Popularly known as the Golden City, San Francisco is famous not just among tourists but also many people who wish to call it home. Thanks to its pleasant climate, varied landscape, eclectic mix of architecture, and a number of famous locations, people are constantly seen moving in and around San Francisco.
While moving from one home to another is always a daunting task, the excitement of relocating to a new home might overpower your sadness. But you need the perfect moving company to ease this relocation process while fitting your budget requirements. Searching for a moving company can be difficult due to the amount of research and reviews to check. To help you out, we have curated a list of the Best Moving Companies in San Francisco. Keep reading to find out your ideal fit.
Top 6 Moving Companies in San Francisco
| Moving Company | Moving Company IVL (International Van Lines) | Hire a Helper Safeway Moving | Safeway Moving | American Van Lines | Budget Van Lines | 1-800-Pack-Rat |
| Logo |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Pros | Worldwide Services Available Discounts and Offers Optional (and included frequently) storage facilities | Provides instant and considerably accurate quotes Damage protection, if any incurred Customer service available on all days | Provide over-the-phone price estimates One month of free storage (only at select locations) Both long- and short-term storage | Background-checked movers available Flat-rate pricing and binding estimates available Certified piano and antique movers | Discounted prices available for local moves Constant availability of deals and discounts | Both local- and long-distance delivery available High-quality storage containers available Discounted prices available |
| Cons | Moving outsourced to carriers Deposit of 25% required at the time of booking | After-hour service not available Additional charges in case of large items or if elevator not available | Online shipment tracking not available Pricing information not available online | Incessant phone calls No online quotes available | Catering to fewer locations Fewer vehicle options available | Pre-discount prices are high Payment structure confusing |
| Phone | 877-647-1336 | 800-995-5003 | 949-979-6066 | 888-296-5458 | 800-611-6001 | 800-722-5728 |
| Website | internationalvanlines.com | hireahelper.com | safeway-moving.com | americanvanlines.com | budgetvanlines.com | 1800packrat.com |
6 Top-Rated Moving Companies In San Francisco
- IVL (International Van Lines)
- Hire A Helper
- Safeway Moving
- American Van Lines
- Budget Van Lines
- 1-800-Pack-Rat
1.International Van Lines (IVL)
Established in the year 2000, International Van Lines has been in service for the last 20+ years, aiming to maintain a good reputation among customers. According to Forbes, the company has been licensed by three important organizations namely, the Department of Transportation, the American Moving & Storage Association, and the Federal Maritime Commission.
In 2012, IVL was recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States by INC500. Both these factors play an important role in building trust within the company. The variety of services offered by IVL is another reason why it’s a popular choice among people looking for a reliable moving company.
Reasons To Choose IVL:
Provide Domestic And International Moving: IVL is known to provide out-of-state as well as local moving services. Moreover, it also assists in internal moving requirements. Available in any part of the United States, this moving service claims to handle and overlook your entire moving process. In the case of local moving services, IVL also tends to provide storage services in addition to moving and packing.
Residential And Auto Transport Services: If you’re looking to transport your furniture and appliances or your automobile, IVL caters to both. You can either choose the residential option, auto option, or both. This company neither has limitations in terms of location nor with respect to the type of things to relocate. Although you need to bear the security deposit costs, this company is likely to check all of your moving requirements.
Ratings And Reviews
- Google – 4.5/5
Company Information
- Address: 1834 Biscayne Way, San Jose, CA 95122
- Phone: 877-647-1336
- Email: cs@internationalvanlines.com
- Website: internationalvanlines.com
- Working Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday
2. Hire A Helper
Hire A Helper is a moving marketplace that has been in the moving business for the last 10 years. It essentially fills the gap between a customer and a moving company. Committed to making your relocation go smoothly, this company is known to offer customer service throughout the week. It is known specifically with respect to in-state relocation and has been featured on several notable platforms including FOXNews, Mashable, LifeHacker, Yahoo! And Huffpost. The company offers a variety of services including packing, loading, moving, specialty moving, labor-only services, moving containers, office moving, etc.
Reasons To Choose Hire A Helper:
Simple And Upfront Costs: HireAHelper comprises helpers who undertake loading, unloading, and transportation jobs to earn a living. These long-distance and local movers have all been mentioned in a single list along with their specific prices. So you can easily compare the price points of each local moving company to figure out what suits you the best.
