Native Van Lines
- Over 30 years of experience
- Efficient and professional service
- Wide range of services offered
Adams Van Lines
- Family-owned and operated
- Personalized moving service
- Excellent customer service
Pricing Van Lines
- Cost-effective and efficient
- Attentive and experienced movers
- Personalized moves available
There are a ton of moving companies in San Diego, and it can be tough to find the best company to handle all the loading, hauling, and unloading – not to mention all the special moving services that might be needed on a moving day!
Fortunately, we took steps to ease your stress. Moving APT did in-depth research to find the best moving companies in San Diego, and we made a list of the best picks for long-haul, long-distance, and cross-country movers.
With over 20 years in the business of moving people around the USA, we’re experts at determining which moving companies offer the best service, the most experience, and the most professional moving teams.
After vetting each San Diego mover to make sure they were fully licensed, bonded, and insured, we checked out customer service ratings, online reviews, and the various moving services that each company offered.
Based on those results, the Moving APT team created our list of the top 5 long-distance movers in San Diego. We believe these companies offer the best value, quality, and customer service for those planning a San Diego move.
In this article
How Much Does it Cost To Hire Long-Distance Movers in San Diego?
On average, hiring long-distance movers in San Diego will cost between $1300-$15000, and sometimes more. This estimated price for long-haul moves is based on basic full-service moving packages that include loading, transport, and unloading.
Remember: If you need expedited, last-minute, or additional moving services, your price may increase substantially to accommodate the moving company’s schedule, equipment fees, and labor costs.
| Distance from San Diego | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| 100 miles | $1300 – $1800 | $1650 – $2100 | $1500 – $3900 |
| 250 miles | $1400 – $2200 | $1800 – $3500 | $2,000 – $4800 |
| 750 miles | $1500 – $2900 | $2400 – $6900 | $5700 – $7900 |
| 1500 miles | $1700 – $3200 | $2900 – $7900 | $6700 – $9500 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1900 – $3700 | $4200 – $9200 | $15000+ |
If you want an exact price for your long distance San Diego relocation, you’ll need to fill in quote forms for each moving company that you’re considering. Or, you can use our detailed moving cost calculator to get an easy estimate for your long-haul move.
When shopping for quotes, it’s important to be as detailed as possible about your moving needs. Your San Diego movers will need all the help they can get if they want to provide an accurate price – and providing detailed info about all your stuff may help you avoid surprise fees on moving day.
Key Points to Consider When Looking for San Diego Long-Distance Movers
Choosing the best San Diego moving company takes a lot of work and a lot of searching. But how can you tell you’re dealing with a legit company, instead of some kind of scam?
1. Licensing, Insurance, and Bonds
Federal law requires all long-distance moving companies to possess a valid USDOT license to operate across state lines. This information should be readily available on a moving company’s website – and if you can’t find it, you should definitely ask them for it. If they try to dodge the question, that’s a definite red flag.
Additionally, any reputable long-distance moving company should also provide adequate insurance and bonds to protect your belongings (and you) in the event of an accident or damage during transit.
In fact, movers are federally required to provide a bare minimum insurance policy (although it usually only covers $0.60 per pound of items lost, damaged, or destroyed).
2. Transparency and Communication
Reputable long-distance movers in San Diego should always be upfront and transparent about their pricing and services. They should provide a clear and concise estimate that outlines all of the costs associated with your move.
Communication is key. Your movers should keep you updated throughout the entire process and be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Before you even book their services, it’s important to know that they won’t dodge your calls.
Looking for these qualities will ensure that you find a San Diego moving company near you that can provide a smooth, stress-free, and safe move. When searching for ‘movers near me,’ keep an eye out for these key attributes.
By the way, as part of our commitment to excellence, all of the movers listed on Moving APT have been proven to possess all federally-required licenses and insurance policies. We want to make it easier to select a moving company for your needs, so we filter out all the sketchy ones.
Compare Moving Companies in San Diego
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| Rating | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.9 4.9/5 | 4.5 4.5/5 | 4.2 4.2/5 | 4.4 4.4/5 |
| Avarage Price (2-3 Bed) | $3300- $7900 | $3210- $7320 | $2950 - $6650 | $3150 - $8100 | $3500- $8250 |
| Superlative | Best Customer Service | Best For Long Distance | Most Affordable | Most Experienced Movers | Best Premium Services |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
5 Best San Diego Long-Distance Movers
You’ve seen the pricetag. Now, it’s time to see what you’re getting. Here’s a look at some of the best moving companies in San Diego.
Moving can be stressful, and even just picking the right moving company can be overwhelming. Fortunately, some companies have a positive reputation that’s great for your peace of mind.
That’s exactly what Native Van Lines brings to the table. Aside from their excellent moving services and competitive prices, they’ve made a name for themselves by going the extra mile for customer service and satisfaction.
