Moving from New York to California is a big step. It’s not just the miles; it’s managing the details and handling belongings with care. A cross country move takes a lot of work, and you’ll need some professional movers if you want a smooth and efficient relocation.
Fortunately, Moving APT has your back. We’ve been helping folks move for over 20 years, and through our two decades of experience, we’ve worked closely with the best movers in the business. We learned the ins and outs of moving, and we’re ready to share our insights and insider info.
If thinking of moving to the West Coast, don’t pack your bags just yet. Read on to see what you can expect from your New York to California move, and see how the pros can help.
Adams Van Lines
- Streamlined customer service
- Flat rate pricing
Native Van Lines
- Award winning mover
- Wide variety of services
Roadway Moving
- New York based
- Highly rated
How Much Does It Cost to Hire Movers from New York to California?
A move from New York to California will cost you between $1900 and $9100, sometimes more, and sometimes less. It all comes down to how much you’re moving, and how far everything has to travel.
In the moving industry, we break jobs up into two main categories: local moves and long distance moves. Local moves are any job that takes place within the same state, and within 100 miles. On the other hand, a move that crosses state lines or exceeds 100 miles (like a New York to California move) counts as a long distance move.
Long distance moves aren’t calculated per hour. They’re calculated by miles traveled and pounds (or cubic feet) of belongings. If you’re moving a studio apartment from Chautauqua County to San Bernardino County, it’ll be a lot cheaper than moving a five-bedroom home from Upstate to San Diego.
It’s always a good idea to downsize your move before booking a mover. You’ll save some cash by pawning off your unused stuff (and you may even recoup some of your losses). Just keep in mind a small move may not always be finished faster…
| Distance | 1 Bedroom | 2 – 3 Bedroom | 4 – 5 Bedroom |
| New York to San Diego | $1900 – $2500 | $2300 – $4100 | $4200 – $7200 |
| New York to Los Angeles | $2000 – $2800 | $2500 – $5500 | $4000 – $8500 |
| New York to San Francisco | $2100 – $3200 | $2900 – $5300 | $4500 – $9100 |
How Long Does Moving Take?
A move from New York to California can take anywhere from two or three days to 14 days or more. We’ve seen some odd cases that take up to 21, but those are rare.
Like the price of your move, the duration of your move also depends on how much is being hauled, and how far everything needs to go – but a smaller move may actually take longer than a big move.
Movers don’t like to send half-empty trucks all over the place. It’s inefficient. Instead, they’ll bundle several smaller moves together on the same truck, stopping for pickups and dropoffs along the way.
If you’re just moving a studio apartment, your moving team will secure and separate your stuff, but they’ll load other moves for other clients in the same truck. This means more delays on moving day.
On the other hand, if you manage to fill an entire trailer with just your stuff, expect it to be transported a lot faster. After all, if there’s no more room on the truck, there’s no more room for other moves along the way.
3 Best Movers from New York to California
There’s a lot of coast to coast movers out there, so it’s important to shop smart and pick a company you can trust. Here’s our picks for the best New York to California movers:
Adams Van Lines is a premium mover who won’t charge you an arm and a leg for the extra TLC. They’ve got a knack for tackling tricky moves and ensuring your valuable stuff gets from A to B without a hitch.
If you’re moving between New York and California, these are your go-to folks, especially since New York moves can come with their own set of curveballs.
Pros
- White-glove moving services
- Antique and artwork specialists
- Secure storage options
- Packing and unpacking available
- Custom moves to fit specific needs
Cons
- Extra care comes at a price - but it’s worth it
Why We Recommend Adams Van Lines
With Adams, you get more than movers – you get a crew that’s got your back. Their team is solid, always in the loop, and they make sure you are too.
Whether it’s wrapping up grandma’s vase or fitting that awkward couch through the door, they really emphasize careful transport and clear communication. We’re happy to recommend them.
Selecting a trustworthy mover can be tough, especially if you haven’t worked with the pros before. Fortunately, Native Van Lines fits the bill perfectly.
They have a great reputation for quality customer service, and they’ve won several awards for their long distance moves. It’s great peace of mind if you’ve never hired movers before.
Pros
- Award-winning mover
- Excellent customer reviews
- Communicative and efficient staff
- Experienced moving teams
- Wide variety of services
Cons
- Limited availability during peak months
Why We Recommend Native Van Lines
Whether you’re new to professional moving or you’ve dealt wit the pros before, Native is a recommended pick.
It’s a load off your shoulders knowing that your moving company is trusted and experienced, and their customer testimony and awards speak measures for their service.
Based in New York City, Roadway Moving delivers cross country moves with punctuality and efficiency. Plus, since they’re New York natives, they know a thing or two about navigating the Empire State.
They also rely on an in-house team of movers and coordinators to keep your moving experience simple and efficient.
