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Best moving companies in Sacramento, CA 2025

We compared 39 companies and chose the top movers

    • United Regions Van Lines
      4.3(786)
    • International Van Lines
      4.3(1,027)

    Best moving companies in Sacramento, CA 2025

    Author picture
    By: Cassidy McCants
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Jon Bortin

    Our 2 picks for movers in Sacramento

    1. Affordable moves: United Regions Van Lines
    2. International moves: International Van Lines

    To help find the best options for you, we compared 80 moving companies and determined which were available in Sacramento. Then we analyzed ratings and reviews on ConsumerAffairs from Sacramento customers.

    To make our picks, we also considered pricing, the quote and deposit processes, and the availability of packing services and storage options. Read our full methodology below for all the details. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations.

    Buyers Choice Award Finalist
    United Regions Van Lines
    United Regions Van Lines
    4.3
    786 reviews
    Highlight
    Military and senior moving packages
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, military, senior
    Discounts available
    Seasonal
    Get a Quote Read Reviews

    United Regions Van Lines provides moves to and from Sacramento. It offers binding quotes, so your price is locked in as long as your initial inventory is accurate.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding
    • Storage options: Climate-controlled; secured with cameras/guards 24/7
    • Packing services: Large items, furniture, fragile items; DIY packing boxes

    Pros

    • Competitive pricing and transparent communication, according to reviewers
    • Dedicated moving coordinators
    • Climate-controlled storage units with security guards and cameras

    Cons

    • Some reports of last-minute changes in moving date
    • No international or local moves
    • Deposit requirements: Generally 20% to 25%
    • Discounts: Seasonal
    • “After the amazing job the crew did, I will be recommending them to everyone I know. I consider what they did at my antique shop the most professional encounter I've had in a very long time. They showed up with gloves and acid free paper to protect and wrap everything in. Apart from coming prepared they were so fast! They had the whole shop packed and everything boxed under a couple hours. the whole team is genuinely friendly and I just truly loved the whole process.” — Maude in Sacramento
    2025 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    International Van Lines
    International Van Lines
    4.3
    1,027 reviews
    Highlight
    Quick (under 15 minutes) quotes
    Types of moves
    Commercial, residential, auto transport
    Discounts available
    None specified
    Read Reviews

    International Van Lines offers auto transport and commercial and residential moves to and from Sacramento. It provides binding and nonbinding quotes, so your initial quote may or may not change by the final bill — make sure to clarify the type of quote you're getting.

    Highlights

    • Broker vs. carrier: Broker and carrier
    • Type(s) of quotes: Binding and nonbinding
    • Storage options: Short- and long-term (first month free); storage-in-transit
    • Packing services: Full-service packing and unpacking

    Pros

    • Professional and punctual crews, according to reviewers
    • Dedicated moving coordinators
    • Operates in more than 180 countries

    Cons

    • A few reviewers mention surprise upcharges
    • Deposit requirements: One-third of the full price
    • Discounts: None specified
    • “International Van Lines was a great help for me during my move. The service was amazing!! They were on time and ready to to the day of. The movers had excellent customer service and made sure to take extra care of my belongings. They arrived to my new place right on time as well. The prices were amazing & I couldn't have asked for a better moving experience.” — Alexis from Sacramento
    • “International Van Lines movers was a lifesaver during my out-of-state move. Their 4 point system works seamlessly. They helped me to prepare for my move a few months prior to my move date. All the representatives I spoke with were professional and helpful. The day of my move out date all hands were on deck. Every worker had a different job, they had matching uniforms, efficient planning, and they were careful when moving my furniture. Everything fit in the truck and extra padding was placed where extra space was. When the truck arrived at my new address, the team unloaded and unwrapped my furniture. All of my belongings were accounted for. I highly recommend IVL Mover’s service for a stress-free move!” — Shannon from Sacramento
    3x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service, Best Moving Experience and Best Overall Value

    Moving Companies in Sacramento Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

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      What to consider when hiring a moving company in Sacramento

      Moving can be a daunting task, but careful planning and hiring the right movers can make all the difference. Start by determining what type of mover best suits your needs: Is your move local or long-distance, and do you need full-service packing services or basic transport?

      Research companies available in your area — check their licensing, insurance and online reviews. Get multiple quotes to compare pricing and services, and get everything in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

      It’s also smart to declutter beforehand and to make sure you understand how pricing works. Ask about extra services like packing and unpacking, and factor in potential costs for bulky items or difficult access. Don't hesitate to ask about insurance coverage and the claims process in case of damage.

      Cost to move in Sacramento

      The cost of hiring a mover ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on several factors. Long-distance moves naturally cost more than local relocations. The volume of your belongings also plays a role — larger homes require more labor and truck space. Extra services like packing, unpacking and the handling of specialty items add to the overall cost.

      The time of year and even the day of the week can also influence pricing (peak seasons and weekends are generally more expensive times to move). To get an accurate estimate, request quotes from multiple movers and provide a detailed inventory of your possessions.

      Average cost for moving services from and within Sacramento

      The figures below are based on current (as of publishing) industry estimates for a three-bedroom home with no additional services.

      Tipping movers

      While not mandatory, tipping movers is a common practice. It shows appreciation for the crew’s hard work, especially in cases of excellent service.