Pros
- Over 30 years of experience
- Efficient and professional service
- Wide range of services offered
- Award-winning mover
- Excellent customer feedback
Cons
- Limited availability during peak season
Why We Chose Native Van Lines
We recommend Native Van Lines for a few different reasons. They provide excellent moving services, and they offer a whole variety of different options to make moving day even easier.
But what really shines is their reputation and their feedback from their customers.
Native has earned numerous awards and glowing reviews for the work they do, and that can really ease any uncertainty about booking a pro mover if this is your first time.
Some moves require a special touch. If you have a piano, antiques, or other fragile and valuable items, you’ll need some pros with plenty of experience.
Fortunately, Adams Van Lines can help. Premium moves are their bread-and-butter, and their moving teams are experienced with a wide range of specialty moving tasks.
If you need extra protection for your stuff, Adams is a great choice.
Pros
- Family-owned and operated
- Personalized service
- Excellent customer service
- Premium moving options available
- Trained and experienced with fragile items, valuables, and antiques
Cons
- Premium service may be a bit pricier - but it’s worth it
Who We Chose Adams Van Lines
We’re big fans of Adams’ approach to premium and specialty moves. They know their way around antiques and those expensive-yet-awkward items like pool tables, and fortunately, you won’t have to break the bank to book their services.
While their premium moves may cost a little more, it’s still less than what you’d pay for a big brand moving company.
San Diego is expensive enough as it is. If you’re trying to budget out your move and save as much money as you can (while still enjoying excellent service), Pricing Van Lines is your best bet.
While they’re the best choice for the budget-conscious customer, you can rest assured you won’t get sketchy movers for your money.
Instead, Pricing has a whole network of carefully vetted moving pros, and they’ll help you for an affordable price.
Pros
- Full-service moving company
- Budget-conscious option
- Excellent moving services, excellent prices
- Communicative and responsive
- Great customer service
Cons
- Limited variety of moving services
- Limited availability during peak months
Why We Chose Pricing Van Lines
We’re always on the hunt for a good deal, and Pricing Van Lines definitely fits that criteria.
While many people assume that price and quality are directly related, Pricing really defies expectations.
We don’t know how they do it, but they still manage to provide excellent service without charging an arm and a leg.
Licenses Info:
DOT#:N/A
MC#: N/A
Proud members of the California Moving and Storage Association, San Diego Moving is a small, family-run business capable of handling residential and commercial long-haul moves within the southern California area.
San Diego Moving is dedicated to providing an excellent customer experience from start to finish, offering personalized packing, loading, transport, and unloading services. They also offer binding quotes to keep your price locked in on moving day.
Pros
- 20% savings for online bookings
- Ability to deliver packing materials to your residence or office
- Charitable company that often donates services to those in need
- Transparent pricing and communication
Cons
- Not suited to interstate moves
- Booking may be limited due to the small company size
Why We Recommend San Diego Moving
With thousands of five-star ratings, numerous service awards, and discounts for doggy daycare during the move, San Diego Moving stands out as one of the best choices for anyone in need of a San Diego long-distance mover.
As an added bonus, San Diego Movers gives back to their community, donating their time and resources to local charities that need moving assistance.
As a top-rated long-distance moving company, Best Fit Movers is known for its excellent customer service and highly-trained moving teams. Focusing on providing an efficient and stress-free move, Best
Fit offers full-service long-haul moving packages that include everything from packing and loading to transport and unloading. They also offer storage if you need it!
Pros
- Free in-home estimates
- Flexible scheduling
- Full-service moving packages
- Storage options available
Cons
- Long-distance moving services focused on the southwestern USA
- No international moving services
Why We Chose Best Fit Movers
Best Fit Movers are the ideal choice for anyone who needs to relocate in the southwestern United States.
With over ten years of experience, Best Fit Movers has the knowledge and expertise to handle long-haul moves of all sizes.
They’re a San Diego long-distance mover you can count on, and their customer service and flexible scheduling make them one of the best moving services in the area.
What Factors Contribute to San Diego Moving Costs?
Many factors can determine the final total of moving costs. Of course, the two most significant factors are the total weight of your belongings, and the distance traveled from the starting point to the final destination.
However, these aren’t the only factors behind the cost of your move.
Aside from weight and distance, here are some reasons your move may be more or less expensive than usual…
1. Specialty Moving Services
While standard moving services always include loading, transport, and unloading, specialty moving services aren’t always included. They can add to the total cost of long-haul moves, but they’re usually worth the added expense. Packing, furniture disassembly, crating up your antiques… the list goes on, and they’re a great way to cut down on stress.
Costs for these additional services vary from company to company. Still, you can expect to pay as little as $25/hour for furniture reassembly to several thousand dollars for auto transport or long-term storage.
