San Francisco is one of the most storied cities in the U.S., so it’s no wonder it lures adventurers, artistic types, and tech giants alike.
San Francisco Bay (Photo: tjflynn2003 via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
The pandemic brought interesting times to San Francisco. With remote work came more mobility for many employees who could do their work from other (cheaper) locales. But some people took advantage of the exodus to move into the city. Whether you are relocating from within California or moving to or from another state altogether, here are some of the best moving companies to get you there.
Gentle Giant Moving Company
With offices in South San Francisco and Mid-Market, Gentle Giant Moving Company can help get you situated—or move you out of—the Bay Area. Originally founded in Boston in 1980, they have locations throughout the U.S. and can handle moves anywhere within the lower 48 states. When you choose Gentle Giant, your items are only handled by their dedicated employees from your loading point to the final destination. If you need to store your belongings in the interim, they also offer long and short term storage options where your things are inventoried, labeled, and stored in self-contained crates that are accessible only to Gentle Giant staff. Bonus: this family-friendly company does what it can to look out for the environment: they’re members of the Climate Action Business Association and have a dedicated page on their website about their green initiatives.
The Handy Movers
This trusted local business specializes in residential moves within the Bay Area. This is their most popular services and includes disassembly of furniture items, wrapping the items with moving blankets or shrink wrap, loading of your belongings with professional-grade equipment, driving, and unloading/reassembly of items at the final destination. They also offer full packing services and options to move just one heavy item such as a piano, workout equipment or heavy/delicate furniture. The Handy Movers have excellent online reviews and their website is filled with helpful moving information like packing tips, a moving checklist and frequently asked questions about their services.
Winter Moving & Storage
Established in 2009, Winter Moving & Storage also specializes in local moves. A full-service moving company, they offer everything you might need for any moving situation, whether it’s residential, commercial, packing services or storage. For both residential and commercial moves, the company goes above and beyond by getting certificates to the building, working with HOAs, setting up floor and elevator protections, and coordinating with building managers, meaning there will be no surprises on moving day. They can move everything from one-bedroom apartments to large commercial facilities. If you need storage, they’ve got you covered—their secure warehouse in San Francisco stores your items inside a dedicated vault.
Dependable Movers – San Francisco
In business since 2018, Dependable Movers saw a gap in the market for reliable moving professionals and decided to fill the need. Honesty and integrity is a big part of their business model. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, Dependable Movers has you covered with full residential, commercial, local and long-distance services. They can even pack your things, providing all materials, from tape to boxes, lifting straps, furniture sliders and more. They are skilled at handling large or fragile items such as big-screen televisions and pianos and their website also has an informative blog. You’ll be in good hands with this fully licensed, bonded and insured moving company.
Pure Moving Company
This San-Francisco-based moving company moves more than 5,000 clients each year, so if you’re looking for experience, they’ve got you covered. Their client roster includes household names like American Idol and CBS! The Pure website is aesthetic, easy to navigate and has helpful tools like a blog, testimonials, and even a video that shows some of their packing procedures and trucks. When you book with Pure, there will be pricing surprises: everything is included in a flat rate including wardrobe boxes, dollies and lifting straps, unlimited shrink wrap and tape, and blankets to protect your furniture.
Jay’s Small Moves
The name may say “small moves,” but over the years, Jay’s has expanded and can handle any size relocation. They do limit their coverage area to about 100 miles of San Francisco, which includes Oakland, Walnut Creek, and the entire Bay Area. Jay’s charges by the number of crew members deployed; for example a 2-person crew is $140/hour and a 3-person crew is $190/hour with a 2-hour minimum. From their online testimonials, customers report that Jay’s is communicative and responsive. They too have a handy blog and other resources on their website to help get you prepared for your move and maximize day-of efficiency.
California Movers
Their name is California Movers, but they can help you relocate across the city or across the world. From moves within the Bay Area to international relations, they have done it all. They are skilled residential movers and also work with many commercial clients including household name brands such as Instagram, Enterprise, Sony, Apple, and YouTube. If you need to outsource the entire process from start to finish, California Movers can organize, pack, and even store your things if needed. A free quote is available on their website and customers report their customer service is exceptional.