Moving Companies in San Francisco Bay Area

Moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area at a glance

We cover 81 places across the San Francisco Bay Area. Our data includes moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area cities spread across six counties, from the urban core to the North Bay and inland East Bay.

Where the largest cities sit

Moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area cluster around the region's biggest population centers. Santa Clara County holds the largest city we track, San Jose, with a 2020 population of 1,013,240. Alameda County follows with Oakland at 440,646 and Fremont at 230,504. San Francisco itself counts 873,965 residents.

Other significant cities in our data include Sunnyvale (155,805), Hayward (162,954), Berkeley (124,321), and Santa Clara (127,647). Contra Costa and San Mateo counties add Walnut Creek, San Mateo, Redwood City, and dozens of smaller communities. Marin County brings San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, and surrounding towns into the region.

Top-rated movers by city

The table below shows where the highest-reviewed movers in San Francisco Bay Area operate, based on public Google ratings.

Most of these San Francisco Bay Area moving companies are based in the same city they serve. Pure Moving Company San Francisco Movers Local & Long distance is an exception: it is based in San Francisco but also appears as the top mover for San Mateo.

County breakdown

San Francisco County is entirely the city of San Francisco. Santa Clara County contains 15 cities in our coverage, including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Milpitas, and Gilroy. Alameda County lists 15 cities from Oakland and Fremont to Berkeley, Livermore, and Emeryville. San Mateo County has 20 cities, among them Redwood City, Menlo Park, Daly City, and Atherton. Contra Costa County includes 19 cities such as Walnut Creek, Richmond, San Ramon, and Lafayette. Marin County has 11 cities, with San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, and Sausalito.

What to check before booking

California Public Utilities Commission rules apply to any move that starts and ends within the state. Movers need a CPUC permit (CAL-T number, or older MTR number) and must carry public liability and cargo insurance on file with the commission. Look the company up in the CPUC's online carrier search by name or permit number before booking. For moves crossing state lines, check the FMCSA SAFER company snapshot instead.

Demand for moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area peaks from May through September and on the last days of each month when leases turn over. Coastal metros add parking, permit, and elevator logistics to plan around.

When comparing moving companies in California, ask whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. A binding estimate locks the price unless you add items or services. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight and services used. Get the estimate in writing and confirm which county and city permits apply to your route.

Moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area serve a wide range of home sizes and distances. For local moves, a two-mover crew with truck runs $150-$250 per hour as a planning estimate. Studio and one-bedroom moves range from $450-$1,000, two-bedroom from $800-$1,800, three-bedroom from $1,300-$3,200, and four-bedroom from $2,000-$4,800. Long-distance planning estimates run $2,800-$6,000 for a two-bedroom and $4,500-$10,000 for a three-bedroom home.

Best movers San Francisco Bay Area listings vary by city, so check ratings for the specific place you are leaving or entering. A mover with strong reviews in San Jose may not serve Marin, and vice versa.

Top-rated moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area

We cover 81 places across the San Francisco Bay Area. Our data includes movers in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and smaller cities from Palo Alto to San Rafael. Below are the top-rated moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area cities we track, with public Google ratings and review counts for each.

San Francisco

San Francisco movers in our data include Pure Moving Company San Francisco Movers Local & Long distance, which holds a 5 rating with 2,106 public Google reviews and is based in San Francisco. The city itself is the core of the region and presents parking, permit and elevator logistics that add complexity to any move.

San Jose

San Jose moving companies include Royal Moving & Storage San Jose, rated 5 with 614 public Google reviews, based in San Jose. As the largest city in Santa Clara County, San Jose anchors the southern portion of the moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area landscape.

Oakland

Oakland movers in our data include Ace Moving Co : Oakland Local & Long Distance Moving Company, with a 5 rating and 306 public Google reviews, based in Oakland. The Alameda County city connects to moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area demand from both sides of the bay.

