Best movers in Berkeley, Calif.

Selecting the right moving company is one of the most crucial steps in the moving process. You'll want to make sure the estimate you receive fits your budget, and that the crew you hire is fully capable of handling the work. The good news is that we've done much of the groundwork for you by evaluating and rating some of the top movers that serve the Berkeley area. Our evaluation considered key factors, including customer feedback, proper licensing and insurance, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation and more to create our list of leading recommendations. We also reached out to our featured companies to request quotes and gain insight into how they communicate with potential customers.

Top Berkeley movers

The best moving company in Berkeley for YOU

Choosing the right moving company can feel like a big task. While we stand behind every mover featured on this list, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If storage is part of your plan, focus on movers that provide the storage options you require. Have bulky or oversized items that need special handling? Look for companies equipped for heavy lifting. If affordability is your main concern, compare multiple quotes to find the best overall value. We suggest contacting at least three different movers before making your final decision.

NorthStar Moving Company is our pick for the best mover in Berkeley. The company operates in California, Texas and Arizona, offering a wide range of services, including local and long-distance moves, packing and unpacking, storage, specialty item handling and more. Local move pricing is determined by the number of movers required, the travel time between locations and the volume of furniture and boxes being transported. To receive an estimate, you'll need to schedule a virtual video appointment with a representative, during which you'll complete a walkthrough of both the inside and outside of your home. This helps the company assess your total inventory and identify any items or areas that may require extra attention. A $50 deposit is also required to secure your preferred moving date.

Ontrack Moving & Storage is another great option for a mover in Berkeley. The company operates out of two locations and brings 15 years of experience handling residential and commercial moves. Their service offerings include local and long-distance moving, packing, storage options, junk removal and white-glove moving services. A three-person crew typically costs between $185 and $205 per hour, while a four-mover team ranges from $235 to $255 per hour. Travel time and fuel are factored into the hourly rate, but because of California's double-drive-time law, you'll effectively be charged twice for travel. To secure your moving date, a $150 deposit is also required.

Table of contents

• Best overall mover in Berkeley

• Top alternative Berkeley moving company

• Best national moving company

• More best movers in Berkeley

• Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

• California moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Berkeley, Calif.

NorthStar Moving Company is the best overall Berkeley moving company

Founded in 1994, NorthStar has spent more than 30 years relocating households, commercial clients and even high-profile celebrities. The company operates in California, Texas and Arizona, and emphasizes its commitment to eco-friendly practices. It uses biodiesel fuel, recycled moving boxes and biodegradable Bubble Wrap, and also supports local communities through charitable donations.

We called NorthStar to get an idea about how much it would cost to move a three-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot house locally within Berkley. The representative who took our call was friendly, professional and eager to hear about our move. Local moves are priced based on the number of movers you'll need, the distance (drive time) between your addresses and the number of furniture and boxes you have.

To obtain an estimate, you'll need to schedule a virtual video call with a representative, during which you'll conduct a walkthrough of the inside and outside of your home. It's a bit tedious, but it allows the company to get a pretty good estimate of the amount of inventory you have and any heavy or specialty items that might require some extra skill to move. This also helps them calculate how many movers and trucks you'll need.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• International moves

• Office and production moves

• Personal and commercial storage services

• Packing and unpacking services

• Specialty item moving

The company has a three-hour minimum in place for all moving jobs. Travel and fuel charges are reviewed as part of your overall estimate, though it's important to note that California's double drive-time rule means there's a strong possibility you'll pay extra. This law essentially means that moving companies are required to compensate workers for twice the drive time it takes to travel between two locations.

For local moves, there are no additional fees for stairs or elevators. Movers will wrap and pad your furniture and use protective coverings on doorframes, banisters and floors. All crew members undergo training and background checks before starting their first assignment. To secure your moving date, a $50 deposit is required, which is fully refundable if you cancel at least three days before your scheduled move date. Payments can be made via cash, card or cashier's check, and there are no processing fees for credit or debit card payments.

NorthStar Moving Company is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating with three filed complaints. It maintains a 4.9-star rating on Google (890 reviews) and a 4.6-star rating on Yelp (965 reviews).

The company's office is located at One Bush Plaza, Suite B-182, San Francisco, Calif., 94104. Hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends. To start an estimate, call 800-275-7767 or visit the company's website .

