Allied Van Lines vs Mayflower for Local Moving in California: Cost & Reviews Compared

Key Takeaways

• Both Allied Van Lines and Mayflower bring nearly a century of experience, giving them the expertise to handle the state’s unique challenges like heavy traffic, strict regulations, and difficult access in urban areas.
• Allied focuses on a full-service approach with professional packing, storage, and careful transportation, while Mayflower stands out with added specialty services such as custom crating, debris removal, and electronics setup.
• For local moves, both Allied and Mayflower charge by the hour for local moves and by weight and distance for long-distance moves, with hidden fees that vary depending factors like needing to climb stairs or pack items specially.
• Customer reviews for both companies show mixed experiences. Many highlight professionalism and smooth service, while others report delays, damage, or communication issues, making it essential to review local agents and request detailed written quotes before booking.
• Got2Move stands out as California’s top choice for local and in-state long-distance moves, offering honest flat-rate pricing, licensed and insured movers, a 92% positive review rate, and personalized service from San Francisco to Los Angeles and beyond.

Understanding Local Moving in California

A local move in California generally refers to relocations within 100 miles of your current home. While these moves may seem straightforward, factors such as heavy traffic, strict parking rules, and limited building access can make the process more complicated.

From San Francisco’s narrow, steep streets to Los Angeles’ rush-hour congestion, moving companies must be prepared for the state’s unique challenges. California also enforces strict consumer protection laws, requiring all movers to hold proper licensing before operating.

Although the state’s mild climate allows moving year-round, activity often increases in the summer months when many families choose to relocate around school schedules. 

Got2Move: California's Premier Moving Company 4.8★ Google | 4.7★ Yelp | BBB A+ Rating | Licensed & Insured Built for California Moves: SF ↔ LA Specialists: Dual hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles with dedicated crews and trucks. Faster routes, flexible scheduling, competitive rates. Full-Service Moving: Local residential/commercial moves, long-distance within California, plus packing and specialty item handling. The Got2Move Difference: ✓ Licensed California mover (CAL-T 191707) ✓ Binding flat-rate quotes for all California long-distance moves ✓ Corporate clients include Ninth Decimal and Expensify ✓ 92% positive review rate across 500+ reviews ✓ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees Trust & Experience You Need: Founded in San Francisco in 2006, we've built California's most reliable moving network serving SF and LA residents 7 days a week. Get Your Free Moving Quote →

Company Overviews

Allied Van Lines 

Allied Van Lines has been California's careful movers since 1928, building nearly a century of experience in the state. They operate with direct coverage across California's major metropolitan areas, maintaining consistent service from Los Angeles to San Francisco.

When you book with Allied, their teams handle everything from packing your belongings with high-quality materials to loading trucks carefully so nothing shifts during transit. They guarantee safe, reliable moves and let their professional crews handle all the heavy lifting while you focus on settling into your new home.

Allied covers all of California's major markets with dedicated service pages for Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose, and Fresno. Their full-service approach includes professional packing, secure transportation, unloading assistance, and both short-term and long-term storage solutions when needed.

Allied Van Lines offers customizable local moving packages with packing, storage, and vehicle shipping. (Image courtesy of Allied Van Lines’ Facebook page)

Mayflower 

Mayflower began in 1927 and has a similar history of long-standing service in local moving. Their California coverage spans comprehensive service areas including Fresno, Los Angeles, Modesto, Orange County, Palm Springs, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco, Vallejo-Fairfield, and Ventura. This extensive network allows them to handle moves throughout the Golden State with consistent service standards.

Mayflower has completed over 90,000 moves to and from California, with San Diego as one of the top destinations for relocations within the state. 

Their comprehensive California services include:

Core Moving Services:

• Packing and Unpacking Services with full, partial, or custom crating options
• Storage Services at nationwide facilities during your move
• Car Transportation Services to transport vehicles to your new home

Specialty Services:

• Trash and Debris Removal to handle packing materials after you move in
• Custom Crating to protect fragile items like mirrors, antiques, and artwork
• Moving Specialty Items from pianos to hot tubs and smart beds
• Moving Protection with Full Value Protection included in every initial quote
• Electronics Packing and Installation for comprehensive tech setup

 Mayflower offers flexible moving plans with Full Value Protection, packing and crating services, secure storage, and extras like Snapmoves, tech setup, and debris removal. (Image Courtesy of Mayflower Moving’s Facebook Page)

Detailed Pricing Structure and Cost Comparison

Allied Van Lines Pricing

For local household moves, Allied typically charges by the hour with additional charges on top. Meanwhile, long distance moves are charged based on weight. On top of this, extra fees may apply for services such as packing furniture, boxing items, long carries, stair usage, or shuttle service when a large truck can’t access your home.

Unlike binding flat-rate options, Allied’s estimates act only as a starting point. The final amount depends on the actual weight of your shipment and any added services on moving day. While this pricing model is common in the moving industry, it does mean your final cost may differ significantly from the initial estimate.

