Oakland

Top 5 Best Moving Companies in Oakland, CA – Find the perfect mover for you!

Moving can be a strenuous task which can dampen the excitement that comes from relocating to a new space. The transportation of heavy possessions and prized valuables can be tricky and may be damaged or lost during personal moving. Thankfully, there are residential movers that are available to aid with the smooth transition of personal items to new locations at affordable rates and with utmost care.

This piece will highlight 5 major moving companies located in Oakland, California that can help make moving easy. This article will provide you with the required information that you need to decide on which moving company best suits your needs.

MovingWaldo's list of the 5 best movers in Oakland, CA

What is MovingWaldo?

MovingWaldo is a Free Moving Concierge Service. Since 2016, we help millions of people tackle moving tasks in minutes. We care to take the stress away from moving by offering free tools, tips and tricks and referral of service providers that you can trust. MovingWaldo is everything moving under the same roof!

 

How are Moving Companies selected?

Our network of movers you can trust is carefully built based on professionalism, years of experience, accreditation, awards and social proofs from customers. We care to help you through the maze of information the web provides about this unique industry. You can trust the movers listed here to guide you and your family safely into moving day!

 
 
 
 

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4.8 stars based on 679 reviews from around the web
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About

Move Central Movers & Storage is a moving business that you can rely on for any move or relocation in San Diego, The Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Orange County. In 2012 their company was founded to make moving simple with the right help and support from an efficient and professional team of movers. Their goal is to provide outstanding customer service at every stage of the process. Whatever your moving need is whether unpacking, loading & unloading, local moves, long-distance moves, furniture disassembly & reassembly, and more, Move Central Movers & Storage has the tools, equipment, and supplies to get the job done right.

Services / Products offered in Oakland

• Local moving
• Long distance moving
• Office moves
• Packing services
• Loading and unloading
• Storage
• Full-service moving
• Residential moves
• Commercial moves

Company rate

Available on demand

BBB Bureau Rating

B (accredited since 2014)

In Business Since

2012

Area Covered

• San Diego
• The Bay Area
• Los Angeles
• Orange County

Pros

• Free estimates
• Experience with fragile Items
• Knowledgeable & experienced drivers
• Moving trucks with racks
• Highly rated
• Floor & carpet protection

Cons

• Do not move jewelry, cash, perishable food, live house plants, and liquids.
• No international moves

Why should you choose Move Central Movers & Storage?

We recommend Move Central Movers & Storage because of their simplified moving process through the assistance and support of a competent and professional moving crew. Their movers are carefully chosen and extensively trained. They are required to have years of expertise in moving, driving, and giving outstanding customer service. Also, they have the necessary licenses and offer insurance coverage for moves and storage. They provide a wide range of moving services and supplies, so you don’t have to worry about hiring different contractors for your moves. You can get everything you need in one place. You also get a free pricing estimate. Most importantly, they have hundreds of 5 star reviews from satisfied clients.

6201 Coliseum Way, Suite J Oakland, CA 94621
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4.8/5
Facebook Logo Ratings
4.8/5
4.3/5
4.3 stars based on 720 reviews from around the web
FlatRate app where you can track your move in real time

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About

Founded in 1991, FlatRate Moving is a moving and storage company operating nationally and internationally. The company serves 50 states for long distance moves and 15 states for local moves. Internationally it has an office in London and over 160 movers worldwide. FlatRate Moving is also recognized for its Cross-Country Express service for moves between New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco in just 7 to 10 days. FlatRate Moving, as its name indicates, uses an all-inclusive flat rate pricing model to never give surprise costs or hidden charges to their customers, transparency is the essence of their service, as well as providing superior service based on their valued movers.

