San Francisco remains one of the most dynamic and sought-after housing markets in the United States. From the iconic Painted Ladies and Golden Gate views to bustling districts like SoMa, Mission, and Pacific Heights, the city’s neighborhoods are constantly changing, leading to frequent relocations within the Bay Area. According to recent U.S. Census Bureau data, 8.2 million Americans moved in 2022. San Francisco consistently ranks among the top metropolitan areas for residential turnover, reflecting a high demand for professional moving services.
Whether you’re relocating across town, moving into the city from nearby suburbs, or planning a long-distance move from another state, choosing the right moving company can make all the difference. Reliable movers save time, reduce stress, and ensure that belongings arrive safely and on schedule. This guide highlights six of the best movers San Francisco offers in 2025, covering both budget-conscious options and full-service providers. Each company has been vetted for professionalism, pricing transparency, customer satisfaction, and expertise in navigating the unique challenges of moving in the city.
For a detailed plan to organize your move, check out our Step-by-Step Moving Checklist.
Why People Choose San Francisco for Relocation
Source: MoveBuddha
San Francisco continues to draw residents for a mix of economic opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and cultural appeal. Key reasons include:
- Tech industry opportunities: With close proximity to Silicon Valley and a thriving startup ecosystem, professionals in technology and related sectors see San Francisco as a hub for career growth and innovation. Many residents are drawn to the abundance of tech companies, incubators, and networking opportunities.
- Cultural attractions: The city is home to world-class dining, an expansive arts scene, music festivals, theaters, and iconic cultural landmarks like Alcatraz and the Ferry Building. Diverse neighborhoods, from the Mission District to Pacific Heights, provide unique living experiences and a vibrant local culture.
- Transportation accessibility: While parking can be challenging, San Francisco’s public transit options, bike-friendly streets, and rideshare availability make commuting feasible and convenient. Residents often balance car ownership with other transport modes.
- Career advancement across industries: Beyond tech, San Francisco offers opportunities in finance, healthcare, education, and creative industries. Professionals across sectors are attracted to both local and regional career prospects.
- Lifestyle appeal: Coastal views, outdoor recreation, and walkable neighborhoods make the city appealing for singles, families, and retirees.
For tips on storing belongings during your move, see Self Storage Tips.
What to Look for When Hiring San Francisco Movers
Moving in San Francisco comes with unique challenges, including steep hills, narrow streets, and parking limitations. Here’s what to look for when selecting movers:
- Proper licensing and insurance: San Francisco movers must be registered with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for local moves and hold USDOT credentials for interstate relocations. Verify that your mover also offers adequate insurance coverage or valuation options for valuable items.
- Transparent pricing: Obtain written estimates that clearly outline hourly rates, flat-rate options, and any potential extra fees. Avoid companies that provide vague quotes over the phone or online, as hidden costs can add up quickly.
- Service variety: Depending on your needs, select movers who provide a wide range of service, including local moves, long-distance relocations, packing/unpacking, storage solutions, and specialty item handling such as pianos, artwork, or antiques.
- Strong online reviews and accreditation: Check Google, Yelp, and BBB ratings to ensure the company has a strong reputation. A minimum of 4.0+ stars on Google is a good benchmark for reliable service.
- Experience navigating San Francisco’s unique challenges: Steep hills, narrow streets, restricted parking, and multi-story buildings require experienced crews who can plan logistics, coordinate with building management, and ensure safety while minimizing delays.
Learn more about Getting a Moving Quote.
The 6 Best Moving Companies in San Francisco
1. Bekins Moving & Storage – San Francisco Bay Area
Bekins Moving & Storage is a family-owned, BBB-accredited company serving Northern California since 1949. With decades of experience, Bekins specializes in both residential and commercial moves, handling local and long-distance relocations with professionalism and care. Their comprehensive services include full-service packing and unpacking, secure storage solutions, and specialty item handling such as artwork and antiques. Bekins offers free in-home estimates and maintains a transparent pricing structure, ensuring no hidden fees or surprises. With their extensive Bay Area expertise, professional crews, and comprehensive insurance coverage, Bekins is a reliable choice for clients seeking peace of mind and meticulous attention to detail during their move.
