10 Best Movers Near Santa Cruz, CA
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When every moving company in Santa Cruz, CA claims they're the best, how do you really know? We analyzed 45 moving companies in Santa Cruz across 45,315 review data points and more than 20,000 movers nationwide using our 11-point rating system to help you determine the best moving company in Santa Cruz. See the top 10 Santa Cruz movers below (our top recommendation is: Caremore Moving & Storage), get data-based information on Santa Cruz moving costs (expect to pay somewhere between $1,091 and $1,953), or filter movers to display the cheapest movers in Santa Cruz, or the top recommendation for a Santa Cruz long distance move out of California.
Best Moving Companies in Santa Cruz, CA
| Rank | Company | Score  | BBB Rating | Avg Move Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caremore Moving & Storage | 9.56 | NR | 3 hours |
| 2 | Ace Moving | 9.53 | C+ | 3.75 hours |
| 3 | 5 star moving | 9.52 | A+ | 2 hours |
| 4 | Lambert & Son Moving | 9.51 | A+ | 4.5 hours |
| 5 | Santa Cruz Moving Services | 9.51 | NR | 3 hours |
| 6 | Lunardi Moving Services | 9.50 | NR | 4.25 hours |
| 7 | A2B Movers San Jose | 9.40 | F | 5 hours |
| 8 | Tbs movers | 9.37 | NR | 3 hours |
| 9 | D&L Movers | 9.35 | A+ | 4 hours |
| 10 | Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC | 9.26 | A+ | 4 hours |
How Much Do Movers Cost in Santa Cruz, CA?
The average moving cost in Santa Cruz, CA is $1,287, which is based on an analysis from 64 customer reports across 12 different moving companies. In general, expect to pay somewhere between $1,091 and $1,953 for a typical move.
| Company | Median Reported Moving Cost | Avg Move Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mod Movers | $618 | 2.5 hours |
| Eagle Moving And Storage Inc. | $1,041 | 4 hours |
| All in Moving Systems | $1,052 | 5 hours |
| Ninja Movers | $1,130 | 4.5 hours |
| Clutch Moving Company | $1,177 | 3.75 hours |
| MC Movers | $1,213 | 4 hours |
| Fairprice Movers | $1,361 | 3.5 hours |
| Southwest Movers | $1,413 | 4 hours |
| A2B Movers San Jose | $1,668 | 5 hours |
| Ship Smart Inc. | $2,237 | - |
| Lunardi Moving Services | $2,799 | 4.25 hours |
| Ace Relocation Systems, Inc. | $3,296 | 2.75 hours |
Tipping Movers in Santa Cruz, CA
In Santa Cruz, tipping your movers is a great way to show gratitude for their hard work—most people give 10-20% of the total moving cost or about $5 per mover per hour. From carrying heavy furniture up Mission Street hills to navigating narrow roads in the Beach Flats, movers in Santa Cruz often go above and beyond. A tip acknowledges their effort and helps them cover any extra travel-related expenses. You might also consider offering them something refreshing inspired by the local scene, like an iced organic juice from a nearby café.
