Arizona ranks consistently among the top inbound states for domestic migration. Census data shows 282,729 people moved into Arizona in a single recent year — the highest estimated in-migration figure recorded since at least 2010, and a 20% increase over the prior decade. The state’s net domestic migration placed it fourth nationally, behind only Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. The primary feeder is California: Los Angeles County alone contributed over 11,500 net migrants to Arizona in IRS-tracked data, followed by San Diego and Riverside Counties. Moves from the Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland) and Midwest metros (Chicago, Detroit) also register in volume.
This inbound volume is concentrated in two markets. Maricopa County (Phoenix metro) and Pima County (Tucson) absorb the majority of arrivals, and moves within the sprawling Phoenix Valley often cover distances that push into long-haul territory — a cross-valley move from Surprise to Mesa or from Peoria to Gilbert can run 40 to 60 miles with no meaningful difference in feel from a local move. Arizona also experiences snowbird churn: an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 seasonal residents arrive between late October and early spring each year, generating packing, storage, and partial-load demand concentrated around those transitions.
Peak moving season in Arizona runs May through September, driven by school-year calendars and corporate relocation cycles. Summer heat is operationally significant — moves during June, July, and August are more expensive, require earlier start times, and carry greater risk for heat-sensitive belongings. Movers in the Phoenix metro widely recommend October through March for the lowest demand and the most favorable outdoor conditions. Long-distance corridor moves from Arizona predominantly route via I-10 (to California and Texas), I-17 (to northern Arizona and Utah), and I-40 (to New Mexico and beyond).
Arizona does not require a state-specific moving license for intrastate household goods carriers. Intrastate movers are subject to oversight by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and the Department of Weights and Measures, and must register as a business entity with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC). Arizona’s Hostage Load Law (ARS 44-1612 through 44-1615) prohibits movers from withholding goods to demand payment beyond the agreed amount. For interstate moves, FMCSA and USDOT registration apply. Local move costs average around $85 per hour statewide, with full-service local moves ranging from approximately $288 to $2,781 depending on home size and distance.
Top-Rated Movers in Arizona
Camelback Moving
Address: 2330 N 31st Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85009
Website: https://camelbackmoving.com
USDOT: #1635834
Founded in 2005 and owner-operated by Chad Olsen, Camelback Moving is the highest-reviewed independent moving company in the Phoenix metro, handling approximately 500 to 600 moves per month with a staff of 100. They provide local, interstate, and international moving (including relocations to Mexico), plus packing, unpacking, labor-only, and commercial services. Rates are published transparently on their website with no hidden fees — an uncommon practice among Phoenix movers. Camelback serves all of Arizona and offers moves nationwide across the continental U.S., holding an A+ BBB rating and AMSA ProMover certification.
Copperstate Moving
Address: 7375 W Buckeye Rd, Ste 155, Phoenix, AZ 85043
Website: https://copperstatemoving.com
USDOT: #2132766
Founded in 2009 as a family-owned operation, Copperstate Moving is one of the largest independent residential movers in Arizona, serving the Phoenix Valley and the broader state including Tucson, Peoria, Surprise, Avondale, Goodyear, Buckeye, and Casa Grande. Services include local and long-distance moves, commercial relocations, packing, and climate-controlled storage at a facility in west Phoenix. They specialize in senior living community moves and model home setups — two high-volume niches in the Phoenix market — and charge a single truck fee plus hourly labor with no weekend surcharges.
Gilbert Moving & Storage
Address: 6056 E Baseline Rd, Ste 129, Mesa, AZ 85206
Website: https://gilbertmovingandstorage.com
USDOT: #3190108
Gilbert Moving & Storage launched in 2016 and has grown to hold authority for both local and interstate moves, with climate-controlled storage on site. The company primarily serves the East Valley — Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Queen Creek, Chandler, and Apache Junction — and reports over 5,000 completed moves with a claim rate below 0.05%. Services include full packing and unpacking, specialty item handling (including antiques), and out-of-state relocations. The company holds memberships in the Arizona Movers Association and the Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa Chambers of Commerce, and is a BBB-accredited member.
Moving Companies in Arizona: Common Questions
Is my mover required to hold a state license in Arizona?
Arizona does not require moving companies to obtain a state-issued moving license for intrastate work. Movers operating within Arizona must register as a legal business entity with the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC), and are subject to oversight from the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Department of Weights and Measures. To verify a company is a registered business in AZ, use the ACC’s search tool at azcc.gov. For interstate moves, separately verify the company holds an active USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does a local move typically cost in Arizona?
The statewide average hourly rate for a moving crew in Arizona is approximately $85 — below the national average of around $137 to $139. A local one-bedroom move typically runs around $680 total, a two-bedroom around $1,530, and a three-bedroom around $2,380, based on standard crew sizes and move times. These figures apply to moves under 50 miles; moves spanning greater distances within Arizona (common in the Phoenix Valley and on routes to Tucson or Flagstaff) are often priced differently, sometimes based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rate.
How does Arizona’s summer heat affect moving costs and timing?
Peak moving season runs May through September, driven by school-year schedules and corporate relocation cycles. Many Phoenix-area moving companies charge 10 to 20% more during this period due to higher demand and heat-related operational challenges. Summer moves require early start times to finish before afternoon temperatures peak, and climate-sensitive items (electronics, artwork, certain furniture materials) face elevated risk in the desert heat. October through March offers the lowest demand, lowest rates, and the most favorable moving conditions across the state.
How do I protect myself against rogue movers in Arizona?
Arizona’s lack of a dedicated state moving license makes verification more important here than in states with formal licensing registries. Before booking, confirm the company is registered with the Arizona Corporation Commission at azcc.gov. For interstate moves, verify an active USDOT number at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Arizona’s Hostage Load Law (ARS 44-1612 to 44-1615) prohibits movers from withholding your belongings to demand payment beyond the agreed amount — if this occurs, contact the AZDPS moving hotline at (602) 223-5000. Always obtain a written estimate before any move begins.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company in Arizona?
For in-state moves, complaints can be filed with the Arizona Department of Public Safety at (602) 223-5000 or (602) 223-2212, or by email at [email protected]. You can also contact the Arizona Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division for disputes involving fraud or misrepresentation. For interstate moves regulated by federal authority, file a complaint with the FMCSA online or by calling 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). Keep all written estimates, contracts, and inventory documentation as these will be required to support any claim.