Moving long distances inside California takes a lot of planning. The state stretches 800 miles from top to bottom, and moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles or Sacramento to San Diego means going several hundred miles.
Long-distance moves within California cost between $1,200 and $3,500 on average, depending on how much stuff you have, the moving company you hire, and where you’re going.
Plan Your California Long-Distance Move Early
You should start planning your California move at least 6 to 8 weeks before your moving date. This gives you time to research moving companies, get quotes, and book the movers you want.
- The peak moving season is from April to September, and good movers fill up fast.
The average cost of long-distance movers in California is around $4,890 for a two to three-bedroom move of about 7,500 pounds with a distance of 1,000 miles.
Begin your moving preparations 3 to 6 months in advance if possible. Research moving companies, keep note of your budget, and start getting rid of things you don’t need anymore.
Get Multiple Quotes From California Moving Companies
Don’t hire the first moving company you find. Get quotes from at least three different companies. Prices can be very different between companies. Make sure the quotes include everything. Ask about extra fees for stairs, long carries from the truck to your door, and packing supplies.
On average, long-distance movers charge between $2,500 and $5,000 for moves over 1,000 miles. Moves within California could range between $1,200 and $3,500, depending on the size of the move. Under 100 miles usually costs $1,000 to $3,500. From 100 to 500 miles runs $2,000 to $5,000. Over 500 miles start at $3,500 and go up.
Check California Moving Company Licenses
Moving companies in California must have a CPUC license. This is a California Public Utilities Commission license that says they’re allowed to do business in the state. Ask to see their CPUC certification before you hire them. For moves that cross state lines, companies also need a U.S. DOT number from the Department of Transportation.
Look up reviews on Yelp, Google Reviews, or the Better Business Bureau. See what other people say about each company.
Decide on The Moving Services
You can pick from different types of moving services. Full-service movers offer professional packing for you, load the packages on the truck, drive it to your new place, and unpack it. This costs the most but saves you all the work. Packing and unpacking services add about $500 to $2,000 to your total cost.
You can also rent a moving truck and do it yourself. This saves money, but you have to do all the lifting and driving. Renting a truck can run up to $100 a day, plus you’ll pay a big one-way fee if you don’t return the truck to the same place.
Moving containers like PODS is another option. You load the container yourself on your schedule, and they drive it to your new place. In California, renting a moving container costs between $720 and $6,910, depending on size and distance.
Clean Out Before You Pack For a Long-Distance Move
Every box costs money to move. Long-distance movers charge by weight. The less stuff you move, the less you pay. Go through your things and get rid of what you don’t need. Have a yard sale or list items on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist.
Donate things to local thrift stores if you don’t want to deal with selling them. Moving is a good time to start fresh and only keep what matters. One moving expert said to declutter your home as one of the most important packing tips for moves.
Pick the Right Time For a California Intrastate Move
When you move, it changes how much you pay. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall. Moving between October and April can save you 20 to 30 percent. Moving during the week costs less than on weekends. The middle of the month is cheaper than the first or last few days when everyone’s leases change.
If you’re moving from San Francisco to Los Angeles, people have been leaving San Francisco in large numbers, with 7,000 requests for USPS change of addresses in August 2020. The cities that most residents chose were Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento.
Understanding California Routes for Long-Distance Moves
Common California moves follow certain routes. San Francisco to Los Angeles is about 380 miles and takes 5 to 6 hours driving. Sacramento to San Diego is about 500 miles. Moving from Northern California to Southern California crosses different climate zones.
Traffic in California cities makes moves longer. Los Angeles traffic is terrible, with locals saying to always add 10 to 25 minutes to any GPS estimate because traffic gets worse while you’re driving. If you’re moving in or around downtown areas, traffic can add 1 to 2 hours.
The best idea is to pick long-distance California movers that have local knowledge of routes in different areas of the state.
What To Expect on Moving Day
Professional movers usually show up early in the morning. They’ll load your stuff onto their truck, which can take a few hours depending on how much you have. For moves over 100 miles, your belongings typically take 3 to 14 days to arrive, depending on the distance.
Moves to neighboring areas arrive in 3 to 5 days. Cross-state moves from Northern California to Southern California usually take 7 to 14 days. The sweet spot for most long-distance California moves falls between 7 to 14 days for delivery.
Common Problems To Avoid When Moving Long Distance Inside California
Read the parking signs carefully wherever you’re moving. Some California cities have strict parking rules. You might need parking permits that cost $50 to $150. In Los Angeles, locals warn that you should learn to read parking signs and plan to pay for at least two parking tickets per year.
Make sure your new place has dedicated parking for the moving truck. Nothing worse than a long day, and then the movers can’t park close to your building. Historic buildings often don’t have freight elevators, which means carrying everything up stairs, and it takes longer.
Get everything in writing from your moving company. Some companies hide fees for things like packing materials, long carries, or taking apart furniture. Read contracts carefully to avoid surprise charges.
