Meathead Movers review 2026 (Newport Beach, CA)
In business since 2002 · Updated
Meathead Movers, a Newport Beach, CA moving company, ranks #417 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 3.62/5.
90% of Meathead Movers' 371 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its respect for property, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2002, 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 371 reviews, Meathead Movers in Newport Beach, CA has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Meathead Movers ranks #417 out of 1154 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 3.62 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 3.62.
- Customer service
- 3.6
- Industry experience
- 3.6
- Review quality
- 3.5
- Brand
- 3.0
- Website
- 3.0
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 371 verified reviews, 90% of customers left a positive review about Meathead Movers in Newport Beach, CA. 8.6% of reviews are negative and 1.6% are neutral. Meathead Movers has a 1% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (90% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive89.8%(333)
- Neutral1.6%(6)
- Negative8.6%(32)
Based on 371 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Meathead Movers
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Meathead Movers's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Quick moving process
The team at Meathead Movers often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Meathead Movers's attention to detail.
Helpful movers
Movers were more than just muscle—they offered guidance and went above and beyond to assist customers.
Efficient service
Many customers praise Meathead Movers for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
What positive reviewers say
“The crew was great! Showed up exactly on time, were really efficient, and super careful / helpful breaking everything down and setting it up again. Would definitely use again.”
Erica ScolaVerified ReviewerGoogle“Ricardo and co worked with amazing speed and took great care of the items I wanted moved. Would 1000% use them again and/or refer them to anybody who needs skilled and efficient workers.”
Seth Nelson OdysseyVerified ReviewerGoogle“The guys a Meatheadmovers are the best. They are courteous efficient and respectful. They go out of their way to help you. I cannot recommend them enough!!!”
Lynda JonesVerified ReviewerGoogle“On moving day, they handled our furniture with exceptional care, carefully wrapping and protecting every piece before transporting it. Everything arrived safely and in great condition.”
Melissa RealVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“The salesperson misquoted the job, so my costs were much higher on moving day. The movers, though, were hustlers and offered great service.”
David CastroVerified ReviewerGoogle“The guys were nice, but labeling was poor. Separate quotes made the total $13K instead of the $10K I expected, and unpacking was not included.”
Brett DulyeaVerified ReviewerGoogle“The loaders took much longer than estimated, and some furniture was scratched or chipped. They could not initially fit everything in the truck, but the unloaders were terrific.”
PriscillA SchultzVerified ReviewerGoogle“The Southern California crew took longer and cost more, while the San Luis Obispo crew worked much faster and unloaded efficiently.”
Josh AmbroseVerified ReviewerGoogle“The crew and drivers worked hard and had good attitudes, but scheduling caused delays: one truck arrived at 10 a.m., the second at 3 p.m., and no unloading crew met the drivers.”
Diane HowardVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Meathead Movers
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Higher-than-expected costs
Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.
Unexpected charges
Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Meathead Movers clients.
What negative reviewers say
“Hired them to move a single antique buffet. A mover broke its custom marble top, and the company offered $200 toward repairs estimated at $5,000. They charged $900 for 15 miles.”
sonia edwardsVerified ReviewerGoogle“They were rushed and did not pack with care. Dresser and desk drawers lacked packing material, artwork was damaged or broken, and a new sofa pillow was missing.”
Lilia TanakeyowmaVerified ReviewerGoogle“Bill started out $800 and I wound up paying $1,400. It took almost an hour to put together a standard bed frame, and heavier boxes were left in the new garage.”
Kay DurstVerified ReviewerGoogle“I never confirmed a reservation or signed paperwork, yet the company charged my card. The estimate was high, and they cited a cancellation policy when I requested a reversal.”
J.T. VandenbreeVerified ReviewerGoogle
Meathead Movers
3.62Newport Beach, CASince 2002
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Meathead Movers
3.62
Newport Beach, CA · Since 2002
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 Newport Beach.
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 takes on senior moves and commercial moves, alongside packing and unpacking.
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
- October 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
- No credit cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- Mover’s own offer
Meathead 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.
Meathead Movers also offers discounts on request. It also lists: 0% payment plans, advertised as 0–36% payment options, for qualifying customers through Affirm; free moving services for screened victims of domestic violence. 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 3.62 out of 5, Meathead Movers trails the five top-rated movers near Newport Beach, 0.88 points behind Best Moving Service. At 371 reviews, Meathead Movers has fewer reviews than four of the five. Where Meathead 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 | SOS Moving, LLCLos Angeles | 4.78 | 2,613 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 2 | Meathead MoversAnaheim | 4.58 | 625 | 4.7 | 3.9 | A+ |
| 3 | NorthStar Moving CompanyIrvine | 4.52 | 68 | 4.6 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 4 | SafeWay Moving & StorageLake Forest | 4.50 | 484 | 4.5 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 5 | Best Moving ServiceAnaheim | 4.50 | 421 | 4.6 | 4.6 | B- |
| 6 | Meathead MoversThis mover · ranks #6 | 3.62 | 371 | — | — | A+ |
How does Meathead Movers compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#417 of 1154(worse than average)
3.62vs 3.68 avg
Meathead Movers scores 3.62, below the California average of 3.68, and ranks #417 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#755 of 1154(worse than average)
90%vs 91% avg
Meathead Movers has 90% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #755 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#747 of 1154(worse than average)
9%vs 8% avg
Meathead Movers has 9% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #747 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#214 of 1154(better than average)
371vs 268 avg
Meathead Movers has 371 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #214 of 1154 California movers.
- Years in business#119 of 1154(better than average)
24 yearsvs 23 years avg
Meathead Movers has been in business for 24 years, above the California average of 23 years, and ranks #119 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverMeathead Movers | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#417 of 1154 in California | 3.62 | 3.68 | #417 of 1154 | −0.06(worse than average) |
| Positive reviews#755 of 1154 in California | 90% | 91% | #755 of 1154 | −1 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#747 of 1154 in California | 9% | 8% | #747 of 1154 | +1 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#214 of 1154 in California | 371 | 268 | #214 of 1154 | +103(better than average) |
| Years in business#119 of 1154 in California | 24 years | 23 years | #119 of 1154 | +1(better than average) |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Meathead Movers
3.62Newport Beach, CASince 2002
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 Newport Beach.
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
3.62
Newport Beach, CA · Since 2002
Final verdict: Meathead Movers
Meathead Movers earns a 3.62/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #417 among California movers, with 90% positive feedback across 371 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its respect for property and quick moving process. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.
With 53 trucks and a track record dating to 2002, 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.
Meathead Movers
3.62
Newport Beach, CA · Since 2002
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
- (949) 704-5744
- Website
- meatheadmovers.com
- Profiles
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.