Guaranteed Service Assistance: A question that arises with every move is what if your move doesn’t go as planned and promised? Hire A Helper claims to work in close proximity with the hired moving company to resolve any dispute. If the issue cannot be resolved, this company will help to get you a 100% refund for the amount you paid (capped at $1000.00).
7-Day Customer Service: Although there is no round-the-clock service available, Hire A Helper is available on all 7 days of the week. So, if you get free over the weekend and want to get your queries answered, Hire A Helper is available on-call. This, in fact, is one of the main reasons why this company enjoys recognition among local moving companies. Before making a move, however, make sure to get all your queries resolved.
Ratings And Reviews
- Trust Pilot – 4.6/5
Company Information
- Address: Oceanside, California
- Phone: 800-995-5003
- Email: sales@hireahelper.com
- Website: hireahelper.com
- Working Hours: 6:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, 6:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sunday
Point to Keep in Mind: While shifting to a new place within California, you will need to apply for Change of Address. All you need to do is create an account with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), State of California. Afterward, you need to fill out the form and provide all the documents required such as proof of old and new addresses.
3. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving, established in 2007 by Mike Marquez, functions under the motto of “Do the Right Thing”. Marquez himself has worked in the packing and moving industry since 1984. Due to his rich experience in this industry, this family business has managed to create a good reputation among several customers in the United States. It is located in Irvine, California, and comprises 12 professional movers as part of its staff. Each staff member enjoys a rich experience and knowledge base in this industry.
Reasons To Choose Safeway Moving:
Offers Variety Of Packing Services: Safeway Moving offers a variety of packing services such as full packing, partial packing, unpacking, electronics, and other services. Such a flexible packing service is ideal if you’re looking to shift within California. You can choose the type of packing you want along with your budget restraints. And voila! You have both time and effort to invest in some other job rather than getting your stuff ready for moving.
Recognized In SF Area: It is always better to hire a moving service that specializes in your area. Hence, if you’re moving to San Francisco from another city or state, Safeway Moving is a company that you can consider. The company specializes in moving from Northern California to Southern California and vice versa. It is always an advantage when the moving company is familiar with your relocation area. It does add to the guarantee of your luggage arriving at the right location.
Ratings And Reviews
- Google – 4.5/5
Company Information
- Address: 15041 Bake Pkwy Ste I, Irvine, CA 92618
- Phone: 949-979-6066
- Email: safewaymoving@gmail.com
- Website: safeway-moving.com
- Working Hours: 7:00 am – 5:00 pm from Monday to Saturday
Also See: Safeway Moving Systems Review
4. American Van Lines
American Van Lines has been in the moving business since 1995 and since then, extended its services on a nationwide and on some occasions, worldwide level. Being family-operated, the company runs on the standard set to family values. This is mirrored in the respect and service given to customers. Over the last two decades, the company has earned several accreditations and recognition. This, of course, adds to the credibility and reliability of the business.
Reasons To Choose American Van Lines:
Accreditations And Recognition: Since 20-25 years of being in the moving business, American Van Lines has managed to acquire several accreditations including BBB (Better Business Bureau) and AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association). Moreover, it has been highly rated by many leading review platforms as well. When choosing any moving company, especially for a long-distance relocation, you need to make sure that the company is adequately recognized. With American Van Lines, you do not have to worry about the accreditation bit at all!
Caters To All: Looking at the services provided by American Van Lines, one thing’s for sure – this company covers all kinds of consumers. It caters to local, long-distance, and military movements. Irrespective of domestic moving or corporate relocation, this company has services for both. Finally, if you have a valuable possession such as a piano or any antique object, American Van Lines offers specialized moving services for such objects. They are ready to go that extra mile to ensure that no damage is inflicted on your prized possessions.
Ratings And Reviews
- Google – 4.0/5
Company Information
- Address: 1351 NW 22nd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33069
- Phone: 888-296-5458
- Email: customer.service@americanvanlines.com
- Website: americanvanlines.com
- Working Hours: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm from Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm on Saturday
5. Budget Van Lines
Budget, also known as Budget Van Lines, is your go-to moving company for both home and office relocation. Right from booking an agent to contacting the dispatch department, this company provides assistance at every step. Moreover, the company has been licensed by the US Department of Transportation. This recognition itself provides a substantial amount of credibility to the company’s moving services.
