Aloha Moving review 2026 (Santa Barbara, CA)
In business since 2002 · Updated
Aloha Moving, a Santa Barbara, CA moving company, ranks #201 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.36/5.
97% of Aloha Moving's 103 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves unprofessional behavior.
In business since 2002, Aloha Moving holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #2660138). Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Aloha Moving measures up
Across 103 reviews, Aloha Moving in Santa Barbara, CA is rated 5/5 on Google (77 reviews) and 4.6/5 on Yelp (26 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Aloha Moving ranks #201 out of 1154 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.36 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.36.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.1
- Brand
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 77 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 26 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Aloha Moving moveBuddha Certified?
Aloha Moving 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. Aloha Moving 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 Aloha Moving?
Out of 103 verified reviews, 97% of customers left a positive review about Aloha Moving in Santa Barbara, CA. 1.9% of reviews are negative and 1% are neutral. Aloha Moving has a 6% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (97% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive97.1%(100)
- Neutral1%(1)
- Negative1.9%(2)
Based on 103 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Aloha Moving
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Aloha Moving to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Aloha Moving's attention to detail.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Aloha Moving's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Aloha Moving throughout the moving process.
Professional and polite staff
Customers say the Aloha Moving's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
What positive reviewers say
“Paul was a true professional from the very beginning. The cost was fair and reasonable, and the final cost was exactly as quoted.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Paul and his crew showed up on time. The level of professionalism and communication between him and his crew was exceptional. All of our furniture and household items arrived undamaged.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “On moving day, the guys were all great—very courteous and good communication. Nothing got broken.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The move was done so efficiently that it came in under the estimated price. I would highly recommend Paul and Aloha Moving.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “They treated everything of mine as if it were priceless. They set up everything at the end and came out under estimate. They were professional and nice.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“I don't really even have a clue who Aloha Moving is yet; I haven't started my Mom's move. Maybe Aloha Moving is great; I really don't know.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Aloha Moving
Unprofessional behavior
Complaints included movers using foul language, showing up late, or acting inappropriately.
Higher-than-expected costs
Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.
What negative reviewers say
“Their charge was over $1,000, and they said it would take three guys nine hours. The two professionals I hired did the job in 2.5 hours and charged me $300.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Paul was very pushy toward me at first, arguing for his higher rates. The dealbreaker was when he was somewhat inappropriately flirtatious.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Aloha Moving
4.36Santa Barbara, CASince 2002
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Aloha Moving
4.36
Santa Barbara, CA · Since 2002
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Aloha Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Santa Barbara.
Compare prices side by side
See where Aloha Moving lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Aloha Moving offer?
Aloha Moving is a local mover in Santa Barbara, CA, listing 6 services on moveBuddha, including packing, unpacking, and packing materials.
Services offered
Is Aloha Moving licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 2660138 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Aloha Moving is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 2660138, as A 1 ALOHA MOVERS, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number CAL-T192172.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Aloha Moving holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- CAL-T192172Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- A 1 ALOHA MOVERSThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- Doing business as
- ALOHA SHIPPERSTrade name on file with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
- Trucks registered
- 0Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- July 2026
How much does Aloha Moving cost?
Aloha Moving does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in California, you can expect to pay approximately $129/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service California moving companies similar to Aloha Moving 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.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What payment options and discounts does Aloha Moving offer?
- Accepts
- No credit cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Aloha Moving 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.
How Aloha Moving compares with the top 6 Santa Barbara movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.36 out of 5, Aloha Moving places fifth when ranked against the six top-scoring Santa Barbara movers, 0.06 points behind Affordable Quality Moving and Storage and just ahead of Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, Inc. At 103 reviews, Aloha Moving has fewer reviews than five of the six. Where Aloha Moving falls behind is brand, with the lowest brand score in the group.
The six highest-scoring local movers near Santa Barbara, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meathead MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.50 | 1,552 | 4.7 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 2 | ASAP MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.50 | 641 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A |
| 3 | Mammoth Moving & Storage, Inc.Santa Barbara | 4.44 | 223 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 4 | Affordable Quality Moving and StorageSanta Clarita | 4.42 | 820 | 4.9 | 4.5 | — |
| 5 | Aloha MovingThis mover · ranks #5 | 4.36 | 103 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 6 | Hazelwood Allied Moving and Storage, IncSanta Barbara | 4.34 | 57 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 7 | Excalibur Movers Los AngelesSanta Monica | 4.28 | 1,289 | 4.7 | 4.5 | — |
How does Aloha Moving compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#201 of 1154(better than average)
4.36vs 3.68 avg
Aloha Moving scores 4.36, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #201 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#410 of 1154(better than average)
97%vs 91% avg
Aloha Moving has 97% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #410 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#398 of 1154(better than average)
2%vs 8% avg
Aloha Moving has 2% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #398 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#538 of 1154(worse than average)
103vs 268 avg
Aloha Moving has 103 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 268, and ranks #538 of 1154 California movers.
- Yelp rating#159 of 1154(better than average)
4.6vs 4.3 avg
Aloha Moving has a Yelp rating of 4.6, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #159 of 1154 California movers.
- Years in business#112 of 1154(better than average)
24 yearsvs 23 years avg
Aloha Moving has been in business for 24 years, above the California average of 23 years, and ranks #112 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverAloha Moving | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#201 of 1154 in California | 4.36 | 3.68 | #201 of 1154 | +0.68(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#410 of 1154 in California | 97% | 91% | #410 of 1154 | +6 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#398 of 1154 in California | 2% | 8% | #398 of 1154 | −6 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#538 of 1154 in California | 103 | 268 | #538 of 1154 | −165(worse than average) |
| Yelp ratingBased on only 26 reviews#159 of 1154 in California | 4.6 | 4.3 | #159 of 1154 | +0.3(better than average) |
| Years in business#112 of 1154 in California | 24 years | 23 years | #112 of 1154 | +1(better than average) |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Aloha Moving
4.36Santa Barbara, CASince 2002
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Aloha Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Santa Barbara.
Compare prices side by side
See where Aloha Moving lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Aloha Moving
4.36
Santa Barbara, CA · Since 2002
Final verdict: Aloha Moving
Aloha Moving earns a 4.36/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #5 among Santa Barbara movers, with 97% positive feedback across 103 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and careful handling. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, crew professionalism, and reliable service experience.
With a track record dating to 2002, it has more history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is unprofessional behavior.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Aloha Moving
4.36
Santa Barbara, CA · Since 2002
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 Aloha Moving
- Phone
- (805) 564-8800
- Website
- alohamovingsb.com
Helpful California moving resources
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
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.