2. Pure Moving Company
Pure Moving Company has built a strong reputation in San Francisco through its BBB accreditation and positive Yelp reviews, making it a trusted option for residential and commercial relocations. Their services encompass local and interstate moves, full-service packing, and customized moving solutions designed to meet the unique needs of each client. Pure is known for its modern, customer-focused approach, offering clear communication throughout the moving process, online scheduling, and detailed written estimates. The company emphasizes transparency, professionalism, and efficiency, ensuring that clients experience minimal stress while their belongings are transported safely and on schedule.
3. One Big Man & One Big Truck
One Big Man & One Big Truck focuses on budget-conscious moves and is particularly suited for small to medium-sized households or apartment relocations. This company provides labor-only services, local moves, and packing assistance, delivering a personalized experience with a hands-on approach. With affordable hourly rates, One Big Man & One Big Truck is ideal for clients who want professional help without paying for unnecessary extras. The crew’s attention to detail, flexibility, and friendly communication ensure that even smaller moves are handled with care, making this company a popular choice among residents seeking reliable yet cost-effective services.
4. A2B Movers
A2B Movers has earned a reputation as a top value option among San Francisco movers, offering efficient service at competitive rates. They handle residential moves, furniture rearrangements, packing services, and commercial relocations, tailoring each move to the client’s specific needs. The company provides free estimates and clear pricing, allowing customers to plan their budgets accurately without worrying about hidden costs. Known for its quick response times, punctuality, and strong local reviews, A2B Movers is a reliable choice for clients who prioritize both affordability and quality, ensuring a smooth, well-coordinated moving experience.
5. Sunny Moving Company
Sunny Moving Company stands out as a flexible and client-focused mover, offering services that include local and long-distance moves, packing, storage solutions, and specialty item handling. With a commitment to customer satisfaction, Sunny provides transparent pricing, competitive rates, and flexible payment options, making them accessible to a wide range of budgets. Clients consistently praise the company’s friendly customer service, punctuality, and ability to handle moves of various sizes efficiently. Whether relocating a small apartment or a larger home, Sunny Moving Company delivers dependable, professional service with an emphasis on reliability and care.
6. Johnson & Daly Moving
Johnson & Daly Moving is an award-winning moving company in the Bay Area, frequently recognized by local readers’ polls for exceptional service. They provide full-service residential and commercial moves, long-distance relocations, packing, and storage solutions, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience for clients. Their pricing is competitive for the level of service offered, and the company is known for its expertise navigating San Francisco’s challenging geography, including steep hills and narrow streets. Johnson & Daly consistently earns high customer satisfaction ratings, thanks to their attention to detail, professionalism, and ability to coordinate complex moves efficiently.
Tips for Moving in San Francisco
- Book 6–8 weeks in advance: Summer months and end-of-month moves see high demand, making early booking essential.
- Account for geography: San Francisco’s hills, narrow streets, and restricted parking in areas like Russian Hill, North Beach, and Pacific Heights require experienced movers.
- Consider weather: Fog, light rain, and occasional wind can affect outdoor loading/unloading-plan accordingly.
- Check building regulations: Reserve elevators and verify HOA or high-rise move-in hours to avoid last-minute conflicts.
- Prepare for traffic: Peak-hour congestion and city events may slow movers; coordinate timing and routes with your crew.
FAQs About Hiring Movers in San Francisco
What’s the average cost of movers in San Francisco?
Local moves typically cost $120–$180 per hour for 2–3 movers with a truck. Final pricing depends on distance, access, the size of your residence, and additional services like packing or specialty item handling.
Are San Francisco moving companies required to be licensed and insured?
Yes, all California movers must register with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for local moves. For interstate moves, USDOT registration is required. Insurance or valuation coverage protects your belongings during transit.
What services are included in a full-service move?
Typically, packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking, and optional furniture assembly or specialty handling. Full-service movers ensure all steps are managed efficiently to reduce stress.
When is the best time to book movers in San Francisco?
Aim for 6–8 weeks in advance, avoiding weekends, end-of-month periods, and peak summer months to secure availability and lower rates.
How do I prepare for San Francisco’s hilly terrain?
Provide movers with clear access instructions, coordinate parking and loading zones, and ensure crews are experienced with stairs, narrow streets, and steep inclines.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right mover in San Francisco requires careful research, verification of licenses and insurance, and review of recent customer feedback. This list includes vetted companies offering budget-friendly options as well as full-service moving solutions for 2025.
Start early, request multiple quotes, and consider your specific neighborhood’s challenges. For reliable, professional service, Bekins Moving & Storage is a strong choice, offering decades of local experience. For more relocation resources, visit the Easy Storage Search homepage.