Prefer not to leave your phone number?
No problem!
Schedule an Appointment at your Convenience
(Only email is required)
Schedule an AppointmentOr Call / Text
800-333-3434
By:
Last Updated: Jan 01, 2024
Let the Moving Feedback team take the stress out of your move. We researched and analyzed over 20 moving companies in San Francisco, taking into account services, customer feedback, and pricing info to bring you a list of our top 5 picks.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
BEST CUSTOMIZATION
4.2
BEST SERVICE
4.1
The research team at Moving Feedback has been pulling double shifts to make sure your info is accurate and up-to-date. We focused on customer satisfaction by interviewing customers and searching through real reviews, and we pulled from our 10+ years of experience in the moving industry to provide some tips and tricks you can’t find anywhere else.
Ready to start your San Francisco move? Read on for our list of the top 5 movers in San Francisco, and don’t forget to stick around until the end – we included some helpful tips that’ll make moving day a breeze.
A San Francisco moving company will cost anywhere between $600 and $5100 for a local move, and $1200 and $15600 for a long distance move.
If you’re trying to plan a budget ahead of time, keep in mind that the price of your move depends on how much you’re moving, and how far you’re going.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (Less than 100 Miles) | $600 – $800 | $750 – $1900 | $1200 – $5100 |
| 100 miles | $1200 – $1500 | $1650 – $1900 | $1800 – $3700 |
| 250 miles | $1400 – $2300 | $1800 – $3500 | $2,400 – $5100 |
| 750 miles | $1600 – $2900 | $2300 – $7300 | $5900 – $8200 |
| 1500 miles | $1800 – $3200 | $2600 – $7400 | $6700 – $9500 |
| 2500 miles+ | $2100 – $4000 | $4400 – $8400 | $15600+ |
For your move to be a success, you need to choose a moving company in San Francisco that does exactly what you need. Bear in mind that every move is different, and movers each have a specific list of services that they offer.
Additionally, you stand the risk of choosing a mover that has a track record of subpar services, poor communication or all-around financial shadiness, so it’s up to you to make a decision based on very little information.
While it’s impossible to predict exactly how your interactions with a moving company will go, there are a few ways you can ensure that any moving company in San Francisco is really who they say they are:
One of the most popular ways to ensure that your mover of choice is capable of carrying out your move in a professional manner is by cross-checking their licensing and insurance.
If your mover is fully insured according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the US Department of Transportation, then chances are they’ll deliver quality service.
In the United States, any company with a transportation-related service needs to have a unique DOT number. If the moving company you’re dealing with can’t provide a DOT number that checks out, it’s very likely that they aren’t who they claim to be, and you should definitely take your business elsewhere.
Think of the BBB as a sort of Yelp! for businesses, only more professional. The BBB is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping consumers get a fair idea of a company’s quality and integrity before they purchase any services.
If the moving company you’re interested in has good reviews on the BBB website, you can rest assured that they’re likely to provide top tier services during your relocation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 4.9 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.4 |
| Best Overall | Best for Long Distance | Best Customization | Best Service | Best Customer Reviews |
| 15% Seniors & Military Discounts | 18% Flexibility Discount | 20% Seasonal Discount | Not Disclosed | 20% Seasonal Discount |
| $2700-$6200 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2900-$6500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2200-$5400 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2300-$5600 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) | $2850-$6350 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
BEST OVERALL
4.9
When it comes to long-distance moves in the San Francisco area, Moving APT is our top pick.
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, they’re renowned for their exceptional customer service and affordable rates.
Their highly trained and experienced movers specialize in making even the most complex moves simple and seamless.
BEST CUSTOMIZATION
4.2
Roadway Moving is a rapidly expanding moving company that prioritizes customer satisfaction.
With an experienced team and a startup mentality, they’ve quickly become a top choice for both local and long-distance moves.
Roadway Moving is puts in extra effort to make the moving process as stress-free as possible for their customers.
BEST SERVICE
4.1
Rockstar Pro Movers is a top-notch moving company that specializes in relocations all over California.
They offer a whole range of services from packing to storage, and they even have special packages for students and seniors.
As an added bonus, Rockstar Pro’s website is user-friendly and packed with helpful information to help you move easier.