Customer testimonial

Had things stored with north star, then delivered. Service was very professional, floors were covered, no damage, etc. The movers were really fast! I would highly recommend using this mover again. We used them again for our move four years later. Still really happy! Our crew was Alejandro with Ruben Agustin and Juan V. - Lauren S., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Ontrack Moving & Storage is our top alternative Berkeley mover

Ontrack Moving and Storage has been offering residential and commercial moving services throughout California for 15 years. The company handles local and long-distance moves, packing, storage, junk removal and white-glove services. We called the company to get an estimate on how much it would cost to move a three-bedroom, 1,500-square-foot home within Berkeley.

We spoke with Angila, a sales representative who was extremely friendly and thorough in answering our questions. She explained that our move would likely require a four-person crew, priced between $235 and $255 per hour. However, a three-mover team is also an option, costing between $185 and $205 per hour. The company has a four-hour minimum for labor. After that, labor is billed in 15-minute increments.

Travel and fuel expenses are factored into the hourly rate. However, note that California's double drive-time rule also applies here. The crew will provide blankets and padding for your belongings and can disassemble or reassemble furniture as needed. Packing supplies, such as shrink wrap for furniture and specialty boxes for TVs or mirrors, are available for an additional fee. On the positive side, there are no extra charges for stairs or elevators at your property.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Packing services

• Storage services

• Commercial moves

• Junk removal

• White-glove moving services

You'll need to pay a $150 deposit to secure your move date. This deposit is fully refundable as long as you cancel at least five days before your scheduled move. If you need to reschedule, the company requires a minimum of three days' notice. Payments can be made with cash or card, though all credit and debit transactions include a 3% processing fee. Checks are not accepted. We were also informed that all movers are full-time employees who have undergone both drug screening and background checks.

Ontrack Moving and Storage is accredited by the BBB and holds an A+ rating with no complaints on file. The company maintains a 4.9-star rating on Google (445 reviews) and a 4.9-star rating on Yelp (792 reviews). 

Its office is located at 22950 Clawiter Road, Hayward, Calif., 94545. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. To request an estimate, call 888-914-8787 or visit the company's website .

Customer testimonial

Mauricio was the head of a great crew who moved our furniture with care and efficiency. They were very clean and polite and they took good care of our belongings! He was a joy to work with! We have moved a few times in the past several years and this is by far the best company we have used. I would highly recommend them! - Kathryn R., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best national moving company

At Yahoo Local, we're dedicated to highlighting great local businesses, but we also recognize that national moving companies can sometimes be the better choice, especially for long-distance relocations. After reviewing several nationwide providers, we selected BLVD Moving as our top pick among the best national movers . For deeper guidance on deciding between local and national companies, be sure to explore our detailed comparison guide .

BLVD Moving is run by a team of seasoned professionals with decades of industry experience. Although the company currently operates only four offices in California, it provides both local and long-distance services throughout the U.S. As a family-owned and independently managed business, BLVD maintains its own fleet and in-house moving crews. Still, the company's terms note that subcontractors or agents may occasionally be used during high-demand seasons, which is a standard practice in the moving industry, but something to keep in mind.

To better understand pricing, we requested a quote for a 500-mile move involving roughly 1,340 cubic feet of belongings, which is about the size of a typical three-bedroom home without major appliances. The estimate came in at around $6,700, which is in line with rates from other national movers. To secure a booking, BLVD requires a 33% deposit, with half of the remaining balance due at pickup and the final payment due upon delivery.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Residential, office and commercial moves

• Packing services

• Storage

• Financing

If you need to cancel your move, deposits are refunded as long as you provide at least two business days' notice before pickup. Delivery windows range from two to 21 business days, depending on distance. This timeframe begins on your chosen delivery date, meaning that for some long-distance shipments, delivery may take just over a month.

BLVD advises customers to book their moves at least 30 days in advance, or even earlier during peak periods, such as summer or at the beginning and end of each month. (For more details, you can refer to our guide on the best and worst times to move .) Requesting an estimate is simple: you can schedule a virtual walkthrough or fill out an online inventory form for quicker results. Financing is also available, with qualified customers eligible for starting rates as low as 0%.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with a B rating and 99 complaints on file. While that may seem high, it's fairly typical for a large national carrier. The company has an average rating of 4.5 stars on Google (from 1,341 reviews) and 2.3 stars on Yelp (based on 376 reviews). All movers are full-time employees who go through background checks rather than independent contractors.

BLVD's main office is located at 21622 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. Business hours run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To request a quote, call 844-274-0500 or submit a request online .

