Moving can be one of the most stressful parts of relocating, especially in a city like San Francisco where tight streets, steep hills, and high demand can complicate the process. But the good news is that choosing a reliable moving company can make the difference between a smooth transition and a logistical headache. But with all of the options in the Bay Area, where should you start? To help, we’ve reviewed customer ratings, licensing credentials, service specialties, and feedback from Google, Reddit, and Yelp to bring you a shortlist of the best moving companies in San Francisco.
In this article, we look at some of the top moving companies, comparing their services, pricing, and customer satisfaction to help you make a better informed choice.
1. One Big Man and One Big Truck
Operating in SF since 1983, One Big Man & One Big Truck is a long-standing local mover known for specializing in residential relocations, such as studios and one/two-bedroom apartments. Their pricing model is distinct for its transparency, utilizing a base fee combined with an hourly rate billed in 15-minute increments with no hourly minimums; much better than the rigid blocks of time required by larger franchises.
The company also holds high ratings across all major review platforms, including 4.8 stars on Yelp on over 900 reviews and 4.8-stars on Google from over 100 reviews. Locally, they’re also frequently discussed on Reddit as one of the more reliable options in town.
2. West Coast Moving Systems
West Coast Moving Systems is a family-owned operation that has grown from a single-truck business into a larger player in the Bay Area moving market.
They specialize in both residential and commercial relocations throughout California, and distinguish themselves with a Guaranteed Not to Exceed pricing model. By utilizing virtual video walk-throughs to provide detailed quotes, they aim to eliminate the surprise fees often encountered on moving day, promising that customers pay only for the services used up to their guaranteed estimate.
West Coast Moving has a 4.9-star rating on Yelp from over 640 reviews and 4.8-stars on Google from over 100 reviews. Beyond standard transport, they offer specialized “concierge” packing services and climate-controlled storage. They are also recognized by residents and on community platforms for their ability to handle complex moves involving heavy items and multi-story homes.
3. Sweet Lemon Moving Services
Sweet Lemon Moving Services is a locally owned and operated company based in Oakland, providing residential and commercial moves across the Bay Area. They distinguish themselves with a no-hidden-fees policy, which includes providing all basic moving equipment (such as blankets, dollies, and specialized tools) at no additional cost. Their pricing is structured around transparent hourly rates with a focus on high-efficiency packing and loading to minimize the total billable time for the customer.
Sweet Lemon currently has a 4.9 star rating on Yelp with 320 reviews and a perfect 5 star average on Google with over 530 reviews. Locally, they are frequently recommended by residents for their responsiveness and white-glove attention to detail, particularly when handling fragile items or navigating modern apartment complexes and office buildings.
4. Lugg On-Demand Movers
Launched out of SF in 2015, Lugg differentiates itself by operating as an on-demand “Uber for moving” rather than a traditional moving company. They specialize in ultra-short-notice logistics, allowing users to book a truck and two “Luggers” in as little as 30 minutes for small apartment moves, furniture store deliveries, or marketplace pickups. Unlike the fixed hourly minimums common in the industry, Lugg uses a dynamic pricing model consisting of a base fare plus a per-minute labor rate, which pauses during transit to ensure customers only pay for active loading and unloading time. The app provides real-time GPS tracking of the crew and instant, upfront estimates based on the vehicle size selected (ranging from a pickup truck to a large box truck).
The service is highly rated for its technology-driven approach, with 4.9 stars on Google with over 2,200 reviews. Note that while Reddit users often recommend Lugg for single-item “curbside” tasks or same-day needs that traditional movers cannot accommodate, Luggers are independent contractors so the experience can vary depending on the team assigned to your request.
5. Delancey Street Moving and Trucking
Delancey Street Moving and Trucking is the largest independent moving company in the Bay Area and functions as a vocational training school for the Delancey Street Foundation. As a non-profit “self-help” organization, it is staffed entirely by residents of the foundation (individuals who are recovering from substance abuse or are formerly incarcerated) learning marketable skills to reintegrate into society. This unique social mission allows them to provide competitive pricing; because the foundation operates as an intentional community rather than a traditional employer, the moving crews are residents who do not receive a standard hourly wage or salary. Instead, all revenue is pooled to provide every resident with housing, food, clothing, and education at no cost, alongside long-term life-skills training.
The company has a strong 4.7 star rating on Yelp with over 460 reviews. They’re also a highly cited recommendation across many SF subreddit threads, where customers mention that crews literally run between the truck and the house to ensure efficiency. While they handle standard residential moves, they are also trusted for major corporate logistics, including serving as the primary movers for the San Francisco Giants and The Gap.
6. NorthStar Moving Company
NorthStar Moving Company caters to all residential, commercial, and high-profile relocations. They are known for their luxury approach to moving, offering a wide array of specialized add-on services, ranging from full-service packing and photo-inventory systems, to niche offerings like professional organizing and storage. While they emphasize a “red carpet” experience, they also handle standard residential moves of all sizes, offering the same professional crews for local or long-distance moves.
NorthStar has strong ratings across all major platforms, including 4.6 stars on Yelp from nearly 1,000 reviews and a 4.9 average on Google with over 900 reviews. While their prices are typically higher than others, their white-glove handling and extensive insurance coverage justify the price point.
Which SF moving company should you choose?
Ultimately, the “best” moving company in San Francisco depends less on rankings and more on fit. Before booking, narrow your choice by clarifying three things: the size and complexity of your move, your tolerance for pricing variability, and whether you need speed, full service support, or specialized handling. Always request a written estimate, confirm active licensing and insurance, and ask how stair carries, long carries, and parking challenges are billed, especially in dense SF neighborhoods.
A little upfront diligence can prevent surprise fees and day-of stress. The right mover is the one whose pricing model, communication style, and service scope align with your specific move, not just the one with the highest rating. We also recommend getting quotes from multiple companies on this list, which can help you save considerably on your move.
Related content
