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  • Written by
    Jessica Hurtault
  • Fact Checked
  • Updated

When relocating within, to, or from the bustling urban hub of San Diego, California, it's worth considering a professional moving company for a smoother process. A professional moving company can help you navigate the difficulties of moving during San Diego's sometimes hot summers, ensuring that your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Simplify your move with our list of the top local and long-distance moving companies in San Diego.

Whether you're moving within the city or to another state, these are the top-rated moving companies in San Diego.

Top Pick
IVL logo
4.8/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

  • Best Overall
  • Full-Service Mover
  • Worldwide Availability
Most Experienced Mover
American Van Lines logo
4.5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

  • Experienced Crews
  • Binding Estimates
  • Price-Matching Policy
Most Customer-Oriented
Safeway Moving logo
4.4/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

  • No-fuss estimates
  • Nationwide moves
  • Donates to St Jude Children's Research Hospital

5 Best Moving Companies in San Diego

Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.

Top Rated Provider
Top Rated

STELLA MOVING & DELIVERY | SAN DIEGO

5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 331 reviews


2341 Ulric St B-12, San Diego, CA 92111

(619) 393-6426

www.stellamoving.com
Space Moving & Storage Logo

Space Moving & Storage

5/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 474 reviews


6530 Reflection Dr Unit 2386, San Diego, CA 92124

(858) 334-5644

space-moving.com
The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 177 reviews


7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306, San Diego, CA 92111

(800) 620-9710

www.therockmoversusa.com

Pro Movers Group Inc.

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 37 reviews


5681 Lake Murray Blvd UNIT C, La Mesa, CA 91942

(619) 882-7565

www.promoversgroup.com

Blue Dog Moving

4.7/5

Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.

Based on 73 reviews


3605 Bonita Ranch Ct, Bonita, CA 91902

(619) 289-7260

bluedogmoving.com

Facts about San Diego

  • Population:
    1,374,484
  • Median Age:
    36 years
  • Median Rent:
    $3,166
  • Median House Value:
    $950,012
  • Cost Of Living Percentile:
    98%
  • Median Income:
    $98,657

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Diego

Make an informed choice by taking the following factors into consideration when deciding on a mover in San Diego.

Determine Your Budget

According to our research, San Diego movers charge $86 per hour on average. The typical cost overall is $4,304 for two-bedroom homes. Factors that contribute to your actual cost include move distance, the season, any additional tasks you need done, and your home size.

We suggest obtaining quotes from at least three reputable movers in your area. Don't forget to request written estimates. These should provide a breakdown of the total cost, including the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate readily available until after the company has completed your move to ensure fair pricing practices.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer reviews hold significant value when evaluating moving companies. Read customer reviews on sites like Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, social media, and Google Reviews to identify moving companies with excellent customer service.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in San Diego must follow different licensing requirements depending on their service area. If you're only moving intrastate, choose a company that carries a California Bureau of Household Goods and Services license. You can verify a company's state license using the Transportation Carriers Lookup tool.

The requirements are a bit different if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a mover licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The team should also have active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can check a company's registration status on the FMCSA’s mover registration search tool.

Services

Assessing whether the mover offers the services you need is essential during the quote process. Complete an extensive inventory of your home before requesting quotes and note any essential or additional services you might require. Notify the moving company about any special conditions or needs to assess whether the company is a fit.

Types of Moving Services

For basic moves, full-service movers often include the following moving services in the standard price:

  • Basic wrapping materials for furniture protection
  • Loading and unloading
  • Released liability coverage for loss or damage

When seeking a quote from your moving company, mention any special services you require. Additional fees may apply for these services:

  • Crating for art or antiques
  • Extra flights of stairs
  • Long carries
  • Packing
  • Piano moving
  • Storage
  • Unpacking
  • Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in San Diego, CA

Keep the following in mind before moving to, from, or within San Diego.

Schedule an Early Move

The morning and evening rush hours in San Diego are widely known for their extreme traffic congestion. Movers stuck in traffic can also lead to higher costs when charged an hourly rate. Arranging your move for the early morning will ensure that your movers arrive before rush hour and head to your new home in the afternoon when traffic is less congested.

Avoid Busy Season

The peak moving season—between May and September—coincides with San Diego's hottest time of year. This can affect your moving process if you begin looking too late and can't find a moving company with availability. Plan ahead and book your desired moving company at least eight weeks in advance. You should also be prepared for the potential difficulties the summer weather may pose to your movers during a summer move.

Pack in Advance

Most movers only move items that have been packed by the scheduled moving time, so you should finish your packing before they arrive. We recommend you start packing around six weeks in advance to avoid rushing to pack when moving day comes. Packing a few boxes each day can make the process less overwhelming.

How Much do Movers Cost in San Diego, CA

Movers in San Diego cost $2,662.17 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $7,463.75 to move a larger 4 bedroom house the same distance. See the chart below for more moving estimates, and contact a moving company for a more accurate quote specific to your situation.

DistanceStudio-1 Bedroom2-3 Bedroom4+ Bedroom
Less than 250 miles$2,662.17$3,234.91$7,463.75
250-999 miles$3,276.83$3,874.65$10,909.71
1,000-2,499 miles$3,318.56$4,433.15$11,402.00
2,500+ miles$3,255.36$5,505.98$13,555.36

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving in San Diego

Moving Data Sources

CDC Wonder

U.S. Census

Bureau of Labor Statistics

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