Cheap moving companies near San Francisco, CA

You might pay between approximately $80 to $140 for the top movers in San Francisco. However, your actual costs might be more (or less), depending on a few factors: where you’re moving to, how much stuff you need to move, how many movers you need to hire and the time of year.

Always read moving company reviews, and collect estimates to find the best movers in San Francisco. Moving companies in California are required to be licensed. According to the Office of the Attorney General, moving companies are required to be registered with either the California Public Utilities Commission or the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can find more tips on how to hire movers in Thumbtack’s smart hiring guide and look for the Top Pro badge to identify the best professionals near you.

Many businesses have moving boxes available for free pickup as long as you phone ahead. Check with your local pharmacy, grocery store, liquor store and bars for free moving boxes in San Francisco. Some people post their boxes for free on online bulletin boards once they’re done with the move. Of course, you can always shop at hardware stores for quality boxes or ask movers in San Francisco if they have boxes for sale. 

There are several moving truck rental companies located in the San Francisco area. But if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of renting your own truck, keep in mind that many moving companies in San Francisco provide their own trucks when helping you move. Depending on your situation, it might save you time (and money) to hire movers rather than move everything by yourself. 

Because of the limited amount of parking on the city’s steep and twisting streets, it’s highly recommended that you consider getting a parking permit for your move. A San Francisco parking permit can provide you with temporary no-parking signs to reserve space on the street for your truck. Contact your moving company beforehand to find out the size of the moving truck and how many spaces you will need.

It’s a wise move to try and save money on moving supplies. If you’re after cheap boxes, blankets, mattress covers and other moving supplies, start by looking online. Some sites allow people to post free or cheap items they no longer need, and moving supplies are frequently on the list. There are also services that sell used cardboard boxes and more. If all else fails, head to your local department store or ask your moving company if they sell supplies.

There are plenty of places you can go to find cheap moving boxes. If you want new boxes, start with large chain retailers that sell moving supplies. However, you can also find cheap or even free deals by heading to other locations. 

Liquor stores receive their merchandise in boxes and may be willing to donate them to you. Grocery stores, bookstores, pet stores and department stores all receive boxes as well. Just remember to always ask for permission before you take any boxes from retailers and stores. 

You can also head to your recycling center to see if there are any boxes available. Or, go online to see if anyone in your neighborhood is trying to get rid of boxes.

Book movers at least two months in advance for a local move and at least four months in advance for a cross-country move. If you’re moving during the off-season, it’s best to book movers about four to eight weeks in advance. Factor in an extra two to three weeks if you have antiques or valuables that are difficult to transport.

May through September is typically considered peak moving season. If you’re moving during this time, hire movers as far in advance as possible.

Local moves are among the most common moves. Unlike a long-distance move, a local move is typically less than 50 miles and does not cross state lines. Generally, a local move only takes one day, and movers tend to charge by the hour. 

The definition of a long-distance move may vary depending on the moving company. Generally, a long-distance considered to be any move of 400 miles or more. However, some say a long-distance move is over 50-100 miles. 

Interstate moves require additional legal preparation and will incur additional costs for distance, the amount and weight of your items, the preparation required and various other factors. Moving companies tend to do an initial weighing of the truck, which you should be present for.

A move that crosses state lines is considered an interstate move or an out-of-state move. Contrast this with an intrastate move, which begins and ends in the same state, but is typically above 50 miles. 

To determine whether your move is local or long-distance, contact the best movers in your area.

The best long-distance movers in San Francisco are going to offer you a fair, straightforward price. After you’ve narrowed down your best options, ask for an estimate that includes everything. 

To find the best movers for your move, compare movers near you. Start by reading their ratings and reviews. Don’t gloss over the reviews sections on their profiles, however. Take the time to read the reviews and understand the quality of their work, punctuality and what it's like to work with them.

Also, make sure the company you ultimately choose is licensed with the state’s Bureau of Household Goods and Services.