Meathead Movers review 2026 (San Luis Obispo, CA)
In business since 2003 · Updated
Meathead Movers, a San Luis Obispo, CA moving company, ranks #52 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.50/5.
91% of Meathead Movers' 1,552 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its flexibility, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2003, Meathead Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #921143) and operates 53 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Meathead Movers measures up
Across 1,552 reviews, Meathead Movers in San Luis Obispo, CA is rated 4.7/5 on Google (530 reviews) and 4.1/5 on Yelp (350 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Meathead Movers ranks #52 out of 1154 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.50 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.50.
- Brand
- 5.0
- Website
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.5
Google rating
Based on 530 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 350 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Meathead Movers moveBuddha Certified?
Meathead 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. Meathead 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 Meathead Movers?
Out of 1,552 verified reviews, 91% of customers left a positive review about Meathead Movers in San Luis Obispo, CA. 7.2% of reviews are negative and 1.5% are neutral. Meathead Movers matches the average California moving company's positive review percentage (91% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive91.3%(1,417)
- Neutral1.5%(23)
- Negative7.2%(112)
Based on 1,552 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Meathead Movers
Flexibility
Clients liked that Meathead Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Friendly and approachable staff
Many customers felt at ease working with the courteous and personable team at Meathead Movers.
Efficient service
Many customers praise Meathead Movers for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
Quick moving process
The team at Meathead Movers often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
Professional and polite staff
Customers say the Meathead Movers's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
What positive reviewers say
“The team was amazing. So nice, fast, and communicative. We did a walk through, they asked clarifying questions, and always made sure nothing was missed.”
Cait Emma SmithVerified ReviewerGoogle“We’ve used Meathead twice, and both times the service was seamless. The movers were professional, flexible with special requests, and careful with antiques.”
Kim HardyVerified ReviewerGoogle“Meathead Movers’ team was timely, communicative, and flexible. Love the hourly rate and upfront max you will pay estimate. Would absolutely trust them to move our items again!”
Anthony FolinoVerified ReviewerGoogle“Caden and Dustin did an excellent job leading crews to pack, load, move, and unload our home. I was impressed by their fast pace, care, and kindness.”
Connor KosteckaVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“The move cost $5,700, which felt excessive, but the movers were top notch, worked hard, and provided excellent service.”
Jared FilesVerified ReviewerGoogle“We were understaffed for our move, and it cost us more money than we expected.”
Jennifer TurtonVerified ReviewerGoogle“The local move was wonderful, but the cross-country move had minor damage, generic or wrong labels, and incomplete placement at the new home.”
Lani SteeleVerified ReviewerGoogle“The movers were detail-oriented and items arrived undamaged, but staffing delays increased the cost and left me moving many items myself.”
Joshua MessinaVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Meathead Movers
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.
Poor packing quality
Subpar packing techniques by Meathead Movers led to crushed boxes or damaged goods for some clients.
What negative reviewers say
“After unpacking, we found many broken items, including a smashed TV, bent lamps, damaged sofa legs, and a missing guitar.”
BrianVerified ReviewerGoogle“Items were thrown into boxes at random, many belongings could not fit in the trucks, and boxes remained in the wrong rooms after unpacking.”
Nolan Jenkins-HaleyVerified ReviewerGoogle“Furniture and belongings were left at my previous residence, while items at my new home were disorganized or improperly assembled.”
Rebecca SimpsonVerified ReviewerGoogle“The packers used little wrapping for priceless family heirlooms and pottery. Several items were damaged, and the company declined the claim because of its time limit.”
Savannah PetersonVerified ReviewerGoogle
Meathead Movers
4.50San Luis Obispo, CASince 2003
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Meathead Movers
4.50
San Luis Obispo, CA · Since 2003
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Meathead Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Luis Obispo.
Compare prices side by side
See where Meathead 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 Meathead Movers offer?
Meathead Movers offers full-service moving, labor-only loading help, and local moves. It also provides long-distance moves, commercial moves, and small moves.
Services offered
Is Meathead Movers licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 921143 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Meathead Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 921143, as MEATHEAD MOVERS INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number CAL T-189849.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Meathead Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- CAL T-189849Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- MEATHEAD 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
- 53Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 1,215,716Reported to the FMCSA for 2025
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- May 2026
How much does Meathead Movers cost?
Meathead 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 Meathead 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
Meathead 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 Meathead Movers offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- MilitaryMover’s own offer
Meathead Movers accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
Meathead Movers also offers a military discount. It also lists: Home Depot price match for recycle cardboard box drop-off. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How Meathead Movers compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.50 out of 5, Meathead Movers places second when ranked against the four top-rated movers near San Luis Obispo, just behind Martian Movers and level on score with ASAP Movers but with more reviews. Meathead Movers has more reviews than any of them, at 1,552. Where Meathead Movers falls behind is quote accuracy, with the lowest quote accuracy score in the group.
The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martian MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.52 | 295 | 4.9 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 2 | Meathead MoversThis mover · ranks #2 | 4.50 | 1,552 | 4.7 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 3 | ASAP MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.50 | 641 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A |
| 4 | Central Coast Moving Co.Paso Robles | 4.48 | 991 | 4.9 | 4.3 | F |
| 5 | The Moving ExperienceSan Luis Obispo | 4.44 | 240 | — | 4.3 | A- |
How does Meathead Movers compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#52 of 1154(better than average)
4.50vs 3.68 avg
Meathead Movers scores 4.50, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #52 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#707 of 1154(level with average)
91%vs 91% avg
Meathead Movers has 91% positive reviews, in line with the California average of 91%, and ranks #707 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#695 of 1154(better than average)
7%vs 8% avg
Meathead Movers has 7% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #695 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#24 of 1154(better than average)
1,552vs 268 avg
Meathead Movers has 1,552 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #24 of 1154 California movers.
- Yelp rating#242 of 1154(worse than average)
4.1vs 4.3 avg
Meathead Movers has a Yelp rating of 4.1, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #242 of 1154 California movers.
- Years in business#124 of 1154(level with average)
23 yearsvs 23 years avg
Meathead Movers has been in business for 23 years, in line with the California average of 23 years, and ranks #124 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverMeathead Movers | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#52 of 1154 in California | 4.50 | 3.68 | #52 of 1154 | +0.82(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#707 of 1154 in California | 91% | 91% | #707 of 1154 | ±0 pts |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#695 of 1154 in California | 7% | 8% | #695 of 1154 | −1 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#24 of 1154 in California | 1,552 | 268 | #24 of 1154 | +1,284(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#242 of 1154 in California | 4.1 | 4.3 | #242 of 1154 | −0.2(worse than average) |
| Years in business#124 of 1154 in California | 23 years | 23 years | #124 of 1154 | ±0 |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Meathead Movers
4.50San Luis Obispo, CASince 2003
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 Meathead Movers, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Luis Obispo.
Compare prices side by side
See where Meathead 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.
Meathead Movers
4.50
San Luis Obispo, CA · Since 2003
Final verdict: Meathead Movers
Meathead Movers earns a 4.50/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #52 among California movers, with 91% positive feedback across 1,552 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its flexibility and friendly and approachable staff. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
It operates 53 trucks and has a track record dating to 2003. 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.
Meathead Movers
4.50
San Luis Obispo, CA · Since 2003
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 Meathead Movers
- Phone
- (805) 567-7151
- Website
- meatheadmovers.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.