Ernie's Van & Storage review 2026 (Grass Valley, CA)
In business since 1935 · Updated
Ernie's Van & Storage, a Grass Valley, CA moving company, ranks #95 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.48/5.
76% of Ernie's Van & Storage's 196 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its experienced movers, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 1935, Ernie's Van & Storage holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #125550). Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Ernie's Van & Storage measures up
Across 196 reviews, Ernie's Van & Storage in Grass Valley, CA is rated 4.5/5 on Google (155 reviews) and 3.5/5 on Yelp (82 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Ernie's Van & Storage ranks #95 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.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 4.7
- Brand
- 4.5
- Review quality
- 4.2
Google rating
Based on 155 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 82 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Ernie's Van & Storage moveBuddha Certified?
Ernie's Van & 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. Ernie's Van & 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 Ernie's Van & Storage?
Out of 196 verified reviews, 76% of customers left a positive review about Ernie's Van & Storage in Grass Valley, CA. 19.9% of reviews are negative and 4.1% are neutral. Ernie's Van & Storage has a 15% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (76% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive76%(149)
- Neutral4.1%(8)
- Negative19.9%(39)
Based on 196 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Ernie's Van & Storage
Experienced movers
With years of experience, Ernie's Van & Storage's crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Ernie's Van & Storage to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Ernie's Van & Storage was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Ernie's Van & Storage's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Ernie's Van & Storage's attention to detail.
What positive reviewers say
“Don, Sergio and Justin worked fast and carefully with precious art and antiques, asking questions and giving us confidence. The entire experience was beyond expectation and worth every penny.”
Aimee Y.Verified ReviewerYelp“They were willing to price match another bid and work with me for the right price. Gabe was communicative and on time, and the move could not have gone smoother.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They arrived on time, handled furniture, electronics, and equipment with care, protected our new carpet, and finished in less time than estimated.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “We could not have asked for two nicer, more careful, and respectful movers. They arrived on time both days, and all of our items were delivered safely, with no breakage.”
Pat B.Verified ReviewerYelp“They were flexible when our closing date changed and charged less than estimated. The price was fair, and the service was courteous and efficient.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“The crew was competent and professional, but they broke a leg off a family chair and did not explain how to file a claim.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “They boxed everything nicely and stacked it appropriately, but did not label all the boxes or keep bed hardware attached.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They were easy to work with but overcharged, adding a hidden fee and later claiming another balance was due.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The manager apologized, honored the original estimate, and fixed the errors after the incident.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The company required full payment upfront, broke my 43-inch TV, and did not return the upfront costs for returned boxes.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Ernie's Van & 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.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
What negative reviewers say
“Items arrived broken and scratched, two items were missing, and the company provided no follow-up or offer of compensation. The move also started late after the truck broke down.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They did not box all household goods, damaged most furniture, lost several boxes, and charged above the estimate. Management did not return my calls.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Delivery was delayed 1.5 weeks; on delivery day, they brought only half our belongings, including none of the mattresses.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “I paid $400 for two movers, but my antique Venetian mirror broke and Ernie’s refused to pay any damages.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Ernie's Van & Storage
4.48Grass Valley, CASince 1935
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Ernie's Van & Storage
4.48
Grass Valley, CA · Since 1935
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Ernie's Van & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Grass Valley.
Compare prices side by side
See where Ernie's Van & 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 Ernie's Van & Storage offer?
Ernie's Van & Storage offers packing, packing materials, and custom crating, plus storage.
Services offered
Is Ernie's Van & Storage licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 125550 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Ernie's Van & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 125550, as ATLAS VAN LINES INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0189906.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Ernie's Van & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 0189906Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- ATLAS VAN LINES INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- SatisfactoryAssigned after a compliance review
- Miles driven
- 59,154,522Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- June 2026
How much does Ernie's Van & Storage cost?
Ernie's Van & 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 Ernie's Van & 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
Ernie's Van & Storage 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 Ernie's Van & Storage offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- Mover’s own offer
Ernie's Van & Storage accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
Ernie's Van & Storage also offers discounts on request. It also lists: First responder discounts. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How Ernie's Van & Storage compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.48 out of 5, Ernie's Van & Storage places fourth when ranked against the four top-rated movers in the Grass Valley area, just behind SC Movers LLC and 0.06 points ahead of Frey's Moving Company. At 196 reviews, Ernie's Van & Storage has more reviews than three of the four. Ernie's Van & Storage has the highest customer service score in the group, but the lowest review quality score.
The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fuller Moving ServicesRocklin | 4.62 | 310 | 4.7 | 3.9 | A+ |
| 2 | Cummins Moving Services LLCSutter | 4.52 | 35 | 4.8 | 5.0 | A+ |
| 3 | SC Movers LLCGold Run | 4.50 | 42 | 4.8 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 4 | Ernie's Van & StorageThis mover · ranks #4 | 4.48 | 196 | 4.5 | 3.5 | A+ |
| 5 | Frey's Moving CompanyLincoln | 4.42 | 180 | 4.5 | 4.5 | — |
How does Ernie's Van & Storage compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#95 of 1153(better than average)
4.48vs 3.68 avg
Ernie's Van & Storage scores 4.48, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #95 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#957 of 1153(worse than average)
76%vs 91% avg
Ernie's Van & Storage has 76% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #957 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#930 of 1153(worse than average)
20%vs 8% avg
Ernie's Van & Storage has 20% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #930 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#372 of 1153(worse than average)
196vs 268 avg
Ernie's Van & Storage has 196 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 268, and ranks #372 of 1153 California movers.
- Yelp rating#299 of 1153(worse than average)
3.5vs 4.3 avg
Ernie's Van & Storage has a Yelp rating of 3.5, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #299 of 1153 California movers.
- Years in business#11 of 1153(better than average)
91 yearsvs 23 years avg
Ernie's Van & Storage has been in business for 91 years, above the California average of 23 years, and ranks #11 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This moverErnie's Van & Storage | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#95 of 1153 in California | 4.48 | 3.68 | #95 of 1153 | +0.80(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#957 of 1153 in California | 76% | 91% | #957 of 1153 | −15 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#930 of 1153 in California | 20% | 8% | #930 of 1153 | +12 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#372 of 1153 in California | 196 | 268 | #372 of 1153 | −72(worse than average) |
| Yelp rating#299 of 1153 in California | 3.5 | 4.3 | #299 of 1153 | −0.8(worse than average) |
| Years in business#11 of 1153 in California | 91 years | 23 years | #11 of 1153 | +68(better than average) |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Ernie's Van & Storage
4.48Grass Valley, CASince 1935
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 Ernie's Van & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Grass Valley.
Compare prices side by side
See where Ernie's Van & 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.
Ernie's Van & Storage
4.48
Grass Valley, CA · Since 1935
Final verdict: Ernie's Van & Storage
Ernie's Van & Storage earns a 4.48/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #95 among California movers, with 76% positive feedback across 196 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its experienced movers and affordable rates. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With a track record dating to 1935, 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.
Ernie's Van & Storage
4.48
Grass Valley, CA · Since 1935
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 Ernie's Van & Storage
- Phone
- (530) 273-7836
- Website
- movesowell.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.