Fremont

Fremont moving companies include Hello Movers Inc | 你好搬家, rated 5 with 420 public Google reviews, based in Fremont. This Alameda County city draws movers in San Francisco Bay Area serving the southern part of the county.

Sunnyvale

Sunnyvale movers in our data include Fairprice Sunnyvale Movers, holding a 5 rating with 204 public Google reviews, based in Sunnyvale. The Santa Clara County city is part of the cluster where San Francisco Bay Area moving companies compete for residential and office relocations.

Berkeley

Berkeley moving companies include Shipshape Moving, rated 5 with 332 public Google reviews, based in Berkeley. This Alameda County city adds to the share of moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area located in the eastern part of the region.

San Mateo

San Mateo movers in our data show Pure Moving Company San Francisco Movers Local & Long distance as the top-rated option, with a 5 rating and 2,106 public Google reviews, though based in San Francisco rather than San Mateo itself. The San Mateo County city sits between San Francisco and San Jose.

Hayward

Hayward moving companies include Expert Moving & Storage, rated 5 with 215 public Google reviews, based in Hayward. This Alameda County city represents the inland part of the county in our San Francisco Bay Area movers coverage.

Santa Clara

Santa Clara movers in our data include Best California Movers - Santa Clara, holding a 5 rating with 904 public Google reviews, based in Santa Clara. The Santa Clara County city is central to South Bay moving demand within the movers in San Francisco Bay Area market.

Redwood City

Redwood City moving companies include 2Guyz Moving, rated 4.9 with 352 public Google reviews, based in Redwood City. This San Mateo County city has the only sub-5 top rating among the cities we highlight, though 4.9 still reflects strong public feedback.

Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek movers in our data include Fairprice Movers | Walnut Creek Local & Long Distance Moving Company, rated 5 with 178 public Google reviews, based in Walnut Creek. The Contra Costa County city extends San Francisco Bay Area moving services into the eastern suburbs.

San Rafael

San Rafael moving companies include Clutch Moving Company North Bay, holding a 5 rating with 163 public Google reviews, based in San Rafael. This Marin County city is the northernmost entry in our moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area coverage, representing the North Bay subregion.

Palo Alto

Palo Alto movers in our data include One Move Movers, rated 5 with 444 public Google reviews, based in Palo Alto. The Santa Clara County city is a key location for movers in San Francisco Bay Area serving high-density residential zones.

Livermore

Livermore moving companies include Fairprice Movers Pleasanton Local & Long Distance Moving Company, rated 5 with 222 public Google reviews, based in Pleasanton rather than Livermore itself. This Alameda County city sits at the eastern edge of the Bay Area and connects to inland corridors.

What to know about costs and timing

Planning estimates for moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area run higher than state averages. A two-mover crew with truck runs $150-$250 per hour, with the upper end common in the Bay Area. Studio and one-bedroom moves carry a planning estimate of $450-$1,000. Two-bedroom homes range from $800-$1,800. Three-bedroom homes run $1,300-$3,200. Four-bedroom homes reach $2,000-$4,800. Long-distance moves for a two-bedroom home carry a planning estimate of $2,800-$6,000, while three-bedroom long-distance moves run $4,500-$10,000.

Demand peaks from May through September and on the last days of each month when leases turn over. Coastal metros including the Bay Area add parking, permit and elevator logistics that affect scheduling and pricing for San Francisco Bay Area moving companies.

Licensing checks for California movers

Household goods movers operating within California must hold a California Public Utilities Commission permit, shown as a CAL-T number (older permits use an MTR number). They must also carry public liability and cargo insurance on file with the commission. The CPUC has jurisdiction only over intrastate moves; moves across state lines fall under FMCSA. Look the company up in the CPUC's online carrier search by name or permit number before booking.

We do not verify ratings, licenses or insurance. The figures above are public Google ratings as they appear in our data. For any move, get written estimates from multiple moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area, confirm the permit or DOT number independently, and ask how the company handles parking reservations and building access in your specific locations.

