Cheapest Movers in Dana Point, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: After comparing 277 moving companies in California, our recommended local mover in Dana Point, CA, is Best California Movers thanks to their pricing, variety of moving solutions, and great customer reviews. Safeway Moving earns our top pick for out-of-state or long-distance moves from California because they are affordable without cutting corners on service.

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Preferred partner:

Best California Movers

4.96
Best local CA mover:

Best California Movers

4.96
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

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Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.96 / 5
Next Stop Moving & Storage	Get A Quote	4.24 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5

Our track record

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

Founded in 2015
3,500+ moving companies analyzed
$50,000 in moving grants delivered
Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
Fact-checked for accuracy

6 Cheapest movers when moving locally in Dana Point, CA

Whether you're moving within Dana Point, relocating to nearby San Juan Capistrano or Laguna Niguel, or heading to another California city less than 50 miles away, here are some affordable and highly-rated movers to consider:

Preferred Partner

Best California Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Next Stop Moving & Storage: 4.24 out of 5 stars
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Meathead Movers: 4.76 out of 5 stars
NorthStar Moving Company : 4.66 out of 5 stars
Qshark Moving Company Inc: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Best California Movers

15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92591 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (41%)
Professional and polite staff (37%)
Good communication (36%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (18%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (14%)
Unexpected charges (10%)

Review Analysis

Moving perfection is rare, but Best California Movers comes close. Out of 1,177 pieces of customer feedback, over 98% are positive. Customers highlight the company's efficient service, careful handling, quick moving process, professional staff, and great communication. Moves are completed swiftly without sacrificing care, and teams are consistently polite and attentive. Transparent pricing and quick response times also set this company apart from many others. On the flip side, a small number of people mention issues like item damage, inaccurate estimates leading to unexpected costs, and slow resolution to complaints. While most customers found pricing and final charges accurate, those few negative experiences reflect the main risks found in the industry—miscommunication, claim delays, and the rare mishandling of belongings. Compared to typical movers, Best California Movers receives far fewer complaints about property damage and shows higher reliability and responsiveness. The feedback shows why so many recommend them for hassle-free, well-managed moves.

Get a Quote

Company Info

State license #: T0192283

Pricing: $109/hr

Years in Business: 6

DOT #: 3489907

Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Next Stop Moving & Storage

6017 Randolph Street, Commerce, CA 90040 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (27%)
Professional and polite staff (23%)
Good communication (21%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (14%)
Unexpected charges (11%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (9%)

Review Analysis

A torrent of praise floods the feedback for Next Stop Moving & Storage. Out of 210 reviews evaluated, 98% express satisfaction, lauding the crew for their professionalism, efficiency, careful handling, fast process, and excellent communication. People frequently highlight polite, capable staff who handle belongings with attention. Customers appreciate that the booking process is smooth and pricing is usually clear. The company’s service stands out in a market where moving horror stories are common, with many reviewers calling the team the best they’ve worked with and the process seamless. Negative input is rare (1.4%) but concentrated on cases of surprise charges, subcontracted movers, and damaged or missing items. A recurring issue cited in negative input was being charged extra beyond the quoted price, sometimes due to secondary companies being involved. The limited neutral feedback also noted unclear or unhonored pricing. Compared with other movers, Next Stop consistently provides a more reliable and courteous experience, but a small number of cases raise concerns about third-party involvement and unexpected costs. Most customers walk away relieved, often calling Next Stop their go-to recommendation, while a few urge caution about ensuring all project details are confirmed in writing.

Get a Quote (877) 307-0101

Company Info

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 3756197

Alternate Names: Domus Logistics Inc

Services Offered

Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card
Deposit Required

Terry Moving and Storage Inc.

25958 Commercentre Dr, Lake Forest, CA 92630 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (29%)
Professional and polite staff (27%)
Careful handling (24%)

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges (18%)
Damage to items (16%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (15%)

Review Analysis

Word travels fast when a moving company stands out, and Terry Moving and Storage Inc. has built a strong reputation with feedback from 419 customers—nearly 94% of whom share positive input. Customers consistently praise the speed and efficiency of service, the professionalism and courtesy of the moving team, and especially their careful handling of valuable items. Staff members receive high marks for their great communication, making the moving process less stressful. Common negatives reported include occasional damage to belongings, unexpected fees or pricing differences, and some gaps in communication during problem situations. While some reviewers faced issues with lost items or claims handling, these incidents are much less frequent than is typical for the industry. Compared to most moving companies, Terry Moving and Storage Inc. is viewed as more reliable and responsive, with a reputation for organization and genuinely helpful crews. The significant volume of positive input confirms this company sets a high bar for moving and storage providers.