Services / Products offered in Oakland

• Local moving
• Long-distance moving
• Interstate moving
• International moving
• Express trips (fast shipping in 3-9 business days)
• Residential moving
• Commercial moving
• Small & large-scale moving
• Full moving services
• White glove luxury moving service
• Government and military moving
• Intergovernmental Organizations moving
• Storage services
• Packing & unpacking services
• Boxes & packing supplies
• Upcycle Program (move and donate)
• Custom Crating and carpentry

Company rate

Available on demand

*Operates using flat rate pricing

BBB Bureau Rating

A+ (Accredited since 2022)

In Business Since

1991

Area Covered

• Long distance moves within 50 states in the U.S.
• Local moves within 15 states
• International moves from 15 states

Pros

• 30 years of experience and over 200,000 satisfied customers.
• 160 moving agents worldwide & International headquarters in London.
• Fully licensed, insured and certified for removal & storage.
• Flat rate that gives the real price upfront, (99.6% price accuracy).
• MyFlatRate app to track in real-time.
• Certified to move US Military families, United Nations diplomats and government offices throughout the world.
• 2 Free wardrobe boxes on moving day.
• The first flight of stairs is free.
• No tax on your move.
• 7 days a week support and assistance.
• Free quote with a moving specialist.
• Offers loss and damage cover options for your shipment.
• Reimburse for items that were on the moving plan but were not moved.
• Issue a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for buildings.
• Experts in moving pianos.
• Variety of sizes in fleet of trucks and vans.
• International shipments can be made by sea, land or air.
• Express shuttles to move from NYC to Florida in 5 days and NYC to California in 10 days.

Cons

• Charge stair fee for over 1 flight of stairs
• Do not move plants
• No website chat feature available

Why should you choose FlatRate Moving?

Their 30+ years of experience and 200,000+ satisfied customers make FlatRate Moving a reliable and safe moving company. They are licensed for moving and storage services and can even move government agencies, US military and diplomats at the United Nations. They have a flat rate pricing that will give you the actual price of the service with 99.6% accuracy up front. Their services are based on technology and quality of service. Through the FlatRate app you can track your move in real time and a trained and expert moving staff member will handle your belongings with the greatest care. They also stand out for their white glove luxury moving service that will relocate you with as little noise as possible, uses luxury item protection as well as advanced technology.

3656 Enterprise Avenue Hayward, CA 94545
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4.3/5
4.8/5
4.8 stars based on 20000 reviews from around the web
Named a Best Moving Company of 2022 by U.S. News & World Report

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About

Established in 2011, Bellhop is a moving company offering residential and commercial, local and long distance moves. Serving 27 states and over 50 cities across the US with 300k+ moves completed & 20k+ 5 star reviews, Bellhop is growing fast and making a name for themselves in the moving industry. Their success is due their customer-first mindset, as stated their “mission is to make moving simple, stress-free, and transparent”. They aim to do this through a tech-enabled platform. Just one example of this tech is the unique ability to allow customers to book local moves directly through their website without any in-person walkthroughs or phone calls. Along with blooming partnerships with companies like The Home Depot & PODS it’s clear that Bellhop is here to stay and a great choice for your next moving job.

Services / Products offered in Oakland

• Local moving
• Long-distance moving
• Hourly labor
• Last minute moving
• Commercial moving
• Apartment moving

Company rate

Hourly rates starting at: $139

BBB Bureau Rating

B (Not accredited)

In Business Since

2011

Area Covered

• Local and long distance moves to and from 27 states in the USA

Pros

• Ranked as Top 2 out of 9 – best moving company of 2022 by U.S. News and World Report
• Included on Inc.’s annual list of 5000 fastest growing private companies in the USA
• Can hire movers only or truck and movers
• Has customer moving dashboard for easy tracking, payments, and or disputes/claims
• Free estimate of services online and over the phone
• Chat support availability
• Offers digital payments
• Offers last-minute moves
• Prorated pricing
• Low service fees
• Build-Your-Own package allows you to customize the # of movers and # of hours needed

Cons

• 10% deposit is collected within 48 hours of booking your move
• No international moves
• Cannot move oversized items that weigh 300+ pounds such as pianos.
• Free cancellation within 48 hours of booking a move but if within 72 hours of reservation date then your 10% deposit is forfeit along with a $200 fee if it’s a local move

Why should you choose Bellhop?

