10 best movers in San Jose, California

The best long-distance mover for relocating out of California is International Van Lines. For a local move around San Jose, use the filters below to find other companies for your move.

Long-distance movers in San Jose

A long-distance move means moving more than 50 miles away or to another state. Check that 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. You can use the MC number, USDOT 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 companies below have an active license. These reliable and experienced movers can help get you and 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 San Jose is relatively expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in San Jose is above 99.6% of the country.

Numerous factors are involved when moving, so expenses add up quickly. Here are some typical moving costs:

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

These extra factors can cause your total moving cost to rise even more:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are valuable, fragile or oversized. The following items can cost more to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

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

Unexpected delays

Limited supplies, bad weather, transportation emergencies and traffic can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. Delays are unpredictable, but you can prepare for them by having a flexible schedule and allocating 25% more than your movers quote you to your moving budget.

How to save money on moving costs

The following tips can save you money on moving in San Jose.

Be communicative

To prevent surprise charges on your moving day, be communicative with your movers, particularly about items you add to your inventory after a virtual or in-person walkthrough with your movers.

For example, small items can likely be added to the truck without issue, but large items — like new furniture or appliances — need to be discussed beforehand. Additional fees may apply for large items, and your movers won’t begin the move until you’ve agreed to the charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Dependable, budget-friendly movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or on a weekday to reduce costs and still book your preferred moving team.

Peak moving season is from May through September. If you have a flexible timeline, consider moving outside of those months, as there won’t be as much competition or as high of moving rates.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

Consider an alternative if you can't find a cheap that works for you.

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

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask family, friends or neighbors for help moving bulky items such as furniture. Professional movers provide significant value if you lack the time or support to commit to self-moving.

You can also hire movers on service marketplaces such as Thumbtack or Fiverr, which can be less expensive. However, these gig workers may not have proper licensing or insurance.

FAQ about moving in San Jose

What’s full-service moving?

When you opt for full-service moving, your hired movers will take care of the entire moving process. This includes providing packing supplies, packing your belongings, transporting them to the new location and unpacking everything for you.

Standard moving services are cheaper than full-service moving, as they typically only include loading and moving your belongings. However, full-service moving can be worth it when you take into account the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving tends to provide better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are generally only insured up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed items can also be difficult.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

All legitimate moving businesses will display proof of registration on their moving trucks and on paperwork like estimates and contracts. As stated above, you should verify 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?

Determine the full worth of your belongings to accurately choose the ideal insurance policy. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Getting this extra 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 hotter months, May through September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to constrained availability and inflated costs countrywide for large 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 San Jose's extreme summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating even more difficult.

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?

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

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

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

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

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.