ShipShape Moving review 2026 (Berkeley, CA)
In business since 2021 · Updated
ShipShape Moving, a Berkeley, CA moving company, ranks #203 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.36/5.
98% of ShipShape Moving's 812 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its transparent pricing, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2021, ShipShape Moving holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #3549568) and operates 5 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How ShipShape Moving measures up
Across 812 reviews, ShipShape Moving in Berkeley, CA is rated 4.9/5 on Yelp (507 reviews) and 4.9/5 on Google (231 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
ShipShape Moving ranks #203 out of 1154 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.36 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.36.
- Brand
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 4.7
- Review quality
- 4.2
- Industry experience
- 4.1
- Website
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 231 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 507 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is ShipShape Moving moveBuddha Certified?
ShipShape Moving 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. ShipShape Moving 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 ShipShape Moving?
Out of 812 verified reviews, 98% of customers left a positive review about ShipShape Moving in Berkeley, CA. 1.2% of reviews are negative and 0.5% are neutral. ShipShape Moving has a 7% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (98% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive98.3%(798)
- Neutral0.5%(4)
- Negative1.2%(10)
Based on 812 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about ShipShape Moving
Transparent pricing
Many reviewers felt confident booking with ShipShape Moving due to honest, upfront pricing and no surprise fees.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found ShipShape Moving to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Clients liked that ShipShape Moving was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully ShipShape Moving's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from ShipShape Moving throughout the moving process.
What positive reviewers say
“Pricing was straightforward and transparent, with no surprise or hidden fees.”
K VVerified ReviewerGoogle“Easy simple fast and the discounts made it real affordable thank you guys for making my move so simple…”
Christopher ForlastroVerified ReviewerGoogle“They did a great job and were very flexible with my move. Would recommend.”
chris beardVerified ReviewerGoogle“I just moved into my one-bedroom apartment, and Shipshape Moving did a fantastic job! Max and his team were super careful with my furniture—nothing got damaged.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Maxim and Alex were wonderful! Timely service, excellent communication, and they took great care of my boxes and items.”
Christine AmadorVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“Impel did immediately respond and attempt to make things right. They apologized and took responsibility. Ultimately, we were satisfied with the recompense.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Max and Beka handled heavy items with care and promptly informed us when a lamp was damaged. The move took longer than expected, possibly because the truck was too small.”
Akshata RameshVerified ReviewerGoogle“The move took from 9:30am to 6:30pm for a one-bedroom move. One lamp got broken, but they notified us right away.”
Rachel NolteVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about ShipShape Moving
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
Inaccurate estimates
Estimates from ShipShape Moving were sometimes way off from what customers were ultimately billed.
What negative reviewers say
“Boxes that were clearly labeled 'Fragile' were delivered upside down and/or with broken items, including dishes. My TV was damaged beyond repair during transit.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “I was scheduled for the 2–3 pm window. At 3 pm, I had not heard anything. The movers then called and said they would be there at 3:45 pm.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Packing finished after 4 pm, and unloading after 11 pm; the cost was about 50% more than the estimate.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
ShipShape Moving
4.36Berkeley, CASince 2021
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
ShipShape Moving
4.36
Berkeley, CA · Since 2021
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from ShipShape Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Berkeley.
Compare prices side by side
See where ShipShape Moving 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 ShipShape Moving offer?
ShipShape Moving offers packing, unpacking, and fragile-only packing, plus storage.
Services offered
Is ShipShape Moving licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 3549568 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, ShipShape Moving is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3549568, as IMPEL MOVING, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number MTR 0192323.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover ShipShape Moving holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- MTR 0192323Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- IMPEL MOVINGThe 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
- 5Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 75,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- August 2026
How much does ShipShape Moving cost?
ShipShape Moving lists an hourly rate of $190, above the California average of $129/hr. At that rate, a studio or 1-bedroom move (3–5 hours with 2 movers) would come to about $550–$950. Larger homes need more movers and hours: totals from similar movers typically run $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 ShipShape Moving 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
ShipShape Moving 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 ShipShape Moving offer?
- Accepts
- Credit CardsCash
- Deposit
- Required to book
- Discounts
- Mover’s own offer
ShipShape Moving accepts credit cards and cash. A deposit is required to book. ShipShape Moving's terms: A deposit may be required to hold or confirm the moving date. No deposit is taken and the move is not booked until the customer approves the estimate.
ShipShape Moving also offers discounts on request. It also lists: Cash rates are $10 per hour lower than card or debit rates. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How ShipShape Moving compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.36 out of 5, ShipShape Moving trails the five top-rated movers near Berkeley, 0.08 points behind OCD Moving Services. At 812 reviews, ShipShape Moving has more reviews than four of the five. ShipShape Moving has the highest brand score in the group, but the lowest review quality score.
The five highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.San Bruno | 4.62 | 675 | 4.6 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 2 | Pure Moving CompanySan Francisco | 4.56 | 2,911 | 5.0 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 3 | Got2MoveSan Francisco | 4.52 | 766 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 4 | Big Family MoversOakland | 4.48 | 310 | 5.0 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 5 | OCD Moving ServicesEl Sobrante | 4.44 | 743 | 5.0 | 5.0 | A+ |
| 6 | ShipShape MovingThis mover · ranks #6 | 4.36 | 812 | 4.9 | 4.9 | A+ |
How does ShipShape Moving compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#203 of 1154(better than average)
4.36vs 3.68 avg
ShipShape Moving scores 4.36, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #203 of 1154 California movers.
- Positive reviews#339 of 1154(better than average)
98%vs 91% avg
ShipShape Moving has 98% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #339 of 1154 California movers.
- Negative reviews#347 of 1154(better than average)
1%vs 8% avg
ShipShape Moving has 1% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #347 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#94 of 1154(better than average)
812vs 268 avg
ShipShape Moving has 812 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #94 of 1154 California movers.
- Yelp rating#38 of 1154(better than average)
4.9vs 4.3 avg
ShipShape Moving has a Yelp rating of 4.9, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #38 of 1154 California movers.
- Years in business#369 of 1154(worse than average)
5 yearsvs 23 years avg
ShipShape Moving has been in business for 5 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #369 of 1154 California movers.
| Metric | This moverShipShape Moving | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#203 of 1154 in California | 4.36 | 3.68 | #203 of 1154 | +0.68(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#339 of 1154 in California | 98% | 91% | #339 of 1154 | +7 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#347 of 1154 in California | 1% | 8% | #347 of 1154 | −7 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#94 of 1154 in California | 812 | 268 | #94 of 1154 | +544(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#38 of 1154 in California | 4.9 | 4.3 | #38 of 1154 | +0.6(better than average) |
| Years in business#369 of 1154 in California | 5 years | 23 years | #369 of 1154 | −18(worse than average) |
Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
ShipShape Moving
4.36Berkeley, CASince 2021
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 ShipShape Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Berkeley.
Compare prices side by side
See where ShipShape Moving 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.
ShipShape Moving
4.36
Berkeley, CA · Since 2021
Final verdict: ShipShape Moving
ShipShape Moving earns a 4.36/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #203 among California movers, with 98% positive feedback across 812 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its transparent pricing and affordable rates. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With 5 trucks and a track record dating to 2021, 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.
ShipShape Moving
4.36
Berkeley, CA · Since 2021
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 ShipShape Moving
- Phone
- (510) 666-6480
- Website
- shipshapemoving.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.