Native Van Lines
- Highly rated
- 500 agents across the US
Roadway Moving
- White glove service available
- Flat rate pricing
- High customer reviews
- Polished and helpful website
Finding the right mover can be tough, but Moving APT did the heavy lifting for you. We pulled from over 22 years of experience in the moving industry and authentic customer feedback to put together a list of the best movers in San Jose – and a behind-the-scenes look at how you can make your move even easier.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the 5 best San Jose movers in our network, and we’ll give you some insider tips and tricks to make your move easier, whether you’re moving local or moving long distance. Read on to get started:
In this article
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Moving Companies in San Jose?
Moving in San Jose can cost you anywhere from $400 to $4800, for a local move, and $1200 to $13000 for a long-distance move.
Your final price depends on how much you’re moving, and how far everything needs to be transported. There may also be some additional fees, which we’ll talk about in this section.
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| Local (Less than 100 Miles) | $400 – $700 | $850 – $1800 | $1300 – $4800 |
| 100 miles | $1200 – $1600 | $1250 – $1700 | $1500 – $3400 |
| 250 miles | $1300 – $2000 | $1500 – $3500 | $2,000 – $4800 |
| 750 miles | $1500 – $2900 | $2100 – $6900 | $5500 – $7900 |
| 1500 miles | $1700 – $3200 | $2600 – $7400 | $6700 – $9500 |
| 2500 miles+ | $1900 – $3700 | $3900 – $8200 | $13000+ |
Local movers charge per mover, per hour. Moving a one bedroom apartment from Alamitos to Robertsville is going to be much cheaper than moving a five bedroom home South San Jose to Rivermark.
It can be challenging to map out your budget, but Moving APT made it easy. Check out these articles learn more about how much you’ll spend on your move:
What to Look for in a San Jose Moving Company
- Free estimates: Legitimate movers won’t charge you if you’re just trying to figure out your budget. When you’re shopping for movers in San Jose, make sure they offer free estimates. These are also a helpful tool for comparing different companies.
- Flat-rate pricing: Speaking of estimates, a mover that offers binding estimates (also known as flat-rate pricing) is a definite plus. These are set in stone, so you won’t be changed before, during, or after moving day (unless you add a surprise pool table).
- Licensing: Long distance movers need to be licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If a mover offers an out of state move (or anything over 100 miles), they’ll need to have their certifications in order.
- Reputation: It’s easier than ever to check reviews. Use Google and Yelp, but don’t forget to ask your friends, families, and neighbors about their moving experiences. Who did they hire? Do they have any advice? Ask plenty of questions.
Compare Moving Companies in San Jose
| Company |
|
|
| 
| 
|
| Rating | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.8 4.8/5 | 4.7 4.7/5 | 4.9 4.9/5 | 4.5 4.5/5 |
| Avarage Price (2-3 Bed) | $3210- $7320 | $3300- $7900 | $2950 - $6650 | $3050 - $6820 | $2900- $8250 |
| Superlative | Best Customer Service | Most Experienced Movers | Most Efficient | Best For Long Distance | Most Affordable |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
Our Top 5 San Jose Moving Companies
If you need movers in San Jose, Native Van Lines is a great option. They’ve been providing quality moving services for over 20 years, and they have the awards and reviews to back it up. Native actually has their own network of highly-vetted movers and storage providers that can handle your move.
Booking a move with an agent from Native is a great way to filter out any dishonest or sketchy movers in your area. When Native puts you in touch with one of their movers, you’ll know that the moving company handling your stuff has to meet strict standards to stay in their network.
Pros
- Award winning moving broker
- Highly rated
- Storage options available
- 500 agents across the US
Cons
- Quote required to learn more about third-party movers
Why We Recommend Native Van Lines
We’re big fans of Native Van Lines. The provide a whole variety of services that can make your San Jose move as smooth as possible, from car transport to corporate relocations and much, much more.
Roadway Moving got their start in New York City, and they’ve been expanding through the United States ever since. They offer a whole range of different moving services, including Roadway Black, which is a white-glove VIP moving experience.
Roadway is a national mover. They can get you moved across town, or across the entire country. Plus, their experience with urban moving means they’re well-equipped for a local San Jose relocation.
As an added bonus, Roadway provides flat-rate pricing so you always know how much you’re going to pay on moving day.
Pros
- White glove service available
- 99.3% on-time rate
- Flat-rate pricing
- Custom wrapping and packing
Cons
- Not a lot of price info about extra services
Why We Recommend Roadway Moving
One of the great things about booking a move with Roadway Moving is their attention to their customers. Their whole approach to moving is to ease the stress of the whole experience, and we appreciate their commitment to making life easier.
Plus, as a relatively young company, they’re driven to go the extra mile to build a great reputation.