2. Moving Dates
The time of year also makes a big difference Summer is typically the busiest moving season, and prices are at their highest during this time. On the other hand, moving during the fall or spring can often save you up to 30%!
Aside from the season, the day of the week matters, too. Everyone wants to move on the weekend. Know what that means? Increased demand, and increased prices. If you book your San Diego movers for a mid-week move, you’ll end up saving even more.
If you’re lucky enough to have a flexible moving date, try to schedule your move outside of peak moving season for the best price possible. Besides, you’re in San Diego. The weather’s nice all year round, so you don’t need to worry about getting snowed out on a moving day.
3. Moving Insurance
Most San Diego moving companies offer a basic moving insurance package covering your belongings for about 30-60 cents per pound. However, if you have valuable items or you want a higher level of coverage, expect to pay more for the added security.
Some long-distance moving companies will actually require that you purchase their insurance, while others will let you use a third-party insurer.
Before you choose a moving insurance policy, it’s a good idea to check with your own homeowners or renters’ insurance to see if your belongings are already covered during transport.
If you need to purchase additional full coverage insurance, expect to add an extra 1%-5% of the total value of your belongings to the final cost of your move. It can be steep, but it’s always good to be extra safe.
4. Access Fees
Access fees are costs associated with the logistics of your move. If your moving team has to navigate a whole obstacle course, you’re going to have to pay more.
For example, if you live in (or are moving into) a building with multiple flights of stairs, there may be an access fee tacked on for the trouble. Generally, moving companies charge per flight of stairs, with prices ranging from $35-$100 per flight.
Think you’re getting off the hook because your place has an elevator? Think again, Willy Wonka. Your movers will charge you an access fee for elevators too.
While it sounds a bit trivial, it actually makes a lot of sense from a mover’s perspective: An elevator means extra time spent playing Tetris with all your stuff, and it’s one more hurdle to deal with.
Check with your San Diego movers to learn more about their access fee policies. Some other examples include:
- Long carry fees if the mover has to walk a long distance from the truck to your door
- Shuttle fees if a large truck can’t fit in your neighborhood and a smaller shuttle needs to be used for long-haul moves
- Disconnect fees for appliances attached to gas or water utilities such as stoves or washing machines.
Generally speaking, long-carry and elevator fees are rare, while shuttle fees are more common. However, if you’re concerned about access fees, ask your San Diego long-distance movers for more details.
5. Materials for Packing
Expect to pay $100 – $250+ for long-distance moving supplies. While not always included in bare-bones moving and hauling, long-distance moving companies will often provide packing materials for an additional cost.
The price of packing materials varies based on the quality and type of materials used, as well as how much you need. If your moving quote doesn’t include packing services or materials, be sure to factor this cost into your overall budget.
6. Third-Party Moving Costs
Outside of the total cost of your moving company, you may need to budget out fees to third-party services that you needed before, during, or after moving day.
For example, your moving company may not offer pet relocation services, so you may need to contact a separate company to transport your furry family member long-distance.
Other third-party moving costs may include:
- Piano moving
- Vehicle shipping
- Storage
These third-party services can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars on top of the rest of your moving budget. To avoid paying for multiple moving services from different agencies, use Moving APT to find long-distance movers that offer all the specific services you need.
7. Incidentals and Tip
A much smaller portion of your final cost (but still a very necessary part of long-distance moving), incidentals and tips should definitely be included in your moving budget. Incidental charges can include things like parking permits, tolls, and additional labor.
While not required, it’s also customary to tip your long-distance movers. We recommend 15% – 20% of the total cost of your move, to be split up between your moving team. Don’t forget the driver!
Best Moving Companies Near San Diego
Best Moving Tips Before Moving From San Diego
1. Long Distance Movers in San Diego
The experts at Moving APT want you to enjoy an affordable, efficient, and stress-free move with the help of your long-distance movers in San Diego. Here are some tips and tricks to make moving day even easier:
2. Save money with second-hand packing supplies
Instead of purchasing new packing supplies and materials, consider searching for second-hand packing supplies. These are often free or available at a significantly reduced price.
Second-hand-packing supplies can be found by talking to local retailers who receive regular shipments, searching online marketplaces, or even looking for postings in local social media groups.
3. Get rid of anything you don’t need
Lower your overall moving costs by selling or donating unwanted stuff. Not only will this declutter your home and reduce the amount that you need to move, but it can also give you some extra cash to put towards the movers you hire through Moving APT.
4. Stay organized
Use a moving checklist to stay organized during the entire moving process. Having a checklist is a great way to avoid forgetting anything. It’ll also help your movers know how much stuff they need to load up.
Here’s How We Rank Our San Diego Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in the local and long-distance moving field, serving more than 22,000 clients to date. Unlike other recommendation sites, we do real, face-to-face business with the movers in our network.
This makes our data more in-depth and reliable than anything else you’ll find online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Online Reputation: We sort through reviews and company profiles to make sure your movers are highly-rated and backed by plenty of experience.
