Free matching service
Find long-distance movers in California
Tell us about your interstate move and compare quotes from up to 3 licensed, FMCSA-registered movers that serve your route. We're not a mover — we help you find and check one.
- Active USDOT number checked on FMCSA
- Active household-goods operating authority
- FMCSA complaint information reviewed
- Free for you, no obligation to hire
Step 1 of 6Free · No obligation
How it works
- Answer six quick questions about your move.
- We match you with up to 3 verified interstate movers that serve your route.
- Movers contact you to schedule a video or in-home survey and provide written estimates.
- You compare estimate types, valuation and dates — and choose freely.
What to expect from a good long-distance mover
- A written estimate based on a survey of your belongings — not a phone guess.
- FMCSA's "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" information and the "Ready to Move" brochure. Know your rights.
- A clear explanation of binding vs non-binding estimates and valuation options.
- A delivery window in writing.
Moving out of California's main regions
Every region has its own logistics. Here's what to raise with movers during the survey.
Los Angeles
- Freeway traffic shapes the day: crews often prefer early starts, and loading windows may slip if the truck is coming from across the basin.
- Street parking for a large truck may require a temporary no-parking or street-use permit from the City of Los Angeles or your city (Santa Monica, Pasadena, etc.).
- Hillside homes (Silver Lake, Echo Park, the canyons) often can't take a full-size tractor-trailer — ask whether your mover will need a smaller shuttle truck and how that's priced.
- Many apartment and condo buildings require a certificate of insurance (COI), elevator reservation and set move hours. Get the building's rules in writing early.
San Francisco Bay Area
- San Francisco requires a temporary parking permit (signs posted in advance) to reserve curb space for a moving truck.
- Steep streets and narrow access in SF, Oakland hills and parts of the Peninsula commonly mean shuttle trucks and long-carry fees — mention them during the survey.
- High-rise and HOA buildings frequently require COIs, padded elevators and weekday move windows.
- Bridge tolls and traffic can affect timing; confirm whether the estimate includes tolls.
San Diego
- Military relocations are common; if you're moving under PCS orders, government-arranged moves follow different rules.
- Coastal neighborhoods (Pacific Beach, La Jolla) have tight street parking — ask about a city street-use or no-parking permit.
- Summer is peak season near the coast and bases; book well ahead for June–August dates.
Orange County
- Many communities are HOA-managed; HOAs may restrict move hours, truck size and where trucks can park. Ask your HOA before booking.
- Gated communities may need advance gate access arrangements for the crew.
- Parking permits are set by each city (Irvine, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, etc.).
Sacramento
- Summer heat matters: schedule early-morning loading and keep heat-sensitive items (electronics, candles, wine) with you.
- Older Midtown and East Sacramento streets with mature trees may limit truck clearance — your mover may need a smaller vehicle.
- Sacramento is a common corridor to Nevada, Oregon and Idaho; some movers consolidate shipments heading east on I-80.
Inland Empire
- Larger suburban homes often mean bigger shipments — get the inventory right to avoid surprises on weight-based pricing.
- Summer heat in Riverside and San Bernardino counties is a real factor for crews and belongings; plan early starts.
- HOA communities in newer developments may have rules on truck parking and move times.
Not sure where to go yet? Try the Leaving California Planner or estimate costs with our moving cost calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Move Out of California is an independent moving resource and free matching service. We are not a moving company and do not transport household goods. Moves are performed by independent, FMCSA-registered carriers.