Best Moving Companies in San Diego: 5 Options Compared
Compare five San Diego moving companies by storage, licensing, long-distance reach and pricing, plus how to vet any mover with California's BHGS.
A review page tells you how one moving company treated its last few hundred customers. It rarely tells you whether that company is the right fit for your move: a one-bedroom across North Park, a family heirloom headed to El Cajon, or a full household bound for Texas.
This guide compares five San Diego moving companies on the details that actually change the outcome of a move. That means where each mover is based, what services it lists, whether it stores goods, how far it can take them, and what licensing it shows. Every fact comes from the companies' own websites, listings and announcements, checked as of October 2026.
How We Compared These San Diego Movers
Each company was judged on the same five points, using only what it publishes about itself:
Licensing shown: a California mover's permit number (Cal-T or BHGS) displayed on its own site or listing.
Service range: local, long-distance, commercial and specialty moves the company says it handles.
Storage: whether it stores goods itself and in what kind of facility.
Reach: San Diego County only, statewide, or out of state through a van line network.
Pricing transparency: whether rates or pricing rules are published before you call.
The list is ordered by how much of a move each company covers with published pricing and its own in-house services. Ratings and review counts were left out on purpose. They change weekly, and they say little about whether a mover fits a specific job.
San Diego Moving Companies at a Glance
The 5 Best Moving Companies in San Diego
1. Reliable Delivery: Best for Flat-Rate Local Moves
For local moves where you want the price settled before the truck arrives, Reliable Delivery publishes flat-rate packages, from $350 for packing only to $550 for a two-bedroom apartment move at the time of writing. The company also states it charges no hidden fees for stretch-wrap, stairs, long walks or long carries. Floor, doorway and banister protection and basic furniture disassembly come with every move.
Based in: Poway, serving cities from Carlsbad and Escondido to Chula Vista
Services: residential and commercial moves, labor-only and packing-only jobs, antiques, lighting fixtures and designer furniture
Storage: use of its private, secured storage facility
Good to know: Cal-T 190689; BBB A+ accredited
2. Cube Moving and Storage: Best for Military and Senior Moves
Cube Moving and Storage describes itself as a family-owned San Diego mover, dispatching crews from Raytheon Road to downtown, North County, East County and South Bay. Beyond standard household moves, it lists dedicated military and senior moving services. Long-distance customers can add storage-in-transit, and packing and unpacking are available on request.
Based in: San Diego, with dispatch at 8045 Raytheon Rd
Services: local and long-distance moves, packing and unpacking, commercial, military and senior moves
Storage: storage-in-transit for long-distance moves
Good to know: BHGS license T-0190874
3. McCarthy Transfer & Storage: Best for International Moves
McCarthy Transfer & Storage was founded on February 19, 1919, and calls itself San Diego's oldest family-owned moving company. It now runs from a 21,000-square-foot warehouse on Fayette Street in El Cajon. In January 2019, it became an interstate agent of National Van Lines.
Based in: El Cajon, at 1386 Fayette Street
Services: local residential and small office moves, long-distance and international shipping, packing, rental truck loading and unloading
Storage: military-approved warehouse with 24-hour surveillance, fire suppression and an alarm system
Good to know: CAL T-154190; BBB A+ accredited
4. Coleman Worldwide Moving: Best for Out-of-State Moves
Coleman Worldwide Moving has been in business since 1914 and serves San Diego from Poway as an agent of Allied Van Lines. That national network is its main draw for out-of-state moves. Each customer gets a personal move coordinator and a free in-home estimate before the move.
Based in: Poway, at 13610 Stowe Drive
Services: local, long-distance and interstate household moves, commercial moves, packing materials
Storage: short- and long-term, in warehouses across the continental U.S., Alaska and Hawaii
Good to know: BBB accredited; ProMover certified
5. Republic Moving & Storage: Best for Moves With Logistics Support
Republic Moving & Storage serves households and businesses across San Diego and nearby communities, with logistics services alongside standard moves. Packing can be full or partial, depending on what each customer needs. The company also emphasizes safety and customer communication throughout each relocation.
Based in: San Diego
Services: residential and commercial moves, local and long-distance, full and partial packing, logistics
Storage: short- and long-term, for households and businesses
Good to know: storage can be booked before, during or after a move
How to Check a San Diego Mover Before You Book
California's Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) regulates household moves within the state. Whichever company you shortlist, these checks take minutes and protect you from the most common problems.
Confirm the permit. Every household mover in California needs a BHGS permit. Search the company on the BHGS website and check that the permit is active.
Add FMCSA for out-of-state moves. A move into or out of California needs a mover with both a BHGS permit and federal FMCSA registration.
Insist on a visual inspection. For moves within California, a written estimate must follow a visual inspection of your goods. Phone or online "estimates" are not allowed.
Get a not-to-exceed price. Your estimate should include the maximum you can be charged and reach you at least three days before moving day.
Know how you'll be billed. In-state moves under 100 miles can be charged by the hour. Moves over 100 miles must be charged by weight and mileage, and both rules shape your final moving company cost.
Choosing the Right Fit
The best San Diego mover depends on the move in front of you. Flat-rate pricing and in-house storage favor short local moves, a van line agent makes more sense for a move out of state, and movers with logistics support suit business relocations. Shortlist two or three, confirm each permit with BHGS, and compare written not-to-exceed estimates before you book.
FAQ
How are San Diego moves priced?
In-state moves under 100 miles can be billed hourly, while moves over 100 miles must be billed by weight and mileage. Some local movers also publish flat-rate packages for small apartment moves.
Do San Diego moving companies need a license?
Yes. Every household mover operating in California needs a BHGS permit, and movers crossing state lines also need FMCSA registration.
Which San Diego movers offer storage?
All five companies in this guide offer storage, from private local facilities to van line warehouses across the country.
Which San Diego mover is best for an out-of-state move?
Movers tied to a national van line suit interstate moves best. In this list, Coleman Worldwide Moving works through Allied Van Lines and McCarthy Transfer & Storage through National Van Lines.
When should I get my moving estimate?
Ask for a written estimate with a not-to-exceed price at least three days before moving day. It must be based on a visual inspection of your belongings.
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