Best moving companies in San Francisco, CA

Our 2 picks for moving companies in San Francisco

To help find the best options for you, our research team started by comparing 80 moving companies. We narrowed the list to companies available in San Francisco and then analyzed ratings and reviews from San Francisco customers. We also considered other factors, including price and the availability of packing services and storage options. We ultimately chose the following companies as our top picks in San Francisco.

» MORE: Best movers in California

What to consider when hiring a moving company in San Francisco

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 San Francisco

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 San Francisco

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 DIY move is the right choice for you.

Tips for a successful San Francisco move

A few things can save money, time and energy when you’re moving to San Francisco — 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.

• Best solar companies in California
• Best home warranties in California
• How to do a California change of address
• California closing costs

» MORE: Moving checklist

Moving regulations in San Francisco

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?

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 San Francisco, we started with the 80 popular providers listed in our main moving guide. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in San Francisco. 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.