Customer testimonial

Friendly and professional movers. Erick was polite, professional and friendly. He and his crew did an excellent job. I would use them again! - Anna P., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

More best Berkeley movers

You can count on Yahoo Local moving advice, and this is why

At Yahoo, we've spent decades dedicated to delivering reliable, accurate information about local businesses. Our Yahoo Local guides uphold that tradition, working to give you the clearest picture possible of which companies truly merit your time and hard-earned money. But we don't expect you to simply take our word for it — we're transparent about our entire process, sharing the details behind our methodology and how we make our selections. With a custom ranking system designed by our team, we've developed what we believe is the most unbiased way to showcase the very best local businesses in your area. We never accept payment for inclusion, and you'll never see sponsored picks in our lists. Want more details? Visit our full methodology page . 

Below is everything that went into the rankings for our list of the best moving companies in Berkeley:

• 77 movers evaluated

• 44,354 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all three featured movers

• Independent price quotes sought from all three featured moving companies

• Independently researched and fact-checked by Yahoo

• Recommendations are maintained and updated regularly

California moving FAQs

What info should you have when requesting an estimate?

What you'll need to provide for a moving estimate can differ from one company to another, depending on how detailed their pricing system is. Some movers ask only for basic details such as your home's square footage, number of bedrooms and the pickup and drop-off locations. Others prefer to wait until they've reviewed a complete inventory of everything you plan to move before offering a quote.

At minimum, you should be ready to share the size of both your current and future homes, the full addresses and information about any large or specialty items that may require extra care. Many companies charge additional fees for items that exceed certain weight limits, so giving this information upfront can help you avoid unexpected costs. It's also important to note whether either location includes stairs or elevators, as movers frequently add extra charges for those situations.

What should you know about packing and storage in California?

California's climate tends to stay on the hotter side throughout most of the year. In Sunnyvale, for example, average yearly temperatures typically range from 43°F to 76°F and rarely drop below 35°F or above 86°F, according to Weather Spark .

Items like electronics, art materials, synthetic fabrics, cosmetics and medications are particularly vulnerable to heat and should be moved in a climate-controlled vehicle. If you plan to use storage, investing in an indoor or climate-regulated unit is a smart way to keep these sensitive belongings protected.

What's different about condo and apartment moving in California?

Moving into or out of an apartment or condo often means dealing with stairs. Many moving companies add extra charges for carrying items up multiple flights, and some also include additional fees for elevator use. While a single flight may not incur an extra cost, homes located on the third floor or higher usually come with an added surcharge.

Do you need moving permits or licenses to move in California?

All moving companies operating in California must have a Household Mover Permit — commonly referred to as a Cal-T number — issued by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). This requirement is strictly enforced to protect consumers from unlicensed movers who may not follow proper procedures or carry adequate insurance. Licensed movers in the state are also required to display their Cal-T number on all advertisements, websites, vehicles and contracts.

For more information, you can refer to our comprehensive guide on California's moving company licensing and regulations .

How much should you tip movers in California?

A common guideline for tipping movers is to contribute between 10% and 20% of your total moving bill . This suggestion holds true for both local and long-distance relocations. However, tipping is completely optional — it's merely a gesture to show appreciation for good service. If the movers don't meet your expectations, you're under no obligation to tip.

More Yahoo Local-approved U.S. movers

Best California movers

Bakersfield / Berkeley / Escondido / Fremont / Fresno / Irvine / Los Angeles / Oakland / Sacramento / San Diego / San Francisco / San Jose / Santa Cruz / Santa Rosa

Best Florida movers

Boca Raton / Bradenton / Fort Lauderdale / Fort Myers / Gainesville / Jacksonville / Melbourne / Miami / Naples / Ocala / Orlando / Sarasota / St. Petersburg / Tallahassee / Tampa / West Palm Beach

Best New York movers

Albany / Binghamton / The Bronx / Brooklyn / Buffalo / Clifton Park / Hamburg / Ithaca / Kingston / Manhattan / New Rochelle / Poughkeepsie / Queens / Rochester / Syracuse

Best Texas movers

Amarillo / Arlington / Austin / Beaumont / Corpus Christi / Dallas / Denton / El Paso / Fort Worth / Houston / Katy / Midland / Odessa / Plano / Round Rock / San Antonio / The Woodlands

• Best national moving companies in the U.S.

• See all Yahoo Local moving

More Yahoo Local-approved California providers

Best California movers

Bakersfield / Berkeley / Chula Vista / Escondido / Fremont / Fresno / Irvine / Los Angeles / Sacramento / San Diego / San Francisco / San Jose / Santa Cruz / Santa Rosa

• Best national moving companies

• See all Yahoo Local moving

Best California roofers

Bakersfield / Fresno / Los Angeles / Sacramento / San Jose / San Diego / San Francisco

• Best national roofing companies

• See all Yahoo Local roofing