Best 5 Movers in San Jose, CA

A professional mover can make the moving process smoother when moving within, to, or from the bustling city of San Jose, California. Plus, San Jose's hot summer temperatures can make your move more stressful. We've listed the top local and long-distance movers in San Jose below.

Whether you're moving within the city or long-distance, these are the best moving companies in San Jose.

How to Choose the Best Local Mover in San Jose

You should consider several crucial factors when choosing a mover. Here are some things to keep in mind when hiring movers in San Jose.

Determine Your Budget

Based on our findings, the average cost of a local mover in San Jose is $118 per hour. The overall cost amounts to $4,553 for a two-bedroom move. Your actual costs will vary depending on move distance, the season, your home size, and any additional tasks you need your movers to handle.

We advise getting quotes from a minimum of three reputable movers in your area. Always get written estimates, which should outline your total cost and the flat fee or hourly rate. Keep your mover's estimate on hand until the move is done to ensure fair pricing.

Read Customer Reviews

Customer feedback plays an important role for moving companies. Check websites such as social media, Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and Google Reviews to gain insights into customer experiences with that mover.

Ensure Proper Licensing

Moving companies in San Jose 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 differ if you're moving to or from another state. In this case, choose a company 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

Ask if the mover you chose can deliver the services that align with your expectations while obtaining quotes. Conduct a thorough inventory of your home before getting quotes and note any basic or add-on services you might require. Notify your moving company representative about any specific requirements or unique circumstances to see if the company can provide adequate service.

Types of Moving Services

Full-service movers will provide the following services in the base price for basic moves:

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

Inform your moving company about any additional services you need while going through the quote process. The following services may lead to increased pricing for your move:

• Crating for art or antiques
• Extra flights of stairs
• Long carries
• Packing
• Moving a piano
• Storage
• Unpacking
• Vehicle shipping

Tips To Consider When Moving in San Jose, CA

Keep these tips in mind before moving to, from, or within San Jose.

Schedule an Early Move

San Jose usually gets hectic during rush hour. Maneuvering through it can be more difficult in a moving truck compared to a personal-use car. Movers caught in traffic may result in delays and a higher cost since local movers charge hourly. We advise planning before morning rush hour, which guarantees the movers beat the traffic and complete the move before evening.

Avoid Busy Season

May to September marks the busiest moving season and San Jose's hottest time of the year. Moving during this time can slow or worsen your moving process, especially if you begin your search for a moving company too late. The increased demand could make it harder to secure your desired mover. Plan ahead and schedule your chosen mover 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 moving companies won't transport items that aren't packed by the time your move begins. You should start packing around six weeks in advance. Pack a few boxes every day to avoid rushing on the day of your move. Your movers may have some spare boxes with them for last-minute packing, but you shouldn’t depend on it.

How Much do Movers Cost in San Jose, CA

Movers in San Jose cost $2,748.03 on average for moves less than 250 miles. It can cost up to $8,516.17 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.

Moving Data Sources

CDC Wonder

U.S. Census

Bureau of Labor Statistics