California ranks among the top outbound states in the country for the fifth consecutive year, with U-Haul reporting 51% outbound traffic in 2024 and Atlas Van Lines recording 60% outbound shipments. moveBuddha’s 2024 data puts California at an in-to-out ratio of just 0.46 – the lowest of any state. From 2020 to 2024, the state posted a net domestic migration loss of approximately 530,000 residents, with the California-to-Texas corridor alone accounting for over 102,000 moves in a single year according to U.S. Census data. The primary drivers are housing costs, state income tax rates, and a regulatory environment cited frequently by businesses that have relocated. Despite the domestic outflow, California’s overall population grew slightly in 2024 due to a net gain of roughly 361,000 international arrivals.
That outbound pressure creates a specific operating environment for California movers. The state’s sheer size – spanning roughly 770 miles from the Oregon border to San Diego – means intrastate moves between Northern and Southern California often exceed 400 miles, more comparable to interstate relocations in smaller states. Summer (May-September) is peak season; rates typically run 20-30% higher during those months. Wildfire season can disrupt access in foothill and mountain communities from late summer through fall. For urban moves, high-rise buildings in San Francisco and downtown Los Angeles add elevator staging requirements and truck parking permit costs.
All intrastate movers must hold a license issued by California’s Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), formerly regulated through the Public Utilities Commission. The license number appears as a Cal-T or MTR prefix. Estimates must be in writing after a visual inspection – verbal or internet-only quotes are prohibited and unenforceable under state law. Movers must provide a “Not to Exceed” price for every household move. For interstate moves, FMCSA registration and a USDOT number are required. Consumers can verify a mover’s state license at bhgs.dca.ca.gov and file complaints at the same site.
Local moves in California average $122 per hour, with total costs ranging from approximately $442 for a studio to $4,033 for a large home, according to moveBuddha’s 2025 data. Long-distance intrastate moves – such as Bay Area to Los Angeles – are priced by weight and volume rather than hourly.
Top-Rated Movers in California
NorthStar Moving Company
Address: 19401 Business Center Dr, Northridge, CA 91324
Website: https://northstarmoving.com
Cal-T: MTR0182466
USDOT: #1836576
Founded in 1994 in Northridge, NorthStar Moving operates as an independent (non-van line) company serving the Los Angeles metro, San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and statewide long-distance routes. The company offers local, long-distance, interstate, and international moves alongside full packing and unpacking, climate-controlled storage, and specialty services for art, pianos, and high-value items. NorthStar has positioned itself around an “eco-luxury” model, using biodiesel trucks and 100% recyclable moving boxes. Out of 1,215 customer reviews analyzed by moveBuddha, 92% are positive, with A+ BBB accreditation and more service awards than any other California mover according to the company.
McCarthy Movers
Address: 1386 Fayette St, El Cajon, CA 92020
Website: https://mccarthymovers.com
Cal-T: MTR0154190
USDOT: #2059504
Established in La Mesa in 1919, McCarthy Movers is a fourth-generation family-owned company and one of California’s oldest continuously operating movers. Based in the San Diego area, the company serves all of California for intrastate moves and partners with National Van Lines (joined 2019) for long-distance and interstate relocations. Services include residential and commercial moves, packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and warehouse storage. McCarthy has a documented history of military PCS moves and holds A+ BBB accreditation. Of 212 online reviews, 87% are positive.
Got2Move
Address: 801 Avenue H, Suite 789, San Francisco, CA 94130
Website: https://got2move.com
Cal-T: MTR0191707
USDOT: #3070307
Founded in 2006 in San Francisco, Got2Move operates across the Bay Area and Greater Los Angeles and specializes in the San Francisco-to-Los Angeles corridor, one of California’s highest-volume intrastate routes. The company offers local moves, long-distance intrastate moves with overnight delivery options, office moves, and furniture and piano moving. Pricing uses a guaranteed not-to-exceed or flat-rate model with no hidden fees. Got2Move has nearly 20 years in the market, serves more than 1,000 customers per year, and holds a 91.6% positive review rate across 523 analyzed reviews. Occasional moves to San Diego and Sacramento are available for repeat customers.
Moving Companies in California: Common Questions
Is my mover required to be licensed in California?
Yes. All household goods movers operating within California must hold an active license issued by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). The license number appears as a Cal-T or MTR number and must be displayed in all advertisements, contracts, and on vehicles. You can verify any mover’s license status at bhgs.dca.ca.gov using the license search tool. Hiring an unlicensed mover in California means no access to the state complaint process and no guarantee of insurance coverage.
How much does a local move typically cost in California?
According to moveBuddha’s 2025 data, the statewide average hourly rate for local movers is $122, with studio moves averaging around $442 and large-home moves reaching $4,033 or more. Rates vary by metro: Los Angeles and San Francisco crews typically charge $140-$170 per hour for a two-person team. Summer moves (May through September) run 20-30% higher than off-season rates. Intrastate long-distance moves priced by weight – such as Bay Area to Los Angeles – commonly fall in the $1,989-$5,684 range based on aggregated California review data.
How does California’s size and geography affect move costs and timing?
California is one of the few states where an in-state move can span more than 400 miles. A move between San Francisco and San Diego exceeds the full length of many Eastern states, meaning intrastate long-distance pricing applies – moves over 100 miles are billed by weight, not by the hour. Wildfire evacuations during late summer and fall can affect scheduling in foothill communities. Urban high-rise moves in Los Angeles and San Francisco often require advance elevator reservations and city parking permits for trucks, which add cost and lead time. Summer traffic also compounds drive-time on I-5 and I-405 routes between major metros.
What is a “Not to Exceed” price and how does it protect me under California law?
Under California law, every mover must provide a written “Not to Exceed” price before your move begins. This is the maximum you can be charged unless you add services or items not included in the original agreement – any additions must be documented in a written “Change Order for Moving Services.” A change order cannot be issued simply because the mover underestimated costs. If your mover demands payment above the Not to Exceed price without a valid change order, contact the BHGS at 1-800-366-4782. Written estimates are binding; verbal or internet-only quotes are illegal under California regulation and may not be enforceable.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in California?
Complaints against intrastate movers can be filed directly with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services at bhgs.dca.ca.gov or by calling 1-800-366-4782. Loss or damage claims must be submitted in writing to the mover within nine months of delivery. The BHGS can assist with disputes over charges, damaged goods, and rogue mover activity such as holding shipments hostage – which is treated as a serious consumer violation under state law. For interstate moves, complaints may also be filed with FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov.