Best Movers in Fresno, CA

As one of the most affordable places to live in California, Fresno is ideal for growing families, retirees, first-time homeowners and busy professionals. Fresno also has excellent schools, unbeatable weather, a reliable public transportation system, a vibrant arts and culture scene and plenty of outdoor recreational activities. If you are planning to move to Fresno, our moving guide can help.

Hiring professional movers costs anywhere between $800 and $15,000. The price depends on a few key factors:

• How much you’re moving
• How far you’re moving
• When you’re moving
• If you have special requests

People tend to schedule their moves for the beginning or end of the month, which means you may be able to save some money if you can plan your move to occur midweek or midmonth. Summer is a popular time to move to Fresno, so moving rates are higher in these months. If you have the flexibility to postpone your move date, consider moving during slow seasons like fall and winter.

Local moving costs within Fresno

The average cost to move within the Fresno area is $1,250. Many things impact this price, such as if you need help with packing or if you need to move specialty items. Local movers typically charge by the hour, the number of employees and the number of trucks and equipment needed for a quick and safe move.

As you choose a moving company within the Fresno area, ask about any hidden fees that may impact the total cost of the move. Some of these extra charges include:

• Stair fees: If you are moving to a multistory home or a high-rise, movers may charge extra for carrying your things up multiple flights of stairs.
• Long-carry fees: If the drop-off point for your belongings is not close to where the moving truck can park, there may be an extended-carry fee to cover the extra labor.
• Specialty moves: Fragile items like wine collections, precious family collectibles, antiques and fine art may need to be handled by a specially trained professional.
• Shuttle fees: Some areas in Fresno, including Downtown Fresno, are known for having extremely narrow streets. If the average moving truck cannot fit on your street, movers may have to park farther away and utilize a shuttle service to get your boxes to your new home.

Long-distance moving costs in Fresno

A long-distance move to or from Fresno can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $10,000. Instead of charging by the hour, most long-distance movers charge by weight or the mile. The more items you have and the farther you are moving, the more you can expect to pay for professional movers.

Here is a table to give you an idea of the average cost to move to Fresno from out of state:

Moving services in Fresno

The prices mentioned above typically cover the cost of transporting your goods from one location to another. However, most Fresno moving companies offer a variety of services that can help make moving day easier. Some of these services include:

• Packing services: Packing is undoubtedly the most time-consuming part of moving. Many professional moving companies can also pack all or some of your belongings before loading them onto the truck. Because movers typically charge by the hour, you can expect to pay at least $400 in hourly fees to pack and unpack your home.
• Labor-only moves: If you have your own truck, you may only need expert help to load and unload your belongings. Ask about labor-only moves as a cost-effective solution.

When selecting the perfect Fresno moving company for you, it is essential to do your research. Ask friends and family about the movers they’ve used and read online reviews. Unfortunately, scammers pretending to be moving companies take advantage of families and individuals during a chaotic and vulnerable time in their lives. To protect yourself from moving company scams, treat it as a red flag if a company:

• Provides quotes that are significantly lower than the competition
• Requires a large down payment
• Demands to be paid upfront
• Only accepts cash
• Cannot provide references
• Doesn’t use contracts — or, if they do, the contracts are questionable and don’t seem professional
• Doesn’t give you a way to contact the driver during the move

If a moving company is doing any of these things, they could be running a scam. The state of California requires movers to register with the California Public Utilities Commission. Check and verify that they are registered, licensed and insured before signing any contracts.

California regulations for moving companies

In California, moving companies must be licensed and regulated by the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services. The moving company is required to provide you with:

• Copy of the moving services agreement
• “Important Notice About Your Move” document completed by the moving company
• The "Important Information For Persons Moving Household Goods (within California)" booklet

A moving company is only allowed to provide you with a written estimate after they’ve conducted a physical and visual inspection of your items.

For interstate moving, you can search for a registered household goods mover by checking with the Federal Motor Carrier Association and the Department of Transportation.