Detailed 11-Point Review Analysis
We've analyzed more than 45,315 review data points to compare the top Santa Cruz movers across 11 important moving criteria. Here's how they stack up:
 Quality |  Punctuality |  Affordability |  Communication |  Stick to Prices |  Speed |  Friendliness |  Will Hire Again |  Professionalism |  Conflict Handling |  Precision & Care | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Caremore Moving & Storage Exceptional9.56 | 94 | 95 | 97 | 98 | 98 | 96 | 96 | 94 | 94 | 98 | 86 |
2 | Ace Moving Exceptional9.53 | 95 | 95 | 88 | 98 | 97 | 96 | 91 | 95 | 94 | 97 | 91 |
3 | 5 star moving Exceptional9.52 | 94 | 84 | 98 | 99 | 88 | 90 | 93 | 97 | 97 | 99 | 86 |
4 | Lambert & Son Moving Exceptional9.51 | 95 | 99 | 86 | 93 | 99 | 95 | 98 | 92 | 99 | 95 | 94 |
5 | Santa Cruz Moving Services Exceptional9.51 | 95 | 94 | 96 | 99 | 98 | 96 | 94 | 96 | 95 | 92 | 95 |
6 | Lunardi Moving Services Exceptional9.50 | 95 | 99 | 75 | 94 | 90 | 93 | 98 | 94 | 99 | 98 | 97 |
7 | A2B Movers San Jose Exceptional9.40 | 92 | 88 | 83 | 88 | 93 | 86 | 93 | 94 | 90 | 97 | 93 |
| 8 T | Tbs movers Exceptional9.37 | 95 | 86 | 90 | 94 | 90 | 92 | 83 | 95 | 94 | 91 | 96 |
9 | D&L Movers Exceptional9.35 | 92 | 84 | 89 | 84 | 89 | 99 | 96 | 88 | 91 | 94 | 95 |
10 | Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC Exceptional9.26 | 86 | 89 | 78 | 92 | 90 | 92 | 93 | 86 | 96 | 86 | 89 |
Percentile Ranking
Santa Cruz Moving Companies Historical Ranking
DIY Moves in Santa Cruz, CA
Some people in Santa Cruz decide on a DIY move to save money, but it can be trickier than expected. Extra costs for packing supplies, fuel, and rental trucks—even for short trips along Highway 1—can add up fast. You’ll also want to consider the time and effort involved in lifting heavy furniture or dealing with parking near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Check out a moving truck rental search in Santa Cruz before you commit, so you know where to find the right vehicle for your move.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Compare The Top-Ranked Santa Cruz Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Caremore Moving & Storage
925 Palou Ave
San Francisco, CA, 94124
About Caremore Moving & Storage
This full-service moving company has been based in San Francisco, CA, since 2011. As a family-owned business, Caremore Moving and Storage...
Services
- Full Moving and Storage Services
- Best Moving Services
- Full Service Storage
- Professional Packing
- Boxes & Materials
- Licensed and Insured Moving Company
- Complete Tool Set
- Moving Resources
- Labor-only Loading & Unloading Services
- Furniture Disposal
Pros
- Reasonably priced services
- Professional and courteous staff
- Efficient and quick moving process
- Attentive to customer needs and requests
Cons
- Significant damage to furniture in some cases
- Occasional unprofessional behavior and arguments reported
- Arrived 30 minutes late without notice in rare instances
- Some cases of not informing about damaged items immediately
Moving Licenses
| License Type | Number | Status | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 2708774 | Not Authorized | 1/9/2025 |
| California | CAL-T190970 | Active | 12/6/2024 |
Ace Moving
2220 Twin Hills Dr
Santa Cruz, CA, 95065
About Ace Moving
Since 1984, Ace Moving has provided San Jose with quality moving services. It is a locally-owned, five-star rated moving company that...
Services
Pros
- Handled delicate objects with care and skill
- Transparent pricing and no hidden fees
- Exceptionally professional and courteous crew
- Efficient and punctual in moving process
Cons
- Rare issue with grease spots on new carpet
Moving Licenses
| License Type | Number | Status | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 2846323 | Not Authorized | 1/10/2025 |
5 star moving
This listing has been claimed by 5 star moving1738 Shasta Street
Richmond, CA, 94804
About 5 star moving
Need help planning and executing a move? Not to worry, 5-Star Moving can help you with all the details to get...
Services
- Local residential moving
- Labor services
- Packing services
- Piano moving
- Last minute moving
- Furniture wrapping
- Furniture disassembly or assembly
- Advice & assistance on packing
- Heavy lifting for home organization & staging
- Office relocation
Pros
- Professional and efficient service
- Handled belongings with care
- Flexible with scheduling
- Highly responsive and communicative
Cons
- Went over quoted hours
- Furniture came out dirty and damaged
- Some cases of unprofessional comments
- Move took much longer than quoted in some cases
Moving Licenses
| License Type | Number | Status | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 4020333 | Authorized For HHG | 1/10/2025 |
| California | CAL-T192690 | Active | 12/6/2024 |
Lambert & Son Moving
2638 17th Ave
Santa Cruz, CA, 95065
About Lambert & Son Moving
Lambert & Son Moving is a family-owned and operated local business and one of the most trusted moving companies in Santa...
