Desert Moving Company & Storage review 2026 (Indio, CA)
In business since 1987 · Updated
Desert Moving Company & Storage, an Indio, CA moving company, ranks #246 of 1125 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.30/5.
82% of Desert Moving Company & Storage's 257 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its organized packing, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
Desert Moving Company & Storage has been in business since 1987. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Desert Moving Company & Storage measures up
Across 257 reviews, Desert Moving Company & Storage in Indio, CA is rated 4.6/5 on Google (179 reviews) and 3.4/5 on Yelp (68 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Desert Moving Company & Storage ranks #246 out of 1125 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.30 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.30.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Brand
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.4
- Review quality
- 3.8
Google rating
Based on 179 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 68 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Desert Moving Company & Storage moveBuddha Certified?
Desert Moving Company & 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. Desert Moving Company & 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 Desert Moving Company & Storage?
Out of 257 verified reviews, 82% of customers left a positive review about Desert Moving Company & Storage in Indio, CA. 16% of reviews are negative and 2.3% are neutral. Desert Moving Company & Storage has a 8% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (82% vs the California state average of 90%).
- Positive81.7%(210)
- Neutral2.3%(6)
- Negative16%(41)
Based on 257 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Desert Moving Company & Storage
Organized packing
Desert Moving Company & Storage is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Desert Moving Company & Storage's attention to detail.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Desert Moving Company & Storage's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Efficient service
Many customers praise Desert Moving Company & Storage for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
Quick moving process
The team at Desert Moving Company & Storage often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
What positive reviewers say
“Desert Moving and Storage was prompt, very careful and efficient. Carefully wrapped all items prior to packing, and blanket wrapped all furniture before moving out of the home. We did not have a single thing damaged.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Once we were at the new house, they made sure that everything was put exactly where I wanted and nothing was broken or damaged.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The packers were careful, quick and efficient. They know what they're doing! The move went very smoothly and they did a great job!”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Desert Moving takes all the stress out of the move...great communication, efficient and respectful of both the customer, and all their furnishings.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“The guys that moved me worked very hard and pretty fast. The only beef I have with them is the price. Charged me for 12 hours at $200 per hour. Was only here for about 8-9 hours.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The movers weren't as careful with my antique. They took a 45 minute break without telling me and I was waiting for them outside in the heat, with my truck full so I couldn't leave it unattended.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Although they did get the job done they were technically a day late and a substantial up charge. The original quote for under $1500 came out about 20% more.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Desert Moving Company & Storage
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Unexpected charges
Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Desert Moving Company & Storage clients.
What negative reviewers say
“They failed to wrap my wood furniture with the moving blankets Mike told me to get thereby causing extensive damage to my furniture during transport.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The company has one guy on the move that tags and numbers each item, 1/3 were never tagged so the inventory list was NOT matching. My 3.5 foot Buddha that they had bubble wrapped and packed has gone missing.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Then 24 hours before my move, I received a phone call from a different employee, telling me that my move would take much longer than I was quoted...and cost twice as much.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The movers start complaining and telling me I need to pay an additional $150 cash for them to move items upstairs.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Desert Moving Company & Storage
4.30Indio, CASince 1987
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Desert Moving Company & Storage
4.30
Indio, CA · Since 1987
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Desert Moving Company & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Indio.
Compare prices side by side
See where Desert Moving Company & Storage 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 Desert Moving Company & Storage offer?
Desert Moving Company & Storage offers full-service moving, local moves, and long-distance moves. It also provides international moves, commercial moves, and small moves.
Services offered
Is Desert Moving Company & Storage licensed and insured?
Registered with the FMCSA
US DOT 825894. Operating status is not on this profile. Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Desert Moving Company & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 825894. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0189598.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Desert Moving Company & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 0189598Issued 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 Desert Moving Company & Storage cost?
Desert Moving Company & Storage 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 Desert Moving Company & 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.
| 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
Desert Moving Company & Storage offers 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 Desert Moving Company & Storage offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Desert Moving Company & Storage accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Desert Moving Company & Storage compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.30 out of 5, Desert Moving Company & Storage trails the four top-rated movers near Indio, 0.06 points behind Aces Moving Pros Inc.. At 257 reviews, Desert Moving Company & Storage has more reviews than three of the four. Where Desert Moving Company & Storage falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.
The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meathead MoversMurrieta | 4.52 | 989 | 4.8 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 2 | Merit Moving SystemsThousand Palms | 4.52 | 186 | 4.9 | 4.4 | A+ |
| 3 | ACME Moving and StoragePalm Desert | 4.50 | 228 | 4.4 | 4.6 | B- |
| 4 | Aces Moving Pros Inc.Indio | 4.36 | 164 | 4.2 | 4.5 | — |
| 5 | Desert Moving Company & StorageThis mover · ranks #5 | 4.30 | 257 | 4.6 | 3.4 | A+ |
How does Desert Moving Company & Storage compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#246 of 1125(better than average)
4.30vs 3.68 avg
Desert Moving Company & Storage scores 4.30, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #246 of 1125 California movers.
- Positive reviews#867 of 1125(worse than average)
82%vs 90% avg
Desert Moving Company & Storage has 82% positive reviews, below the California average of 90%, and ranks #867 of 1125 California movers.
- Negative reviews#859 of 1125(worse than average)
16%vs 9% avg
Desert Moving Company & Storage has 16% negative reviews, above the California average of 9%, and ranks #859 of 1125 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#283 of 1125(worse than average)
257vs 270 avg
Desert Moving Company & Storage has 257 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 270, and ranks #283 of 1125 California movers.
- Yelp rating#305 of 1125(worse than average)
3.4vs 4.3 avg
Desert Moving Company & Storage has a Yelp rating of 3.4, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #305 of 1125 California movers.
- Years in business#60 of 1125(better than average)
39 yearsvs 22 years avg
Desert Moving Company & Storage has been in business for 39 years, above the California average of 22 years, and ranks #60 of 1125 California movers.
| Metric | This moverDesert Moving Company & Storage | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#246 of 1125 in California | 4.30 | 3.68 | #246 of 1125 | +0.62(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#867 of 1125 in California | 82% | 90% | #867 of 1125 | −8 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#859 of 1125 in California | 16% | 9% | #859 of 1125 | +7 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#283 of 1125 in California | 257 | 270 | #283 of 1125 | −13(worse than average) |
| Yelp rating#305 of 1125 in California | 3.4 | 4.3 | #305 of 1125 | −0.9(worse than average) |
| Years in business#60 of 1125 in California | 39 years | 22 years | #60 of 1125 | +17(better than average) |
Compared with 1125 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Desert Moving Company & Storage
4.30Indio, CASince 1987
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 Desert Moving Company & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Indio.
Compare prices side by side
See where Desert Moving Company & Storage 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.
Desert Moving Company & Storage
4.30
Indio, CA · Since 1987
Final verdict: Desert Moving Company & Storage
Desert Moving Company & Storage earns a 4.30/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #246 among California movers, with 82% positive feedback across 257 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its organized packing and careful handling. It is best for customers prioritizing careful handling of belongings, efficient moves, and reliable service experience.
With a track record dating to 1987, it has more 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.
Desert Moving Company & Storage
4.30
Indio, CA · Since 1987
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 Desert Moving Company & Storage
- Phone
- (760) 200-9494
- Website
- desertmoving.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.