Starving Students review 2026 (Riverside, CA)
Updated
Starving Students, a Riverside, CA moving company, ranks #858 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 3.30/5.
35% of Starving Students' 17 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its professional and polite staff, while the most common complaint involves higher-than-expected costs.
Starving Students holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #318223) and operates 1 truck. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Starving Students measures up
Starving Students ranks #858 out of 1153 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 3.30 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 3.30.
- Review quality
- 3.5
- Brand
- 3.0
- Website
- 3.0
- Customer service
- 3.0
- Industry experience
- 3.0
Is Starving Students moveBuddha Certified?
Starving Students 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. Starving Students 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 Starving Students?
Out of 17 verified reviews, 35% of customers left a positive review about Starving Students in Riverside, CA. 58.8% of reviews are negative and 5.9% are neutral. Starving Students has a 56% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (35% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive35.3%(6)
- Neutral5.9%(1)
- Negative58.8%(10)
Based on 17 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Starving Students
Professional and polite staff
Customers say the Starving Students's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
Helpful movers
Movers were more than just muscle—they offered guidance and went above and beyond to assist customers.
What positive reviewers say
“Overall, I'm happy with the service. The two guys that helped me move were very friendly and professional. They took great care of my belongings and helped me set up some large/heavy items.”
Brielle BrownVerified ReviewerGoogle“I called them when the original movers flaked out. They were prompt and professional. Thank you Gabriel and Chaz.”
Anna MolinaVerified ReviewerGoogle“Great moving service. Our movers were friendly, polite, and very professional. Took great care of my belongings, and even helped unpack/set up some of the bigger/heavier items. TJ and Joey were simply amazing.-thanks guys!”
Mariah HolmesVerified ReviewerGoogle
Most common complaints about Starving Students
Higher-than-expected costs
Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
Inaccurate estimates
Estimates from Starving Students were sometimes way off from what customers were ultimately billed.
What negative reviewers say
“They sent two men they were slow and only one was working. They charged me a total of $1200.00 dollars extremely to much money.”
Marvel WillisVerified ReviewerGoogle“They were supposed to be there in the morning & didn't show up until 2:30 in the afternoon. I only had to move the equivalent of a 1 bedroom apartment. It took them 6 hours & had no supplies…”
Michelle HuntVerified ReviewerGoogle“I was quoted 4 hours with 4 movers and they took 7.5 moving exactly what I disclosed we needed moved plus 30 min of driving time so 8 hours for 4 hour job.”
jennifer ramirezVerified ReviewerGoogle
Starving Students
3.30Riverside, CA
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Starving Students
3.30
Riverside, CA
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Starving Students, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Riverside.
Compare prices side by side
See where Starving Students 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 Starving Students offer?
Starving Students covers moving (local moves and long-distance moves), packing (unpacking and fragile-only packing), and storage (climate-controlled storage).
Services offered
Is Starving Students licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 318223 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Starving Students is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 318223, as STARVING STUDENTS INC, and its operating status is currently active.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Starving Students holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- Registered legal name
- STARVING STUDENTS 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
- 1Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 10,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2023
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- November 2026
How much does Starving Students cost?
Starving Students 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 Starving Students 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
Starving Students 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 Starving Students offer?
- Accepts
- No credit cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Starving Students does not list any accepted payment methods on moveBuddha. Confirm how they take payment before moving day. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Starving Students compares with the top 10 Riverside movers
Starving Students's moveBuddha score of 3.30 out of 5 places it #14, outside the top 10 Riverside movers, 0.92 points behind Man With a Truck Moving Company, the tenth-placed mover. At 17 reviews, Starving Students has fewer reviews than nine of the ten. Where Starving Students falls behind is quote accuracy, with the lowest quote accuracy score in the group.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Riverside, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Merit Moving SystemsThousand Palms | 4.52 | 186 | 4.9 | 4.4 | A+ |
| 2 | Meathead MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.50 | 1,552 | 4.7 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 3 | JFK Moving CompanyMoreno Valley | 4.48 | 854 | 4.8 | 4.5 | — |
| 4 | Inland Empire MoversRiverside | 4.44 | 786 | 4.7 | 4.7 | C |
| 5 | Burgess Moving and StorageRiverside | 4.44 | 127 | 4.7 | 4.4 | A+ |
| 6 | Titan Relocation ServicesWhittier | 4.36 | 669 | 4.8 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 7 | Dirt Cheap Movers, LLCCorona | 4.34 | 402 | 4.7 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 8 | Golden West Moving Systems, Inc.Riverside | 4.28 | 32 | 4.9 | 4.1 | — |
| 9 | OC Mini MoversOrange | 4.22 | 704 | 4.8 | 4.8 | — |
| 10 | Man With a Truck Moving CompanyRiverside | 4.22 | 12 | 5.0 | 4.9 | — |
| 14 | Starving StudentsThis mover · ranks #14 | 3.30 | 17 | — | — | — |
How does Starving Students compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#858 of 1153(worse than average)
3.30vs 3.67 avg
Starving Students scores 3.30, below the California average of 3.67, and ranks #858 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#1064 of 1153(worse than average)
35%vs 91% avg
Starving Students has 35% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #1064 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#1066 of 1153(worse than average)
59%vs 8% avg
Starving Students has 59% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #1066 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#891 of 1153(worse than average)
17vs 268 avg
Starving Students has 17 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 268, and ranks #891 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This moverStarving Students | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#858 of 1153 in California | 3.30 | 3.67 | #858 of 1153 | −0.37(worse than average) |
| Positive reviews#1064 of 1153 in California | 35% | 91% | #1064 of 1153 | −56 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#1066 of 1153 in California | 59% | 8% | #1066 of 1153 | +51 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#891 of 1153 in California | 17 | 268 | #891 of 1153 | −251(worse than average) |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Starving Students
3.30Riverside, CA
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 Starving Students, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Riverside.
Compare prices side by side
See where Starving Students 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.
Starving Students
3.30
Riverside, CA
Final verdict: Starving Students
Starving Students earns a 3.30/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #14 among Riverside movers, with 35% positive feedback across 17 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its professional and polite staff and helpful movers. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
It operates 1 truck. The most common complaint is higher-than-expected costs.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Starving Students
3.30
Riverside, CA
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 Starving Students
- Phone
- (877) 304-7341
- Website
- starvingstudents.com
Other Starving Students locations
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.