Most San Diego local moves are priced by the hour for a crew and truck, and the total depends on how much you own, how many movers you need, and how easy both homes are to access. A studio usually takes 2 movers 2 to 4 hours, while a 3-bedroom house usually takes 3 to 4 movers 6 to 9 hours. California movers must give you a written Not-to-Exceed price before the move.
Typical crew size and time by home size
These are typical ranges for a local San Diego County move with normal access. Long carries, stairs, elevators and lots of boxes push toward the high end. Your actual time depends on your actual stuff, which is why we walk through it with you.
| Home size | Typical crew | Truck | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers | 16 ft | 2 to 4 hours |
| 1 bedroom | 2 movers | 16 to 20 ft | 3 to 5 hours |
| 2 bedroom | 3 movers | 20 to 26 ft | 4 to 7 hours |
| 3 bedroom | 3 to 4 movers | 26 ft | 6 to 9 hours |
| 4+ bedroom | 4 to 5 movers | 26 ft or two trucks | Full day or more |
What drives the price of a move
- How much you own. Volume and weight are the biggest factor.
- Access at both ends: stairs, elevators, long walks from the door to the truck, HOA or building windows.
- Distance and drive time between homes, including traffic on the 8, 5, 15 and 805.
- Packing. Packed boxes ready to go move fast. Loose items and half-packed rooms slow the clock.
- Specialty items like pianos, safes and pool tables.
- Date and time. End of month, weekends and summer are the busiest.
California's Not-to-Exceed rule
In California, household movers are licensed by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. Movers have to give you a written Not-to-Exceed price for household moves, and that's the most you can be charged unless you add services, which get documented on a change order. Written estimates are based on a look at your items, not a guess over the internet.
Ways to save on your San Diego move
- Book a weekday mid-month if you can.
- Have everything boxed and taped before the crew arrives.
- Disassemble simple furniture yourself if you're comfortable.
- Reserve elevators and parking ahead of time so the crew isn't waiting.
- Get rid of what you don't want before moving day, not after.
- Show us any written quote from another licensed mover. We match or beat it.
Questions about your move? Call (619) 219-4987. We're happy to talk it through, even if you're not ready to book.