10 best movers in Pasadena, California

The best moving company for moving out of California is International Van Lines. Use the filters below to find other moving companies for a local move in the Pasadena area.

Long-distance movers in Pasadena

A long-distance move is when you move over 50 miles away or relocate to a different state. Make sure the moving company you hire has the proper federal licensing when crossing state lines. Interstate movers must have United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers. You can use these numbers or the mover's name to verify a carrier’s licensing status in the FMCSA’s database.

The long-distance movers below are reliable and have an active license. They can help get your belongings safely and efficiently to your new home.

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4.7

Our Rating

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

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4.7

Our Rating

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

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3.7

Our Rating

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

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Why is moving so expensive?

Relocating within or out of Pasadena is fairly expensive, as the average hourly moving rate is higher than the national average. The higher moving rates make sense because the cost of living in Pasadena is above 98.5% of the country.

Moving costs add up fast based on what services you need. The following are common moving expenses:

• Junk removal
• Fuel
• Professional labor
• Packing
• Storage
• Supplies

These additional factors can add even more to your total cost:

Transporting specialty items

Professional movers may charge more to move fragile, oversized or valuable items. These items commonly cost more to move:

• Family heirlooms or antiques
• Safes
• Artwork and sculptures
• Pianos
• Heavy pieces of furniture or technology

If you need to move any of these items, ask potential movers whether they charge additional fees for them.

Tipping your movers

Tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, but it’s common if your movers handled your belongings with care or made your move stress - free. Consider tipping each mover $20–$40 per day for long-distance moves and $5–$10 per hour for local moves.

Unexpected delays

Delays can happen for a variety of reasons such as limited supplies, transportation emergencies, traffic and bad weather. These issues may increase the duration and cost of your move. Prepare for delays by budgeting 25% more than your movers quote you and keeping a flexible schedule.

How to save money on moving costs

Consider these ways to reduce moving expenses in Pasadena.

Be communicative

Be communicative about any changes to your schedule or inventory, especially when adding items they have to move.

Small items may not be a problem, but inform them of large additions such as new appliances or furniture. The movers may need to adjust their quote for these additions and get your consent to these fees before beginning the move.

Have a flexible schedule

Reliable, cost-effective movers are in high demand. Consider moving in the off-season or during the week to reduce costs and still reserve your preferred relocation service.

The busiest moving period is from May through September. You may find lower moving rates and less competition if your timeline is flexible and you can plan your move during slower periods.

Consider alternatives to professional movers

If you can’t find a budget - friendly relocation service that works for you, there are several alternatives to consider.

Move by yourself is one option. Before choosing this route, consider the following costs along with the labor required:

• Packing supplies
• Fuel
• Moving truck rental

Enlisting help from family, friends or neighbors for moving large items such as furniture can make your move quicker and easier. Professional movers are a worthwhile investment if you don’t have the time or support to commit to moving yourself.

Another alternative is to hire movers on service marketplaces such as Fiverr or Thumbtack. Hiring hourly help can be more affordable, but independent contractors may not have proper licensing or insurance coverage.

FAQ about moving in Pasadena

What’s full-service moving?

Full-service moving is when your movers handle the entire moving process for you. They provide packing supplies, provide packing services for your belongings, transport them and unpack them.

Full-service moving costs more than services that only include loading and moving your items, but it can be worth the extra cost considering the time, labor and packing materials it saves. Full-service moving may also provide more comprehensive insurance coverage. Self-packed items are usually only insured for up to 60 cents per dollar, and damage claims for these items can be challenging to get approved.

How do you know a mover is licensed?

Any legitimate moving company will show their proof of registration on physical trucks and official files. If you're making an out of state move, you should screen companies for valid USDOT and MC numbers beforehand 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.

How does moving insurance work?

You should also look into a mover's insurance policies. All movers should offer released-value coverage, which pays 60 cents per pound per item. If you're moving high-value items, request information on your mover's full-value protection policies. Also consider full-value protection coverage if you're moving expensive goods — just be aware that these plans cost extra.

When is the best time of year to move?

The hotter months, May through September, usher in peak moving demand, leading to constrained availability and inflated costs countrywide for substantial and small moves alike. This might prevent you from a summer relocation given the price hikes. You also may want to steer clear of moving amid Pasadena's scorching summertime temperatures, as this could make relocating exceptionally difficult.

We suggest scheduling your move in the spring or early fall months to take advantage of pleasant weather and lower costs for moving services.

What things should I leave to the movers, and what should I transport myself?

On moving day, carry personal documents like financial records and identification documents in your own car. Additionally, we recommend keeping any valuable electronics, such as laptops, with you instead of on the moving truck.

Many moving companies put limits on insurance coverage on high-value possessions, like jewelry and family heirlooms. Keep these yourself, as well as any other irreplaceable belongings, if you're concerned about potential loss or damage.

Most movers refuse to transport certain items, including these:

• Flammable chemicals of any kind
• Batteries
• Fertilizers
• Toxic chemicals or cleaners
• Perishable foods and produce
• Compressed tanks or gas
• Plants
• Aerosols
• Fuel sources

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 moving methodology. We score movers based on reputation and customer experience, service availability, cost and pricing practices, insurance options, customer service and communication.