Cheapest Movers in Lake Riverside, CA (2025 Guide)

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Jun 1, 2025 • 5 min read

Fact Checked by: Hilary Snow

Quick answer: We evaluated 277 California movers, and Best California Movers rose to the top for local moves in Lake Riverside, CA, due to their competitive pricing, range of options, and positive customer feedback. Our choice for long-distance or out-of-state relocations from California, is Safeway Moving. We like that they maintain reasonable rates without skimping on service quality.

Hi, I'm Ryan.
Let's get moving.

I've helped thousands of people move over the last decade, and I can tell you that no two moves are exactly alike. Let me help you find the mover that's right for you.

Preferred partner:

Best California Movers

4.96
Best local CA mover:

Oakley Relocation

4.8
Best interstate mover:

Safeway Moving

4.85
Best DIY moving option:

U-Haul Truck Rental

4.15

Need more help? Build your move plan.

Get Quote

Preferred partners

Company	Quote	Rating
Best California Movers	Get A Quote	4.96 / 5
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.85 / 5
International Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.45 / 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 Lake Riverside, CA

If you're planning a move within Lake Riverside or to a nearby California city no more than 50 miles away like Idyllwild-Pine Cove or Valle Vista, take a look at these top-rated, budget-friendly moving companies:

Preferred Partner

Best California Movers: 4.96 out of 5 stars

Other top partners:

Oakley Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
TacLog Moving Services: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Merit Moving Systems: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Aces Moving Pros Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Ruff and Ready Moving: 4.62 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

Oakley Relocation

992 Rancheros Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (36%)
Professional and polite staff (31%)
Good communication (29%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (22%)
Delayed arrival or delivery (18%)
Lack of communication (15%)

Review Analysis

Customer feedback for Oakley Relocation showcases consistent professionalism, efficient service, and care for customer belongings, with 93% of reviews being positive across 229 total inputs. Clients frequently describe the staff as polite, effective, and reliable, often highlighting quick and seamless moves, attentive communication, and careful handling of items. Many mention that the employees go out of their way to make the moving process less stressful, offering peace of mind from start to finish. On the flip side, a small number of clients experienced significant problems, most commonly citing damage to items, difficulty reaching the company when issues arose, or unexpected charges. Compared to similar moving companies, Oakley earns standout marks for staff professionalism and speed, but the occasional unresolved damage claim or communication gap keeps a small number of users from full satisfaction.

Get a Quote (858) 602-1756

Company Info

State license #: 0190480

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 070851

Alternate Names: Agent for North American Van Lines

Services Offered

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

TacLog Moving Services

41725 Elm St # 302, Murrieta, CA 92562 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (38%)
Efficient service (33%)
Careful handling (30%)

Customer Complaints

Delayed arrival or delivery (40%)
Damage to items (35%)
Lack of communication (29%)

Review Analysis

TacLog Moving Services collects glowing praise for moving quickly, efficiently, and with professional care. In 122 pieces of customer feedback, 80% celebrated the team’s effort with careful handling, polite attitude, and clear communication. Fast work and protection of items set this company apart from competitors. Most reviewers noted affordable, transparent pricing and praised how courteous and attentive the movers were. Yet, nearly one out of five clients cited significant property damage, late arrivals, and communication issues as main drawbacks. Problems with broken items or no-shows tarnished some experiences, and claims for damages sometimes went unanswered. Compared to other movers, TacLog’s responsiveness and speed stand out, but reliability and follow-through on damage claims need improvement.

Get a Quote (951) 298-9559

Company Info

State license #: 191435

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 3067622

Services Offered

Local moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Art
Antiques
Crating
Pay by credit card

Merit Moving Systems

72050 Varner Rd, Thousand Palms, CA 92276 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (50%)
Professional and polite staff (45%)
Good communication (43%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (25%)
Unexpected charges (20%)
Lack of communication (15%)

Review Analysis

Customer input raves about Merit Moving Systems' professionalism and strong communication, with 111 out of 121 reviews (92%) rating their experience positively. Clients frequently highlight the staff’s polite manner, careful handling of possessions, and efficient organization—more than typically seen with moving companies. Movements are executed smoothly, with packing done methodically and updates provided throughout the process. Several customers mention that everything arrived undamaged, on time, and that interactions from the quote to delivery were clear and friendly. Critical feedback is rare but noteworthy: the main problems involve lost or missing items, occasional property damage, and a few reports of unhelpful or rude staff members. A small number of customers cited dissatisfaction with complaint resolution and accountability when issues arose. Neutral feedback points to unexpected extra fees and isolated negative experiences with estimators but credits the rest of the team as helpful and professional. Compared to industry norms, Merit earns higher praise for reliability, communication, and the care shown by its moving crews, yet there is a need for consistent follow-through in resolving complaints and losses.

Get a Quote (760) 343-3464

Company Info

State license #: 0192009

Years in Business: 38

DOT #: 1839600

Alternate Names: Merit Moving & Logistics LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Shipment tracking
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

Aces Moving Pros Inc.

