Moving from New York to California (2024 Guide)

Written by Shane Sentelle + 1 other Reviewed by Kent Sisneros Updated 10/29/2024

Over the last several years, many New York residents have left the East Coast to settle down in California. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 40,000 New York residents relocated to California in 2019 alone. If you’re one of the thousands of New York residents moving to the West Coast, it’s important to begin planning your trek with a careful review of the best moving companies. This guide pulls from our 500+ hours of research to help make your move from New York to California seamless and stress-free.

Best New York to California Movers

We found the following providers to be the best New York to California Movers after reviewing their service offerings, protection plans, and more:

International Van Lines: Our Top Pick
American Van Lines: Runner-up
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
JK Moving Services
Allied Van Lines
North American Van Lines
1-800-PACK-RAT

Compare Top New York to California Movers

The table below pulls from our research and methodology, providing an easy way to compare and contact top movers from New York to California.


Our Pick International Van Lines Visit Site
American Van Lines Visit Site
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Visit Site
JK Moving Services Visit Site
Allied Van Lines Visit Site
North American Van Lines Visit Site
1-800-PACK-RAT Visit Site
Overall Rating	4.5 / 5 #1 out of 27 companies	4.3 / 5 #2 out of 27 companies	3.9 / 5 #3 out of 27 companies	4.7 / 5 #4 out of 27 companies	4.9 / 5 #5 out of 27 companies	4.8 / 5 #6 out of 27 companies	4.2 / 5 #7 out of 27 companies
BBB Rating	A+	A+	B	A+	A+	A+	A+
FMCSA Licensing	Carrier/Broker	Carrier	Broker	Carrier	Carrier	Carrier/Broker	Carrier/Broker
Average Price*	$5,250	$5,625	$5,054	$7,171	$5,370	$5,969	$2,547
Deposit Required	Up to 25%	Up to 50%	Up to 33%	$250	None	None	Varies
Pros	Flexible insurance plans Free month of storage Upfront pricing	Hires movers who average 10 years of experience Provides fixed-rate quotes Trains its employees regularly to efficiently handle special packing and crating	Offers a quick quote process for last-minute moves Prescreens all third-party movers in its network Provides full-service packing and crating for all moving customers	Background-checked movers Financing available Intuitive AI-assisted online quote tool	Climate-controlled storage facilities Expedited relocation services In-house vehicle shipping	Budget-planning service No deposit Only provides binding estimates	Customized rental periods are available Offers price-matching for comparable services from competitors, such as PODS Containers are made entirely of steel to better protect belongings from weather damage
Cons	Below-average customer reviews Outsources some moves Requires up to a 25% deposit	Charges higher average prices Has limited customer service on weekends Requires a deposit of up to 50% of the total cost	No customer service on the weekends No refund on your deposit if it's more than 72 hours after booking Not responsible for damage due to broker status	Higher-than-average pricing Long quote process No refund on your deposit	Misleading quote tool No weekend support Slow claims process	Items may take 10–14 days to arrive Limited storage services according to zip code Three-day requirement for cancellations	Can only do long-distance moves with an 8-foot container Requires a deposit for long-distance moves Services aren't available in all states
Summary	We recommend International Van Lines (IVL) if you want the most moving service options possible. The company boasts one of the most extensive moving service catalogs at highly competitive rates.	We recommend American Van Lines if you’re moving high-end items or antiques because it focuses on training its staff to move difficult and valuable items.	We recommend Interstate Moving & Relocation Group as a reputable broker if you need to move quickly. The company’s customer service is prompt, and its broker network helps you find a vetted mover fast.	We recommend JK Moving Services for its ability to offer financing options through its partnership with Enhancify and its high-end, white-glove packing services.	We recommend Allied if you want to ship a vehicle due to the company’s in-house vehicle relocation services.	We recommend North American Van Lines (NAVL) as the best long-distance mover overall because of its customizable insurance packages, highly rated customer service, and extensive service options.	We recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT for partial-service moves because of its simple and affordable storage and transportation solutions.
Rating Categories	International Van Lines	American Van Lines	Interstate Moving & Relocation Group	JK Moving Services	Allied Van Lines	North American Van Lines	1-800-PACK-RAT
Customer Service	5 / 5	4.4 / 5	3.8 / 5	4.4 / 5	4.4 / 5	4.4 / 5	3.6 / 5
Reputation	4.3 / 5	3.9 / 5	2.9 / 5	5 / 5	3.9 / 5	3.6 / 5	4.7 / 5
Value	2.8 / 5	3.3 / 5	4.2 / 5	3.1 / 5	4.7 / 5	4.7 / 5	5 / 5
Service Offerings	4.7 / 5	4.7 / 5	4.5 / 5	4.7 / 5	5 / 5	5 / 5	5 / 5
Item Protection	5 / 5	5 / 5	3.5 / 5	5 / 5	5 / 5	5 / 5	2 / 5
Scheduling	4.1 / 5	2.3 / 5	3.9 / 5	5 / 5	5 / 5	5 / 5	4.1 / 5

