Southwest Moving review 2026 (San Jose, CA)
In business since 2013 · Updated
Southwest Moving, a San Jose, CA moving company, ranks #106 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.44/5.
96% of Southwest Moving's 588 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its quick moving process, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2013, Southwest Moving holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #1922488) and operates 4 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Southwest Moving measures up
Across 588 reviews, Southwest Moving in San Jose, CA is rated 4.9/5 on Google (463 reviews) and 4.5/5 on Yelp (115 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Southwest Moving ranks #106 out of 1153 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.44 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.44.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 4.7
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.4
- Brand
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 463 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 115 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Southwest Moving moveBuddha Certified?
Southwest 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. Southwest 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 Southwest Moving?
Out of 588 verified reviews, 96% of customers left a positive review about Southwest Moving in San Jose, CA. 3.6% of reviews are negative and 0.9% are neutral. Southwest Moving has a 5% higher positive review percentage than the average California moving company (96% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive95.6%(562)
- Neutral0.9%(5)
- Negative3.6%(21)
Based on 588 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Southwest Moving
Quick moving process
The team at Southwest Moving often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
Efficient service
Many customers praise Southwest Moving for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
Quick response times
Customer support at Southwest Moving was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Southwest Moving's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Southwest Moving's attention to detail.
What positive reviewers say
“Joe and his crew arrived on time. Moved our stuff efficiently and very carefully. Everyone was very friendly and polite. They did an awesome job!!”
Mila LaneVerified ReviewerGoogle“From start to finish I was impressed with their speed and professionalism! Quick to respond and great communicators.”
PatrickVerified ReviewerGoogle“Santi and his crew were quick, careful, and helpful, everything you'd look for in movers.”
Josh DeullVerified ReviewerGoogle“Fast and efficient. Treated our property as their own. Will be using Southwest again for our move.”
Gilbert RamosVerified ReviewerGoogle“Communication with Mandy was excellent from start to finish. Everything was carefully wrapped and protected, and everything arrived safely.”
Jake HillmanVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“They left items behind, packed worthless things carefully while treating expensive art carelessly, and rounded up time and material costs. Most items arrived intact.”
Max SegalVerified ReviewerGoogle“Four movers took eight hours to move a two-bedroom apartment 15 minutes away, with one doing most of the work. No damage occurred, packing was good, and Mandy was responsive.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Attaching Jason's characteristic aggressive response to my review. Rest of my review still stands.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Southwest Moving
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.
Unexpected charges
Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Southwest Moving clients.
What negative reviewers say
“They damaged furniture, broke a couch end table, marked the wall, destroyed a 75-inch TV, and damaged an electronic bedframe. The payout offered for all damage was $90.”
Faramarz MunshiVerified ReviewerGoogle“They arrived 1.5 hours late, charged extra unnecessarily, worked slowly, forced us to rent boxes, and were rude. Only one of three movers knew how to pack.”
Peeyush GuptaVerified ReviewerGoogle“Joe was rude, damaged my wall and frame, and charged $120 for materials without explaining the fee. They also asked for a five-star review to waive $50.”
afsi pourVerified ReviewerGoogle“They quoted us $3,000 for a simple one-bedroom apartment move, then demanded about 50% more after loading the truck. I would not recommend them.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Southwest Moving
4.44San Jose, CASince 2013
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Southwest Moving
4.44
San Jose, CA · Since 2013
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Southwest Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Jose.
Compare prices side by side
See where Southwest 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 Southwest Moving offer?
Southwest Moving handles local moves, long-distance moves, and international moves from San Jose, CA, with services including small moves, senior moves, and packing.
Services offered
Is Southwest Moving licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 1922488 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Southwest Moving is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 1922488, as SOUTH WEST MOVERS LLC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number CA PUC #191389; Florida IM-2184; PBC-MV1055; TX DMV Licensing #8935144C.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Southwest Moving holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- CA PUC #191389; Florida IM-2184; PBC-MV1055; TX DMV Licensing #8935144CIssued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- SOUTH WEST MOVERS LLCThe 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
- 4Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 8,541Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- May 2026
How much does Southwest Moving cost?
Southwest Moving 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 Southwest 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
Southwest 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 Southwest Moving offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- Senior
Southwest Moving accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
Southwest Moving also offers a senior discount. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How Southwest Moving compares with the top 10 San Jose movers
Southwest Moving places eighth among the top 10 San Jose moving companies with a moveBuddha score of 4.44 out of 5, just behind All In Moving Systems and level on score with Mod Movers but with more reviews. Where Southwest Moving falls behind is industry experience, with an industry experience score that trails nine of the ten.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near San Jose, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairprice MoversSan Jose | 4.64 | 1,019 | 4.7 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 2 | All Reasons Moving & StorageSan Jose | 4.56 | 359 | 4.8 | 4.5 | A+ |
| 3 | Silicon Valley Moving and StorageSan Jose | 4.56 | 194 | 4.6 | 3.4 | A+ |
| 4 | Pure Moving CompanySan Jose | 4.50 | 584 | 5.0 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 5 | College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingSan Jose | 4.48 | 5,035 | 5.0 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 6 | West Coast Moving Systems, IncOakland | 4.48 | 699 | 4.8 | 4.9 | A+ |
| 7 | All In Moving SystemsSan Jose | 4.48 | 553 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 8 | Southwest MovingThis mover · ranks #8 | 4.44 | 588 | 4.9 | 4.5 | A+ |
| 9 | Mod MoversMonterey | 4.44 | 277 | 4.9 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 10 | Lunardi MovingSan Jose | 4.42 | 732 | 4.8 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 11 | Rosado MoversMountain View | 4.42 | 690 | 4.7 | 4.7 | A+ |
How does Southwest Moving compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#106 of 1153(better than average)
4.44vs 3.68 avg
Southwest Moving scores 4.44, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #106 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#506 of 1153(better than average)
96%vs 91% avg
Southwest Moving has 96% positive reviews, above the California average of 91%, and ranks #506 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#509 of 1153(better than average)
4%vs 8% avg
Southwest Moving has 4% negative reviews, below the California average of 8%, and ranks #509 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#138 of 1153(better than average)
588vs 268 avg
Southwest Moving has 588 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #138 of 1153 California movers.
- Yelp rating#170 of 1153(better than average)
4.5vs 4.3 avg
Southwest Moving has a Yelp rating of 4.5, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #170 of 1153 California movers.
- Years in business#225 of 1153(worse than average)
13 yearsvs 23 years avg
Southwest Moving has been in business for 13 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #225 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This moverSouthwest Moving | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#106 of 1153 in California | 4.44 | 3.68 | #106 of 1153 | +0.76(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#506 of 1153 in California | 96% | 91% | #506 of 1153 | +5 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#509 of 1153 in California | 4% | 8% | #509 of 1153 | −4 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#138 of 1153 in California | 588 | 268 | #138 of 1153 | +320(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#170 of 1153 in California | 4.5 | 4.3 | #170 of 1153 | +0.2(better than average) |
| Years in business#225 of 1153 in California | 13 years | 23 years | #225 of 1153 | −10(worse than average) |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Southwest Moving
4.44San Jose, CASince 2013
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 Southwest Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Jose.
Compare prices side by side
See where Southwest 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.
Southwest Moving
4.44
San Jose, CA · Since 2013
Final verdict: Southwest Moving
Southwest Moving earns a 4.44/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #8 among San Jose movers, with 96% positive feedback across 588 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its quick moving process and efficient service. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, careful handling of belongings, and reliable service experience.
With 4 trucks and a track record dating to 2013, 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.
Southwest Moving
4.44
San Jose, CA · Since 2013
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.
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.