Careful Movers review 2026 (Union City, CA)
In business since 2006 · Updated
Careful Movers, an Union City, CA moving company, ranks #193 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.36/5.
97% of Careful Movers' 1,010 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its experienced movers, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2006, Careful Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #1464935) and operates 14 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Careful Movers measures up
Across 1,010 reviews, Careful Movers in Union City, CA is rated 4.8/5 on Yelp (828 reviews) and 5/5 on Google (212 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Careful Movers ranks #193 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.
- Customer service
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Brand
- 4.0
- Website
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 212 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 828 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Careful Movers moveBuddha Certified?
Careful 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. Careful 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 Careful Movers?
Out of 1,010 verified reviews, 97% of customers left a positive review about Careful Movers in Union City, CA. 1.9% of reviews are negative and 1.6% are neutral. Careful Movers has a 6% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (97% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive96.5%(975)
- Neutral1.6%(16)
- Negative1.9%(19)
Based on 1,010 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Careful Movers
Experienced movers
With years of experience, Careful Movers's crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.
Organized packing
Careful Movers is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that Careful Movers stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Careful Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Careful Movers to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
What positive reviewers say
“A very friendly, helpful & efficient crew. Jorge, Gustavo and Adrian are highly experienced movers. They took good care of our items.”
ShuliVerified ReviewerGoogle“Careful Movers has a great team. Management was very communicative and transparent and the work team was stellar. They packaged everything very carefully, disassembled furniture and reassembled everything according to spec.”
Mike LeeVerified ReviewerGoogle“We've hired Careful Movers for four separate moves in the past 3 years. Pre-move communication is consistently excellent. Everything was delivered in its original condition.”
Terry AguiarVerified ReviewerGoogle“What a great team. Flexible, fast, and communicative through the entire process.”
Nicole SanchezVerified ReviewerGoogle“Really great service from start to end. Their communication was especially great, and all the items came through without any issues. They were also on the lower end of the estimates we checked out.”
Sravan Kumar BhagavatulaVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“The movers did a great job and showed up on time both days. The disappointment came when they added a fourth worker without our knowledge and tried to charge a higher hourly rate.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Movers were prompt, wearing masks and did a great job. The price ended up over $600 more than quoted, plus an unexpected tip request and other added costs.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “It is okay service. My job was done in 3.5 hours, but they tried to charge me for 5 hours. I corrected the hours and paid what they promised before the work.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The crew was friendly, punctual and worked hard. The office charged hundreds of dollars for materials, and some items were packed without padding or jammed into a box.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The movers were nice, hard working, and fast moving, but only one truck arrived instead of two, so some items were left behind and I had to finish the move myself.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Careful 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 Careful Movers clients.
Inaccurate estimates
Estimates from Careful Movers were sometimes way off from what customers were ultimately billed.
What negative reviewers say
“They were extremely professional, but the estimate was far outside the quoted window, nearly double. Drink containers were left throughout both houses, one antique piece broke, and dispatch was not readily available.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “This time, they lost a carved wooden mirror in the move. I searched everywhere, contacted them, and received no initial response after two business days. I have not heard from them again.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “They did a good job packing, but they took long breaks and added that time to the final bill. We were also charged for materials such as blankets and tape.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “In any case, we were charged $4,000.00 more than the original quote. I would not recommend this company. I do respect the professional men working to help get us moved.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Careful Movers
4.36Union City, CASince 2006
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Careful Movers
4.36
Union City, CA · Since 2006
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Careful Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Union City.
Compare prices side by side
See where Careful 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 Careful Movers offer?
Licensed under US DOT number 1464935, Careful Movers offers long-distance moves, commercial moves, packing, and packing materials.
Services offered
Is Careful Movers licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 1464935 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Careful Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 1464935, as CAREFUL MOVERS INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0190156.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Careful Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 0190156Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- CAREFUL MOVERS INCThe 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
- 14Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 80,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- June 2026
How much does Careful Movers cost?
Careful 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. 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 Careful 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 similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Careful 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.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Careful Movers offer?
- Accepts
- No credit cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Careful Movers 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 Careful Movers compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.36 out of 5, Careful Movers trails the five top-rated movers near Union City, 0.06 points behind Go Movers LLC. At 1,010 reviews, Careful Movers has more reviews than four of the five. Where Careful Movers falls behind is quote accuracy, with the lowest quote accuracy score in the group.
The five highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairprice MoversSan Jose | 4.64 | 1,019 | 4.7 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 2 | All Star Movers & StorageDublin | 4.52 | 531 | 4.8 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 3 | Upline MovingHayward | 4.48 | 641 | 4.4 | 4.3 | — |
| 4 | Chipman Relocation & LogisticsHayward | 4.44 | 254 | 4.2 | 3.6 | A+ |
| 5 | Go Movers LLCFremont | 4.42 | 27 | 4.8 | 4.2 | B- |
| 6 | Careful MoversThis mover · ranks #6 | 4.36 | 1,010 | 5.0 | 4.8 | A+ |
How does Careful Movers compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#193 of 1154(better than average)
4.36vs 3.68 avg
Careful Movers scores 4.36, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #193 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#455 of 1154(better than average)
97%vs 91% avg
Careful Movers has 97% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #455 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#399 of 1154(better than average)
2%vs 8% avg
Careful Movers has 2% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #399 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#70 of 1154(better than average)
1,010vs 268 avg
Careful Movers has 1,010 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #70 of 1154 California movers.
- Yelp rating#66 of 1154(better than average)
4.8vs 4.3 avg
Careful Movers has a Yelp rating of 4.8, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #66 of 1154 California movers.
- Years in business#146 of 1154(worse than average)
20 yearsvs 23 years avg
Careful Movers has been in business for 20 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #146 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverCareful Movers | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#193 of 1154 in California | 4.36 | 3.68 | #193 of 1154 | +0.68(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#455 of 1154 in California | 97% | 91% | #455 of 1154 | +6 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#399 of 1154 in California | 2% | 8% | #399 of 1154 | −6 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#70 of 1154 in California | 1,010 | 268 | #70 of 1154 | +742(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#66 of 1154 in California | 4.8 | 4.3 | #66 of 1154 | +0.5(better than average) |
| Years in business#146 of 1154 in California | 20 years | 23 years | #146 of 1154 | −3(worse than average) |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Careful Movers
4.36Union City, CASince 2006
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 Careful Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Union City.
Compare prices side by side
See where Careful 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.
Careful Movers
4.36
Union City, CA · Since 2006
Final verdict: Careful Movers
Careful Movers earns a 4.36/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #193 among California movers, with 97% positive feedback across 1,010 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its experienced movers and organized packing. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With 14 trucks and a track record dating to 2006, 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.
Careful Movers
4.36
Union City, CA · Since 2006
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.
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.