Benefits of Moving from New York to California

Moving from the East to the West Coast comes with more than a change in scenery. While the two cultures can be quite distinct, there are many reasons for New Yorkers to consider this move.

Here are three of the top reasons to move from New York to California:

Mild weather: There’s a reason California is called the Golden State. With an average of just 21 inches of rainfall per year, California is awash in sunshine most days. For those who have braved New York winters, California’s moderate year-round temperatures are a welcome change. While summer months can be hot, fall and winter temperatures in California are usually mild, depending on which part of the state you’re in. For example, a typical January in San Francisco averages 53–66 degrees.
Job opportunities: Although California’s cost of living is relatively high, it can still be an attractive place for people in certain professions. Silicon Valley is a draw for those in the tech industry and houses tech giants such as Facebook, Tesla, Apple, and Google. Los Angeles and Hollywood are still two of the best places to live if you work in the entertainment industry. Additionally, Central Valley’s agriculture industry is still the largest contributor to the state’s overall economy, and health care is fast becoming the largest employer statewide.
Outdoor recreation: Few other places offer the diverse natural surroundings that can be found in California. From the redwoods to wine country to the desert landscapes and national parks, California is filled with opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. For those seeking year-round recreational opportunities such as biking, surfing, hiking, and mountain climbing, the Golden State is a great place to live.

How To Prepare for a New York to California Move

Here is a quick moving checklist to help you get started for your upcoming move.

Choose between a DIY or full-service move: If you’re able to pay the higher cost of full-service movers and have lots of belongings, a full-service moving company may be your best option. However, if you prefer doing things yourself and have a tight budget, consider self-service.
Hire a moving company: Do some research on moving companies near you and read customer reviews to vet your options. It’s best to start the process of hiring a mover three months before your anticipated move date. Some movers will give discounts for early reservations, so the sooner you get started, the better.
Create a detailed inventory: While you create an inventory of your belongings, make note of your items’ conditions and take pictures. These photos and notes will come in handy if you have to file a damage claim for reimbursement.
Start packing: Start packing around six to eight weeks before your move. Read about packing tips beforehand to get ideas for streamlining the process, and use your inventory list to determine the boxes you’ll need. To make the unpacking process easier, label your boxes and consider using specialty boxes, such as wardrobe boxes. Pack an essentials box with things you’ll need right away, such as clothes, medications, and important documents. Unpack this first in your new home.
Downsize: Planning a long-distance move gives you the perfect opportunity to get rid of items you no longer need. Since your belongings’ weight impacts your move’s cost, you should declutter before getting a moving company estimate. If you know you will have bigger items, such as furniture, check out our guide on shipping furniture across the country.
Inform key entities of your move: Be sure to inform insurance companies, tax agencies, utility companies, the post office, the Social Security Administration, and your internet service provider about your move. Update your license, registration, and insurance to your new California address.

Top Movers for New York to California

Before you make a move to California, you’ll want to consider the cost of relocating. Picking the right professional moving company comes down to which services you’ll need and how much you plan to spend. We recommend reaching out to at least three moving companies before making your decision.

Here are the best moving companies for New York to California moves.

International Van Lines

Best Service Offerings

4.5

Deposit: 25% up-front
USDOT #: 2293832

Overview

International Van Lines (IVL) tops our list because it’s a well-established, widespread company with availability and services catering to long-distance movers. IVL provides standard packing, unpacking, loading and unloading and add-ons to help you fully customize your moving experience.

