Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage review 2026 (Costa Mesa, CA)

Updated

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage, a Costa Mesa, CA moving company, ranks #896 of 1125 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 3.30/5.

97% of Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage's 243 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage measures up

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage ranks #896 out of 1125 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 3.30 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

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Is Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage moveBuddha Certified?

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.

With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.

What movebuddha certified movers offer

  • Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
  • Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
  • Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
  • Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.

Before you book, check:

  • USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
  • Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
  • A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
  • The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified

** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.

What do customers say about Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage?

Out of 243 verified reviews, 97% of customers left a positive review about Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage in Costa Mesa, CA. 2.9% of reviews are negative. Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage has a 7% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (97% vs the California state average of 90%).

  • Positive97.1%(236)
  • Negative2.9%(7)

Based on 243 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage

  • Affordable rates

    Many reviewers found Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.

  • Flexibility

    Clients liked that Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.

  • Careful handling

    Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage's attention to detail.

  • Efficient service

    Many customers praise Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.

  • Respectful of property

    Customers appreciated how carefully Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.

What positive reviewers say

  • “Name says it all. Affordable and reliable. Appreciate this team for helping us. Had to shift move dates and they adjusted so easily for me.”

    Dylan IxVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Furniture pieces were carefully wrapped, loaded & transported to the storage unit. Everyone was friendly & professional.”

    Sandy SidwellVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “On time, careful, and finished under the quoted estimate. Well worth the money spent.”

    Christopher BowmanVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “They wrapped our furniture and took great care handling all of our boxes and fragile pieces. They worked hard and kept a great attitude.”

    Melissa BrumfieldVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Have used AR movers twice a year for the past 6 years. They are excellent, professional, efficient, and very affordable as advertised.”

    Patti Di TullioVerified ReviewerGoogle

Most common complaints about Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage

  • Damage to items

    Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.

  • Inaccurate estimates

    Estimates from Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage were sometimes way off from what customers were ultimately billed.

  • Higher-than-expected costs

    Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.

What negative reviewers say

  • “Ten things were broken, including antique furniture, lamp shades, and chairs. The furniture was lacking furniture blankets for protection, and the owner did not respond after I sent photos.”

    Jevgenijs PuskinsVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “There was quite a bit of damage to many items. I bought straps for them to use while packing. When the trailer was unpacked, none of the straps were used.”

    Bryan RVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “After the move and the bill was provided, it turned out that they did not accurately reflect all the fees in the estimate, so I ended up paying more than what was provided in writing.”

    Neal MillerVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Very slow working and took the longest route possible to my house then tried to charge me for it. Had multiple items broken once I started opening boxes.”

    David CavanaughVerified ReviewerGoogle

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage

3.30Costa Mesa, CA

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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What services does Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage offer?

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage takes on senior moves and commercial moves, alongside packing and packing materials.

Services offered

Is Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage licensed and insured?

Registered with the FMCSA

US DOT 3082256. Operating status is not on this profile. Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3082256. It also holds a California intrastate license, number MTR 191921.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

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State license number
MTR 191921Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
FMCSA safety rating
Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.

How much does Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage cost?

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage lists an hourly rate of $150, above the California average of $129/hr. At that rate, a studio or 1-bedroom move (3–5 hours with 2 movers) would come to about $450–$750. Larger homes need more movers and hours: totals from similar movers typically run $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.

What similar movers typically bill for a local move

Full-service California moving companies similar to Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage typically bill the amounts below using a $129/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400–$7503–5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850–$1,7505–8 hours, 2–3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700–$3,4008–12 hours, 3–4 movers

What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage offers interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service California moving companies.

Typical long-distance move totals from similar movers
Home sizeDistanceTypical total
2-3 bedrooms500–1,000 mi$4,500–$7,500
4+ bedrooms500–1,000 mi$7,000–$11,500

What payment options and discounts does Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage offer?

Accepts
No credit cards
Deposit
Not listed, so ask
Discounts
Mover’s own offer

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage does not list any accepted payment methods on moveBuddha. Confirm how they take payment before moving day. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage also offers discounts on request. It also lists: Referral program: referred customers receive a $100 discount on their first move, and the referrer earns a 5% reward after the move is completed. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.

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How Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage compares with other local movers

With a moveBuddha score of 3.30 out of 5, Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage trails the five top-rated movers in the Costa Mesa area, 1.14 points behind Maison Moving. At 243 reviews, Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage has fewer reviews than four of the five. Where Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage falls behind is quote accuracy, with the lowest quote accuracy score in the group.

The five highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1SOS Moving, LLCLos Angeles4.782,613
2Meathead MoversAnaheim4.58625
3NorthStar Moving CompanyIrvine4.5268
4Best Moving ServiceAnaheim4.50421
5Maison MovingTustin4.44941
6Affordable Reliable Moving and StorageThis mover · ranks #63.30243

How does Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage compare to other California movers?

  • moveBuddha score#896 of 1125(worse than average)

    3.30vs 3.68 avg

    Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage scores 3.30, below the California average of 3.68, and ranks #896 of 1125 California movers.

  • Positive reviews#407 of 1125(better than average)

    97%vs 90% avg

    Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage has 97% positive reviews, above the California average of 90%, and ranks #407 of 1125 California movers.

  • Negative reviews#445 of 1125(better than average)

    3%vs 9% avg

    Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage has 3% negative reviews, below the California average of 9%, and ranks #445 of 1125 California movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#292 of 1125(worse than average)

    243vs 270 avg

    Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage has 243 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 270, and ranks #292 of 1125 California movers.

MetricThis moverCalifornia avg
moveBuddha score#896 of 1125 in California3.303.68
Positive reviews#407 of 1125 in California97%90%
Negative reviewsLower is better#445 of 1125 in California3%9%
Reviews analyzed#292 of 1125 in California243270

Compared with 1125 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage

3.30Costa Mesa, CA

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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Final verdict: Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage earns a 3.30/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #896 among California movers, with 97% positive feedback across 243 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and flexibility. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.

The most common complaint is damage to items.

All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.

Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage

Costa Mesa, CA

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No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

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Why moveBuddha?

  • 30%+Average savings

    On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.

    Calculate your California moving cost 
  • $1,000Added move coverage*

    When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.

  • 1-on-1Dispute mediation

    If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.

Contact Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage

How we score moving companies

Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.

  • Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most

    The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.

  • Online reputationMajor factor

    An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.

  • ServicesMajor factor

    The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.

  • Customer supportSupporting factor

    How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.

  • Review feedbackSupporting factor

    A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.

  • State availabilityMinor factor

    The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.

What the scores are built on

  • 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
  • 1M+Authenticated reviews
  • 25+Independent data sources
  • 1,000+Live price points a month
  • $0Paid for a ranking
  • MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified

Read the full scoring methodology

Written by

Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha

Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.

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Affordable Reliable Moving and Storage
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