Best movers in Santa Cruz, Calif.

With nearly 40 moving companies to choose from in Santa Cruz, finding one that's worth your time and money can be challenging. That's why our Yahoo Local team did the work for you. We analyzed more than 5,000 customer reviews and verified each company's licenses, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation statuses, insurance and services. We also contacted the top movers to confirm pricing, policies and understand what you can expect from working with its team.

Top Santa Cruz movers

The best moving company in Santa Cruz for YOU

Narrowing down your moving company options is challenging and can take more time than you have to spend. That's why we made this short list, so you can focus on your budget, moving needs and the availability of each company. Whether you need full-service help, a long-distance relocation or just support moving furniture in your home, these companies stand out for customer service, pricing and local expertise.

Our pick for best overall mover in Santa Cruz is NorthStar Moving Company . Its wide range of services can help you move locally or overseas. It's BBB-accredited with hundreds of five-star reviews and more than 30 years of experience. Our top alternative pick is Lambert & Son Moving , a family-owned company with a strong reputation in the Bay Area. It offers local and interstate moves for residential and commercial needs. Keep reading for more details on the best movers in Santa Cruz.

Table of contents

• Best overall mover in Santa Cruz

• Top alternative Santa Cruz mover

• Best national moving company

• More best Santa Cruz movers

• Why you can trust Yahoo Local moving advice

• California moving FAQs

• Methodology

Best moving companies in Santa Cruz, Calif.

NorthStar Moving Company is the best overall Santa Cruz moving company

Founded in 1994, NorthStar Moving has completed more than 132,000 moves and built a strong reputation for trustworthiness and customer care. The company has earned hundreds of five-star Google reviews and is committed to sustainability, using biodiesel-moving trucks. NorthStar is known for its celebrity moving services and has helped move stars like Angelina Jolie, Chuck Norris and Derek Fisher.

We reached out to get an estimate for a three-bedroom local home move. NorthStar recommended a four-person crew and a truck, which costs $259 per hour with a four-hour minimum. Each additional mover adds $60, so a three-person crew would cost $199 per hour.

The minimum includes one hour of travel time to get to your current home and to your future address. This means you can expect to pay at least $1,036 for four movers and a truck. If your move takes more than eight hours, the hourly rate increases to one and a half times the standard rate.

Services offered

• Local, long-distance and international moves

• Residential, commercial and celebrity moves

• Art, piano and production moves

• Personal and commercial storage

• Packing and unpacking

• Boxes and supplies

You'll pay a $215 deposit to book your move. It's refundable up to three days before your scheduled date. There's no additional fee for the use of equipment like dollies, moving blankets and up to eight wardrobe boxes. The company has other packing supplies for sale, such as more boxes, tape and bubble wrap. The prices vary from $1 per foot of bubble wrap to $70 for a large television box.

This Santa Cruz mover accepts cash, cashier's check, credit or debit card without an additional fee. All movers are full-time employees of the company with background checks.

NorthStar Moving is accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating and two complaints within the last year. The company has answered all complaints seeking a resolution. It also has a 4.9-star rating on Google (884 reviews), 4.6 stars on Yelp (965 reviews) and 4.8 stars on Angi (802 reviews).

Its office is located at One Bush Plaza, Suite B-182, San Francisco, Calif., 94104. You can swing by on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or weekends from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 800-275-7767 or fill out an online form for a free estimate.

Customer testimonial

I had a great experience with NorthStar Moving Company! From start to finish, the team was friendly, professional, and efficient. They met my expectations both in terms of budget and service. The entire move went smoothly with no stress or drama, and I was especially impressed with how carefully they wrapped and handled my furniture for storage. I felt confident everything was in good hands. Highly recommend them for a reliable and seamless moving experience! - Marcela M., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

Lambert & Son Moving is our top alternative Santa Cruz mover

Family-owned and operated since 2004, Lambert & Son Moving has built its reputation on treating each customer like family. It was founded by Bill Lambert, who strives to offer you the best value for your move. The company is based in Santa Cruz and supports residential and commercial moves throughout California.

Lambert & Son's hourly rate starts at $150 per hour for two movers or $225 for three movers and a truck. It has a three-hour minimum that includes travel time, so you'll pay at least $450 to $675. There's no required deposit and the hourly rate is all-inclusive. You can pay by cash, check, credit or debit card, with a 3% fee added to card payments.

Services offered

• Residential and commercial moves

• Local, long-distance and interstate moves

• Specialty moving

• Senior relocations

• Packing and unpacking services

• Short and long-term storage

The mover backs each project with 100% liability coverage with zero deductible. This means any damages that happen during your move are covered at no cost to you. The company's entire crew is full-time employees who have passed background checks and are trained to handle everything from furniture disassembly to moving fragile antiques.

Lambert & Son Moving is a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating and no complaints. It has a 4.9 rating on Google (157 reviews), 4.8 on Yelp (182 reviews) and 4.9 on Angi (seven reviews).

The office is located at 2638 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz, Calif., 95065. It's open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, but closed on Sundays. You can call 831-291-4373 or submit an estimate request online .