Optional services such as special handling of fragile and/or high-end pieces provide added assurance that your antiques and family heirlooms will arrive in California safely. International’s optional contents protection plans have adjustable coverage caps, protecting you in case your items are damaged or lost during transport. IVL offers an All Risk Insurance plan that covers your belongings’ total declared value up to $250,000. This option comes with either a $500 or $1,000 deductible.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers a 15% discount for senior citizens Includes all-risk insurance, which covers the full item value at a 4% cost (with the purchase of packing services) Offers shipment tracking, depending on the carrier Cons Customer service could vary based on location Requires a 25% deposit to schedule a moving date

Services

International Van Lines provides the following full-service moving options for relocation between New York and California.

Moving Services:

Added insurance
Assembly and disassembly
Crating
Loading/unloading
Packing/unpacking
Vehicle shipping

Storage:

Available: Yes
Climate-controlled option: Yes, dependent on location
Discount: 30 days of free storage

Cost

International Van Lines can provide you with an estimated cost range online and will give you a detailed binding estimate (the exact amount you can expect to pay on moving day) following a review of your home and belongings, either virtually or in person.

IVL’s online moving calculator gave us a $4,200–$6,150 rough estimate to move a three-bedroom home from Syracuse, New York, to San Diego, California, in late April. As stated on International’s website, your move’s size, additional services required, and availability can “greatly affect” your moving costs.

American Van Lines

Best Overall Moving Labor

4.3

Deposit: Up to 50%
USDOT #: 614506

Overview

If you are concerned about your items’ safety during loading, transport, and unloading, American Van Lines has some of the most experienced moving crews in the industry. American Van Lines employs all of its movers full-time and requires them to receive ongoing education through the company’s training facilities. According to American’s website, the average crew member experience level is 10 years, and crews are trained and certified in specialty services such as packaging and handling of large and/or fragile items.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides price matching Movers are certified to handle pianos and antiques Does not outsource long-distance moves to a third-party provider, so you have direct contact with the company throughout your relocation Cons Requires a deposit that can be as much as half of your total moving cost Does not provide online instant quotes

Services

American Van Lines offers a suite of services for long-distance moving clients, including the following.

Moving Services:

Custom crating
Loading/unloading
Packing/unpacking
Piano moving
Special item moving
Vehicle shipping

Storage:

Available: Yes
Climate-controlled option: Yes, dependent on location
Discount: Free first month with a standard move

Cost

American Van Lines won’t give you an instant quote, but it does provide a binding estimate after completing a virtual or in-person review of your home’s layout and contents. This fixed-rate pricing approach reduces the risk of surprise fees and helps customers stick to a moving budget, but it’s important to be transparent and thorough regarding your household items during the home review to avoid a cost increase on your moving day.

American Van Lines gave us a ballpark estimate of at least $6,000 to move a three-bedroom apartment approximately 1,300 miles. A move from New York to California averages 2,800 miles, depending on what region of California you’re relocating to.

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

Most Efficient

3.9

Deposit: Up to 33%
USDOT #: 3034100

Overview

Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a moving broker with partners nationwide, meaning you can tailor your needs according to partners that align with your New York to California move. Its partners offer excellent moving services with price-matching capabilities and speedy quote processes. We appreciated the company’s user-friendly quote process during our research.

Pros and Cons

Pros Prescreens all third-party movers in its network Offers quick quotes for last-minute moves Includes full-service packing and crating for all moving clients Cons Will not refund your deposit more than 72 hours after booking your move Features no customer service on the weekends

Services

Because it brokers long-distance moves to numerous partners, IMRG technically provides many moving services. We reviewed the partners listed on its website and found both full- and self-service companies that provide the following options.

Moving Services:

Added coverage plans
Commercial moving
Crating
Disassembly and reassembly
Loading/unloading
Military moving
Packing/unpacking
Vehicle shipping

Storage:

Available: Yes
Climate-controlled option: Yes, dependent on location
Discount: No

Cost

As a broker, IMRG lets you collect quotes from several companies to help you schedule services that match your budget. Industry-standard criteria such as the shipment’s weight and size will determine your baseline cost. We noted some long-distance moves costing as low as $2,800 during our research. The price for specific services varies among carriers.

