SafeWay Moving & Storage review 2026 (Lake Forest, CA)
In business since 2007 · Updated
SafeWay Moving & Storage, a Lake Forest, CA moving company, ranks #54 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.50/5.
95% of SafeWay Moving & Storage's 484 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its transparent pricing, while the most common complaint involves misplaced or lost items.
In business since 2007, SafeWay Moving & Storage holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #70719) and operates 767 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How SafeWay Moving & Storage measures up
Across 484 reviews, SafeWay Moving & Storage in Lake Forest, CA is rated 4.8/5 on Yelp (421 reviews) and 4.5/5 on Google (70 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
SafeWay Moving & Storage ranks #54 out of 1153 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.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.4
- Brand
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 70 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 421 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is SafeWay Moving & Storage moveBuddha Certified?
SafeWay Moving & 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. SafeWay Moving & 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 SafeWay Moving & Storage?
Out of 484 verified reviews, 95% of customers left a positive review about SafeWay Moving & Storage in Lake Forest, CA. 4.8% of reviews are negative and 0.4% are neutral. SafeWay Moving & Storage has a 4% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (95% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive94.8%(459)
- Neutral0.4%(2)
- Negative4.8%(23)
Based on 484 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about SafeWay Moving & Storage
Transparent pricing
Many reviewers felt confident booking with SafeWay Moving & Storage due to honest, upfront pricing and no surprise fees.
Experienced movers
With years of experience, SafeWay Moving & Storage's crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found SafeWay Moving & Storage to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Knowledgeable staff
Several reviewers pointed out that SafeWay Moving & Storage's crew answered questions confidently and provided useful advice.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that SafeWay Moving & Storage stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
What positive reviewers say
“Great experience with Safe Way—honest and upfront with their pricing, competitive, punctual, and quick!”
YelpVerified Reviewer “These guys were fantastic. Quite knowledgeable and very efficient. The price was right too.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Ken has 30+ years of experience. He offered genius ideas on how to set up my bedroom and office while I was downsizing.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Kaycee was friendly and knowledgeable when making the appointment. She sent a follow up call and email to confirm.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “We used Safe Way Moving and Storage three times in the last year. Each time Safe Way made the move worry free. We never had broken furniture or missing boxes.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“I've had good movers and good enough movers from Safe Way, but two moves were not so good; one felt rushed and careless.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “After the move, I could not find my recording mixer. Other than that, they did a good job.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about SafeWay Moving & Storage
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Unfriendly or rude staff
A few customers felt disrespected by curt or unhelpful movers or office staff.
Lack of communication
Poor or inconsistent updates from SafeWay Moving & Storage left some customers feeling in the dark.
What negative reviewers say
“They lost the parts to our older IKEA bed. After I called twice, the office said the issue had to be resolved with the driver, and no one followed up.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “We reported a missing ottoman and several small items. The office said it would check with the warehouse, but we never heard from them again.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “They did not pick up on the promised date, and poor planning and miscommunication delayed my 14-hour drive.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The person I spoke with was rude while discussing the estimate and did not listen when I asked about the total hours.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
SafeWay Moving & Storage
4.50Lake Forest, CASince 2007
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
SafeWay Moving & Storage
4.50
Lake Forest, CA · Since 2007
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from SafeWay Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Lake Forest.
Compare prices side by side
See where SafeWay Moving & 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 SafeWay Moving & Storage offer?
SafeWay Moving & Storage offers full-service moving, local moves, and long-distance moves. It also provides commercial moves, small moves, and estate moves.
Services offered
Is SafeWay Moving & Storage licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 70719 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, SafeWay Moving & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 70719, as WHEATON VAN LINES INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number CAL-PUC # 192762.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover SafeWay Moving & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- CAL-PUC # 192762Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- WHEATON VAN LINES INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- Doing business as
- WHEATON WORLDWIDE MOVINGTrade name on file with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- SatisfactoryAssigned after a compliance review
- Trucks registered
- 767Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 19,701,532Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- May 2026
How much does SafeWay Moving & Storage cost?
SafeWay Moving & 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 SafeWay Moving & 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
SafeWay Moving & 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 SafeWay Moving & Storage offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- Mover’s own offer
SafeWay Moving & Storage accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
SafeWay Moving & Storage also offers discounts on request. It also lists: First month of storage free; 12 free moving boxes with booking. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How SafeWay Moving & Storage compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.50 out of 5, SafeWay Moving & Storage places second when ranked against the four top-rated movers near Lake Forest, just behind NorthStar Moving Company and just ahead of Laaks Moving Services. At 484 reviews, SafeWay Moving & Storage has more reviews than three of the four. Where SafeWay Moving & Storage falls behind is quote accuracy, with a quote accuracy score that trails three of the four.
The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NorthStar Moving CompanyIrvine | 4.52 | 68 | 4.6 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 2 | SafeWay Moving & StorageThis mover · ranks #2 | 4.50 | 484 | 4.5 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 3 | Laaks Moving ServicesIrvine | 4.48 | 139 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 4 | Safe-Way Moving IncIrvine | 4.44 | 493 | 4.5 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 5 | Terry Moving and Storage Inc.Lake Forest | 4.42 | 473 | — | 4.8 | A+ |
How does SafeWay Moving & Storage compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#54 of 1153(better than average)
4.50vs 3.67 avg
SafeWay Moving & Storage scores 4.50, above the California average of 3.67, and ranks #54 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#552 of 1153(better than average)
95%vs 91% avg
SafeWay Moving & Storage has 95% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #552 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#577 of 1153(better than average)
5%vs 8% avg
SafeWay Moving & Storage has 5% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #577 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#169 of 1153(better than average)
484vs 268 avg
SafeWay Moving & Storage has 484 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #169 of 1153 California movers.
- Yelp rating#50 of 1153(better than average)
4.8vs 4.3 avg
SafeWay Moving & Storage has a Yelp rating of 4.8, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #50 of 1153 California movers.
- Years in business#152 of 1153(worse than average)
19 yearsvs 23 years avg
SafeWay Moving & Storage has been in business for 19 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #152 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This moverSafeWay Moving & Storage | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#54 of 1153 in California | 4.50 | 3.67 | #54 of 1153 | +0.83(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#552 of 1153 in California | 95% | 91% | #552 of 1153 | +4 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#577 of 1153 in California | 5% | 8% | #577 of 1153 | −3 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#169 of 1153 in California | 484 | 268 | #169 of 1153 | +216(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#50 of 1153 in California | 4.8 | 4.3 | #50 of 1153 | +0.5(better than average) |
| Years in business#152 of 1153 in California | 19 years | 23 years | #152 of 1153 | −4(worse than average) |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
SafeWay Moving & Storage
4.50Lake Forest, CASince 2007
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 SafeWay Moving & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Lake Forest.
Compare prices side by side
See where SafeWay Moving & 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.
SafeWay Moving & Storage
4.50
Lake Forest, CA · Since 2007
Final verdict: SafeWay Moving & Storage
SafeWay Moving & Storage earns a 4.50/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #54 among California movers, with 95% positive feedback across 484 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its transparent pricing and experienced movers. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, fair pricing, and reliable service experience.
With 767 trucks and a track record dating to 2007, it has less history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is misplaced or lost items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
SafeWay Moving & Storage
4.50
Lake Forest, CA · Since 2007
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 SafeWay Moving & Storage
- Phone
- (949) 639-0330
- Website
- safeway-moving.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.