81824 Trader Pl, Building A, Indio, CA 92201 US

Customer Praise

Efficient service (38%)
Careful handling (30%)
Professional and polite staff (28%)

Customer Complaints

Unexpected charges (15%)
Lack of communication (12%)
Damage to items (11%)

Review Analysis

Aces Moving Pros Inc. stands out with a remarkably high level of customer satisfaction, reflected by 83.9% positive feedback from 143 reviews. Customers consistently value the efficient service, careful handling of belongings, and consistently professional staff. Quick, organized moves and strong communication are highlighted as key strengths, helping set the company apart from many movers in the region. Requests for last-minute moves and complex jobs are managed with adaptability and attention, often exceeding expectations for speed and friendliness. On the downside, a small portion of feedback calls attention to issues such as damaged items, delays or unreliable timing, and lapses in communication—some reporting extra charges, items missing, mishandled claims, or slow follow-up after problems. While the frequency of negative experiences is well below industry averages, those incidents are most often related to damaged property or delivery delays. Customers moving delicate or high-value items, or with rigid schedules, should make sure all details are confirmed in writing. Aces Moving Pros Inc. outperforms larger competitors in overall satisfaction, reliability, and positive interactions, though their handling of rare service failures could be improved with more proactive communication and faster dispute resolution.

Get a Quote (760) 248-4005

Company Info

State license #: 0191295

Years in Business: 15

DOT #: 2193249

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Grandfather clocks
Crating
Full-valuation coverage
Storage
Fragile-only packing
Safes
Pay by cash
Pay by credit card

Ruff and Ready Moving

42006 Remington Ave. #103, Temecula, CA 92590 US

Customer Praise

Professional and polite staff (23%)
Efficient service (20%)
Careful handling (18%)

Customer Complaints

Damage to items (28%)
Unexpected charges (24%)
Lack of communication (19%)

Review Analysis

Loading up satisfaction with impressive teamwork, Ruff and Ready Moving receives strong praise from 418 reviewers, earning a notable 75.6% positive feedback. Customers highlight the professionalism and politeness of the staff, their careful handling of belongings, speedy service, and friendly, helpful movers as standout strengths. Many found the moving process efficient, with teams consistently on time and communicating well, delivering on promises and treating each item with respect. On the flip side, nearly a quarter of customer input spotlights concerns. The most frequent issues include damaged property, unexpected higher final costs, and misplaced or lost items, often accompanied by frustration over slow claims handling. Although most moves go smoothly, report patterns show that damage and missing goods are more common than with top-tier competitors, and cost overruns can catch clients off-guard. Input also reveals the company excels at friendly, reliable service and can handle both local and long-distance moves capably. Those considering Ruff and Ready Moving should ask for written estimates and clear communication about claims to ensure peace of mind. Many reviewers declare this team among the best for attentive, trustworthy service, yet caution is advised for those with fragile or valuable possessions and anyone concerned about strict budgeting.

Get a Quote (951) 834-3539

Company Info

State license #: 0191454

Years in Business: 11

DOT #: 2714209

Alternate Names: Ruff & Ready Moving, LLC

Services Offered

Local moves
Interstate moves
International moves
Packing
Unpacking
Offices
Pianos
Hot Tubs
Pool Tables
Art
Antiques
Crating
Storage
Pay by credit card
DOD certified

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 Lake Riverside, CA

Choosing a full-service mover for your Lake Riverside, 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 Lake Riverside 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

See less

How we chose the best movers in Lake Riverside, 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 Lake Riverside, CA

Check out the pricing table below to get a rough idea of what local moves typically cost in and around the Lake Riverside area. For a deeper dive, be sure to explore our guide on the moving costs in California.

Keep in mind that the moving quotes shown are general estimates. Your actual expenses may vary based on your specific moving situation. For a more accurate estimate, try our moving cost calculator.

Home Size	Avg. Total Cost	Cost/hour	# of Movers	# Hours
Studio	$538	$208	2 movers	3 hours
1 Bedroom	$755	$206	2 movers	4 hours
2 Bedroom	$1,220	$288	3 movers	5 hours
3 Bedroom	$2,738	$400	4 movers	8 hours
4 Bedroom	$3,138	$391	4 movers	9 hours
5+ Bedroom	$4,810	$570	5 movers	10 hours

Compare the top Lake Riverside, CA movers

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

Company	moveBuddha rating	BBB rating	Yelp rating	Google rating
Oakley Relocation	4.8/5	A+	4.4/5	4.8/5
TacLog Moving Services	4.7/5	B-	4.2/5	4.4/5
Merit Moving Systems	4.7/5	A+	4.4/5	4.9/5
Aces Moving Pros Inc.	4.7/5	A+	4.4/5	4.7/5
Ruff and Ready Moving	4.6/5		3.7/5	4.3/5
Meathead Movers	4.6/5	A+	4/5	/5
ACME Moving and Storage	4.6/5	A+	4.6/5	4.4/5
Desert Moving Company & Storage	4.5/5	A+	3.5/5	4.5/5
JFK Moving Company	4.4/5	NR	4.5/5	4.8/5
Honest A's Affordable Moving, Inc.	4.3/5	A+	4.5/5	4.4/5

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 Lake Riverside mover?

Finding a dependable Lake Riverside 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 Lake Riverside 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 Lake Riverside movers help with long-distance relocations?

Some moving companies in Lake Riverside 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 Lake Riverside.

When is the most affordable day to hire movers in Lake Riverside, CA?

Movers in Lake Riverside, 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 Lake Riverside 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 Lake Riverside, 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 Lake Riverside, 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 Lake Riverside?

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 Lake Riverside?

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 Lake Riverside moving companies?

Many Lake Riverside 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?