When you’re making a move in San Jose, you don’t always know if your new place can hold everything you’re hauling. Storage can help you manage this kind of uncertainty, and that’s where Rockstar Pro Movers comes in.
They provide a wide range of moving services, including storage (and junk removal for all the stuff you don’t want to take with you). Rockstar Pro Movers are a full service moving company.
This means they can help you through every step of your entire move, from packing to loading and beyond. They even offer discounts for veterans and seniors, so get in touch and ask around if you’re looking to save some money.
Pros
- Secure storage options
- High customer reviews
- Discounts available
- Polished and helpful website
Cons
- Quote required for pricing info
Why We Recommend Rockstar Pro Movers
Rockstar Pro is a great option for San Jose moving. They’re highly-rated, and they have solid customer service. Plus, their website is super slick and easy to use.
We review a lot of movers, and Rockstar Pro’s webpage is one of the most polished we’ve seen. Pay them a visit – you’ll even find some tips and tricks to make your move easier.
Adams Van Lines is a San Jose moving company that’s committed to customer service. They do the searching for you, and they’ll put you in touch with reputable and vetted movers in San Jose. Adams provides completely custom moves, which means you won’t be charged for any services you don’t end up needing.
When it comes to customer service, Adams Van Lines has a convenient and efficient system in place. They provide each customer with a single point of contact for any questions, comments or concerns. This way, it’s easy to get in touch, and you won’t get bounced around between different departments if you need help.
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Price matching available
- Flat-rate pricing
- Broad range of services
Cons
- Need a quote before seeing pricing information
Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines
Adams Van Lines makes our list of top San Jose movers for a good reason. Their approach to customer support makes communication a breeze, and their moving services cover all your bases.
Adams screens service providers and specialists to make sure you’re getting the best move possible, and we’re big fans of their strict standards.
With over 20 years of experience under their belt, Pricing Van Lines is a moving company you can trust. They have a whole network of movers across the country, so if you’re doing an interstate move, they’ve got you covered.
Pricing Van Lines acts as an important screener for your move. They’ll put you in touch with movers who meet their standards, and they’ll filter out the moving companies that just aren’t worth your time. Their moving network also includes storage companies for added convenience.
Pros
- Competitive pricing
- Storage options available
- Cross country moves available
- Nationwide network of agents and movers
Cons
- Personal info required for quote
Why We Recommend Pricing Van Lines
If you’re planning a budget-conscious move, Pricing Van Lines is an excellent option. We’re fans of any moving company that provides top-dollar service without breaking the bank, and Pricing gives you big-name service without the big-name price tag.
They’re definitely worth looking into for a San Jose move on a budget.
Best Moving Companies Near San Jose
What Factors Contribute to San Jose Moving Costs?
When you book professional movers, you’re sparing yourself the stress and headache of packing and hauling everything yourself. But how much will you really end up paying? Here’s a breakdown of some common factors behind the cost of your move:
- The size of your move. Whether you’re moving locally or long distance, the size of your move makes a big difference in your final price. More stuff means more time spent packing and loading, and if you’re moving long distances, you may be charged by weight.
- The distance you’re traveling. Moving further means paying more money, no matter what kind of move you’re dealing with. Local movers usually charge per hour (so more time in transit may cost you) and long-distance movers charge by distance and weight.
- Bulky items. Moving is all about space efficiency. When your movers load up their truck, it’s like a giant game of Tetris. If an item is big and bulky (and can’t be disassembled for ease of loading) you may have to pay extra.
- Insurance. Movers are legally required to provide insurance for your move. The most basic coverage is about 60 cents per pound of lost, damaged, or destroyed goods. Full coverage may be available for a price, but you’ll also need to pay for packing.
- Packing. It takes time, effort, and energy to pack by yourself. Fortunately, professional movers can do it for you. It’s also the only way to get full coverage insurance since movers won’t offer that kind of coverage unless they did the packing too.
- Disassembly and assembly. Some items need to be disassembled if you want them to fit in a moving truck. For example, large sectionals and tables can be taken down into smaller pieces for ease of transport. It’s essential, but it does cost more money.
- Late fees. Don’t be late for your own move. Your movers need you to be there to sign off on important paperwork and open doors or gates as needed. If you keep them waiting, you may throw off their schedule for weeks, or months. This means a fee.
- Specialty moves. We’ve seen everything from pianos to pool tables and even vintage motorcycles get boxed up and loaded into moving trucks. It takes a lot of advance planning, so be prepared to pay a little extra for special treatment.
- Long carries. If the distance from the truck to your front door is over 75 feet, expect to pay an extra fee. Long carries usually cost around $75 for every additional 50 feet over that 75-foot minimum.