Instead of functioning as a conventional moving and packing company, it acts as a connection between you and the pickup trucks. The company is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and offers full-service customized moving services.
Reasons To Choose Budget Van Lines:
Coordination At All Steps: As mentioned before, this company aims to provide assistance in each and every moving step. The team comprises relocation experts who will guide you through the relocation process. If you’re moving for the first time, you are likely to have a long list of questions to ask. This company will provide you with an advocate or associate to answer all your questions. This shall ensure complete transparency throughout your relocation.
Competitive Prices And Discounts: While availing a moving service through Budget Van Lines, the large-scale moving broker will supposedly search its database for affiliate moving companies offering the most discounted rates. So basically, all the loading, unloading, and transportation will happen at a cheaper rate compared to the usual process of renting a truck for relocation. You’re already catering to a list of expenses while moving to a new location. So, saving a few bucks shall surely benefit you. This discount policy is also reiterated through the company’s name “Budget”.
Ratings And Reviews
- Google – 3.4/5
Company Information
- Address: 9081 W Sahara Ave #100, Las Vegas, NV 89117
- Phone: 800-611-6001
- Email: sales@BudgetVanLines.com
- Website: budgetvanlines.com
- Working Hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sunday
6. 1-800-Pack-Rat
This company drives and thrives on the principle of making your relocation and storage simple. They deal in long-distance as well as local moves while also providing on-site storage solutions and warehouse storage options. Hence, you can avail moving and storage solutions, both from the same company. If you run your own business, 1-800-Pack-Rat also has specialized business solutions to offer. These solutions shall help you run a dynamic business and relocate frequently, without any hassles.
Reasons To Choose 1-800 Pack-Rat:
Providing Secured Steel Containers: An important quality of 1-800-Pack-Rat lies in its all-steel, portable moving and storage containers which ensure that your items are in a safe and secured condition, at all times. The company claims that these containers are waterproof and capable of storing a range of items – from large furniture to small household items. Features such as ground-level loading and barn-style doors add to the reliability of containers for a successful relocation journey.
Storage Solutions Available: Sometimes, while moving to a new location, you might not have enough space in your new home to store away your belongings. In that case, availing of a storage facility is the only way. Rather than going on a wild goose chase for a storage facility, you can opt for the same at 1-800-Pack-Rat. This company provides both, on-site storage and warehouse storage facilities. Such safe, hassle-free storage options are difficult to turn down!
Ratings And Reviews
- Yelp – 3/5
Company Information
- Address: 11640 Northpark Dr. Suite 300 Wake Forest, NC 27587
- Phone: 800-722-5728
- Email: movinghelp@1800packrat.com
- Website: 1800packrat.com
- Working Hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm from Monday to Friday, 9:30 am – 10:00 pm on Saturday, 9:30 am – 6:30 pm on Sunday
Summing Up
It is always a good practice to get 3-4 moving company quotes before making a decision. Choosing a good moving company is crucial as it will occupy some portion of your relocation expenses. Of course, this option would require you to spend a couple of hundred bucks. So, research well because choosing the most affordable option will help you save on time, effort, and money!
FAQs On Best Moving Companies In San Francisco
How Much Do Movers Cost in San Francisco?
Each moving company in San Francisco will provide you with a different flat rate, depending on your requirements. So, there is no fixed answer or figure. However, for availing two movers, the hourly rate lies between $100 – $120 whereas, for four movers, the rate lies between $200 – $240 per hour.
How Much Do You Tip Movers in San Francisco?
In a metropolitan area like San Francisco, it is a usual norm for any customer to tip 15-20% of the total moving cost. So, before shortlisting a company, you need to add this tipping amount to your moving expenditure.
Are Packers Worth Hiring?
Yes, hiring packers will help you save on both time and energy. You can invest this time in more important things like finishing up your documentation, taking care of kids, etc. In the bargain, your physical stress will also reduce by hiring packers. So, if you can afford to spend more, hiring packers is definitely worth it.