County-by-county notes for San Francisco Bay Area

We cover 81 places across the region. Our data includes moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area from six counties, each with distinct travel patterns that affect how movers schedule and price jobs.

San Francisco County

San Francisco stands alone as both city and county. Movers here handle dense urban conditions: parking permits, elevator reservations, and steep streets. The top mover in our data for this city is Pure Moving Company San Francisco Movers Local & Long distance, with a public Google rating of 5 from 2,106 reviews and a base in San Francisco.

Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County contains 15 cities in our coverage, including San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Milpitas, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Morgan Hill, Campbell, Los Altos, Saratoga, Los Altos Hills, and Monte Sereno. Travel between these cities is common for moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area. The top mover in San Jose is Royal Moving & Storage San Jose (rating 5, 614 reviews, based in San Jose). In Sunnyvale, Fairprice Sunnyvale Movers leads (rating 5, 204 reviews, based in Sunnyvale). For Santa Clara movers, Best California Movers - Santa Clara shows a rating of 5 from 904 reviews with a Santa Clara base. Palo Alto moving companies include One Move Movers at rating 5 with 444 reviews, based in Palo Alto.

Alameda County

Alameda County includes 15 cities: Oakland, Fremont, Berkeley, Hayward, Livermore, Pleasanton, Alameda, San Leandro, Dublin, Castro Valley, Union City, Newark, Albany, Emeryville, and Piedmont. Cross-county moves between these cities and San Francisco or Contra Costa are frequent. Oakland moving companies include Ace Moving Co : Oakland Local & Long Distance Moving Company (rating 5, 306 reviews, based in Oakland). Fremont moving companies include Hello Movers Inc | 你好搬家 (rating 5, 420 reviews, based in Fremont). Berkeley movers include Shipshape Moving (rating 5, 332 reviews, based in Berkeley). Hayward moving companies include Expert Moving & Storage (rating 5, 215 reviews, based in Hayward). Livermore moving companies draw from nearby Pleasanton; Fairprice Movers Pleasanton Local & Long Distance Moving Company shows rating 5 from 222 reviews with a Pleasanton base.

San Mateo County

San Mateo County lists 20 cities in our data: San Mateo, Redwood City, Menlo Park, Daly City, San Bruno, South San Francisco, Foster City, San Carlos, Pacifica, Burlingame, East Palo Alto, Belmont, Millbrae, Half Moon Bay, Atherton, Woodside, Brisbane, Colma, Hillsborough, and Portola Valley. Moves along the peninsula corridor connect these communities with Santa Clara and San Francisco. San Mateo moving companies include Pure Moving Company San Francisco Movers Local & Long distance (rating 5, 2,106 reviews, based in San Francisco). Redwood City movers include 2Guyz Moving (rating 4.9, 352 reviews, based in Redwood City).

Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County covers 19 cities: Walnut Creek, Richmond, San Ramon, Concord, Antioch, Danville, Brentwood, Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg, Lafayette, Oakley, San Pablo, Hercules, El Cerrito, Orinda, Pinole, Moraga, and Clayton. Eastward moves from Alameda County into this county add travel time. Walnut Creek moving companies include Fairprice Movers | Walnut Creek Local & Long Distance Moving Company (rating 5, 178 reviews, based in Walnut Creek).

Marin County

Marin County includes 11 cities: San Rafael, Novato, Mill Valley, Larkspur, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Sausalito, Corte Madera, Tiburon, Ross, and Belvedere. The bridge crossing from San Francisco affects scheduling for moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area. San Rafael moving companies include Clutch Moving Company North Bay with a rating of 5 from 163 reviews, based in San Rafael.

Moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area must hold a California Public Utilities Commission permit with a CAL-T number for intrastate moves. Verify any mover in the CPUC's online carrier search before booking. For interstate relocations, check the FMCSA SAFER company snapshot instead.

Demand peaks from May through September and on the last days of each month when leases turn over. Coastal metros in the Bay Area add parking, permit and elevator logistics to plan around. When comparing movers in San Francisco Bay Area, ask whether their base city matches your origin or destination, as this affects travel time charges in your planning estimate.

What moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area cost

We cover 81 places across the San Francisco Bay Area. Our data includes moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area cities ranging from San Francisco itself to San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Berkeley, and smaller communities in Marin, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, and Santa Clara counties. Each city page lists local options with public Google ratings and review counts.

What drives cost for moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area

Hourly rates for moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area run higher than the California average. The brief notes $150-$250 per hour for a two-mover crew with a truck, with the Bay Area at the upper end alongside Los Angeles. Several factors push prices up:

• Parking permits and elevator reservations in dense neighborhoods
• Street grade challenges and restricted loading zones
• Tolls between counties
• Peak demand from May through September and month-end lease turnovers

Coastal metros like the Bay Area add parking, permit, and elevator logistics that inland moves avoid. Winter moves face less road risk than mountain regions, though rain can slow loading.

Planning estimates for moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area

The figures below are planning estimates, not quotes. Actual prices depend on inventory, access, and date. For broader context, see our guide on how much do movers cost? (2026 rates).

Long-distance prices vary with weight, mileage, and whether the move crosses state lines. Interstate moves fall under FMCSA rules, not state regulation.

How to check a mover's credentials

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requires household goods movers operating within California to hold a permit with a CAL-T number and maintain public liability and cargo insurance on file. Verify any moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area through the CPUC's online carrier search before booking. For interstate moves, check the FMCSA SAFER company snapshot.

Our city pages show top-rated options: Pure Moving Company San Francisco Movers Local & Long distance (rating 5, 2106 reviews, based in San Francisco), Royal Moving & Storage San Jose (rating 5, 614 reviews, based in San Jose), and Ace Moving Co in Oakland (rating 5, 306 reviews, based in Oakland). Each listing notes whether the company is based in that city or dispatched from elsewhere.

Get at least three written estimates. Ask whether the quote is binding or non-binding. Confirm what the hourly rate includes and whether fuel, tolls, and equipment fees are extra. For moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area, parking permit costs often land on the customer.

Timing and logistics for moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area

Demand for moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area runs highest from May through September. The last days of each month spike further as leases turn over across the region.

Our data covers 81 places in the San Francisco Bay Area. That includes San Francisco itself, plus San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Berkeley, San Mateo, Hayward, Santa Clara, Redwood City, Walnut Creek, San Rafael, Palo Alto, and Livermore.

Coastal metros like the Bay Area add parking, permit and elevator logistics to every move. Plan for loading-zone reservations, building access windows, and street-space coordination. These steps belong in the ultimate moving checklist you build before calling any San Francisco Bay Area movers.

What the calendar means for your planning estimate

Times outside the peak window often open wider scheduling availability. Peak-season moves require earlier booking and tighter coordination with building management.

Hourly rates for a two-mover crew with truck run $150-$250, with Bay Area pricing at the higher end.

How to check credentials

California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) permits, shown as CAL-T numbers, are required for any household goods move that starts and ends in California. The CPUC also requires public liability and cargo insurance on file. Verify any mover through the CPUC's online carrier search before booking.

For moves crossing state lines, jurisdiction shifts to FMCSA. Use the FMCSA SAFER company snapshot to check interstate carriers.

Among the moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area we track, several post strong public Google ratings. Pure Moving Company San Francisco Movers Local & Long distance carries 5 from 2,106 reviews and is based in San Francisco. Royal Moving & Storage San Jose holds 5 from 614 reviews, based in San Jose. Ace Moving Co : Oakland Local & Long Distance Moving Company shows 5 from 306 reviews, based in Oakland. Best California Movers - Santa Clara registers 5 from 904 reviews, based in Santa Clara. One Move Movers in Palo Alto posts 5 from 444 reviews.

Redwood City's 2Guyz Moving, with 4.9 from 352 reviews, is one example where a slightly lower rating still reflects substantial review volume.

