San Francisco may be a city of breathtaking views and world-class neighborhoods, but it’s also a logistical maze of hills, narrow streets, and tight staircases. From Victorian homes in the Mission to steep alleyways in Nob Hill, moving here requires serious know-how.
That’s why choosing the right moving company isn’t just convenient – it’s essential. Whether you’re relocating within SF, across the Bay Area, or out of state entirely, the movers on this list have earned their spot through great reviews, clear pricing, and proven service.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 8.2 million people in the U.S. moved counties in 2022 – many for housing, jobs, or family. In a city like San Francisco, those moves are often complicated, expensive, and time-sensitive, so we’ve done the research to help you move smart and avoid surprises.
Moving in San Francisco: Unique Challenges & Considerations
Source: moveBuddha
If you’ve ever tried to parallel park on a hill in Russian Hill or unload a couch into a Mission flat, you know that moving in SF is no joke. Here’s what you’re up against:
- Tight stairwells and walk-up buildings are common across neighborhoods like Haight-Ashbury, North Beach, and Bernal Heights. Many historic homes have narrow doorways or angular staircases that require careful maneuvering and, in some cases, furniture hoisting. It’s not uncommon for movers to disassemble large pieces just to make it through the front door.
- Many areas have limited parking, so you’ll likely need to reserve a temporary no-parking zone through the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). These permits not only secure curb space but also help prevent fines or last-minute scrambling for a legal spot – something you don’t want to deal with while carrying a mattress.
- Certain streets prohibit oversized trucks or have time restrictions on commercial loading. If you’re moving into neighborhoods like Pacific Heights, Twin Peaks, or Telegraph Hill, expect additional limitations due to street grade, size, or local ordinances.
And let’s not forget the weather. While SF doesn’t see snow, the fog and microclimates can impact visibility and timing. Morning fog in the Sunset or Outer Richmond can delay moves, especially if movers need to navigate hills with care. Always check the forecast and communicate with your movers if the weather could be a factor.
What to Look for in a San Francisco Mover
In California, all movers must be licensed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This license ensures companies follow state guidelines for safety, insurance, and billing.
Beyond licensing, here’s what sets great SF movers apart:
- Transparent pricing that includes fuel surcharges, travel time, and potential stair/elevator fees. Some companies may initially offer low hourly rates, only to tack on steep fees later. Make sure you understand what’s included – and what’s not – before signing anything.
- Excellent online reviews across Yelp, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). In a city with so many tech-savvy residents, online reputation carries serious weight. Look for consistent praise around punctuality, professionalism, and problem-solving.
- Experience with apartment buildings, historic homes, and high-rise condos requiring COIs (Certificates of Insurance). Many SF buildings, especially in SoMa or downtown, require detailed COIs before allowing movers access to elevators or lobbies. A seasoned mover will handle this paperwork for you and ensure you stay compliant.
Don’t just go with the cheapest quote – go with the mover who understands the city. Read more on how to choose a moving company that best meets your needs.
The 7 Top-Rated Moving Companies in San Francisco
1. AMS Bekins
A trusted name in the Bay Area, AMS Bekins combines local expertise with a national network through Bekins Van Lines. Ideal for both residential and long-distance moves, they’re known for white-glove service and experienced crews.
Services: Local, long-distance, commercial, packing
Approx. 2025 Pricing: Contact for custom quote
What Stands Out: Legacy reputation + national logistics
2. Pure Moving Company
One of the highest-rated movers in SF, Pure Moving Company is beloved for its flat-rate pricing, fast scheduling, and stellar customer communication. Ideal for renters, condo moves, and small offices.
Services: Local, long-distance, office moves, packing
Approx. 2025 Pricing: Starting around $135/hour
What Stands Out: Transparent rates + 5-star consistency
3. NorthStar Moving Company
If you care about eco-friendly practices and luxury service, NorthStar is a standout. They use green trucks, offer reusable moving boxes, and can even coordinate charity pickups for donations.