Customer testimonial

I used Lambert & Son just this month, and once 4 years ago for my moves. They were so fast, efficient, thorough, careful - they made sure to double check with me where I wanted everything once the furniture was at my new location. I really appreciated this, since I wouldn't be able to relocate the furniture after they'd gone. Genuinely so great! Sabu, Ramon, and Daniel were awesome! Everyone from booking, through the move, to post-move questions were really easy to work with. - Samantha P., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

BLVD Moving is the best national moving company

At Yahoo Local, we're here to help people feel confident when choosing a moving company. While we love showcasing local businesses, sometimes a national mover is the better choice, especially if your relocation crosses state lines. If you're weighing both options, our local vs. national movers guide can help. And if you're leaning national, we recommend BLVD Moving .

BLVD Moving operates out of four California locations and handles both local and long-distance moves nationwide. It's a family-run, independent company that uses its own fleet and movers. According to its terms , it may also work with subcontractors or third-party agents, which is a common practice in the moving industry during periods of high demand.

We reached out to BLVD Moving for a quote on a 500-mile move involving approximately 1,340 cubic feet of belongings, or about what you'd expect for a three-bedroom home without large appliances. The estimate came in around $6,700, which is comparable to pricing from other national movers. To book your move, it requires a 33% deposit, with half of the remaining balance due at pickup. The rest is paid at delivery.

Services offered

• Local and long-distance moves

• Residential, commercial, and office relocations

• Professional packing

• Short- and long-term storage

• Financing options for eligible customers

If you cancel at least two full business days before your scheduled pickup, BLVD Moving will refund your deposit. It provides a delivery window of two to 21 business days depending on distance. That window starts from your chosen delivery date. So once you're ready, it may take a little over a month for your items to arrive.

BLVD recommends booking your move roughly a month in advance, or even earlier if you're moving during a busy season like summer or the beginning or end of the month. (You can also check out our full guide to the best and worst times to move .) The quote process is quick and easy: you can set up a virtual walkthrough or fill out an online inventory form. BLVD also offers financing for those who qualify, with interest rates starting at 0%.

BLVD Moving is accredited by the BBB and currently holds a B rating, with 95 complaints on file. While that number might seem high, it's fairly typical for a company operating at a national level. It also has a 4.3-star rating on Google from 1,238 reviews and a 2.3-star average on Yelp from 374 reviews. All movers are full-time employees who undergo background checks.

The company's headquarters is located at 21622 Plummer St., Chatsworth, Calif., 91311. It's open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time. You can contact BLVD Moving at 844-274-0500 or request a quote online .

Customer testimonial

Armando, Ivan, and Sam were the most fabulous movers. They were efficient, careful, extremely nice, and there were no mishaps. I would highly recommend and use again. These three men, led by Armando, were the BEST!! - Lynne O., Google reviews (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐)

* See Google reviews * See Yelp reviews

More best Santa Cruz movers

Here's why you can trust Yahoo Local's moving advice

Yahoo has helped people find reliable local businesses that you can feel confident hiring for decades. Our Yahoo Local guides carry on that mission to give you clear and unbiased recommendations based on verified research instead of paid placements. Each company earned its spot on our list through our custom ranking system. It weighs customer reviews, licensing, accreditation and services to identify the most dependable movers in your area. We never accept payment for placements and every recommendation is independently verified by our team. You can see exactly how we make our selections on the full methodology page .

Here's what went into the rankings for our list of the best moving companies in Santa Cruz:

• 39 movers evaluated

• 5,095 customer reviews and ratings from five sources

• 14 ranking criteria incorporated

• Interviewed or connected with all three featured movers

• Independent price quotes sourced 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?

You can expect a few basic questions from moving companies when you request an estimate, such as your current address and the address you're moving to, the size of your home and whether you have specialty items like a piano.

Some companies offer an hourly rate while others require an in-person or virtual home walkthrough to get a full inventory and offer an estimate. Learn more about what to expect in our guide to getting an accurate moving quote .

What should you know about packing and storage in California?

California's climate can vary based on where you're moving to and the time of year. Whether it's hot and dry or cool and damp, your packing and storage decisions should match your local conditions. In humid areas, pack your belongings in sturdy and sealed boxes to keep out moisture and prevent mold. You can choose to pack yourself and save money or have the pros do it to save you time.

Consider getting a climate-controlled storage unit for longer storage needs. These help protect temperature-sensitive items that might be damaged when left in the local conditions.

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

Moving into or out of an apartment or condo adds a few extra things to consider, such as parking availability, stair or elevator access and scheduling. Before moving day, check with your building manager to see if you need to reserve an elevator or loading area. Also, ask if there are specific times of day to schedule your move.

If you live in a busy part of the city, you may need to secure a temporary parking permit or coordinate street access for the moving truck. Figuring out these details ahead of time can save you time and stress on moving day. It can also save you money since companies like NorthStar will add the cost of a parking citation to your move if you do not secure the right permits.

For more, read our .

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

You don't need a personal permit to move within California, but your moving company should be licensed through the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS). Every licensed mover will have a Cal-T number, which shows it meets the state's safety and insurance requirements.

Before booking, check that your mover is properly licensed and registered. Learn more in our full guide to California moving company licensing and regulations .

How much should you tip movers in California?

Tipping your movers is up to you, but a 10% to 20% tip on the total bill is standard. If your crew exceeds your expectations, consider a tip closer to the 20% mark. Ask your moving company how they prefer tips, such as by cash or card. Read our complete guide on how to tip moving crews for more information.

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