San Francisco is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, and the costs associated with moving in the Golden City are no exception
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San Francisco is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, and the costs associated with moving in the Golden City are no exception. That’s where we come in: We took a deep dive into all the options to determine the absolute 5 best moving companies in San Francisco. Our No. 1 choice: Osmon Moving & Storage, which offers both local and long distance moving services, furniture assembly, and even partial packing. (You can cut to the chase and request a quote from them here.) Here are our picks for the 5 best movers in San Francisco.
Our Best San Francisco Moving Companies Ratings
Before you start getting quotes from movers, here are a few tips to ensure you get the best service without breaking the bank.
- Be sure to get at least two or three quotes from the best long-distance moving companies as price and availability will likely vary.
- You’ll also want to make sure the movers you hire are licensed and insured. It’s worth double checking.
- Many major cities require advance notice for a permit if a move will impact traffic flow and street parking. Ask your movers if this is something they handle.
Osmon Moving & Storage
Osmon Moving & Storage scored 4.8 out of 5 stars
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BBB Rating: A+
Reviews analyzed: 310
Years in business: 11
State License: 0191086
Services:
- Local and long distance moves
- Full service storage available
- Furniture assembly available
- Partial packing available
Phone: (800) 807-6181
Address: 2275 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94114
Pure Moving Company
Pure Moving Company scored 4.5 out of 5 stars
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BBB Rating: A+
Reviews analyzed: 1,469
Years in business: 9
State License: 0191103
Services:
- Local moves anywhere in California, South Florida, and Washington State
- Piano, pool table, and safes moving
- Custom crating available
- Specialized senior moving services
Phone: (415) 919-6497
Address: 401 Terry Francois St Ste 110 San Francisco, CA 94158
Good Green Moving
Good Green Moving scored 4.45 out of 5 stars
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BBB Rating: A-
Reviews analyzed: 340
Years in business: 10
State License: 0191035
Services:
- Local and long distance moves
- Donates to environmental charities with each move
- Specialized cleaning services available
- Highly rated mobile app
Phone: (855) 613-4663
Address: 1355 Market Street Suite 488, San Francisco, CA 94103
Luigy’s Moving & Storage
Luigy’s Moving & Storage scored 4.25 out of 5 stars
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BBB Rating: A+
Reviews analyzed: 189
Years in business: 23
State License: 0192210
Services:
Phone: (415) 413-4646
Address: 5550 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94112
NorthStar Moving Company
NorthStar Moving Company scored 4.05 out of 5 stars
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BBB Rating: A+
Reviews analyzed: 1,905
Years in business: 28
State License: 0182466
Services:
- Local, long distance, and international moves
- Celebrity move experience
- Custom storage options
- Moves pianos, art, and antiques
Phone: (415) 413-4646
Address: 5550 Mission St. San Francisco, CA 94112
Compare the top moving companies in San Francisco
*Labor only moves typically do not include a truck. The moving crew typically comes with blankets, straps, dollies, and any other equipment needed for the move.
**Storage may be provided at a company-owned facility, or the company may store items at a local self-storage facility.
FAQs
How much do San Francisco movers cost?
As San Francisco consistently ranks as one of the most expensive cities in the world, anyone considering a move within the Bay Area should anticipate a pricey quote.
Based on our estimates, a move within San Francisco could cost upwards of thousands for a professional crew to move a large home. You’ll want to call each moving company yourself, however, to double check on pricing and availability. And don’t forget to ask about boxes. (Some provide them for free — every little bit helps.)
Make sure you also have enough cash savings for any unplanned emergencies, additional expenses, or a cash tip for the moving crew. And it’s always advised to call ahead and get utilities — internet, cooking gas, electricity, and water, if applicable — transferred to your account and connected.
You can also get a quote today by filling out the form below.
How do I choose the right moving company in San Francisco?
Either call the moving company directly or find their website to see if they provide quotes online. You’ll need to estimate the number of rooms and total square footage of your old and new apartment or house to give the movers a better idea of how many crew members and the size of the vehicle they’ll need for your move. Consider what kind of services you want from a mover: Would you like to work with a full-service residential moving company that will pack and transport your things? Will you need to store your belongings for a while before moving them into your new home? Then you’ll want to consider the moving company’s reputation. (Hint: That’s where we come in with the list we provided above.)
Do San Francisco moving companies offer insurance for damaged or lost items during the move?
We advise anyone making a big move to work with a reputable moving company that is licensed and insured for theft or damage to your belongings. If you have any possessions that are particularly valuable or rare, ask if the moving company’s insurance coverage would be enough.
How do heavy traffic or parking restrictions in San Francisco affect the moving process?
San Francisco is a geographically small but densely populated city, which means parking will almost certainly be a headache. Discuss with the moving company what time of day would be best for your move. You’ll also want to research any commercial vehicle restrictions and parking restrictions on the block you’re relocating to.
Does San Francisco have any moving restrictions?
Depending on weather conditions, lighting at night, and availability of safe parking, there may be some rules or restrictions that could affect your move. You will want to research and contact the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) directly about the proper permitting and costs associated with a move in the city. Checking the rules is especially important if you’re moving to an apartment or condo that imposes its own restrictions (limiting moves to weekdays, for example).
What are the peak moving times in San Francisco, and how can they impact the cost of my move?
The warm summer months are the busiest time for movers in San Francisco. Weekends and the end of the month are also very popular as they coincide with the end of leases. Costs can be higher during these periods due to high demand, so be sure to ask your movers if they offer any off-season rates or promotions to potentially save money.
Are there moving companies in San Francisco that have eco-friendly practices?
California is big on electric and hybrid vehicles, so it would only make sense that moving companies would appeal to one’s greener senses. Some San Francisco moving companies offer reusable moving containers, green packing materials, and eco-friendly vehicle fuels. Check each company’s website or inquire directly about their sustainability efforts.
Other Companies Considered
Gentle Giant Moving Company
- Get a quote
- Address: 1390 Market St #200, San Francisco, CA 94102, United States
- Phone: (415) 544-7000
Dependable Movers, LLC
- Get a quote
- Address: 1135 Mason Court Unit G, San Francisco CA 94130
- Phone: (415) 942-8807
Puma Moving Company
- Get a quote
- Address: 435 23rd Street, San Francisco, CA 94107
- Phone: (415) 728-3021
Methodology
We’ve partnered with moveBuddha, one of the leading experts in moving reviews and recommendations, to review hundreds of moving companies, gathering data for each company that is most important for customers. This includes quantitative comparisons of things like the number of years in business, Yelp ratings, Better Business Bureau ratings, and proper state licensing. We also review qualitative data points, such as whether a moving company responds to (and works to resolve) negative reviews and the variety of moving services offered.
Together with moveBuddha, we gathered all of these data points into a rigorous 100-point scoring system that breaks down into the following categories:
Industry reputation (30%): Is this company well regarded in the industry, as seen through their Better Business Bureau listing and rating? Is the company properly licensed and are company members active within their industry, either online or at industry conferences?
Online reputation (25%): Does the company maintain a professional website with accurate information? Can you find this company through Google search? Are they listed on Yelp with recent customer reviews?
Customer satisfaction (35%): We review online reviews, company responses to reviews, and efforts by the company to resolve customer complaints.
Service options (10%): We look at the breadth of service options offered by a company. This includes both moving services (including storage, full packing, specialty item handling, and delivery options), as well as customer support and payment options.
