offer better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only covered 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?

Any legitimate moving company will display their proof of registration on physical trucks and formal files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for compliant 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?

Check what insurance policies your movers provide. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, ask about your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving valuable goods — just understand that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The peak moving time ranges across May through September, resulting in limited supply and heightened pricing nationwide for relocations of all scopes. The steep rates may deter you from a summer move. Furthermore, you may wish to avoid relocating in the summer given Pleasant Hill's extreme heat, which could further complicate a move.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving 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 businesses limit insurance coverage for costly items, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about potential loss or damage, take those invaluable or irreplaceable belongings in your own car.

There are certain goods and materials prohibited for transportation by moving companies. These include the following:

• Plants
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Fuel sources
• Batteries
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Aerosols
• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Fertilizers
• 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.