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE
4.7
Got any antiques or valuables? Adams Van Lines specializes in premium moves, offering a range of white-glove services to ensure the safety of your belongings during transit.
With specialized transportation for antiques and artwork, they’re a top choice for those seeking a stress-free and personalized white-glove moving experience.
BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS
4.4
Native Van Lines is a standout moving company that excels in exceptional customer service and transparent pricing.
With great experience in long-distance moving, Native has the expertise to handle any size move, whether it’s across town or across the country.
Their reputation is backed up by a wealth of positive customer feedback, making them a top choice for many San Franciscans.
If you’re reading this, it’s not too late to re-negotiate your deal with your California movers. You’re probably aware that the cost of hiring a moving company in California is flexible, so this article will give you the tools you need to storm into the negotiating room and get a favorable deal for yourself.
In order to get the best deal possible, however, you’ll need to know how moving costs are broken down, and how your San Francisco moving costs compare to rival moving companies and the national average.
Life in California isn’t cheap, and labor isn’t cheap either. Compared to cities like Austin where the hourly rate ranges between $60 to $140 per hour, movers in California charge between $200 to $400 per hour.
If you want to estimate the amount an SF moving company will charge, you can simply multiply it by the number of workers and then by the number of hours they’ll be working to get a rough estimate of the total cost of labor.
Let’s assume that you live in a three-bedroom apartment in the middle of the city, and you have belongings that’ll take a three-man team four hours to move. If you choose a moving company that charges hourly rates of $300 per mover, expect to pay $3,600 for labor alone.
Aside from labor, there are other factors that play a significant role in determining how much you pay for your move in total. These services may only be offered by select movers, and though they may cost a little more, they’ll almost certainly make your life easier.
Accessorial services are any services encountered in moving other than routine transportation. This includes packing, extra drops or moving to storage facilities.
Moving companies in San Francisco typically offer these services for the DIY-deficient to keep the moving process from becoming a total disaster.
If you know you have difficulty with properly wrapping up Christmas presents, and you feel that packing property will pose similar challenges, it’s best to contact a San Francisco moving company to find out how they can help you.
If your move is a little more challenging than usual, you may end up having to pay a little extra. Every challenge between your door and the truck can rack up additional fees:
While hiring a moving company in San Francisco to handle your move may seem like the easiest option, it can also be quite expensive. However, with proper preparation and an early start, you can save yourself thousands of dollars in moving costs.
Before choosing a mover in San Francisco, there are several steps you can take to reduce costs and ensure a smooth move. These include:
You’ll need supplies like tape, box cutters, bubble wrap, and heavy-duty trash bags during the packing stage of your move, and you can save big by purchasing these supplies for a discount as part of a general moving kit.
Remember, sometimes a moving company will want to use its own supplies, but this will inevitably be more expensive.
Decluttering is the process of selecting items that you no longer need, and either throwing them out or selling them to raise a little extra cash for your move.
Decluttering is an important step because moving companies in San Francisco may charge you based on the total weight of the property to be transported. Decrease your stuff, and you’re decreasing your moving costs at the same time.
Life in San Francisco is not cheap. In fact, it’s a stunning 80% higher than the national average. This means that practically everything will cost almost twice as much compared to other cities.
The median home price in San Francisco stands at $1,147,000, while the median rent is $3,593 per month. In more immediately relatable terms, a meal in an inexpensive restaurant will cost you about $20, but a dinner for two at a decent restaurant will probably cost around $90.
Expect to pay about $241 for monthly utilities consisting of heating, electricity, water, and garbage, and $64 per month for high speed.
Known for its stunning architecture and stunning views, Pacific Heights is one of San Francisco’s most affluent neighborhoods.
It’s home to upscale boutiques and restaurants, and it’s a popular spot for jogging and walking thanks to its hilly terrain.
A family-friendly neighborhood with a small-town feel, Noe Valley is located in the heart of San Francisco. It’s known for its Victorian and Edwardian homes, and it’s home to a variety of specialty stores and restaurants. It’s also a great spot for outdoor activities, with several parks and playgrounds in the area.
A vibrant and eclectic neighborhood, the Mission is a hub for foodies and art lovers alike. It’s home to some of the city’s best Mexican and Latin American cuisine, and it’s known for its colorful street art and vibrant nightlife scene.