Get a Quote (949) 587-9490

Company Info

State license #: 189603

Years in Business: 28

DOT #: 649215

Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Pay by credit card

Meathead Movers

2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (24%)
Professional and polite staff (21%)
Careful handling (19%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (25%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
Unexpected charges (16%)

Review Analysis

Meathead Movers stands out for hustle, professionalism, and customer care. Out of 596 feedback entries, 76.7% reflected positive experiences, far surpassing most moving services. Customers consistently mention the professional and polite attitude of staff, quick and efficient moves, careful handling of belongings, and clear communication throughout the process. On the other hand, some input details damage to furniture or property, unexpected costs, and occasional delays with arrival or delivery. Still, the frequency of efficient and careful service notably outweighs these issues. Based on customer input, Meathead Movers sets a higher standard for moving companies by maintaining reliable service, though attention to damage prevention and transparent pricing could be further improved to match their strong reputation.

Get a Quote (949) 485-7883

Company Info

State license #: 189849

Years in Business: 27

DOT #: 921143

Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

NorthStar Moving Company

300 Spectrum Center Dr Ste 400, Irvine, CA 92618 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (36%)
Professional and polite staff (33%)
Careful handling (30%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (25%)
Unexpected charges (20%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)

Review Analysis

Moving day becomes stress-free with NorthStar Moving Company, based on feedback from 68 customers—94% shared strong praise. Their most valued traits include efficient service, careful handling of items, and a professional, helpful crew. Customers frequently highlight the movers’ speed, organization, and willingness to assist with unplanned needs, setting NorthStar apart from other companies. Pricing transparency and reliable scheduling also add extra appeal, while both large and small moves often run smoothly, thanks to teams going above and beyond. Some dissatisfied input focused on hard-to-reach representatives, poor communication, and a few timing issues which caused frustration. Still, negative experiences accounted for less than 5% of all feedback, and most clients endorsed NorthStar for local, long distance, and even last-minute relocations. Compared to other moving companies, NorthStar consistently impresses with attentive teams and smooth execution, making it a top choice for those seeking security and reliability during a move.

Get a Quote (800) 275-7767

Company Info

State license #: 0182466

Years in Business: 30

DOT #: 1836576

Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Qshark Moving Company Inc

2618 San Miguel Dr, #295, Newport Beach, CA 92660 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (40%)
Professional and polite staff (35%)
Careful handling (30%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (25%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (20%)
Unexpected charges (15%)

Review Analysis

Moving with Qshark Moving Company Inc leaves most customers satisfied—of the 233 feedback entries reviewed, 94% reflect positive experiences. Customers frequently mention the company’s efficiency, careful handling, professionalism, speed, and quality communication. Friendly movers put families at ease while skillfully protecting and transporting belongings, even on challenging jobs. People enjoyed transparent pricing, easy booking, and prompt service—a sharp contrast with typical moving frustrations elsewhere. Some negative input centers on damages to furniture or property, unreliable scheduling, and a handful of lost items, experiences rarely found in top-rated moving services. Qshark’s customer service stood out, with many reports of prompt resolution and willingness to correct issues, but a few reviewers describe problems with poor packing and slow or unresponsive claims. Most movers arrive with proper equipment, work quickly, and demonstrate respect for clients' homes and personal items. Compared to other providers, Qshark’s consistently positive input and resolution-driven management set a higher standard, though occasional lapses in care and timing suggest evaluating claims policies for peace of mind.

Get a Quote (949) 334-2287

Company Info

State license #: 0191490

Years in Business: 10

DOT #: 2758929

Alternate Names: Qshark Movers, Shark Moving Compnay, Shark Movers

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Crane vans
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Safes
Pay by credit card

Other local CA movers

While these local California movers did not make our top list, they are still worth looking into:

Cheapest movers when moving out of California

Relocating from California to a new state? You’ll need an experienced interstate moving company to get you there. Here are our recommendations:

Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
International Van Lines: 4.45 out of 5 stars
Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Safeway Moving

rating

4.85 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned

Get A Quote

(855) 650-0657

International Van Lines

rating

4.45 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

24/7 cust. service
Competitive rates
10% discounts

Get A Quote

(855) 929-4120

Mayzlin Relocation

rating

4.9 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Family owned
East coast focus
Affordable pricing

Get A Quote

(980) 217-6841

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

American Van Lines

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Certified crews
Flat-rate pricing
Family-owned

Get A Quote

866-835-2392

Cheapest DIY moving options in Dana Point, CA

Choosing a full-service mover for your Dana Point, California move is definitely the most convenient option, but it’s also usually the priciest. If you’re looking to cut costs, consider going with one of the top moving container companies. Or, check out moving truck rental companies in Dana Point instead.

