Moving is never easy, especially in a city like San Francisco. Tight streets, traffic, hills… It’s a lot. So having the right movers? Makes all the difference.
But how do you know who to trust?
1. Ask Around First
Seriously. Don’t start with Google. Just talk to people — your cousin, your neighbor, your friend who moved last year. A real recommendation is worth more than a hundred reviews.
2. Local Is Better
There are tons of “Bay Area” movers who aren’t actually based here. Try to find one that has a physical location in SF or at least nearby or same day residential movers or office moves in Bay Area. You’ll get faster service and probably better pricing too.
3. Don’t Trust All Online Reviews
Yeah, read them — but also read between the lines. Look for patterns. If people keep mentioning broken stuff or late arrivals, that’s a clue. One or two bad reviews? Fine. But if it’s a trend, stay away.
4. Make Sure They’re Legal
Sounds basic, but you’d be surprised. A legit mover in California needs to be licensed by the CPUC (that’s the California Public Utilities Commission). Ask for their license number — and actually look it up.
5. Get It in Writing
If a company gives you a price over the phone and won’t send anything in writing? Run. Always ask for a written estimate. Bonus points if they offer a free in-home or virtual walkthrough.
6. Ask If They Know the City
SF is tricky. Tight corners, permit zones, steep driveways. Movers who know the city will plan ahead — which means fewer headaches for you.
7. Watch How They Talk to You
Are they polite? Do they answer questions clearly? If a company rushes you off the phone or gives you vague answers, that’s a red flag. Good movers don’t dodge questions.
8. Too Cheap? Be Careful.
Lowball quotes are tempting — especially when moving is already expensive. But crazy-low prices usually mean something’s missing. Insurance? Experience? Crew size? Ask.
9. Look Beyond the Website
A fancy website doesn’t always mean a good mover. Use it to get basic info, but dig deeper. How long have they been in business? What are their Yelp and BBB ratings like?
10. Go With Your Gut
At the end of the day, trust your instincts. If a company feels off, don’t force it. There are plenty of movers in SF — pick one that gives you peace of mind.
Bonus Tip: Choose Movers Who Know Office Relocation (If That’s What You Need)
If you’re moving an office, make sure the company actually does office moves. Residential movers and office movers are not the same thing — and the equipment, timing, and logistics are totally different.
Want a recommendation?
A lot of people in the Bay Area recommend Priority One Logistics. They’ve been around for years, and they know the ins and outs of SF moves — especially for offices. Not flashy, just solid and dependable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When should I try to book a mover in SF?
If you’re moving at the end of month, book early. Two, maybe three weeks out — more if it’s summer. Last-minute stuff is risky, trust me.
Q2: What should I check before hiring someone?
Check their license. Ask if they’ve moved people in SF before (because those hills aren’t easy). And make sure they’re not hiding fees.
Q3: Will they help with packing too?
Some will, yeah — but it’s extra. If you’ve got fragile stuff or just no time, it can be worth it. Just ask upfront what’s included.
Q4: What if they break something?
Depends. Good movers have coverage, but read the fine print. If it’s valuable, you might want to insure it yourself too — just in case.