- Elevators. Elevators are designed to make life easier, but they can be a challenge for your moving team. They’ll have to pack the elevator efficiently, and they’ll also have to avoid overloading it. The extra time it takes to navigate an elevator can cost you.
- Stairs. Stairs aren’t cheap, either. Elevators, long carry, and staircases all fall under an umbrella category that the moving industry calls “access fees”. Any extra hurdle between the truck and your apartment or house will contribute to a higher moving cost.
- Tips. Don’t forget to tip your movers. They’re doing hard work, and unless tips are explicitly declined by your moving company, tips are expected. Budget out a 15% – 20% gratuity, to be divided between all the members of your moving team.
Things to Know Before Moving From San Jose
If you want an easier move, you have to plan ahead. While professional movers can make your life easier, there’s plenty of ways you can reduce the stress of a big move. Check out these tips to make moving day go as smoothly as possible.
- Book your move in advance. We recommend booking a move 3 – 6 months in advance. This will give you plenty of time to pack, and it’ll also allow you to schedule around peak moving season. Speaking of moving season…
- Avoid the summer. Not only is it uncomfortably hot to move during June, July, and August, it’s also much more expensive. The summer months are the priciest, but you’ll also pay more to move during any major holiday or vacation.
- Pack an essentials bag. As you get closer to moving day, get used to living out of a backpack. Prepare a suitcase, and pack it like you’re going on a mini-vacation. This way you won’t have to go digging through boxes to find a toothbrush.
- Consider using a moving room. If you have the space for it, set aside a room (or even just a corner of your apartment) as a staging area. Box up your stuff, and collect it all in one area to make your move as quick as possible.
San Jose Moving FAQ
What’s the cheapest way to move long distance?
The cheapest way to move long distance is to rent a truck and DIY the whole thing. Unfortunately, moving by yourself isn’t always as cheap as people expect. You’ll have to rent a truck, pay for gas, and take time off from work to take care of your move, and you’ll also have to pay for food and lodging if you’re moving far away.
Moving by yourself is stressful, and the money you save may not be worth the extra effort. But, if you’re still feeling brave, check out our list of the best moving truck rentals, and get started with your DIY move.
What items can’t be transported by my movers?
Movers won’t transport anything that’s pressurized, and they won’t transport anything that’s flammable. (Sure, they can haul your grill, but you’ll have to remove the propane tank first.) Keep in mind that aerosol sprays and even nail polish remover are all flammable, too. Other no-go items for movers are pets, plants, and explosives such as fireworks.
It’s a good idea to communicate with your mover about what they’ll be hauling. Each moving company has their own rules about what they can and can’t transport, and by calling ahead you’ll avoid any unpleasant surprises on moving day.
Do I pay movers before or after the move?
Legitimate movers won’t ask you to pay for your move up front. Movers may give you an estimate ahead of time, but they shouldn’t ask you to pay for any portion of your move until the job’s completely done. In fact, this is a good indicator of whether a mover is trustworthy, or just trying to scam you.
On the other hand, deposits are a relatively common practice. Some movers will request a deposit as part of your contract, but it should never exceed 25% of the total cost of your move. Most deposits max out at just a few hundred bucks. Anything more than that (or more than 25% of the cost of your move) may be a red flag.
What is a nonbinding estimate?
Moving estimates tell you how much you can expect to pay on moving day. There’s three major types of estimate: Binding, nonbinding, and nonbinding, not-to-exceed.
- Binding estimates are set in stone. Your mover will issue your estimate, and that’s how much you’ll pay. The amount won’t change before, during, or after your move. Don’t try to be clever: Sneaking in extra furniture is a good way to void your contract completely.
- Nonbinding estimates can be adjusted over the course of your move. Don’t worry, your movers won’t be able to add more than 10% of the initial cost. Nonbinding estimates provide a bit of flexibility in case any additional services are needed or not.
- Nonbinding, not-to-exceed estimates can be adjusted, but only downwards. This means your moving company gives you an estimate, but they may also give you a discount if certain services weren’t needed, or if your move takes much less time.
Should I tip?
Yes, and don’t forget the driver. Your movers are working hard and carrying your stuff, and it’s a tough job.
Tips are expected in the moving industry, and unless your San Jose movers explicitly decline tips, don’t forget the gratuity when you’re planning out your budget.
Shoot for about 15% to 20% of the total cost of your move, and make sure it gets divided across your entire moving team.
Here’s How We Rank Our San Joes Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in the long-distance moving field, serving more than 250,000 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 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.
Get Moving in San Jose Today
We’ve walked you through our top 5 movers in San Jose, and we’ve taught you a thing or two about how you can make your move easier. Now, all you have to do is math out your budget, pack your bags, and book a move with one of our San Jose moving companies.
Ready to get started? Check out our quote calculator and moving checklist, and make your move easy with one of the companies in our network.