- Industry-Insider Information: We work with movers to get a full picture of the services provided by other companies across the field.
- Mystery Shopping: We make sure movers are giving you the same rate they give us. Sometimes we call and pose as complete strangers to make sure they’re honest.
licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: Movers are legally required to have an arbitration program in place to compensate for lost or damaged items. We make sure it’s up to date.
- Active Claim Department: We check to see if movers have any outstanding claims to see how they handle customers who’ve reported damages – and how quickly they help.
- Safety Record: The FMCSA’s Safety Measurement System provides us with up-to-date information about a mover’s safety track record, including accidents and inspections.
- Active Moving Insurance: Long-distance movers in NYC are legally required to provide full or released-value protection on all of your items. We make sure of it.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: We ask our own clients for short video testimonies detailing their experiences with their movers. It shows which movers are exceeding expectations.
- Online surveys: We take the time to read about each completed move to get the full picture of how a mover performed.
As a moving broker, Moving APT actually deals with drivers and movers on a daily basis. We negotiate deals for our clients and ensure that movers always honor their contracts – no last-minute upselling, no overcharging, and no funny business.
It’s how we help our clients get moved with minimal fuss, and it’s part of maintaining clear communication between clients and moving companies.
More customers for better movers If a mover is exceeding expectations, we send them more business. If a mover needs to improve, we don’t. It’s simple.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire long-distance movers in San Diego?
The cost to hire a San Diego moving company can be as little as $2500 and, in some cases, $7000 or more. The total cost depends on the moving services required, the total amount of belongings being moved, and the distance between the starting and destination point.
Your final price will also be affected by the time of year, as well as any additional, strenuous tasks your movers will have to perform to finish the job. Transporting items long distances or up multiple flights of stairs will result in additional fees.
By using a moving cost calculator, you can get a better idea of the average cost to hire movers, and you’ll get an estimate you can use to compare with multiple moving quotes. It’s a great way to find the best price.
What’s the cheapest way to move long-distance?
No, we’re not just saying this because we’re in the moving industry. Sometimes hiring full-service movers really is the cheapest way to move long distances.
Hear us out: Moving companies often offer better rates per mile, lower fuel surcharges, and discounted rental prices when compared with DIY moving services. And if you’re DIYing your move by renting a truck, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for the truck, for the gas, and for the hotels, food, and lodging (if applicable).
Don’t forget, when you’re moving, you’re not clocking in for work, either. Between the lost wages, the price of the truck, and the price of everything else you’ll have to pay for, sometimes hiring the pros is actually cheaper.
How far in advance should I hire movers in San Diego?
The experts at Moving APT recommend hiring movers no less than eight weeks in advance, and in cases where the move is cross-country – 12 to 16 weeks in advance.
Since moving companies book up fast, hiring a mover as soon as you have a confirmed move date is essential. This avoids being placed on a waiting list, or having to pay higher rates with any one of the many long-distance movers in San Diego.
It may be possible to find movers at the last minute, but just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should – especially when you see the price of last-minute moving services. Quit procrastinating, clean your room, and book your movers 12 to 16 weeks in advance. Your wallet will thank you.
What will movers not transport?
In the moving industry, there’s a pretty firm no-go list for what movers can and can’t transport. While each moving company has its own spin on the list, there are a few items you’ll have to throw out or transport by yourself. Pets, plants, and perishable food are all off-limits for your moving company.
Your movers also can’t transport anything pressurized, flammable, or both. They can move a propane grill with no problem, but the tank has to be removed and out of the picture. Firearms will need to be shipped through an FFL, unless you’re driving them with you – in which case, do your due diligence and research the relevant laws about firearm transport.
It’s always a good idea to ask your mover ahead of time about what they can and can’t transport. If you’re suddenly surprised when they tell you they can’t move your plants, propane, and leftovers on moving day… well, don’t say we didn’t warn you.
What’s a good gratuity for long-distance movers?
A good tip for long-distance movers in San Diego is 15 – 20% of the total cost of your move, to be divided up between your whole moving team. Additionally, if tipping movers per service, a tip of 20 to 40 dollars per mover is considered excellent.
This tipping structure is, of course, based on exemplary service. If your movers go above and beyond to make your long-distance move as seamless as possible, tip them.
Hire the Best Long-Distance Movers in San Diego at Moving APT
When it comes to getting the best long-distance moving quote, it’s important to compare rates and services provided by each moving company.
At Moving APT, we provide a platform for customers to get free moving quotes from pre-screened and qualified long-distance movers in San Diego. With our help, you can be confident you’re getting the best service for your needs and price for your budget.
Whether it’s a move to another city or across the country, our list of fully-licensed, carefully vetted, and highly professional San Diego moving partners can help you get there. Get a quote and get started today!