JK Moving Services

Best Specialized Packing

4.7

Deposit: $250
USDOT #: 1065394

Overview

JK Moving is a full-service moving company with a wide selection of add-ons that allow for an extra-customized move. In addition to packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading, JK Moving offers specialized services such as vehicle relocation and handling difficult items such as pianos, artwork, and antiques. The company assigns personal moving coordinators to help customers create a package that best suits their needs.

Customers can add or change services and make payments without assistance through the company’s user-friendly mobile app.

JK Moving also offers in-house financing, with rates as low as 0%*. However, reviewing your rate is important to avoid paying significantly more for your move in the long run.

*Subject to credit approval.

Pros and Cons

Pros Has live 24/7 customer support Assigns a personal moving coordinator to assist you throughout the moving process Offers in-house financing Cons Will not match competitor prices Does not offer an instant quote online or by phone

Services

JK Moving Services lets you customize your New York to California move with premium long-distance moving services, including the following options.

Moving Services:

Antique moving
Crating
GPS tracking
Loading/unloading
Packing/unpacking
Piano moving

Storage:

Available: Yes
Climate-controlled option: Yes
Discount: No

Cost

While JK Moving doesn’t provide instant quotes without first conducting a home assessment, the company did give us a ballpark estimate of $8,000 to move a three-bedroom home 750 miles, with furniture disassembly, wrapping, padding, and loading and unloading all household items. Full-replacement valuation coverage is included. (For context, the driving distance from New York to California averages approximately 2,800 miles.)

Allied Van Lines

Best for Vehicle Relocation

4.9

Deposit: None
USDOT #: 076235

Overview

Allied Van Lines could be a good fit if you need to transport a car, SUV, van, truck, motorcycle, or boat from New York to California. The company has over 90 years of interstate moving experience and operates a fleet of vehicle carriers. Customers can choose an open carrier—a cost-effective method that exposes your vehicle to the elements and roadway hazards—or an enclosed car carrier. While more expensive, an enclosed carrier is a better option for moving a high-value vehicle, such as a classic car.

Pros and Cons

Pros Provides vehicle coverage of up to $100,000 with no deductible Offers mobile storage containers (similar to PODS containers) for smaller moves Provides optional furniture disassembly and reassembly Cons Requires advance notice (at least four weeks) for long-distance moves Doesn’t have 24/7 claims support

Services

Allied offers the following full-service moving assistance for moves between New York and California.

Moving Services:

Assembly and disassembly
Crating
Expedited small moves via its Allied Express program
Installation of appliances
Loading/unloading
Packing/unpacking
Vehicle shipping for cars, boats, trucks, RVs, and more

Storage:

Available: Yes
Climate-controlled option: Yes
Discount: No

Cost

We received an online estimate of $12,766–$14,118 to move into a three-bedroom home from Buffalo, New York, to Sacramento, California, in late June. Allied Van Lines provides binding estimates after an in-person or virtual home assessment. You must give Allied a detailed list of the items you plan to move as part of the assessment process.

North American Van Lines

Best for Claims

4.9

Deposit: None
USDOT #: 070851

Overview

North American Van Lines (NAVL) can accommodate long-distance moving needs nationwide through standard full-service options such as packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. It also has add-on services such as debris removal and appliance disconnection and reconnection.

NAVL stands out for its streamlined claims process. You can file your claim online if your items are damaged or lost during your move. The company’s claims forms and related resources are posted on its website. Dedicated claims support lines are also available for those who prefer to file their claims by phone.

Pros and Cons

Pros Customers can customize coverage to match the specific item value Provides a Not-to-Exceed Pricing package that ensures actual cost will never be higher than your detailed personalized quote Offers discount programs to American Legion and union members and their families Cons Receives varied customer feedback depending on location and the local moving contractor in NAVL’s network

Services

North American Van Lines provides the following service options.