Pros
- Emphasis on punctuality
- Great customer service
- East Coast specialists
- Helpful and attentive staff
- Variety of in-house services
Cons
- Broad reach, but some locations may be pricier than others
Why We Recommend Roadway Moving
We’re always happy to recommend Roadway, particularly for lengthy moves. Their team – from sales reps to moving agents – is laser-focused and provides a top-notch experience.
The added advantage? They rely solely on their dedicated in-house teams. If you’re looking for a mix of local expertise and national reach, Roadway should be on your shortlist.
What Factors Affect the Cost of a New York to California Move?
There’s a lot of different factors that go into your final price tag. Take a look at a few of the big ones, and see how you can make your move more cost-effective.
- Distance: Moving from New York to California is a long haul, and chances are you’re not just moving to a town on the Nevada border. The greater the distance, the more you’ll end up paying – it’s one of the biggest factors behind your price.
- Weight of Belongings: Right up there with the distance of your move, the overall weight and volume of your items makes a huge impact with how much you’ll be paying. Keep in mind, if you’re moving less, you may end up waiting a little longer.
- Packing Services: Boxing and packing is a pain, but fortunately the pros offer packing services to make life easier. This added convenience comes at a price, but it’s worth it if you don’t have the time or patience for DIY packing.
- Special Items: Transporting unique or delicate items like antiques, artwork, or pianos requires additional care. This usually means special packaging, equipment, or even dedicated transport, all adding to the overall cost.
- Storage: Sometimes, there’s a gap between moving out and settling into your new place. In these cases, temporary storage can really save your move. Depending on the duration and space required, storage fees can vary.
- Insurance: Basic liability coverage is usually part of the package, but it’s just $0.60 per pound of items lost, damaged, or destroyed. If you want full value coverage, you might want more comprehensive insurance. The higher the coverage, the more you’ll pay.
- Time of Year: The moving industry has peak and off-peak seasons. June, July, and August are most popular for moving, so you’ll pay a premium. Shoot for a mid-week, mid-month move, far away from major holidays or vacation days.
- Accessibility: Challenges in accessing your residence – whether it’s a narrow New York street or a Californian condo without an elevator – means more labor and specialized equipment. This will influence the final bill.
- Additional Services: Some relocations require extra services like furniture disassembly, shuttle services, or temporary housing. While some of these are avoidable or can be DIY’d, the ones you do need will cost you extra.
- Moving Supplies: Boxes, tape, and protective materials aren’t always included in the quoted price. Depending on the quantity and quality of supplies needed, this can be one more expense.
Knowing the factors behind your final price can help you plan your budget and plan your move accordingly. It’s always a good idea to get in touch with your movers ahead of time so you can communicate any special needs or hiccups that might effect the process.
Why Do People Move from New York to California?
Everyone has their own reasons for moving. Here’s why some New Yorkers are heading out west:
- Weather: One of the top reasons people make the move is California’s milder, year-round climate. Say goodbye to icy New York winters and hello to sunny beach days and temperate winters.
- Job Opportunities: California is home to numerous industries – from Hollywood’s glitz to Silicon Valley’s tech boom. Many transplants are seeking new or better job prospects in these diverse sectors.
- Lifestyle and Culture: The laid-back West Coast vibe is a stark contrast to New York’s hustle and bustle. Plus, California offers a blend of outdoor activities, cultural events, and unique neighborhoods.
- Educational Institutions: With world-renowned universities like Stanford, UCLA, and UC Berkeley, plenty of people are heading west for better educational opportunities. Sure New York has Columbia, but California has universities right on the beach.
- Cost of Living: New York is expensive. California is expensive. The only difference is California is a much bigger state, and if you look hard enough, you can find some smaller towns that are downright affordable (from a New York/Californian perspective).
- Natural Beauty: California is probably the only state that’ll allow for snowboarding in the morning and surfing in the evening. There’s mountains, beaches, rocky desert moonscapes, and rolling hills with plenty of wine.
Everyone has their own reasons for moving, and our list is by no means complete. Fortunately, whatever your reasons are for heading west, you’ll have plenty to do in California.
Things to Do in California
Once you get out west, there’s no shortage of activities. Here are just a few experiences you can enjoy in the Golden State.
- Beach Time: It’s one of the first things people think of when they imagine California. Head to famous beaches like Malibu, Santa Monica, or Huntington Beach for sunbathing, surfing, and beach volleyball. Just don’t snake any waves from the locals.
- Wine Tasting: Explore Napa Valley and Sonoma’s vineyards for a day of wine tasting amidst picturesque landscapes. There’s even a train in Napa that makes stops at wineries and does a murder mystery night.
- National Parks: Yosemite, Sequoia, Joshua Tree, the list goes on. If you recently raided an REI and you want to put your new toys to good use, California’s where it’s at.
