The Moving Experience review 2026 (San Luis Obispo, CA)
In business since 2003 · Updated
The Moving Experience, a San Luis Obispo, CA moving company, ranks #128 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.44/5.
87% of The Moving Experience's 240 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its special handling, while the most common complaint involves unexpected charges.
In business since 2003, The Moving Experience holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #3028544) and operates 3 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How The Moving Experience measures up
Across 240 reviews, The Moving Experience in San Luis Obispo, CA is rated 4.3/5 on Yelp (101 reviews), and has an A- rating from the Better Business Bureau.
The Moving Experience ranks #128 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.
- Brand
- 5.0
- Website
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.2
Yelp rating
Based on 101 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is The Moving Experience moveBuddha Certified?
The Moving Experience 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. The Moving Experience 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 The Moving Experience?
Out of 240 verified reviews, 87% of customers left a positive review about The Moving Experience in San Luis Obispo, CA. 11.7% of reviews are negative and 1.7% are neutral. The Moving Experience has a 4% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (87% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive86.7%(208)
- Neutral1.7%(4)
- Negative11.7%(28)
Based on 240 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about The Moving Experience
Special handling available
The Moving Experience earned praise for offering specialized care for delicate or oversized items.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found The Moving Experience to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Clients liked that The Moving Experience was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that The Moving Experience stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from The Moving Experience throughout the moving process.
What positive reviewers say
“I was in a pinch where my bed couldn't be moved through my stairs and didn't fit in my elevator. They were prompt and used a pulley system up four floors.”
Larry TriplettVerified ReviewerGoogle“Other local moving companies quoted $100 more to $1,000 more for the same service. I highly recommend calling for a quote before deciding.”
KC MVerified ReviewerGoogle“They scheduled and safely moved our 300+ lb appliance on short notice. Kevin and Ryan were fast, polite, and efficient.”
SLO RancherVerified ReviewerGoogle“I have used The Moving Experience twice in the past two years. They were professional, available to answer questions, efficient, and careful. No damage either time.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The company was responsive and communicated well before the move to confirm details. The moving team communicated well on moving day and was prepared and professional.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“The packers worked hard, but the space estimate was grossly underbid, leading to thousands in extra fees. Delivery communication was nonexistent apart from one call after repeated messages.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The company was true to their word and did a great job. I had a problem and they rectified it right away.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The movers were nice, and when I had an issue, management addressed it.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Your guys are great, but you created all our problems by not communicating properly.”
JerryVerified ReviewerYelp
Most common complaints about The Moving Experience
Unexpected charges
Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some The Moving Experience clients.
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.
What negative reviewers say
“Movers were good, but it was way overpriced: $1,500 for four hours of work. The initial estimate showed a $1,600 maximum, but they assured me it would not be that close.”
Alfredo CanalesVerified ReviewerGoogle“The movers who initially packed our truck did a great job, but delivery was delayed for weeks with little communication. Our belongings arrived with broken pieces, scratches, and dings.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They charged our credit card the full amount before finishing the job, left belongings behind, and required my family to complete the move.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They were late arriving and finished unloading after their quitting time, then tried to bill me for overtime for four guys.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
The Moving Experience
4.44San Luis Obispo, CASince 2003
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
The Moving Experience
4.44
San Luis Obispo, CA · Since 2003
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from The Moving Experience, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Luis Obispo.
Compare prices side by side
See where The Moving Experience 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 The Moving Experience offer?
The Moving Experience is a labor-only local and long-distance mover in San Luis Obispo, CA, listing 6 services on moveBuddha, including small moves, packing, and junk removal.
Services offered
Is The Moving Experience licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 3028544 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, The Moving Experience is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3028544, as THE MOVING EXPERIENCE LLC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0191646.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover The Moving Experience holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 0191646Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- THE MOVING EXPERIENCE 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
- 3Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 25,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2022
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- September 2026
How much does The Moving Experience cost?
The Moving Experience 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 The Moving Experience 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
The Moving Experience 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 The Moving Experience offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- Military
The Moving Experience accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
The Moving Experience also offers a military discount. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How The Moving Experience compares with the top 3 San Luis Obispo movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.44 out of 5, The Moving Experience trails the three top-scoring San Luis Obispo movers, 0.06 points behind ASAP Movers. The Moving Experience's score rests on 240 reviews, fewer than any of the three.
The three highest-scoring local movers near San Luis Obispo, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martian MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.52 | 295 | 4.9 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 2 | Meathead MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.50 | 1,552 | 4.7 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 3 | ASAP MoversSan Luis Obispo | 4.50 | 641 | 4.8 | 4.7 | A |
| 4 | The Moving ExperienceThis mover · ranks #4 | 4.44 | 240 | — | 4.3 | A- |
How does The Moving Experience compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#128 of 1153(better than average)
4.44vs 3.68 avg
The Moving Experience scores 4.44, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #128 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#827 of 1153(worse than average)
87%vs 91% avg
The Moving Experience has 87% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #827 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#824 of 1153(worse than average)
12%vs 8% avg
The Moving Experience has 12% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #824 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#301 of 1153(worse than average)
240vs 268 avg
The Moving Experience has 240 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 268, and ranks #301 of 1153 California movers.
- Yelp rating#225 of 1153(level with average)
4.3vs 4.3 avg
The Moving Experience has a Yelp rating of 4.3, in line with the California average of 4.3, and ranks #225 of 1153 California movers.
- Years in business#128 of 1153(level with average)
23 yearsvs 23 years avg
The Moving Experience has been in business for 23 years, in line with the California average of 23 years, and ranks #128 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This moverThe Moving Experience | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#128 of 1153 in California | 4.44 | 3.68 | #128 of 1153 | +0.76(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#827 of 1153 in California | 87% | 91% | #827 of 1153 | −4 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#824 of 1153 in California | 12% | 8% | #824 of 1153 | +4 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#301 of 1153 in California | 240 | 268 | #301 of 1153 | −28(worse than average) |
| Yelp rating#225 of 1153 in California | 4.3 | 4.3 | #225 of 1153 | ±0.0 |
| Years in business#128 of 1153 in California | 23 years | 23 years | #128 of 1153 | ±0 |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
The Moving Experience
4.44San Luis Obispo, CASince 2003
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 The Moving Experience, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in San Luis Obispo.
Compare prices side by side
See where The Moving Experience 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.
The Moving Experience
4.44
San Luis Obispo, CA · Since 2003
Final verdict: The Moving Experience
The Moving Experience earns a 4.44/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #4 among San Luis Obispo movers, with 87% positive feedback across 240 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its special handling and affordable rates. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
It operates 3 trucks and has a track record dating to 2003. The most common complaint is unexpected charges.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
The Moving Experience
4.44
San Luis Obispo, CA · Since 2003
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 The Moving Experience
- Phone
- (805) 544-6683
- Website
- themovingexperience.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.