Relocating in Santa Cruz isn’t just about hauling boxes; it’s about navigating unique geography. Whether you’re moving into a compact downtown studio, a Victorian in the Westside, or a home tucked into the humid, winding roads of the Santa Cruz Mountains, you need a team that understands the local terrain.
4 Best Full Service Movers Santa Cruz
- 831 Movers: Concentrates on area-based moving for residential units, apartments, and small commercial spaces across Santa Cruz and nearby zones.
- Santa Cruz Movers: Facilitates core relocation operations such as local home moves and commercial transitions for small businesses.
- Meathead Movers: Manages Santa Cruz regional moves plus cross-state California long-distance relocations.
- Lamber & Son Movers: Family-operated enterprise offering local home moving services around Santa Cruz County and surrounding locales.
Best Moving Companies in Santa Cruz (Updated 2026)
Between parking permits and coastal moisture, there’s a lot to manage. To help you settle into your new coastal life without the headache, we’ve rounded up the top-rated movers in the area who know how to handle everything from pianos to steep driveways.
1. 831 Movers
2234 Thomas Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 212-3330
831movers.com
If you’re looking for a team that feels like neighbors, 831 Movers is a top contender. They specialize in local residential and commercial moves with a heavy emphasis on personalized service.
The Services: They cover the basics of packing and hauling but excel at specialty items like pianos and oversized furniture. They offer flexibility—whether you just need a few hours of labor to load a truck or a full-service experience where they pack every last dish.
Why They Stand Out: They are known for their “small business” touch. The management often provides in-person estimates, which is the best way to avoid “surprise” fees on moving day. Their reputation is built on punctuality and a family-like culture that puts stressed-out movers at ease.
2. Santa Cruz Movers
1055 17th Avenue suite 2, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
(831) 600-5747
santacruzmoversco.com
Santa Cruz Movers is a go-to for standard city relocations. They are highly efficient at navigating the specific restrictions of Santa Cruz neighborhoods, including narrow streets and tricky building rules.
The Services: Beyond residential moves, they offer commercial relocation for small businesses. Their menu includes furniture disassembly, fragile-item crating for art or antiques, and even appliance hookup assistance.
Why They Stand Out: Their local intelligence is their biggest asset. They use smaller, more maneuverable trucks for homes on steep or narrow roads where a massive rig wouldn’t fit. Their quick response times and transparent quoting process make them a reliable choice for those on a tight schedule.
3. Meathead Movers
755 North Peach Ave, Ste D5 Clovis, CA
(866) 775-9989
meatheadmovers.com
Don’t let the name fool you—Meathead Movers is a highly polished operation. Known for hiring college student-athletes, they bring a high-energy, disciplined approach to the heavy lifting.
The Services: They handle both local and long-distance moves across California. They also provide mini-storage options and a full suite of packing supplies.
Why They Stand Out: Their “athlete” staffing model means the crews are physically fit and trained to work as a team. With a massive fleet of over 100 vehicles, they often have better availability for last-minute moves than smaller shops. Plus, they literally jog when they aren’t carrying your items to save you time (and money) on hourly rates.
4. Lambert and Son Moving
2638 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 291-4373
lambertmoving.com
A family-owned staple, Lambert and Son focuses on professionalism and “clean-cut” service throughout Santa Cruz County, from Scotts Valley to Capitola.
The Services: They provide local and long-distance hauling, bonded storage facilities, and specialized piano moving.
Why They Stand Out: They have a strict professional code, including uniformed crews and a no-drug policy, which builds a high level of trust. Their staff continuity is impressive; you aren’t getting a random crew, but a team that has worked together for years.