With its steep streets and sweeping views of the Bay, Russian Hill is a charming and picturesque neighborhood.
It’s home to the famous “crookedest street in the world,” as well as several historic landmarks and upscale restaurants.
One of San Francisco’s most iconic neighborhoods, the Castro is known for its vibrant LGBTQ+ community and rich history. It’s home to several historic theaters, trendy bars and restaurants, and the famous Castro Theatre. It’s also a popular spot for outdoor activities, with several parks and hiking trails nearby.
The City has tons of activities and sights to see that are guaranteed to thrill and entertain both visitors and locals.
Obviously, you can check out the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s one of the most recognizable monuments in the United States of America – if not the world – and cemented in pop culture as (one of) the first thing aliens destroy when they want to demonstrate their intent for domination in Hollywood movies.
You could also visit another Hollywood staple: Alcatraz Island, home to the Alcatraz Prison. While you may not see Nick Cage out there, the daily tours of this prison-turned-museum are a great way to spend an afternoon.
When you’re tired of historical points of interest, you can visit the Oracle Arena to watch the Golden State Warriors make a name for themselves as one of the greatest basketball teams of all time.
Not big on sports? Visit the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre for stunning performances of a more subtle bent, but shows that are no less impressive.
At the end of the day, you can bring your energy to more manageable levels by exploring the California Academy of Sciences, where calm and rational thought produces concrete results.
Or, you can get in tune with the infinite and yourself at the Japanese Tea Garden. It’s a great opportunity to bliss out and finally let your mind rest.
It’ll cost between $600 to $2,900 for a local move in the San Francisco area, while a long-distance move will cost between $2,200 to $5,000.
Remember that local moves will cost less and cover any relocation within 100 miles while long-distance moves exceed 100 miles and often require crossing the state line.
Also note that this rough estimate does not cover the cost of packing materials like boxes, tape, and bubble wrap, or the cost of transportation during decluttering.
Transferring your utilities to your new home is one of the many things that most people forget about during their relocation. We don’t blame you, as moving is enough of a hassle by itself.
Transferring utilities is easy. Research utility providers in your new location, choose the one that seems most favorable to you, notify your old utility provider (as well as the new one) about your decision to transfer, and you’re done.
Just make sure you confirm that everything works before you finally relocate. We recommend contacting your old and new utility companies a few weeks in advance.
When you get in touch with a best movers, they’ll go over the details of your move and give you an estimate, which outlines how much you’ll pay when the whole move is done.
A non-binding estimate means the price may fluctuate, but thanks to the 110 percent rule, it won’t exceed your initial price by much.
According to the 110 percent rule, you cannot be asked to pay more than 110% of a non-binding estimate given to you by the moving company during their initial survey of your property.
This rule comes in handy in cases where your moving company attempts to charge you more for your move after the fact. Based on the 110 percent rule, the most you can pay for your move is 110 percent of whatever was listed in your non-binding estimate.
If you’re relocating and you don’t want to move all your property to your new home in one go, then storage options may be the best solution for you.
We recommend short-term storage options where you rent a climate-controlled pod for about three months. This gives you time to figure out what you’re going to do with the rest of your stuff.
Check out the moving guide section for helpful tips about decluttering and planning for your move in advance.
If your mover is fully insured according to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the US Department of Transportation requirements, then getting compensation for lost or damaged property is as simple as informing your movers about the loss.
However, if you want more than the bare minimum in terms of compensation, you should ask ahead about full-coverage insurance.
We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.
We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s:
The best San Francisco moving companies can make your move a stress-free and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, these top-rated companies offer a range of services to fit your specific needs.
Ready to move? Get in touch with one of the movers on our list, and don’t forget to check back in with Moving Feedback for tips and tricks to make moving day even easier.
Lily is a skilled writer with over a decade of experience in the moving industry. Having worked for several moving companies and brokers, she has gained extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry. With her personal experience of moving several times, she understands the challenges that come with relocating and can provide invaluable insights to her readers. Her writing style is informative, engaging, and relatable, making her a go-to source for all things moving-related. Trust her to guide you through your next move with ease.