      A typical tip ranges from $20 to $50 per mover for a standard local move, but you can adjust this based on the complexity and duration of the job. For long-distance moves, consider tipping a larger amount or a percentage of the total cost. You can also provide nonmonetary gestures of gratitude (e.g., offering cold drinks and snacks on moving day).

      What about DIY moves?

      Moving yourself can be a cost-effective option, but it requires significant effort and planning. You might need to rent a truck, purchase or gather various packing supplies, and recruit friends or family to help.

      If you plan to move yourself, factor in truck rental fees, fuel, insurance and potential equipment rentals, like dollies and moving blankets. Consider the time commitment, including packing, loading, driving, unloading and unpacking. Will you have to take off work? Assess your available time, your physical capabilities and the potential for reliable help before deciding if a do-it-yourself move is the right choice for you.

      Tips for a successful Sacramento move

      A few things can save money, time and energy when you’re moving to Sacramento — including creating a budget, having less stuff and packing efficiently.

      1. Create a moving budget: Estimate the expenses associated with hiring movers or renting a truck, factoring in distance, the volume of your belongings and any additional services. Include costs for packing supplies, potential travel expenses (e.g., gas, tolls, lodging) and temporary storage if needed. Don't forget to account for insurance, cleaning fees and tipping your movers. Research average costs for moves like yours and get multiple moving quotes for a realistic budget.
      2. Declutter and sell or donate: While it takes time to sort through your belongings and determine what’s worth keeping and what needs to go, downsizing can ultimately make every part of the move go more smoothly. You can host a garage sale if you’d like to get cash for things you’re parting with, or you can donate gently used items. Many charities offer donation pickup services, making it easy to declutter while supporting a good cause. (Remember to get a donation receipt for potential tax deductions.)
      3. Pack smartly: Start by gathering quality packing supplies — get some sturdy boxes, packing tape, cushion wrap and markers. Pack room by room, and label boxes with their contents and destination (e.g., “Kitchen — Utensils”). Use appropriate packing materials to protect fragile items, and consider buying wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes. Maximize box space by filling in gaps with towels or clothing. It’s also a good idea to pack an essentials box or bag with items you'll need immediately after arrival at your new home.

      Moving within or to California?

      We’ve got some resources for you.

      » MORE: Moving checklist

      Moving regulations in Sacramento

      All moving companies in the U.S. should be licensed and insured — if a mover isn’t licensed, cross it off your list. If the moving company has to cross state lines for a move, it’s also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (you can check for a USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website).

      Verify current state regulations with California’s transportation authority. The California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Household Goods and Services has resources online to help protect consumers from illegitimate movers.

      » LEARN MORE: What is a USDOT number?

      FAQ

      How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?

      Truck rentals for local moves (typically under 100 miles) are generally priced by the day, with rates starting around $20. Rental truck companies usually calculate costs for long-distance moves based on mileage. You might plan to spend $2,000 or more for a larger move, depending on the distance and duration of the rental.

      The size of the truck and fuel costs are major cost considerations, especially for long-distance moves. Don't forget to factor in potential taxes, environmental fees, insurance coverage and the cost of necessary moving supplies like dollies and blankets.

      » CALCULATE: How much does a moving truck cost?

      Is hiring a mover worth it?

      If you can afford it, hiring a mover is likely worth it. When moving, going the DIY route is typically the cheapest option, but the associated stresses aren’t always worth it. While hiring a mover typically comes with a higher price tag, it can save a significant amount of time, stress and even money. In some cases, the combined expenses of renting a truck and handling the logistics yourself can even exceed the cost of hiring professional movers, so it's crucial to weigh your options carefully.

      How much does it cost to ship a car?

      The cost of shipping a car can vary significantly ($500 to $1,700 is typical as of publishing). Distance is the biggest cost factor, but time of year also plays a role (peak moving times, including summer and holidays, tend to have higher prices). The type of carrier you choose — open or enclosed — also affects the cost. Enclosed carriers offer more protection but at a higher price.

      Your vehicle's size and weight also factor into the equation, and extras like expedited shipping will increase the cost. The good news: Urban areas like Sacramento are often cheaper to ship to or from because they’re less remote and easier to get to than rural destinations. To get the best rate, get quotes from multiple auto transport companies and compare their services and pricing.

      Does Sacramento have a high cost of living?

      As of publishing, the cost of living in Sacramento is a bit high. Our 2024 study found that a single adult would need a salary of $82,874.37 to live comfortably in Sacramento.

      Methodology

      ConsumerAffairs carefully collects in-depth, verified reviews to tell each customer’s experience with a company. We believe customer experiences are a crucial indicator when evaluating companies, so these reviews are a significant factor when we make our top picks.

      To choose the top moving companies in Sacramento, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Sacramento. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      • Storage options: We looked at the availability of storage units and any free storage periods.
      • Packing services: We considered the types of packing services offered, including whether a company offers packing services and whether it offers both full and partial packing.
      • Deposit requirements: We prioritized companies that ask for a down payment of 20% or less over those with higher deposit requirements.
      • Discounts: We outlined how many discounts each company offers and what types (e.g., senior, military, student).
      • App: We gave a company preference if it has an app with a useful service, like requesting a quote or tracking a move.
      Guide Sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

      1. California Department of Consumer Affairs, “Household Movers Information.” Accessed Nov. 4, 2024.

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