10 best movers in San Diego, California

International Van Lines is the best moving company for interstate moves. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the San Diego area.

Long-distance movers in San Diego

A long-distance move is when you move more than 50 miles away or relocate from one state to another. When moving across state lines, ensure your mover 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 USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We've confirmed that the long-distance moving services below are actively licensed. They can help get your belongings to your new home safely and efficiently.

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 San Diego 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 San Diego is above 97.8% of the country.

Various factors are involved in moving, so expenses add up quickly. The following are common moving expenses:

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

These additional factors can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are fragile, valuable or oversized. These items can cost more to move:

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

When deciding between movers, ask if they move these items and how much it'll cost.

Tipping your movers

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

Unexpected delays

Delays happen. Limited supplies, bad weather, traffic and transportation emergencies can all add time and money to your move. Be prepared for delays by adding 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving expenses in San Diego.

Be communicative

Avoid surprise charges the day of your move by being as communicative with your movers as possible. Be especially transparent about items you’re adding to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

Small items may not be 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 begin the move until you’ve agreed to the cost.

Have a flexible schedule

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

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

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you have difficulty finding a cheap relocation service that works for you, there are alternative routes you can take.

Move on your own is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Moving truck rental
• Fuel

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for loading and unloading bulky items such as furniture can make your move faster and easier. Professional movers are worth it if you lack the time or support to commit to self-moving.

Another option is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr. While hiring hourly help can be cheaper, these freelance service providers may not have the necessary licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in San Diego

What’s full-service moving?

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

Standard moving services cost less than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and transporting 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 provide better insurance coverage. Self-packed items are generally only covered 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?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on all official documents like 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’ll also need to check out your mover’s insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving expensive goods — just understand that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

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

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?

For peace of mind, move items like identification documents, financial records and photo albums in your own car. Similarly, load up your vehicle with any expensive electronics that you wouldn't want lost or damaged.

Moving companies often restrict insurance coverage on expensive items, like jewelry and heirlooms. Keep irreplaceable and valuable possessions in your own car if you're worried about loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including the following:

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

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.