- Hollywood: Yes, it’s full of crackheads and tourists. Yes, parking is a pain. But as a recent arrival, you’ve gotta check out Hollywood at least once. Stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, visit TCL Chinese Theatre, and maybe spot a celebrity or two.
- San Francisco Landmarks: More crackheads, more tourists, more horrible parking – but you’ve gotta see the City at least once, too. Explore the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and ride a cable car on the city’s hilly streets.
- San Diego Zoo: This is one of the world’s top zoos, home to diverse species in beautifully recreated habitats. Keep in mind the San Diego Zoo is a serious research and rehab institution, so you can see all the critters guilt-free.
- Redwood Forests: Remember in Return of the Jedi when Han Solo and the rebels attack the base on Endor? The place with all the Ewoks? This is the inspiration. NorCal is home to towering redwoods and rich forests. It’s awe-inspiring.
- Lake Tahoe: Whether it’s water sports in the summer or skiing in the winter, Lake Tahoe offers year-round entertainment. This may be cheating on a list about California, but it’s right on the border of Nevada, which means there’s casinos on the other side, too…
- Theme Parks: Disneyland. Universal Studios. LEGOLAND. Six Flags. If you think strapping yourself into a (dubiously constructed) rollercoaster sounds like a good idea, the Golden State has tons of opportunities for thrills and spills.
- Desert Vibes: It may be the only affordable place in California, but there’s actually a surprising amount of cool sights in the desert, too. We’re not just talking about Coachella: you can go hiking, camping, and stargazing and forget you’re even on earth.
Whether you’re looking for natural beauty or manmade wonders, California is the spot for you. We’ve left off a few places and attractions (maybe because we’re jealously guarding them for ourselves), but with a bit of exploring, you can find your own California gold.
Here’s How We Rank Our Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in long distance moving, and we do real business with movers to get data that’s more in-depth and reliable than anything else online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Reputation: Reviews and profiles show if movers are highly-rated and experienced.
- Industry-Insider Info: We see what the best companies in the industry are doing.
- Mystery Shopping: We call and pose as complete strangers to keep movers honest.
Licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: We ensure movers provide arbitration for lost or damaged items.
- Active Claim Department: We monitor how quickly movers help with compensation.
- Safety Record: We get up-to date safety information about accidents and inspections.
- Moving Insurance: We make sure movers provide full or released-value protection.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: Client testimony tells us which movers are worth your time.
- Online surveys: We read about each completed move to see how movers perform.
As a moving broker, Moving APT deals with movers on a daily basis. We negotiate for our clients, and we ensure movers always honor their contracts. It’s how we help you get moved, and it’s how we maintain 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.
New York to California FAQ
What is the cost of living like in California compared to New York?
California and New York are both expensive. The median home price in the Golden State is about $740K, but in reality it’s usually closer to a million if you want to live somewhere nice. New York’s median home price is about $740K as well, and just like California, you can expect to shell out closer to a million if you want a halfway decent neighborhood.
Bottom line: If you’re moving to California for the price, be prepared to commute from a far-off suburb.
How do the schools in California compare to those in New York?
Both states boast some top-tier educational institutions. In terms of K-12, the quality can vary by district. California is home to several world-renowned universities like Stanford and UC Berkeley. New York, on the other hand, has prestigious institutions like Columbia and NYU. Overall, education quality is roughly comparable, but keep in mind some California universities like UC Santa Barbara and UC Santa Cruz are pretty much right on the beach.
What are the best neighborhoods or cities to live in if I’m moving to California?
This really depends on what you’re into. Your choices are pretty much split between NorCal (San Francisco, San Jose) and SoCal (Los Angeles, San Diego). Up north, you’re looking at redwoods, big tech, and fog. Down south, you’re getting the stereotypical palm-trees-and-beach scene. There are plenty of smaller towns in between, with their own balance and blend of both.
What is the cheapest way to move long distances?
DIY moving is the cheapest, but it’s not always worth the savings. On paper, the cost of renting a truck and doing your own hauling may seem like an enticing way to save some cash, but once you factor in the price of gas, lodging, food, and all those hours you missed from work to pack, box, and transport everything, those savings will dry up pretty quick. Sometimes it’s just not worth the trouble.
How far in advance should I hire movers in New York?
We recommend booking a move two to three months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to plan out your move, tie up loose ends, and pack (or procrastinate) without feeling too stressed out. Plus, some moving companies offer some pretty sweet discounts for flexible scheduling.
Ready to Head from New York to California?
Moving from New York to California can be challenging adventure, but with the help of the right movers, it can be a little more “adventure” and a little less “challenge”. Now that you’ve read our guide and learned what to expect from the Golden State, it’s time to get packing and get moving!
Ready to get started? Check out our free moving checklist to make sure you’re not missing anything. And don’t forget to check back in with the team at Moving APT for more tips, tricks, and insider info to make moving day even easier!