Services: Local, long-distance, packing, luxury moves
Approx. 2025 Pricing: From $145/hour
What Stands Out: Sustainable, high-end, and community-focused
4. Impel Moving
Need to move on short notice? Impel Moving is known for speedy turnarounds, budget-friendly rates, and crews that can handle the quirks of older SF apartments.
Services: Local, small moves, packing
Approx. 2025 Pricing: $120–$140/hour
What Stands Out: Great for fast, simple, or tight-space moves
5. Good Green Moving
Locally owned and environmentally driven, Good Green Moving serves the entire Bay Area with a carbon-neutral approach. They offer residential and commercial moves, plus reusable packing materials.
Services: Local, commercial, green moving supplies
Approx. 2025 Pricing: Starting around $135/hour
What Stands Out: Sustainability focus + personalized service
6. Gentle Giant Moving Company
Well-trained, athletic crews and top-tier customer service make Gentle Giant a great choice for complex jobs, such as moving pianos, tight staircases, and long hauls.
Services: Local, long-distance, specialty items, piano moving
Approx. 2025 Pricing: $150–$170/hour
What Stands Out: Training, professionalism, and specialty services
7. Lugg
Lugg is the Uber of moving. Book movers by the hour via an app – ideal for small jobs, furniture pickups, Craigslist hauls, or quick apartment moves.
Services: Hourly moves, furniture delivery, small jobs
Approx. 2025 Pricing: From $49/hour (1 mover + truck)
What Stands Out: App-based, fast, and minimalist-friendly
Planning Your Move in SF: Tips from Local Pros
- Apply for parking permits or loading zone reservations at least 72 hours in advance via SFMTA. Forgetting this step could result in fines or towing – not the welcome gift you want on move-in day.
- If your street is steep or narrow, notify your mover so they can bring a smaller vehicle or plan alternative access. In extreme cases, movers may use dollies for blocks or schedule multiple trips to accommodate vehicle limitations.
- For high-rise buildings, check with your HOA or building manager for move-in/out protocols. Many require specific time slots, damage deposits, or insurance paperwork submitted in advance.
- Book 3–4 weeks ahead, especially for moves in May, August, and September – all peak times in the city. SF’s unique mix of lease turnovers, school transitions, and weather patterns makes these months especially hectic.
Want to stay organized? Check out our step-by-step moving checklist.
FAQs About Moving to San Francisco
How much does it cost to move a 1-bedroom apartment in SF?
Expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $900 for a local 1-bedroom move, but that number can climb depending on the level of service, distance between locations, and building logistics. If you’re hiring a full-service company that includes packing, furniture disassembly, and stair carries, you might be on the higher end of that range.
Are moving permits mandatory?
Yes, especially if your movers will be parking on the street. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) requires a temporary no-parking zone permit for most residential moves to reserve curb space for the moving truck legally. Without one, you risk getting fined or delaying your move while the crew searches for legal parking blocks away.
How do movers handle narrow staircases or historic homes?
San Francisco has no shortage of charming but challenging architecture, and movers know it. For older buildings, tight stairwells, or funky layouts, many companies conduct a walk-through or virtual estimate beforehand to assess access.
Do movers include insurance?
All licensed California movers must provide basic valuation coverage, typically reimburses at $0.60 per pound per item. This is very limited – if your $1,200 TV gets damaged and weighs 25 pounds, you’d only receive $15 under basic coverage. That’s why it’s smart to ask about full-value protection, which covers repair or replacement costs based on the actual value of your belongings.
Conclusion
San Francisco isn’t the easiest city to move to, but with the right mover, it doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. From coaxing sectionals up narrow staircases in Noe Valley to coordinating permits in the Financial District, these companies know how to navigate the city’s quirks so you don’t have to.
Whether you’re switching neighborhoods in the city or planning a long-distance move out of state, the top 7 moving companies we’ve featured bring the experience, equipment, and customer-first attitude you need to get it done right. Some focus on speed, others on sustainability, and a few offer white-glove service for high-end moves – so there’s an option for every kind of mover and budget.
Looking for more relocation tips or planning resources? Explore our homepage for checklists, storage guides, and more expert-reviewed mover roundups. Your next chapter starts with a smoother move.