Services
Pros
- Very professional and courteous crew
- Efficient and fast moving process
- Reasonable pricing with no hidden fees
- Friendly and helpful customer service staff
Cons
- Occasional damage to items and property
- Some cases of poor communication and responsiveness
- Minor confusion on pricing in rare instances
- Rare complaints about damage not being acknowledged or repaired satisfactorily
Moving Licenses
| License Type | Number | Status | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 3528657 | Authorized For HHG | 1/10/2025 |
| California | CAL-T189973 | Active | 12/6/2024 |
Santa Cruz Moving Services
Santa Cruz, CA
About Santa Cruz Moving Services
Santa Cruz Moving Services is a family-owned and operated California moving company providing high-quality services for moves across the street, within...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
- Small moving services
- Piano moving services
- Packing services
- Residential moving services
- Office/business moving services
- Furniture moving services
- Storage services
Pros
- Highly responsive and communicative
- Professional and efficient service
- Competitive pricing with no hidden fees
- Friendly and polite crew
Cons
- Minor miscommunications reported
- Rare instances of greasy spots on carpets
- Some reports of unprofessional assembly work
- Occasional issues with handling unexpected terrain
Moving Licenses
| License Type | Number | Status | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 2769204 | Not Authorized | 1/10/2025 |
| California | CAL-T190725 | Active | 12/6/2024 |
Lunardi Moving Services
2577 Scott Blvd
Santa Clara, CA, 95050
About Lunardi Moving Services
For over half a century, Lunardi Moving Services has been a family-owned moving company that serves the San Jose, CA, area...
Call NowServices
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Senior Moving
- Packing Material
- Logistic
- Storage Services
- Portable Storage
- Regular Storage
- Customized and packaged relocation services
- Full-service Commercial Moving
Pros
- Professional and hardworking crews
- Items handled with care
- Responsive and fast communication
- Respectful and courteous teams
Cons
- Very expensive compared to competitors
- Rare instances of damaged furniture
- Unprofessional behaviors observed in some cases
- Hidden fees and added unexpected charges
A2B Movers San Jose
1432 W San Carlos St
San Jose, CA, 95126
About A2B Movers San Jose
If you're looking for a well-known, reliable moving company in the San Jose, CA, area, A2B Movers might be right for...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing & Unpacking
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
- Furniture Assembly / Reassembly
- Loading / Unloading
- Pool Table Moving
- Appliance Moving
- Storage
Pros
- Very efficient and quick
- Professional and skilled handling
- Communicated arrival times and responsive
- Fair pricing with no hidden fees
Cons
- Some damage to furniture but addressed
- Rare cases of unprofessional behavior in tipping
- Occasional issues with service quality
- Infrequent late arrivals but communicated promptly
Tbs movers
380 N 26th St
San Jose, CA, 95116
About Tbs movers
TBS Moving is a family-owned moving company based in the Bay Area, serving locations such as San Jose, Sunnyvale, Campbell, Milpitas,...
Services
- Residential Moves
- Commercial Moves
- Local Moves
- Long Distance Moves
- Moving Tips Consulting
- Realtor Specific Moving Programs
- Specials on Moving Services
- Free Moving Estimates
- Satisfaction-Guaranteed Moves
- Protected Belongings Relocation
Pros
- Very reasonable prices
- Quick and professional response
- High level of care for belongings
- Punctual and efficient
Cons
D&L Movers
1563 Bahama Way
Campbell, CA, 95008
About D&L Movers
Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...
Services
- Cheap moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
- International moving
- Small moving
- Piano moving
- Pool table moving
- Appliance moving
- Commercial moving
Pros
- Efficient and timely service
- Professional and courteous crew
- Reasonable pricing and detailed estimates
- Careful handling and wrapping of furniture
Cons
- Rare cases of being late
- Some instances of miscommunication
- Occasional issues with the final charge being higher than the quote
- Infrequent reports of damage and lack of follow-up
Moving Licenses
| License Type | Number | Status | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 2706648 | Active | 7/23/2023 |
Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC
San Carlos, CA, 94070
About Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC
Whether you're moving to the next street or city, Joshua's Moving, Packing & Storage offers worry-free relocation services within California. Located...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
- Small moving
- Piano moving
- Pool table moving
- Appliance moving
- Last-minute moving
- Hourly moving
- Packing services
Pros
- Skilled and professional movers
- Efficient and quick moving service
- Friendly and courteous teams
- Handled belongings with care, no damages reported frequently
Cons
- Some cases of belongings scratched or dented
- Rare issues with bills exceeding initial quotes
- Infrequent lapses in communication post-move regarding concerns
- Occasional delays in arrival times
Moving Licenses
| License Type | Number | Status | Last Verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 3184868 | Active | 9/5/2023 |
| California | CAL-T191363 | Active | 12/6/2024 |
How do we review a moving company?