Bellhop is a moving company named 2nd among the 9 top moving companies in 2022 by U.S. News and World Report and included on the yearly list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the United States based on sales growth by Inc.. Bellhop can adapt your move based on your budget; you can hire only movers or both movers and a truck. In fact, Build-Your-Own package allows you to customize the number of movers and the number of hours needed. Bellhop approaches life with joy, energy, and lightheartedness. They are committed to caring for others by putting them first and treating them how they themselves would like to be treated.

Oakland, CA
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4.8/5
5/5
5 stars based on 278 reviews from around the web
Move Now and Pay Later service

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About

Established in 2014, Rockstar Pro Movers is a family-owned business that provides local and commercial moving as well as storage services within California. The company’s mission is to treat their customers like rock stars and exceed their expectations. Over the years, Rockstar Pro Movers has worked to achieve this mission by delivering excellent customer service. This moving company is both licensed and insured to operate in the State of California and within all fifty states of the US. In addition to ensuring outstanding customer satisfaction, Rockstar Pro Movers have dozens of powerful, well-maintained trucks ready to move you. Each of their trucks have all the necessary tools for furniture disassembly and reassembly or any other moving-related tasks you may think of.

Services / Products offered in Oakland

• Secure storage services
• Apartment moving
• College moving
• Commercial moving
• Long-distance moving
• Senior moving
• Junk removal
• Moving labor
• Packing services
• Piano moves
• Furniture moves

Company rate

Starting from $400 – $500 for smaller local jobs

BBB Bureau Rating

A+ (accredited since 2019)

In Business Since

2014

Area Covered

• Service San Francisco Bay area, Okland, Orange County, San Bernardino CA and Imperial County CA, Los Angeles & San Diego areas.
• Delivery offered across the United States.

Pros

• Exceptional customer service
• Offer Move now and Pay later service
• Competitive and affordable prices
• Free quotes online and by phone
• Piano moving experts
• 8 locations across California
• Inclusive website providing navigational assistance to people with disabilities and impairments

Cons

• No online moving supply shop
• No international moves
• Likely on the higher price point

Why should you choose Rockstar Pro Movers?

What sets Rockstar Pro Movers apart is that they offer excellent customer service thanks to their well-trained professional movers who treat their customers’ belongings as if they were their own. The company understands how costly and stressful moving can be, which is why they offer their Move Now and Pay Later service. Likewise, the company offers very competitive prices and you can get a free, no-obligation quote beforehand. Rockstar Pro Movers are experts in moving pianos, pool tables, as well as professional corporate moves of household appliances, ranging from standard equipment to commercial machines, excelling in professional moving of gym equipment. The movers will also perform home staging and rearranging furniture in your entire home or office if you need it. The company offers a fully secure storage service with a variety of climate control and 24-hour security with CCTV surveillance cameras in Los Angeles and surrounding areas, offering special discount to students, making it fit your needs and budget.

1131 Mason Ct #E, San Francisco, CA 94130
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4.9/5
Facebook Logo Ratings
5/5
100% online platform hired by Netflix to participate in TV series Instant Dream Home

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About

Clutter is a moving and storage company putting forward transparency and technology that offers premium moving and storage services. They have over 52,000 satisfied customers nationwide, hence their recognition as one of the most trusted and experienced moving companies. They also carry out delivery services, including packing, unpacking, and shipping. Clutter provides its services to make people’s lives convenient so customers can experience more of what they love while their properties are secured and moved safely. They are focused on leveraging technology to make your move or storage experience as efficient as possible. They offer a Smart Storage service that is climate controlled, accessed and monitored only by trained Clutter professionals, has a photo inventory of all of your items, and provides customers with on-demand pickups and deliveries.

