Best California Movers logo

Best California Movers review 2026 (Poway, CA)

In business since 2018 · Updated

  • Preferred Partner

Best California Movers, a Poway, CA moving company, ranks #5 of 1125 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.64/5. It is one of the 10 top-ranked movers in California.

98% of Best California Movers' 1,231 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.

In business since 2018, Best California Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #3489907) and operates 22 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (619) 745-5718

How Best California Movers measures up

Across 1,231 reviews, Best California Movers in Poway, CA is rated 4.6/5 on Yelp (254 reviews) and 5/5 on Google (16 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Best California Movers ranks #5 out of 1125 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.64 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.

  • Google rating

    Based on 16 reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Based on 254 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Other names on file at BBB

    The Better Business Bureau also lists Best California Movers as Best California Movers & Storage and An Moving Forward.

    Businesses are often filed at BBB under a legal, parent-company, or former name rather than the one they trade under, so if you look Best California Movers up on BBB, search for these names too.

    View the BBB profile

    Based on BBB profile
Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (619) 745-5718

Is Best California Movers moveBuddha Certified?

Best California Movers 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. Best California Movers 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 Best California Movers?

Out of 1,231 verified reviews, 98% of customers left a positive review about Best California Movers in Poway, CA. 1.7% of reviews are negative and 0.2% are neutral. Best California Movers has a 8% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (98% vs the California state average of 90%).

  • Positive98.1%(1,208)
  • Neutral0.2%(2)
  • Negative1.7%(21)

Based on 1,231 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about Best California Movers

  • Affordable rates

    Many reviewers found Best California Movers to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.

  • Quick moving process

    The team at Best California Movers often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.

  • Efficient service

    Many customers praise Best California Movers for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.

  • Respectful of property

    Customers appreciated how carefully Best California Movers's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.

  • Quick response times

    Customer support at Best California Movers was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately

What positive reviewers say

  • “Very easy to get a quote and the most affordable of all options I checked out! Confirmation was easy and prices/fees were clear from the get go. The move was smooth, fast, careful, and damage-free.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “Minutes after inquiring, Jesus responded with a competitive rate and accommodated a Sunday move. Sargis and Mikhail were prompt, professional, polite, and ultra efficient.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “Alex and the team exceeded our expectations. They arrived on time, worked quickly, wrapped everything securely, and delivered all items in perfect condition.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “The quote was clear and reasonable, with no hidden fees. The movers arrived on time, worked efficiently, and handled every item with care.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

What mixed reviewers say

  • “Anton and Serg were professional, organized, and efficient, but an exterior light fixture was damaged. The company was not responsive about taking financial responsibility.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “The movers delivered my belongings but left my mattress against a wall and boxes together. As a wheelchair user, I needed help placing items in their rooms.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

Most common complaints about Best California Movers

  • Damage to items

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

  • Unexpected charges

    Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Best California Movers clients.

  • Unfriendly or rude staff

    A few customers felt disrespected by curt or unhelpful movers or office staff.

What negative reviewers say

  • “I was quoted $2,800 for moving from LA to SF, but it became $3,600 because loading and unloading costs were not included. Choosing this company was a big mistake.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “The movers broke two dresser drawers and kitchen glassware. I was overcharged for an hour they did not work, and promised refunds and reimbursement never arrived.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “I asked the driver to move his truck so I could enter my building. He gave me attitude, moved it, then parked in front of the gate again.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “The move took 10 hours for a packed two-bedroom apartment. Fragile boxes were loaded upside down, heavy boxes were stacked on top, and items were left behind.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

Best California Movers

4.64Poway, CASince 2018

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

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (619) 745-5718

What services does Best California Movers offer?

Licensed under US DOT number 3489907, Best California Movers offers full-service moving, labor-only loading help, local moves, and long-distance moves.

Services offered

Is Best California Movers licensed and insured?

Federally licensed, operating authority active

US DOT 3489907 Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Yes, Best California Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3489907, as AN MOVING FORWARD, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number CAL T0192283.

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

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (619) 745-5718

State license number
CAL T0192283Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
Registered legal name
AN MOVING FORWARDThe entity behind the trading name, as filed 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
22Power units reported to the FMCSA
Miles driven
660,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2025
Roadside inspections
0Recorded by the FMCSA
FMCSA record last updated
October 2026

How much does Best California Movers cost?

Best California Movers lists an hourly rate of $109, below 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 $350–$550. 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 Best California Movers 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

Best California Movers is licensed for 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 Best California Movers offer?

Accepts
Credit CardsCash
Deposit
Not listed, so ask
Discounts
Mover’s own offer

Best California Movers accepts credit cards and cash. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

Best California Movers also offers discounts on request. It also lists: EARLY15: 15 free boxes; LOCAL40: $40 off local moves; LONG120: $120 off long-distance moves; FREESTUFF: 20 free moving boxes. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (619) 745-5718

How Best California Movers compares with the top 3 Poway movers

With a moveBuddha score of 4.64 out of 5, Best California Movers places first when ranked against the three top-scoring Poway movers, 0.26 points ahead of Coleman Worldwide Moving. Best California Movers's 1,231 reviews are the most of any mover in that group. Where Best California Movers pulls ahead is review quality: it has the highest review quality score in the group.

The three highest-scoring local movers near Poway, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1Best California MoversThis mover · ranks #14.641,231
2Coleman Worldwide MovingPoway4.38447
3Alexander's Mobility ServicesPoway4.3840
4College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingPoway4.28652

How does Best California Movers compare to other California movers?

  • moveBuddha score#5 of 1125(better than average)

    4.64vs 3.68 avg

    Best California Movers scores 4.64, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #5 of 1125 California movers.

  • Positive reviews#342 of 1125(better than average)

    98%vs 90% avg

    Best California Movers has 98% positive reviews, above the California average of 90%, and ranks #342 of 1125 California movers.

  • Negative reviews#373 of 1125(better than average)

    2%vs 9% avg

    Best California Movers has 2% negative reviews, below the California average of 9%, and ranks #373 of 1125 California movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#47 of 1125(better than average)

    1,231vs 270 avg

    Best California Movers has 1,231 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 270, and ranks #47 of 1125 California movers.

  • Yelp rating#164 of 1125(better than average)

    4.6vs 4.3 avg

    Best California Movers has a Yelp rating of 4.6, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #164 of 1125 California movers.

  • Years in business#331 of 1125(worse than average)

    8 yearsvs 22 years avg

    Best California Movers has been in business for 8 years, below the California average of 22 years, and ranks #331 of 1125 California movers.

MetricThis moverCalifornia avg
moveBuddha score#5 of 1125 in California4.643.68
Positive reviews#342 of 1125 in California98%90%
Negative reviewsLower is better#373 of 1125 in California2%9%
Reviews analyzed#47 of 1125 in California1,231270
Yelp rating#164 of 1125 in California4.64.3
Years in business#331 of 1125 in California8 years22 years

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

Best California Movers

4.64Poway, CASince 2018

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

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (619) 745-5718

Final verdict: Best California Movers

Best California Movers earns a 4.64/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #1 among Poway movers, with 98% positive feedback across 1,231 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and quick moving process. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, efficient moves, and reliable service experience.

With 22 trucks and a track record dating to 2018, it has less history than the average California mover, and 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.

Best California Movers

Poway, CA · Since 2018

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (619) 745-5718

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.

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.

Best California Movers
Get My Quote