Poulos Moving Systems review 2026 (Salinas, CA)
In business since 2009 · Updated
Poulos Moving Systems, a Salinas, CA moving company, ranks #44 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.52/5.
92% of Poulos Moving Systems' 310 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its organized packing, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2009, Poulos Moving Systems holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #2618126) and operates 7 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Poulos Moving Systems measures up
Across 310 reviews, Poulos Moving Systems in Salinas, CA is rated 4.8/5 on Google (176 reviews) and 4.1/5 on Yelp (50 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Poulos Moving Systems ranks #44 out of 1154 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.52 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.52.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.1
- Brand
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 176 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 50 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Poulos Moving Systems moveBuddha Certified?
Poulos Moving Systems 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. Poulos Moving Systems 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 Poulos Moving Systems?
Out of 310 verified reviews, 92% of customers left a positive review about Poulos Moving Systems in Salinas, CA. 8.1% of reviews are negative and 0.3% are neutral. Poulos Moving Systems has a 1% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (92% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive91.6%(284)
- Neutral0.3%(1)
- Negative8.1%(25)
Based on 310 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Poulos Moving Systems
Organized packing
Poulos Moving Systems is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Poulos Moving Systems was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Poulos Moving Systems throughout the moving process.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that Poulos Moving Systems stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Poulos Moving Systems's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
What positive reviewers say
“Packing was extremely efficient, and they tagged everything while keeping a quiet space for our one-year-old to nap. The move day was smooth and organized.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Their professionalism and communication were top-notch. Their attention to detail ensured every item was handled with care, and they proactively updated us throughout delivery and unloading.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Brian and Jaime were flexible, responsive, and communicative when our POD arrived late. They carefully moved our furniture and boxes, asking where each item should go.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Over 12,000 pounds of household goods arrived without a single damaged item. The crew was punctual, polite, professional, and careful.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Josh, Christian H, and Julio arrived on time, kept things tidy, communicated throughout, and correctly assembled our furniture and large items.”
Eunice ShinVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“The delivery crew was nice and friendly, but the packing had inconsistent labeling, poorly marked parts, and rushed work. The packers remained courteous and personable.”
Seth MetteVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Poulos Moving Systems
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Unprofessional behavior
Complaints included movers using foul language, showing up late, or acting inappropriately.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
What negative reviewers say
“They rushed our military move, dumped organized drawers into boxes, changed delivery dates, and damaged personal items. Communication was difficult, and they tried to avoid reassembling furniture and unpacking boxes.”
Fionna SchoenerVerified ReviewerGoogle“They damaged leather furniture, stained an upholstered couch, and shattered a glass tabletop. Although they were punctual and competitively priced, I would not recommend them.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “I waited weeks for my belongings and received no tracking information. Repeated calls went unanswered, leaving me without updates about when my items would arrive.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Poulos charged almost double the estimate. When I asked twice for an invoice to understand the charges, they ignored both requests.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Poulos Moving Systems
4.52Salinas, CASince 2009
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Poulos Moving Systems
4.52
Salinas, CA · Since 2009
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Poulos Moving Systems, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Salinas.
Compare prices side by side
See where Poulos Moving Systems 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 Poulos Moving Systems offer?
Poulos Moving Systems is a full-service local, long-distance, and international mover in Salinas, CA, listing 14 services on moveBuddha, including small moves, packing, and unpacking.
Services offered
Is Poulos Moving Systems licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 2618126 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Poulos Moving Systems is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 2618126, as POULOS MOVING SYSTEMS INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number MTR0190661.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Poulos Moving Systems holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- MTR0190661Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- POULOS MOVING SYSTEMS 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
- 7Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 190,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- Department of Defense
- Approved for military movesReported by the mover on its moveBuddha profile
- FMCSA record last updated
- July 2026
How much does Poulos Moving Systems cost?
Poulos Moving Systems 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 Poulos Moving Systems 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
Poulos Moving Systems 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 Poulos Moving Systems offer?
- Accepts
- Credit CardsCash
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- MilitaryMover’s own offer
Poulos Moving Systems accepts credit cards and cash. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
Poulos Moving Systems also offers a military discount. It also lists: 5% discount for middle-of-the-month moves scheduled from the 10th through the 20th of each month. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How Poulos Moving Systems compares with the top 5 Salinas movers
Poulos Moving Systems outscores all of the five top-scoring Salinas movers with a moveBuddha score of 4.52 out of 5, just ahead of Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.. At 310 reviews, Poulos Moving Systems has more reviews than four of the five. Poulos Moving Systems has the highest quote accuracy score in the group, but the lowest brand score.
The five highest-scoring local movers near Salinas, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poulos Moving SystemsThis mover · ranks #1 | 4.52 | 310 | 4.8 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 2 | Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.Castroville | 4.48 | 102 | 4.4 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 3 | Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.Salinas | 4.48 | 45 | 4.5 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 4 | Tavares Packing & LoadingSalinas | 4.38 | 130 | 4.0 | 4.4 | — |
| 5 | Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.Salinas | 4.34 | 34 | 4.4 | 3.6 | A+ |
| 6 | South Bay Moving Systems Inc.Salinas | 4.26 | 588 | 4.8 | 3.1 | — |
How does Poulos Moving Systems compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#44 of 1154(better than average)
4.52vs 3.68 avg
Poulos Moving Systems scores 4.52, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #44 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#702 of 1154(better than average)
92%vs 91% avg
Poulos Moving Systems has 92% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #702 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#729 of 1154(level with average)
8%vs 8% avg
Poulos Moving Systems has 8% negative reviews, in line with the California average of 8%, and ranks #729 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#254 of 1154(better than average)
310vs 268 avg
Poulos Moving Systems has 310 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #254 of 1154 California movers.
- Yelp rating#252 of 1154(worse than average)
4.1vs 4.3 avg
Poulos Moving Systems has a Yelp rating of 4.1, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #252 of 1154 California movers.
- Years in business#182 of 1154(worse than average)
17 yearsvs 23 years avg
Poulos Moving Systems has been in business for 17 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #182 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverPoulos Moving Systems | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#44 of 1154 in California | 4.52 | 3.68 | #44 of 1154 | +0.84(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#702 of 1154 in California | 92% | 91% | #702 of 1154 | +1 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#729 of 1154 in California | 8% | 8% | #729 of 1154 | ±0 pts |
| Reviews analyzed#254 of 1154 in California | 310 | 268 | #254 of 1154 | +42(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#252 of 1154 in California | 4.1 | 4.3 | #252 of 1154 | −0.2(worse than average) |
| Years in business#182 of 1154 in California | 17 years | 23 years | #182 of 1154 | −6(worse than average) |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Poulos Moving Systems
4.52Salinas, CASince 2009
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 Poulos Moving Systems, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Salinas.
Compare prices side by side
See where Poulos Moving Systems 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.
Poulos Moving Systems
4.52
Salinas, CA · Since 2009
Final verdict: Poulos Moving Systems
Poulos Moving Systems earns a 4.52/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #1 among Salinas movers, with 92% positive feedback across 310 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its organized packing and flexibility. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With 7 trucks and a track record dating to 2009, it has less 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.
Poulos Moving Systems
4.52
Salinas, CA · Since 2009
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 Poulos Moving Systems
- Phone
- (831) 394-5000
- Website
- poulosmoving.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.