PODS

rating

4.8 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount

Get A Quote

Visit Website

U-Pack

rating

5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Check prices Visit Website

MovingYourself

rating

4.5 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Offers car shipping
No hidden fees

Check prices (352) 322-2920

Budget Truck Rental

rating

4.3 / 5

Licensed

Insured

Price

Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

Check prices Visit Website

Top-rated movers in other nearby California cities

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How we chose the best movers in Dana Point, CA

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top five best movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Average cost of movers in Dana Point, CA

Take a look at the pricing table below to get a general idea of the costs associated with local moves in and around the Dana Point area. For more details, you can also check out our guide on the moving costs in California.

Please note that the moving quotes provided in the table are rough estimates, and your actual costs may differ depending on the unique needs of your move. For a more precise estimate, consider using our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$309	$104	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$413	$104	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$628	$144	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$1,385	$202	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$1,583	$198	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$2,385	$276	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Dana Point, CA movers

Let’s compare how the top movers in Dana Point, CA stack up in terms of their reputation.

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Best California Movers	5/5	A+	4.9/5	5/5
Terry Moving and Storage Inc.	4.8/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
Meathead Movers	4.8/5	A+	3.9/5	4.3/5
NorthStar Moving Company	4.7/5	A+	4.8/5	4.6/5
Qshark Moving Company Inc	4.7/5	A+	5/5	4.7/5
Trek Movers	4.7/5	A+	4.7/5	4.9/5
Maison Moving	4.7/5	NR	4.3/5	4.6/5
SafeWay Moving & Storage	4.6/5	A+	4.8/5	4.5/5
Laaks Moving Services	4.6/5	A+	4.7/5	4.8/5
Safe-Way Moving Inc	4.5/5	A+	4.8/5	4.5/5

FAQs

How can I verify if my mover is legally licensed?

When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.

Every mover featured in our guide is fully licensed. Check out our best movers in California page for top picks.

What’s the best way to find a trustworthy Dana Point mover?

Finding a dependable Dana Point moving company can be a challenge, but there are a few key things that can help you identify a reputable mover:

Reputation: A strong reputation is important, whether the mover is a small local business or a well-established van lines company.
Dispute resolution: Steer clear of movers with a track record of unresolved complaints. While every Dana Point mover may encounter customer issues, the best ones handle disputes quickly and professionally.
Experience with your type of move: Great reviews for short moves don’t guarantee success on a cross-country relocation. Make sure the mover has handled moves like yours before.

Can Dana Point movers help with long-distance relocations?

Some moving companies in Dana Point offer long-distance services, while others stick to local moves only. If you're planning an out-of-state move, check out our list of the best long distance movers in Dana Point.

When is the most affordable day to hire movers in Dana Point, CA?

Movers in Dana Point, California, are usually cheapest on weekdays, as weekends tend to be busier and more expensive. Typically, the most affordable time to move falls between October and April. Moving costs spike between May and September due to high demand during peak season.

It’s best to book your Dana Point move early. To save money, try to avoid weekends, holidays, and peak summer months. And remember, a low initial quote isn’t always a good sign. Some movers increase the price on moving day after low-balling up front.

How can I move out of state from Dana Point, CA on a budget?

If you're looking to save money, renting a moving truck is the most affordable way to move out of state or even locally within Dana Point, California. It’s a DIY solution, though, so you’ll be responsible for packing, loading, unloading, and doing all the driving.

Is using a moving container a smart choice for my move from Dana Point?

Moving containers give you the flexibility to move on your schedule, but you’ll need to handle all the lifting and loading yourself. Once everything is packed, the container company will take care of transporting it to your new home, so you can skip the hassle of driving a moving truck.

Can I get help loading my moving container in Dana Point?

If you’re going the DIY route with a rental truck or container, labor-only moving companies are a great way to get some extra help. Hiring professionals to assist with loading and unloading can lighten the workload and speed up the process.

Can I get storage from Dana Point moving companies?

Many Dana Point movers offer both short- and long-term storage options. Some companies may rely on third-party storage facilities, so be sure to ask how and where your belongings will be stored. It’s a good idea to confirm availability and costs when comparing movers.

Learn more: Should you use your mover's storage solutions?