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Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. review 2026 (Rancho Cordova, CA)

In business since 1956 · Updated

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc., a Rancho Cordova, CA moving company, ranks #211 of 1125 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.34/5.

90% of Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.'s 323 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its consistency and follow-up, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.

In business since 1956, Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #1885461). Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. measures up

Across 323 reviews, Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. in Rancho Cordova, CA is rated 3.3/5 on Yelp (50 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. ranks #211 out of 1125 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.34 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

  • Google rating

    Based on reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Based on 50 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Other names on file at BBB

    The Better Business Bureau also lists Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. as SmartBox Portable Storage and Moving and North American Van Lines/Motherlode Van & Storage.

    Businesses are often filed at BBB under a legal, parent-company, or former name rather than the one they trade under, so if you look Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. up on BBB, search for these names too.

    View the BBB profile

    Based on BBB profile
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Is Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. moveBuddha Certified?

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. 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. Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. 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 Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.?

Out of 323 verified reviews, 90% of customers left a positive review about Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. in Rancho Cordova, CA. 9.3% of reviews are negative and 1.2% are neutral. Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. matches the average California moving company's positive review percentage (90% vs the California state average of 90%).

  • Positive89.5%(289)
  • Neutral1.2%(4)
  • Negative9.3%(30)

Based on 323 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.

  • Consistency and follow-up

    Reviewers liked that Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.

  • Professional and polite staff

    Customers say the Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.'s crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.

  • Good communication

    Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. throughout the moving process.

  • Quick response times

    Customer support at Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately

  • Helpful movers

    Movers were more than just muscleโ€”they offered guidance and went above and beyond to assist customers.

What positive reviewers say

  • “From start to finish, the entire team was professional, thorough, careful, and very responsive. They handled everything efficiently and made what could have been a stressful experience much easier.”

    Lisa ChizmarVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Gabby was warm, responsive, reassuring, and efficient. She communicated clearly, kept her word, and seamlessly solved a new delivery date and address.”

    Aimee Lily LazarusVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Michael Eden was terrific. He responded quickly when his moving crew failed to show due to severe weather. The two of them moved a 2,500-square-foot home, including a piano, working well into the night.”

    John CarltonVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “They were very professional and excellent at communicating. An item was lost on the trip and the team went out of their way to fix things for us.”

    Paul HeidingerVerified ReviewerGoogle

What mixed reviewers say

  • “The driver, Don, was excellent. The estimate for weight and total cost ended up double what was quoted, and I did not learn that until loading.”

    Patty C.Verified ReviewerYelp
  • “The loading crew was courteous, and the driver accommodated an earlier start. Items were not protected well enough, resulting in a broken chair leg, bent lamp, and twisted wire items.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

Most common complaints about Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.

  • 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 Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. clients.

What negative reviewers say

  • “The crew arrived late without proper equipment and damaged several cabinets. When I requested an invoice adjustment, I was told to pay in full first and wait to see if damages would be covered.”

    Cyndi SpencerVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “The original estimate was $5,700, but they demanded another $3,600 before delivery. Dozens of items were also missing, including more than $10,000 in household goods.”

    Debs A.Verified ReviewerYelp
  • “They put a hole in my wall and damaged a mattress and cup. I filed a claim, but responses took months and the company later disputed promising reimbursement.”

    Alina B.Verified ReviewerYelp
  • “Delivery arrived two days late, and I had to keep emailing and calling for answers. There was no tracking for 17 days, leaving me unsure where my belongings were.”

    S. C.Verified ReviewerYelp

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.

4.34Rancho Cordova, CASince 1956

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What services does Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. offer?

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. offers packing, plus storage.

Services offered

Is Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. licensed and insured?

Federally licensed, operating authority active

US DOT 1885461 Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Yes, Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 1885461, as NORTH AMERICAN VAN LINES INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0189243.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

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State license number
0189243Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
Registered legal name
NORTH AMERICAN VAN LINES INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
FMCSA safety rating
SatisfactoryAssigned after a compliance review
Miles driven
33,152,156Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
Roadside inspections
0Recorded by the FMCSA
FMCSA record last updated
May 2026

How much does Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. cost?

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. 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 $400โ€“$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850โ€“$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700โ€“$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500โ€“$7,500.

What similar movers typically bill for a local move

Full-service California moving companies similar to Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. 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.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400โ€“$7503โ€“5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850โ€“$1,7505โ€“8 hours, 2โ€“3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700โ€“$3,4008โ€“12 hours, 3โ€“4 movers

What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service California moving companies.

Typical long-distance move totals from similar movers
Home sizeDistanceTypical total
2-3 bedrooms500โ€“1,000 mi$4,500โ€“$7,500
4+ bedrooms500โ€“1,000 mi$7,000โ€“$11,500

What payment options and discounts does Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. offer?

Accepts
Credit Cards
Deposit
Not listed, so ask
Discounts
Military

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. also offers a military discount. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.

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How Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. compares with other local movers

With a moveBuddha score of 4.34 out of 5, Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. trails the five top-rated movers near Rancho Cordova, 0.10 points behind A Better Moving. At 323 reviews, Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. has more reviews than four of the five. Where Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.

The five highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1Two Men and a Truck MovingSacramento4.621,286
2Fuller Moving ServicesRocklin4.62310
3Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.Sacramento4.48124
4California Moving Systems, Inc.Sacramento4.44210
5A Better MovingCarmichael4.44162
6Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.This mover ยท ranks #64.34323

How does Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. compare to other California movers?

  • moveBuddha score#211 of 1125(better than average)

    4.34vs 3.68 avg

    Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. scores 4.34, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #211 of 1125 California movers.

  • Positive reviews#743 of 1125(level with average)

    90%vs 90% avg

    Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. has 90% positive reviews, in line with the California average of 90%, and ranks #743 of 1125 California movers.

  • Negative reviews#747 of 1125(level with average)

    9%vs 9% avg

    Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. has 9% negative reviews, in line with the California average of 9%, and ranks #747 of 1125 California movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#239 of 1125(better than average)

    323vs 270 avg

    Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. has 323 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 270, and ranks #239 of 1125 California movers.

  • Yelp rating#310 of 1125(worse than average)

    3.3vs 4.3 avg

    Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. has a Yelp rating of 3.3, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #310 of 1125 California movers.

  • Years in business#23 of 1125(better than average)

    70 yearsvs 22 years avg

    Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. has been in business for 70 years, above the California average of 22 years, and ranks #23 of 1125 California movers.

MetricThis moverCalifornia avg
moveBuddha score#211 of 1125 in California4.343.68
Positive reviews#743 of 1125 in California90%90%
Negative reviewsLower is better#747 of 1125 in California9%9%
Reviews analyzed#239 of 1125 in California323270
Yelp rating#310 of 1125 in California3.34.3
Years in business#23 of 1125 in California70 years22 years

Compared with 1125 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.

4.34Rancho Cordova, CASince 1956

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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Final verdict: Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. earns a 4.34/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #211 among California movers, with 90% positive feedback across 323 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its consistency and follow-up and professional and polite staff. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, crew professionalism, and reliable service experience.

With a track record dating to 1956, 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.

Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.

Rancho Cordova, CA ยท Since 1956

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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 Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc.

Other Mother Lode Van & Storage Inc. locations

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

Read the full scoring methodology

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.

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