Services / Products offered in Oakland

• Moving services
• Storage services
• Packing services

Company rate

Moves starting at:
• $96 for apartment moves
• $654 for average full house moves
• $309 for business moves

Storage starting at:
• 5’ × 5’ small closet size: $76/month
• 5’ × 10’ walk-in closet size: $129/month
• 10’ × 10’ garage size: $185/month
• 10’ × 15’ studio apartment: $270/month
• 10’ × 20’ 1-bedroom home: $319/month
• 10’ × 25’ 2-bedroom home: $426/month
• 10’ × 30’ 3-bedroom home: $505/month
• 10’ × 40’ 4-bedroom home: $666/month
• 10’ × 50’ 5-bedroom home: $698/month

*Discounts available for long-term storage up to 70%

BBB Bureau Rating

A+ (accredited since 2014)

In Business Since

2014

Area Covered

Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Philadelphia, Seattle, San Diego, Sacramento, Orange County, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Boston, Washington DC, and Inland Empire regions.

Pros

• 200+ trucks
• High-tech safety
• Flexible scheduling
• Discounted moving available
• Experienced, friendly movers
• Affordable pickups and deliveries
• Instant and accurate online quotes
• 92% customer satisfaction rate
• Real-time truck track
• Meet your movers virtually before they arrive

Cons

• The initial Smart Storage pickup comes with a one-hour minimum.
• Do not offer international moves

Why should you choose Clutter?

With over 200 trucks, and 500+ team members who are thoroughly vetted to be the best of the best, Clutter can handle any moving or storage job no matter how large or small it may be. They actively leverage technology to provide convenient services. For example, you can track all moves online! On the day of your move, you’ll be able to track their team and know exactly when they’ll arrive at your home. Also, their state-of-the-art storage facilities have 24/7 security and ensure your items are organized and safe. Their “Smart Storage” offering also includes an online photo inventory and on-demand pickups, deliveries, and shipping anywhere in the U.S. They offer transparent pricing, no hidden charges, discounted moving services, and 20% off packing help. With Clutter, you can have your items delivered to your home safely and at your convenience. Not to mention, they have been hired by Netflix to participate in the new TV series Instant Dream Home, where full-home renovations take place.

3526 Hayden Ave, Culver City, CA

Conclusion

Finding local movers does not have to be a tedious task. MovingWaldo created a list of the best moving companies in Oakland to make your move as easy and seamless as possible. It is recommended to always research the credibility and experience of the local moving company you choose for your next move. Specifically, in regard to customer reviews, services offered, location, the strengths and limitations of the company. 

By choosing any of the moving companies recommended by MovingWaldo, you are sure to have a smooth and seamless move for you and your family. These local movers in Oakland will be a quote away from moving you into your dream home!

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving

In general, it is cheaper to move in the middle of the week, in the middle of the month, and during the winter.  

Moving prices change a lot throughout the year. Like Uber, the more demand there is, the higher the prices are. The general rules to get a discounted rate are:

  • It is usually cheaper to move during the week than during the weekend. For instance, some companies will have a different hourly rate on Wednesday than on Saturday. This is likely due to the fact that people avoid taking time off from work to move, hence, there is more demand on weekends.
  • Moving in the middle of the month is likely to be cheaper than moving on the last or first day of the month. This is due to the fact that most leases are renewed on the first day of the month, hence, there is more demand on this day.
  • Moving during the winter is usually cheaper. December, January or February are most likely less expensive months. April to September is often more expensive since it coincides with the end and the beginning of the school year.

Usually, a moving company will provide 2 or 3 movers. The number will depend on the company politics as well as the size of the move.

For instance, if you are moving from a one or two-bedroom apartment without large appliances, two movers will likely do it. On the contrary, if you are moving a house, 3 movers will be a better option.

If the moving company charges by the hour, the total hourly rate will be higher if there are 3 movers. This said, your move could also take less time, and the movers are less likely to accidentally scratch some furniture out of tiredness.

