Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score moving companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
When you begin the moving process to or from San Leandro, California, you’ll need to fully vet your mover and check their license before hiring them. California requires local movers to be registered within the state, while long-distance and interstate moving companies need federal licensing and registration from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Read customer reviews before selecting a moving company. Notice the feedback on Google Reviews and social media sites, and keep an eye out for both negative and positive trends with prospective companies. Look for trends among the feedback to best evaluate each prospective company.
Local movers charge an hourly rate rather than give binding estimates, meaning your final cost will vary based on how long your move takes. Consider companies’ hourly rates and account for potential time fluctuations if you’re preparing for a local move.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
- Lists add-on service costs online
- Services all 50 states
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Operates exclusively as a carrier
- Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
- Offers storage for high-value items and antiques
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
- Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
- Includes packing and storage in all quotes
Find the best local movers for you in San Leandro
The best local movers in San Leandro should have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews or similar customer review platforms, and a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB). You should read through critiques from previous customers to understand what others have experienced. Watch out for persistently bad reviews, but don’t eliminate a company with mostly good reviews mixed with a few bad ones.
Commander Moving Inc.
Jay’s Small Moves
Move Happy
This provider is within 5 miles of San Leandro.
Nearby
CA – NY Express cross country movers SF
This provider is within 5 miles of San Leandro.
Nearby
Big Family Movers – Moving Company
Royal Moving & Storage Inc
West Coast Moving Systems
This provider is within 5 miles of San Leandro.
Nearby
Ontrack Moving Company Hayward
Encore Piano and Organ Moving
NC Moving and Storage Solutions
Top companies for moving out of California
Interstate moving servicers must have federal licensing active through the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), as well as a Motor Carrier (MC) number, both of which validate that they meet federal operating requirements. Verify a moving company’s licensing status by searching its name or license info in the FMCSA’s database.
Interstate moving companies that are based in the state of California must carry both state and federal licensing. In California, local movers also must be licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services.
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Includes one month of storage with long-distance moves
- Lists add-on service costs online
- Services all 50 states
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Operates exclusively as a carrier
- Runs shuttles for moves between major cities
- Offers storage for high-value items and antiques
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
- Offers flat rates for all long-distance moves
- Has secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance
- Includes packing and storage in all quotes
What factors affect the cost of moving in San Leandro?
Pricing structures differ between local and long-distance moves. Local moving teams charge hourly instead of providing binding estimates, so your final moving bill will be determined by the total hours required to complete your move.
Long-distance moving companies provide binding estimates that account for shipment weight and total miles. Binding estimates lock in costs, unless you make inventory changes or add extra services between getting a quote and moving day.
The average cost of moving in San Leandro
If you move within San Leandro, or to a nearby town or city, expect to pay by the hour. San Leandro’s cost of living is above the national average, so you may pay increased rates for service here compared to many locations across the country.
Quotes should include your move’s expected number of hours. Multiply that by the hourly rate, and you’ll get a ballpark estimate for your total bill. Watch for minimum fees and extra charges as well.
Tipping your mover
Tipping isn’t required when you hire movers, but think about adding gratuity as a gesture of thanks if the movers load and deliver your belongings professionally, or helped lower your overall moving stress.
For same-day local moves, customers typically tip $5 per mover, per hour worked. On multi-day jobs, daily gratuities between $40 and $50 per worker are more standard.
Prepare for other moving costs
When budgeting, budget for costs going above mover estimates by 25%. The extra money leaves room in your budget if you need to pay for additional moving services, a storage unit or packing supplies from stores before or during your move.
Best movers for you
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Things to consider when moving in San Leandro
We highly recommend hiring a professional moving team when relocating to or from any urban area. San Leandro’s bad traffic can make moving your belongings even more inconvenient, which might put you in a tense situation. Look into several factors when hiring any moving company or planning your relocation.
Is my mover properly licensed and insured?
Legitimate moving companies will present proof of registration on all sites, trucks and documents. Interstate moves mandate USDOT and MC numbers, so be sure to vet their registration completely prior to hiring movers by visiting the official FMCSA website. Moving companies in California are also required to have a license from the California Bureau of Household Goods and Services.
You should also look into a mover’s insurance policies. Every company should offer released-value coverage, which covers items at 60 cents per pound, per item. A full-value protection policy may be sensible if your belongings are worth a lot, so ask to compare rates.
When should I start forwarding my mail?
Fill out a change of address form through your local post office approximately a month before your move date, and schedule a future date for your mail to start forwarding to your new address. That way, your mail will be forwarded to your new address starting on your actual move day. Additionally, update your address with your bank, subscriptions and other services before your move.
Do I need to change my driver’s license if I move out of California?
Update your license when you change addresses — even short moves within California require this. Go to your local department of motor vehicles once you’ve moved into your new home.
When is the best time of year to move?
The hotter months, spanning May through September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to constrained availability and inflated costs countrywide for large and small moves alike. This might deter you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid San Leandro’s scorching summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating exceptionally difficult. We advise moving in the springtime or early autumn so that you have optimal weather conditions and more affordable pricing for services.
What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?
To be safe, put items like essential financial records, keepsakes and identification documents in your own car. We also recommend keeping valuable gadgets with you while moving.
Many moving companies restrict insurance coverage for high-value goods, such as jewelry and heirlooms. If you’re worried about irreplaceable and valuable items being lost or damaged, bring those possessions with you.
Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including:
- Toxic chemicals or cleaners
- Aerosols
- Fertilizers
- Perishable foods and produce
- Plants
- Fuel sources
- Flammable chemicals of any kind
- Batteries
- Compressed tanks or gas
Our methodology for selecting moving companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national moving providers against our full methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