When you contact moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area, ask their peak-season lead times, their process for building access, and whether they handle permit applications or leave that to you. Get written planning estimates that specify hourly versus flat rates, and confirm the CPUC permit or FMCSA registration matches the company name on your paperwork.

How to hire a licensed mover in San Francisco Bay Area

When you hire moving companies in San Francisco Bay Area, licensing is the first filter to apply. California law requires household goods movers to carry a permit from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The permit appears as a CAL-T number on newer documents or an MTR number on older ones. The CPUC also requires public liability and cargo insurance on file with the commission.

This rule covers any move that starts and ends inside California. Cross-state shipments fall under federal jurisdiction instead.

How to verify a California mover

Search the CPUC's online carrier database by company name or permit number before you sign anything. The search is free and takes only a minute.

For interstate or cross-country moves, use the FMCSA SAFER company snapshot to check USDOT and MC numbers, operating authority, and insurance status.

What the permit does and does not cover

• CPUC permits apply only to intrastate moves.
• Moves crossing into Nevada or Arizona need FMCSA registration.
• Insurance on file with CPUC covers cargo damage and public liability for permitted carriers.

We cover 81 places across the Bay Area. Our data includes movers in San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, Fremont, Sunnyvale, Berkeley, and smaller cities from Palo Alto to San Rafael.

Planning estimates for Bay Area moves

Costs run higher here than most of California. Use these figures as a planning estimate, not a quote.

Demand peaks from May through September and on the last days of each month. Coastal metros like the Bay Area add parking, permit, and elevator logistics that can extend time and cost.

Red flags to watch for

Our guide to moving scams and how to avoid them lists warning signs: refusing an in-home or video survey, demanding large deposits, or lacking a physical address.

Learn how to choose a moving company with a checklist of questions about estimates, inventory methods, and dispute resolution.

Other California regions we cover

We track movers across the state. Browse movers in Los Angeles County, movers in Orange County, movers in San Diego County, movers in Inland Empire, movers in Coachella Valley & Imperial, movers in North Bay & Wine Country, movers in Sacramento Region, movers in Central Valley, movers in Central Coast, movers in Sierra Nevada & Gold Country, and movers in Northern California.

For specialized needs, we list full-service movers, long-distance movers, cross-country movers, interstate movers, piano movers, and furniture movers.

San Francisco Bay Area movers range from single-city operators to crews based in San Francisco but serving the full region. Pure Moving Company San Francisco Movers Local & Long distance holds a 5 public Google rating with 2,106 reviews and is based in San Francisco. In San Jose, Royal Moving & Storage San Jose shows 5 with 614 reviews. Ace Moving Co in Oakland has 5 with 306 reviews. Hello Movers Inc in Fremont carries 5 with 420 reviews. Fairprice Sunnyvale Movers posts 5 with 204 reviews. Shipshape Moving in Berkeley has 5 with 332 reviews. Expert Moving & Storage in Hayward shows 5 with 215 reviews. Best California Movers in Santa Clara holds 5 with 904 reviews. 2Guyz Moving in Redwood City has 4.9 with 352 reviews. Fairprice Movers in Walnut Creek shows 5 with 178 reviews. Clutch Moving Company North Bay in San Rafael has 5 with 163 reviews. One Move Movers in Palo Alto carries 5 with 444 reviews. Fairprice Movers Pleasanton in Livermore shows 5 with 222 reviews.

Always confirm the CAL-T or MTR number directly with the CPUC before booking any San Francisco Bay Area moving companies. The few minutes of verification protect against unpermitted operators and uninsured loss. For more detail on selecting a provider, our page on how to choose a moving company covers estimates, inventory methods, and dispute resolution.

Our coverage of movers in San Francisco Bay Area spans 81 places, from dense urban cores to smaller peninsula and north bay communities. Whether you need San Francisco Bay Area movers for a local apartment or a long-distance relocation, checking the CPUC permit is the essential first step.

Frequently asked questions

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