For a move to the same city, the minimum will be 3 to 4 hours, but it is likely to be more than this. A two-bedroom apartment can take 4 to 6 hours, and a complete home could go up to 10 hours. Keep in mind that many things can influence the number of hours a move will take:

  • The number of movers, usually 2 or 3.
  • The number of boxes and furniture. Boxes are fast to move around, but appliances, sofas and specialty items can take a while. If a piece of furniture does not fit the stairs, for instance, you can count up to an hour to take it out through the balcony.
  • On what level is your home located? Moving from the tenth floor will take more time.
  • How long will it take for the movers to drive from their office, to your current home, then to your new home, and finally go back to the office? Most movers charge from door to door.

Try to evaluate how many trips the movers will need to load and unload everything, then estimate the time for each run. Finally, add the travel time and you should have a first approximation.

Moving services rates are usually around 90$ to 120$ per hour for two men. For instance, at $90 per hour, a 6 hours – 2 men move would cost 540$. You would then need to add gas, insurance, and tip.

Here is some sample data. Please make sure to get a proper quote to budget your move, as every move is different!

  • Two-bedroom townhouse between $375 and $450
  • Three-bedroom house around $800 and $900
  • Four-bedroom home around $3,000.

Read our full article on the cost of moving.

Selecting a mover is always a tricky thing to do. Since you do not move every year, you usually never had experience with the mover we end up selecting. There are rarely very poor decision, but here are a few things to consider that will help you make an appropriate choice:

  1. Make sure the moving company offers insurance for your belongings.

  2. Look for the BBB Rating. A BBB rating is a measure of customer satisfaction. The highest, the better. Note that not all companies use this rating.

  3. How long have they been in business? It is often a great thing when a company is in business for 50 years. We are not saying that young companies are not good, but harder to evaluate.

  4. Where are they located? The closest to you and your new home, the cheaper it will be.

  5. Do they hire full-time employees, or work with contractors? Full-time employees will often give you a guarantee that the reviews are relevant to the team.

  6. Look for reviews from friends and family or turn to online reviews. Take the time to read the reviews and understand it.

  7. Make sure you get more than one moving company quote!

First, let’s settle it. Yes, you should tip movers, especially if they did a great job and were respectful of you and your furniture. Moving is not an easy job!

  • For an average or small size move of 3 to 4 hours, a reasonable tip would be $20 per mover.
  • For a larger move, or if it is a very hot day for instance, do not hesitate to go up to $40 per mover.
  • In addition to tips, movers are likely to appreciate non-alcoholic beverages, such as water or Gatorade, or small snacks during the course of the move.
  • It is usually recommended to tip at the end when paying the final bill.
  • Final note: Reviews. The moving industry is not easy, and online reviews are very important for these companies and also for other families that will be seeking their services later on. Share your experience!

For more information, read our full post here on how much to tip movers.

 

There are a number of things to consider before deciding to hire professional movers or moving by yourself, but the quick answer is: hiring movers is definitely a simpler choice, but will often be more expensive. Here are the things to consider:

  1. What are you moving? Do you only have a few boxes to move, or are you moving a full-size home with a piano and pool table? Try imagining yourself moving the largest piece of furniture, could you do it?
  2. To the first point, how is your physical health? Moving is hard on the body, and you surely do not want to break your back over the cost of moving. Hire movers if you think the effort could be too much.
  3. Are you on a tight schedule, or can you move furniture over a week or a month? The more time you have, the easier it is to do it yourself.
  4. Do you have specialty items, such as a pool table, a hot tub or a piano? These are expensive and need technical skills to be moved without properly. Make sure to get professional movers.

What are 5 tips for a perfect move in Oakland?

  1. Plan your move. The more planning, the better.
  2. Take measurement at your current and new address. Make sure everything fits.
  3. Create a Google Drive with all reservations, quotes, lists, insurance, and documents related to your move.
  4. Label your boxes!
  5. Always double confirm every reservation.

Special Mentions

Moving is often synonymous of stress, long administrative tasks and a significant waste of time and money. MovingWaldo helps you solve all these problems in just a few clicks! After some shameless self-promotion, we invite you to discover our free moving tools available to all.

  • Update your address on all your accounts
  • Connect the Internet, TV and phone.
  • Secure home and auto insurance
  • Find resources, checklists and more.

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