Student Movers logo

Student Movers review 2026 (Newport Beach, CA)

In business since 2010 · Updated

Student Movers, a Newport Beach, CA moving company, ranks #212 of 1154 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.34/5.

73% of Student Movers' 193 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its flexibility, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.

In business since 2010, Student Movers holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #2769852) and operates 12 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (714) 842-1523

How Student Movers measures up

Across 193 reviews, Student Movers in Newport Beach, CA is rated 4.3/5 on Google (87 reviews) and 3.3/5 on Yelp (86 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Student Movers ranks #212 out of 1154 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.34 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

  • Google rating

    Based on 87 reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Why does the Yelp score look different?

    Student Movers has a 3.3 rating on Yelp across 86 reviews, noticeably lower than its 4.3 on Google (87 reviews) and its A+ rating at the BBB.

    Both samples are of a similar size, so we treat the difference as a real split in customer experience rather than a quirk of low review volume.

    If you’re comparing movers, get a free Student Movers quote and see how their price and responsiveness feel in practice.

    Based on 86 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Based on BBB profile
Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (714) 842-1523

Is Student Movers moveBuddha Certified?

Student Movers 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. Student Movers 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 Student Movers?

Out of 193 verified reviews, 73% of customers left a positive review about Student Movers in Newport Beach, CA. 26.9% of reviews are negative and 0.5% are neutral. Student Movers has a 18% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (73% vs the California state average of 91%).

  • Positive72.5%(140)
  • Neutral0.5%(1)
  • Negative26.9%(52)

Based on 193 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about Student Movers

  • Flexibility

    Clients liked that Student Movers was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.

  • Quick response times

    Customer support at Student Movers was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately

  • Affordable rates

    Many reviewers found Student Movers to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.

  • Quick moving process

    The team at Student Movers often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.

  • Respectful of property

    Customers appreciated how carefully Student Movers's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.

What positive reviewers say

  • “They were on time and super fast getting our stuff out of storage, handling our items with care. They were polite, respectful, and very professional.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “The rates were reasonable, furniture was well wrapped and padded, and the truck was loaded and unloaded quickly. Nothing got damaged.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “I called five other moving companies, and Student Movers’ price was half of the competitors. The furniture arrived in perfect condition, and the experience was easy and affordable.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “I called two days prior to moving day, and they squeezed me in. Isaiah and John were quick, efficient, and transported everything safely with nothing broken.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “The team worked with my busy schedule and fit me in within 12 hours. They arrived 15 minutes early, treated me respectfully, and made the move quick and easy.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

What mixed reviewers say

  • “The movers were nice and swift, but an 8am start became 6pm. My fridge had three dents and the new floor had a four-foot scratch. I had to call repeatedly for updates.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

Most common complaints about Student Movers

  • 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.

  • Unfriendly or rude staff

    A few customers felt disrespected by curt or unhelpful movers or office staff.

What negative reviewers say

  • “I was charged double what I was quoted. The two movers were courteous and professional, but the person handling my invoice was rude, unprofessional, and did not provide a breakdown.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “Movers were extremely slow, damaged my floors and walls, and had little experience. I will never recommend this company.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “They arrived late, did a terrible job, and charged $300 over the quote. They damaged orchids and a painting, and screamed when I asked for an ETA.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “Almost all my furniture had gashes and deep scratches despite being wrapped. I was also charged an undisclosed fuel surcharge for an eight-mile move.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer

Student Movers

4.34Newport Beach, CASince 2010

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (714) 842-1523

What services does Student Movers offer?

Student Movers takes on small moves and commercial moves, alongside packing and packing materials.

Services offered

Is Student Movers licensed and insured?

Federally licensed, operating authority active

US DOT 2769852 Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Yes, Student Movers is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 2769852, as STUDENT MOVERS INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number CAL-T190759.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Student Movers holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (714) 842-1523

State license number
CAL-T190759Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
Registered legal name
STUDENT MOVERS 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
12Power units reported to the FMCSA
Miles driven
1Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
Roadside inspections
0Recorded by the FMCSA
FMCSA record last updated
May 2026

How much does Student Movers cost?

Student Movers 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 Student Movers 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.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400–$7503–5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850–$1,7505–8 hours, 2–3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700–$3,4008–12 hours, 3–4 movers

What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move

Student Movers is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service California moving companies.

Typical long-distance move totals from similar movers
Home sizeDistanceTypical total
2-3 bedrooms500–1,000 mi$4,500–$7,500
4+ bedrooms500–1,000 mi$7,000–$11,500

What payment options and discounts does Student Movers offer?

Accepts
Credit Cards
Deposit
Not listed, so ask

Student Movers accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (714) 842-1523

How Student Movers compares with other local movers

With a moveBuddha score of 4.34 out of 5, Student Movers trails the five top-rated movers near Newport Beach, 0.16 points behind Best Moving Service. At 193 reviews, Student Movers has fewer reviews than four of the five. Where Student Movers falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.

The five highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1SOS Moving, LLCLos Angeles4.782,613
2Meathead MoversAnaheim4.58625
3NorthStar Moving CompanyIrvine4.5268
4SafeWay Moving & StorageLake Forest4.50484
5Best Moving ServiceAnaheim4.50421
6Student MoversThis mover · ranks #64.34193

How does Student Movers compare to other California movers?

  • moveBuddha score#212 of 1154(better than average)

    4.34vs 3.68 avg

    Student Movers scores 4.34, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #212 of 1154 California movers.

  • Positive reviews#991 of 1154(worse than average)

    73%vs 91% avg

    Student Movers has 73% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #991 of 1154 California movers.

  • Negative reviews#1007 of 1154(worse than average)

    27%vs 8% avg

    Student Movers has 27% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #1007 of 1154 California movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#379 of 1154(worse than average)

    193vs 268 avg

    Student Movers has 193 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 268, and ranks #379 of 1154 California movers.

  • Yelp rating#311 of 1154(worse than average)

    3.3vs 4.3 avg

    Student Movers has a Yelp rating of 3.3, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #311 of 1154 California movers.

  • Years in business#187 of 1154(worse than average)

    16 yearsvs 23 years avg

    Student Movers has been in business for 16 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #187 of 1154 California movers.

MetricThis moverCalifornia avg
moveBuddha score#212 of 1154 in California4.343.68
Positive reviews#991 of 1154 in California73%91%
Negative reviewsLower is better#1007 of 1154 in California27%8%
Reviews analyzed#379 of 1154 in California193268
Yelp rating#311 of 1154 in California3.34.3
Years in business#187 of 1154 in California16 years23 years

Compared with 1154 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.

Student Movers

4.34Newport Beach, CASince 2010

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (714) 842-1523

Final verdict: Student Movers

Student Movers earns a 4.34/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #212 among California movers, with 73% positive feedback across 193 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its flexibility and quick response times. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.

With 12 trucks and a track record dating to 2010, 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.

Student Movers

Newport Beach, CA · Since 2010

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (714) 842-1523

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.

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

Read the full scoring methodology

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.

Student Movers
Get My Quote