Big Family Movers review 2026 (Oakland, CA)
In business since 2004 · Updated
Big Family Movers, an Oakland, CA moving company, ranks #92 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.48/5.
96% of Big Family Movers' 310 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves inaccurate estimates.
In business since 2004, Big Family Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #2916075) and operates 1 truck. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Big Family Movers measures up
Across 310 reviews, Big Family Movers in Oakland, CA is rated 4.7/5 on Yelp (168 reviews) and 5/5 on Google (112 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Big Family Movers ranks #92 out of 1153 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.48 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.48.
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.4
- Brand
- 4.0
- Website
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 112 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 168 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Big Family Movers moveBuddha Certified?
Big Family 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. Big Family 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 Big Family Movers?
Out of 310 verified reviews, 96% of customers left a positive review about Big Family Movers in Oakland, CA. 3.9% of reviews are negative and 0.3% are neutral. Big Family Movers has a 5% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (96% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive95.8%(297)
- Neutral0.3%(1)
- Negative3.9%(12)
Based on 310 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Big Family Movers
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Big Family Movers to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Experienced movers
With years of experience, Big Family Movers's crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Big Family Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that Big Family Movers stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Big Family Movers's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
What positive reviewers say
“Excellent service from the beginning to the end of the process. The movers were efficient & professional. The price was reasonable compared to many other movers.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Big Family Movers moved a big truckload of furniture and boxes for us. They were very conscientious and careful with our stuff. The move was trouble free and reasonably priced. They have long experience and know their trade.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “I needed to move my date a few days back. Noah was very accommodating. Noah stated he understood, booked me another day and offered to have one of his employees come out and help me pack!”
YelpVerified Reviewer “This is the second time that I used Big Family Movers and I experienced the same professionalism. This was a different team that arrived on time both days as scheduled. The workers were efficient and accommodating.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Everytime they showed up on time, organized and were very respectful of both us and our property. They even go above and beyond by wrapping or adding blankets to ensure our property was protected.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“Great movers for a straight forward move. We had everything packed and ready to go so all they had to do was load and unload. They were efficient and priced fairly.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Big Family Movers
Inaccurate estimates
Estimates from Big Family Movers were sometimes way off from what customers were ultimately billed.
Unfriendly or rude staff
A few customers felt disrespected by curt or unhelpful movers or office staff.
Broken promises
Customers noted instances where Big Family Movers failed to deliver on services that were initially guaranteed.
What negative reviewers say
“Noah did not come to our apartment/storage room but gave us a quote. When the bill came, the estimate was $1,000 over.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The guy who answered was so rude it was ridiculous. I had to hang up.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “These guys really banged up my walls and furniture during the move. Carlos told me he would come back and patch up some of the holes, but he never showed!”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Then tonight, Noah calls us and says that they're not available and that we never booked with him. We're left completely in the lurch.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Big Family Movers
4.48Oakland, CASince 2004
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Big Family Movers
4.48
Oakland, CA · Since 2004
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Big Family Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Oakland.
Compare prices side by side
See where Big Family Movers 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 Big Family Movers offer?
Big Family Movers offers commercial moves and packing.
Services offered
Is Big Family Movers licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 2916075 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Big Family Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 2916075, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0189403.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Big Family Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 0189403Issued 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.
- Trucks registered
- 1Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- June 2026
How much does Big Family Movers cost?
Big Family Movers 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 Big Family 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.
| 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 Big Family Movers offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- SeniorMover’s own offer
Big Family Movers accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
Big Family Movers also offers a senior discount. It also lists: Discounts for non-profits and single-parent families. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How Big Family Movers compares with the top 10 Oakland movers
Big Family Movers places fifth among the top 10 movers in Oakland with a moveBuddha score of 4.48 out of 5, level on score with Upline Moving and All City Moving and Storage, and between them on review count. At 310 reviews, Big Family Movers has fewer reviews than nine of the ten.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Oakland, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Got2MoveSan Francisco | 4.52 | 766 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 2 | Dependable Movers, LLCSan Francisco | 4.48 | 2,554 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 3 | West Coast Moving Systems, IncOakland | 4.48 | 699 | 4.8 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 4 | Upline MovingHayward | 4.48 | 641 | 4.4 | 4.3 | — |
| 5 | Big Family MoversThis mover · ranks #5 | 4.48 | 310 | 5.0 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 6 | All City Moving and StorageSan Leandro | 4.48 | 116 | 3.7 | 3.7 | A+ |
| 7 | OCD Moving ServicesEl Sobrante | 4.44 | 743 | 5.0 | 5.0 | A+ |
| 8 | Good Green MovingSan Francisco | 4.44 | 353 | 4.7 | 4.5 | F |
| 9 | Sweet Lemon Moving ServicesAlameda | 4.42 | 981 | 5.0 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 10 | AMS BekinsBrisbane | 4.38 | 633 | 4.8 | 3.2 | A+ |
| 11 | Paradise Moving & StorageOakland | 4.38 | 459 | 4.8 | 4.8 | A+ |
How does Big Family Movers compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#92 of 1153(better than average)
4.48vs 3.67 avg
Big Family Movers scores 4.48, above the California average of 3.67, and ranks #92 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#493 of 1153(better than average)
96%vs 91% avg
Big Family Movers has 96% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #493 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#525 of 1153(better than average)
4%vs 8% avg
Big Family Movers has 4% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #525 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#252 of 1153(better than average)
310vs 268 avg
Big Family Movers has 310 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #252 of 1153 California movers.
- Yelp rating#126 of 1153(better than average)
4.7vs 4.3 avg
Big Family Movers has a Yelp rating of 4.7, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #126 of 1153 California movers.
- Years in business#134 of 1153(worse than average)
22 yearsvs 23 years avg
Big Family Movers has been in business for 22 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #134 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This moverBig Family Movers | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#92 of 1153 in California | 4.48 | 3.67 | #92 of 1153 | +0.81(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#493 of 1153 in California | 96% | 91% | #493 of 1153 | +5 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#525 of 1153 in California | 4% | 8% | #525 of 1153 | −4 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#252 of 1153 in California | 310 | 268 | #252 of 1153 | +42(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#126 of 1153 in California | 4.7 | 4.3 | #126 of 1153 | +0.4(better than average) |
| Years in business#134 of 1153 in California | 22 years | 23 years | #134 of 1153 | −1(worse than average) |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Big Family Movers
4.48Oakland, CASince 2004
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 Big Family Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Oakland.
Compare prices side by side
See where Big Family Movers 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.
Big Family Movers
4.48
Oakland, CA · Since 2004
Final verdict: Big Family Movers
Big Family Movers earns a 4.48/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #5 among Oakland movers, with 96% positive feedback across 310 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and experienced movers. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With 1 truck and a track record dating to 2004, it has less history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is inaccurate estimates.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Big Family Movers
4.48
Oakland, CA · Since 2004
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 Big Family Movers
- Phone
- (510) 839-5239
- Website
- bigfamilymovers.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.