Mayflower Pricing

Mayflower’s pricing is comparable to other major moving companies. Local moves under 100 miles are billed by the hour, while long-distance moves are calculated based on shipment weight and distance.

Additional services also affect the final cost. For local moves, tasks such as packing, unpacking, or furniture disassembly add to labor time and raise the hourly rate. For long-distance moves, these services often carry flat fees, while specialty work like crating fragile items or handling heavy furniture may involve extra material charges.

Other factors can influence your overall cost, including peak season demand between May and September, the timing of your booking, and home access challenges such as stairs, long carries, or restricted truck entry. The best way to get accurate estimates is to request a detailed written quote from Mayflower that outlines all potential fees, but even that might not show the complete picture.

*Competitor prices are approximate only and may vary based on factors like distance, weight, volume, home size, seasonality, and specific services requested. Final billing also often includes fuel charges, stairs, long carries, or other hidden fees. For an exact, binding quote, please contact your chosen moving company directly.

Customer Reviews and Experiences

Allied Van Lines Customer Feedback

Allied Van Lines reviews show mixed experiences: some customers report smooth, professional service, while others note delays, damage, and communication issues depending on local crews.

Customer feedback for Allied Van Lines shows a wide range of experiences. Many positive reviews mention professional crews, careful handling of belongings, and smooth coordination during moves. Some customers highlight the company’s reliability and transparent pricing, especially those who have used Allied more than once.

On the other hand, negative reviews point to damaged items, delays, communication issues, and challenges with claims. Experiences often depend on the specific local agents and teams assigned, so it’s important that customers research the affiliate managing their move.

Mayflower Customer Feedback

Mayflower reviews highlight smooth relocations and helpful staff, though some customers report rough handling, damaged boxes, and occasional communication issues with local agents.

Customer reviews for Mayflower also reflect a mix of positive and negative experiences. Many highlight smooth cross-country relocations, noting timeliness, efficiency, and the ability to handle all phases of a move. Some customers share that multiple moves with Mayflower went well, praising flexibility and ease of communication.

At the same time, some reviews point to challenges such as damaged belongings, price increases, and communication breakdowns. Delays in delivery and items being stored without clear updates have also been mentioned. As with many moving companies, experiences vary depending on the local agents involved, making careful research and clear written agreements especially important.

Why Got2Move is Your Best Choice for Local Moving in California

Got2Move has been trusted since 2006 for stress-free relocations, offering licensed movers, flat-rate pricing, and full packing solutions for local and cross-country moves.

 While Allied Van Lines and Mayflower are established national companies, California residents have access to a superior alternative designed specifically for the Golden State's unique moving challenges. 

Got2Move has focused exclusively on California since 2006 with expertise that other companies simply can't match. We understand California's regulations, traffic patterns, building requirements, and local quirks that can make or break your moving experience. And our trucks even reflect that; whereas national companies use large semi-trailers that struggle through our cities’ streets, we operate 20- and 26-foot box trucks that fit everything you need and can still navigate the Bay Area’s narrow alleys. 

Our services cover everything you might need, including local and long-distance moves in the state, office relocations, furniture handling, and complete packing solutions for valuables, household items, and business files. We work seven days a week, providing free video or on-site estimates, upfront flat-rate quotes, and zero hidden charges. Our quotes stay the same regardless of changes on the day that you move. That way, you can plan your move with full confidence.

Customers highlight Got2Move’s flexibility, patience, and hands-on help with unpacking and setup, making complicated moves smooth and stress-free.

What sets us apart is the straightforward process. You reach out to us, receive a clear binding quote, book your move, and our professional crew handles everything from protection to reassembly. Clients appreciate that we’re licensed (CAL-T 191707), trusted by companies like NinthDecimal and Expensify, and backed by over 500 positive reviews with a 92% satisfaction rate.

With price protection guarantees for local moves, binding flat rates for long-distance relocations, and movers who arrive on schedule, we make your move feel easy.

If you’re ready to make your next move the easiest one yet, get your free moving quote from us today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does a local move typically cost with Allied Van Lines or Mayflower?

Allied Van Lines estimates average costs between $800 and $2,500, depending on home size and distance. Mayflower’s pricing is a bit less transparent, but similar to other national companies. Both movers only provide estimates based on weight and shipment, though; they often tack on extra charges at the end of the move.

What protection is included with each mover’s quote?

Allied Van Lines offers Basic Liability Coverage federally mandated at $0.60 per pound per article, with optional Full Value Protection. Mayflower includes basic Full Value Protection in every quote, with enhanced coverage available for high-value items.

Which company handles specialty services like vehicle shipping or custom crating?

Both Allied Van Lines and Mayflower provide specialized services. Allied offers vehicle shipping and military relocation expertise, while Mayflower specializes in custom crating for artwork, electronics setup, and debris removal.

Why should I choose Got2Move for my California relocation?

Got2Move is a licensed California mover (CAL-T 191707) with transparent flat-rate pricing, a 92% positive review rate across 500+ customers, and no hidden fees. We specialize in seamless local and long-distance moves between San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Palm Springs, and elsewhere, working seven days a week to deliver stress-free service.