Long Distance Movers in California: Pricing, Reviews & Best Companies

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 →

Top 3 Long-Distance Movers in California

1. Got2Move

Got2Move crews handle local and long-distance California relocations using trained in-house teams for consistent, professional service.

Founded in San Francisco in 2006, we have built nearly two decades of experience as one of California's most trusted intrastate movers. Our company operates dual hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles, giving them a meaningful logistical edge in the state's most in-demand corridor: SF to LA. Because we run dedicated crews and trucks from both ends of the route, we can provide flexible scheduling, faster pickup windows, and next-day delivery on most SF-LA moves.

We specialize exclusively in moves within California, meaning our crews understand the region's specifics inside and out, from Bay Area Victorian walk-ups to LA's dense traffic patterns. That California-only focus allows us to provide a level of precision and efficiency that national van lines, spread thin across dozens of states, typically cannot match.

For long-distance moves (over 100 miles), we provide binding flat-rate quotes for your entire inventory. The price you receive at quoting is the price you pay; there are no weight escalations or hidden fuel surcharges added at delivery. 

Review Summary

Customers on Yelp and Google consistently describe our crews as professional, prompt, and communicative. Reviewers frequently highlight that quotes were honored without changes, that fragile items were packed with genuine care, and that the overall process was smooth from first contact to final delivery.

Customers regularly praise us for our helpfulness with long-distance moves, patient communication, and efficient service from start to finish.

2. NorthStar Moving Company

NorthStar Moving Company operates mostly with biodiesel-powered trucks as part of its eco-luxury moving model, serving clients across California, Arizona, and Texas with local, long-distance, and international relocation services. (Image source: NorthStar Moving Company)

NorthStar Moving Company was founded in 1994 and has grown into one of the larger California-based movers, handling clients across California, Arizona, and Texas. The company positions itself as an "eco-luxury" brand, primarily using biodiesel trucks and recyclable packaging materials. They provide a broad range of services, including local, long-distance, and international relocations, with premium add-on packages for specialty needs.

Pricing at NorthStar is not publicly listed and is determined on a per-quote basis, factoring in move volume, distance, and services selected. For long-distance moves, costs vary considerably depending on shipment size and route. Estimates are provided via online forms, video calls, or free in-home consultations.

Review Summary

Based on customer reviews, the majority of NorthStar's feedback is positive, with customers frequently praising efficient crews, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication. A smaller number of reviewers flagged instances in which final costs exceeded initial estimates or quality varied by assigned crew, underscoring the importance of obtaining a detailed written quote upfront.

A NorthStar Moving customer review highlights the variation in service quality received from two different crews during her move.  

3. Dependable Movers, LLC

Dependable Movers LLC operates out of San Francisco, providing local and long-distance residential moves within California, along with packing and white-glove services for customers across the Bay Area. (Image source: Dependable Movers LLC)

Dependable Movers LLC is a Bay Area-based moving company based in San Francisco, holding an active BHGS California license. Founded on the premise of upfront pricing and reliable service, the company covers local and long-distance residential moves within California, along with packing services and white-glove options for higher-value items. Their focused Bay Area footprint makes them a practical option for customers relocating within or out of the SF metro area.

Pricing is provided by quote and varies based on the move's size, distance, and add-ons. The company does not publicly list flat rates for long-distance moves, and charges are typically weight- and volume-based, meaning final costs could differ from initial estimates if inventory changes.

Review Summary

An analysis of customer reviews places Dependable Movers at a high positive rating, with customers frequently noting professional crews, efficient service, and courteous communication.

Dependable Movers customers highlight the team's clear communication, respectful handling of belongings, and ability to manage complex, multi-day moves with care and professionalism.

Long-Distance Moving Costs in California: What to Expect

Long-distance moving costs within California are driven by several factors: the distance of the move, the total volume or weight of your belongings, crew size, and any add-on services like packing, specialty item handling, or in-transit storage.

For SF-to-LA moves, one of the most common intrastate routes at approximately 380 miles, professional movers typically quote in the range of $1,652 to $4,671 for a 2–to 3-bedroom home, based on current market data. Smaller moves will fall toward the lower end, while larger households with specialty items will push costs higher.

The pricing structure your mover uses matters enormously. Companies that charge by weight or volume may quote an appealing number upfront, but final bills often rise with added fees for fuel, stairs, long carries, or packing materials. A binding flat-rate quote eliminates that uncertainty entirely; you receive a fixed price based on your actual inventory and know exactly what you're paying before the truck shows up.

Seasonality also plays a role: summer months are peak moving season in California, and rates from most companies tend to rise during this window due to higher demand.

California Long-Distance Movers: At-a-Glance Comparison

Why Got2Move Is California's Best Choice for Long-Distance Moving

Got2Move's San Francisco-based crews are available seven days a week, ready to handle local and long-distance California moves.

For long-distance moves within California, what most customers want is simple: a fair, fixed price, a crew they can trust, and a company that knows the route. At Got2Move, we've been delivering exactly that since 2006. As a California-only mover with in-house crews and an active BHGS license (CAL-T 191707), every move we handle is backed by nearly two decades of in-state expertise. 

Our flexible scheduling, full packing services, and specialty item handling mean you won't need to coordinate multiple vendors to cover your move. We operate 7 days a week and are available to walk you through your options, answer any questions, and help you plan a move that fits your timeline and budget.

Call 415-936-4109 For More Details or Click to Get Your Free Moving Quote Today→

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What counts as a long-distance move in California?

In California, a long-distance move is generally defined as any relocation of more than 100 miles. These moves are regulated by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) and are typically priced on a flat-rate or weight/volume basis rather than an hourly rate. Confirm which pricing model your mover uses before signing anything.

How early should I book a long-distance mover in California?

Most moving professionals recommend booking at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance for a long-distance move, especially during the peak season from May through September. For high-demand routes like SF to LA, early booking also gives you greater flexibility in choosing your preferred pickup and delivery dates.

Are stair fees legal for California long-distance moves?

Yes, stair fees are legal on long-distance moves in California (those over 100 miles) and are a common accessorial charge. Some companies structure their long-distance pricing so these details are included in the flat-rate quote upfront.

What should I ask a mover before signing a contract?

Before signing, verify the mover's BHGS license number on the BHGS website and confirm the pricing structure in writing. Ask specifically whether the quote is binding or subject to change, what is included in the base rate, what the delivery window is, and how damage claims are handled. Getting every detail confirmed in writing before move day protects you from billing surprises.

What makes Got2Move stand out among California long-distance movers?

We at Got2Move combine California-only expertise, binding flat-rate pricing for all long-distance moves, and dual SF and LA hubs that make scheduling faster and more reliable than movers operating from a single location. Our full-time, in-house crews, licensed under the BHGS and fully insured, handle everything from packing to specialty items, with live customer support available seven days a week.

*Note: Prices are approximate only and may vary based on factors like distance, weight, volume, home size, seasonality, and specific services requested. Final billing may also include additional charges such as fuel surcharges, stairs, long carries, or other service-related fees. For an exact, binding quote, please contact Got2Move directly.