Moving Services:

Added insurance coverage
Appliance installation
Crating
Furniture assembly
Loading/unloading
Packing/unpacking
Vehicle shipping

Storage:

Available: Yes
Climate-controlled option: Yes
Discount: No

Cost

According to North American Van Lines’ online moving calculator, it would cost between $7,480 and $8,935 to move a three-bedroom home from Albany, New York, to Irvine, California, in late March. Like most full-service moving companies, NAVL determines costs based on the distance, move size, time of year, and any special handling or add-on services you request.

The American Legion discount program provides up to $100,000 in replacement coverage protection on household items while in transit for a bottom-line savings of $850. American Legion members who sign up for NAVL’s discount program also receive exclusive moving and storage discounts, annual non-peak rates, and guaranteed quotes.

1-800-PACK-RAT

Best Self-Service Mover

4.2

Deposit: $500
USDOT #: 1534531

Overview

If you plan to make a minimalistic move from New York to California or prefer to handle moving on your own, we recommend 1-800-PACK-RAT. The self-service company delivers waterproof portable steel storage containers to your home at your selected date. They are available in three sizes: 8 feet, 12 feet, and 16 feet. After you’ve loaded your container, PACK-RAT will deliver them to your new destination. DIY movers will find many helpful resources on the company’s website, including short how-to videos and a regularly updated blog.

Pros and Cons

Pros Offers price matching on PODS estimates Customers have 30 days to fill containers at their own pace Online portal for customers to schedule container drop-offs and pick-ups, submit payment, and make order changes Cons No online booking option Does not provide deliveries on Sunday

Services

Because it’s a moving container company rather than a full-service mover, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers limited service options compared to other companies on this list.

Moving Services:

Moving container moves
Packing and unpacking (via HireAHelper)
Loading and unloading (via HireAHelper)

Storage:

Available: Yes
Climate-controlled option: No
Discount: No

Cost

Using the online calculator tool, renting a 12-foot storage container to move from New York City to Los Angeles in mid-May would cost approximately $5,179. That estimate does not include any add-on services, such as moving assistance. For context, a 12-foot container is about the size of a 10-foot-by-10-foot storage room and can hold 6,000 pounds of belongings (the equivalent of about three rooms of furniture and other items).

Our Conclusion

Take time to budget accordingly and consider whether you want a full-service or self-service move from New York to California. We recommend using a full-service company, such as International Van Lines, due to the extra peace of mind and protection.

Use our guides to help you prepare. Once you feel ready, request at least three quotes from different movers you want to use. This approach helps you compare and contrast all service options and protection plans against your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving From New York to California

What should I do if my bill is higher on moving day than previously estimated?

If the moving cost is higher on moving day, you are not necessarily obligated to pay the additional charges at that time. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you are not required to pay more than 100% of a binding estimate (or 110% of a non-binding estimate) for any price increases after the moving truck has been loaded. The mover is required to bill any additional charges 30 days after delivery of your goods. A company cannot refuse to deliver your items due to non-payment of any added charges, which can be incurred if the inventory you provided ahead of moving day is incomplete or inaccurate. If you feel you have been hit with extra fees unfairly or a company will not deliver your possessions, you can file an online complaint with the FMCSA or contact the organization at 1-888-368-7238.

What steps should I take after relocating to California?

One of the first things to do after moving to the Golden State is to establish California residency. This can be done simply by renting or buying a home or apartment in California.

With residency established, you can get a California driver’s license and register your vehicle in the state. You will need to apply for a driver’s license within ten days of becoming a resident of California. The California Department of Motor Vehicles website provides step-by-step instructions on getting a state license, registering your car, and getting a new license plate.

You will also need to update your car insurance policy. Each state has slightly different requirements when it comes to car insurance, so it’s important to review your coverage with your existing insurance provider to see if your current policy meets California’s requirements or if you will need additional coverage.

Other important steps to take as a new resident of California include registering to vote, researching local health care providers, updating your banking information, and learning more about filing a tax return.

How soon should I look for housing in California?

We recommend researching neighborhoods and rental prices online about three months before your moving date. Make a preference list, including price range, amenities, and commute distance. This will give you a good idea of options and costs. Contact a landlord or property manager around one to two months before your move so you can apply for the property and confirm a move-in schedule.

The key is giving yourself enough time to explore different areas and options, identify the right property, and handle all needed logistics. The earlier you start, the better selection you’ll have.

Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.