Imagine the challenge of sifting through and reading every single review a moving company has ever received. Could you spot the fake reviews? Could you formulate a well-rounded analyses, or would you be left relying on a gut feeling?
Our rigorous evaluation process addresses this by meticulously vetting each moving company based on 11 crucial aspects of the moving experience:
- 1. Quality
Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.
- 2. Punctuality
Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?
- 3. Affordability
1 = extremely expensive, 10 = extremely affordable
- 4. Communication
Was the office staff quick to respond to questions prior to moving day? Did the moving crew notify you on the day of move regarding any changes to the original schedule? If there were any issues to resolve after moving day, was an office manager quick to respond and address problems encountered?
- 5. Stick to Prices
Was a lowball quote provided to earn business only to see the final moving day price increase substantially?
- 6. Speed
Did the movers seem to take their precious time in an attempt to increase the overall cost of the move? Remember, moving is HARD work and some breaks should be expected!
- 7. Friendliness
Was the moving crew cordial and friendly to be around on moving day?
- 8. Will Hire Again
How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again for their next move.
- 9. Professionalism
Did the moving crew behave in a professional manner on moving day?
- 10. Conflict Handling
Accidents can and will likely happen at some point on moving day. How a moving company responds to these accidents can say a lot about the company.
- 11. Precision & Care
Were walls scratched? Did furniture get scuffed, broken, or lost?
Labor-Only Moves in Santa Cruz, CA
If you have your own truck or just need help loading and unloading in Santa Cruz, labor-only moving services can be a smart choice. Whether you’re settling into a new apartment in Downtown Santa Cruz or rearranging your home in Soquel, these movers handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on other details. You can hire hourly movers in Santa Cruz, which can give you flexibility in controlling costs and timing. This option is especially handy if you’re confident in handling bits of your move on your own but need extra muscle for bulky items.
List of All Santa Cruz Moving Companies Analyzed
See all of our Santa Cruz moving company reviews- A2B Movers San Jose
- All in Moving Systems
- Fairprice Movers
- Ace Relocation Systems, Inc.
- Air 1 Moving & Storage
- Lunardi Moving Services
- Silicon Valley Moving & Storage
- San Jose Movers
- California Movers Local & Long
- Clutch Moving Company
- Caremore Moving & Storage
- Starving Students Movers, Inc.
- Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC
- Macy Movers, Inc.
- Eagle Moving And Storage Inc.
- PODS Moving & Storage
- Tony's Movers The New Way To Move
- MC Movers
- D&L Movers
- Califast Movers
- Ninja Movers
- 5 star moving
- Umove
- Finch Moving Company
- Tbs movers
- Lambert & Son Moving
- Southwest Movers
- Leibbrandt transport moving and storage
- Ace Moving
- Rational Moving
- Ship Smart Inc.
- Zorn Moving & Storage
- Santa Cruz Moving Services
- Mod Movers
- Go Green Box Bend - Rent Moving Boxes
- Hollister Moving & Storage
- Trek Movers. Local & Long-Distance Moving Company in San Jose.
- White Red Moving & Storage
- Central Coast Movers
- Any Way Moving
- Shaka Movers
- Santa Cruz Movers
- Commander Moving Inc.
- Warriors Moving Services LLC
- North American Van Lines
Specialty Moves in Santa Cruz, CA
Some belongings require special care, like pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, or statues. If your Santa Cruz home has a treasured instrument used for beachside jam sessions, you’ll want experienced piano movers to handle it safely, especially when navigating twists on Highway 17. A massive pool table in your Westside game room may also need the help of pool table movers who know how to dismantle and reassemble it properly. Going with specialists is a smart choice to protect your valuables and reduce stress during the move.
Special Considerations for Moving in Santa Cruz
You can't control the weather, but you can make a more informed decision and be prepared for possible weather or city-specific issues with a plan. The following chart outlines several considerations specifically tailored to Santa Cruz, CA, to help ensure your move goes as smoothly as possible.
Hire better movers!
Make an easier move.
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Santa Cruz Moving Services
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