10 best movers in San Lorenzo, California

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

Long-distance movers in San Lorenzo

A long-distance move is when you relocate more than 50 miles away or move to another state. Make sure the moving company you choose has the right 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 USDOT number, MC number or mover's name to check a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

We've verified that the long-distance movers below have an active license. They can help get you and your belongings to your new home safely and smoothly.

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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?

Moving within or out of San Lorenzo is fairly 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 Lorenzo is above 98.7% of the country.

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

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

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

Transporting specialty items

Moving companies may charge more to move certain items, especially those that are fragile, valuable or particularly large. These items often are more expensive to move:

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

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

Tipping your movers

While tipping movers isn’t mandatory, it's customary to tip if they provide quality 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

Traffic, bad weather, transportation emergencies and limited supplies can all delay your move and increase the time and cost. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and having a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Keeping the following tips in mind can lower your moving expenses in San Lorenzo.

Be communicative

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

Small items may not be a problem, but make sure they know about large additions such as new furniture or appliances. The movers may need to charge more for those items and won’t begin your move until you’ve agreed to the additional charges.

Have a flexible schedule

Move in the off-season or on a weekday to lower the cost and book your movers of choice.

Most people schedule moves 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

There are several alternatives if you can't find a cheap moving service.

You can handle the move yourself, but consider the labor required and the following costs:

• Fuel
• Moving truck rental
• Packing supplies

You may also need to ask friends, family or neighbors for help moving bulky or heavy items such as furniture. Hiring movers is beneficial if you don't have the time or anyone who can help you move.

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

FAQ about moving in San Lorenzo

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your hired movers take care of the entire moving process for you. They supply packing materials, provide packing services for 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 worth the extra cost when you factor in the time, labor and packing materials you'll save. Additionally, full-service moving may offer better insurance coverage compared to self-packed goods, which are generally only protected up to 60 cents per dollar. Getting a damage claim approved for self-packed goods can also be challenging.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all trucks, documents and facilities. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to inspect their registration thoroughly before hiring movers 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?

You’ll also need to learn about your mover’s insurance policies. Released-value coverage applies to all moves, which insures 60 cents per pound per item. Purchasing this supplementary coverage will cost more, but may be worth it if you're moving costly or rare items.

When is the best time of year to move?

The most favorable time to move ranges across May through September, resulting in lower supply and inflated pricing nationwide for relocations of all scopes. The steep rates may dissuade you from a summer move. Additionally, you may wish to avoid relocating in the summer given San Lorenzo's intense 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?

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

Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you're worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, take those possessions with you.

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

• Aerosols
• Fuel sources
• Fertilizers
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Plants
• Perishable foods and produce
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Batteries
• 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.