Moving from Bakersfield to Georgia – Cost, Companies & What to Expect
If you're moving from Bakersfield to Georgia, you're looking at a 2,345-mile haul across several states. That's a serious cross-country job, and the moving company you choose will make or break the experience. I've pulled together the top local operators from Bakersfield, current pricing data, and what you actually need to know before you go.
Top Bakersfield Movers for Georgia Moves
Out of five Bakersfield-based companies equipped to handle interstate relocations, here are the standouts for a move to Georgia:
- Meathead Movers — 4.64 / 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage — 4.38 / 5 stars
- Express Moving & Storage — 4.38 / 5 stars
- Hansen's Moving and Storage — 4.36 / 5 stars
- Fit Movers LLC — 4.34 / 5 stars
Meathead Movers
Address: 2334 Perseus Ct, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Rating: 4.64 / 5 (54 Yelp reviews, 73 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
What customers say: 88% positive reviews. Meathead earns consistent praise for polite, efficient crews who handle valuables carefully. Customers highlight clear communication, respectful teams, and speedy work. The flip side: a handful report item damage, quote discrepancies, or surprise charges—not deal-breakers compared to competitors, but worth knowing.
Company info:
- State license: 0189849
- DOT #: 921143
- Years in business: 27
- Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage, cash and card payments
- Phone: (661) 335-6191
Mentors Moving & Storage
Address: 3101 Gilmore Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Rating: 4.38 / 5 (25 Yelp reviews, 261 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
What customers say: 91% positive. Customers value Mentors for rapid, professional service and careful handling of belongings. Teams are polite, work efficiently, and communicate well. On the downside, a small number reported damaged or lost items with slow claim resolution. One thing stands out: people consistently describe moves as worry-free and trustworthy.
Company info:
- DOT #: 2911596
- Years in business: 19
- Alternate names: Smooth Move, Smooth Move USA, Excel Relocation Systems
- Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing/unpacking; specialty items (pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks); crating; shipment tracking; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile-only packing; safes; card payments
- Phone: (661) 220-5155
Express Moving & Storage
Address: 3818 Buck Owens Boulevard, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Rating: 4.38 / 5 (29 Yelp reviews, 92 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: NR
What customers say: 90% positive. People consistently mention courteous, professional staff and affordable pricing—a rarity in the industry. Moves tend to be fast, careful, and straightforward. A small number complained of rude staff or property damage; a few also cited unexpected charges or canceled jobs.
Company info:
- State license: 0190666
- DOT #: 076235
- Years in business: 15
- Alternate name: Express Moving, LLC
- Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing; unpacking; office moves; storage
- Phone: (661) 325-0162
Hansen's Moving and Storage
Address: 3501 Sillect Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Rating: 4.36 / 5 (74 Yelp reviews, 172 Google reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
What customers say: 92% positive. Hansen's stands out for professionalism and care. Crews are polite, efficient, and protective of belongings. On-time deliveries and accurate estimates are common. A small number reported damaged items or surprise fees—typical industry issues, but less frequent here.
Company info:
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State license: 0130609
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DOT #: 2728836
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Years in business: 53
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Services: Local and interstate moves; packing; unpacking; office moves; storage; card payments
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Phone: (661) 834-2411
Fit Movers LLC
Address: 2020 Eye St PMB 116, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Rating: 4.34 / 5 (121 Yelp reviews)
BBB Grade: A+
What customers say: 95% positive. This is impressive across 315 reviews. Customers rave about efficiency, professionalism, polite staff, and affordable rates. Many note moves finish faster than quoted, and pricing beats competitors. A small fraction (4%) reported damage or misplaced items—not unexpected at this scale.
Company info:
- State license: 0192218
- DOT #: 3455958
- Years in business: 6
- Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing; unpacking; office moves; pianos; crating
- Phone: (661) 525-3414
Specialty Services Available in Bakersfield
Of the five movers above, here's what specialty services you can actually access:
- Interstate moves: 100% (all five)
- Antiques handling: 20% (Mentors)
- Art handling: 20% (Mentors)
- Piano moving: 40% (Mentors, Fit Movers)
- Fragile-only packing: 20% (Mentors)
If you need custom crating for art, antiques, or sensitive electronics, Mentors and Fit Movers are your options. Confirm materials and dimensions match your items before booking.
What You'll Pay: Bakersfield to Georgia
I've pulled together current pricing across three service types. These are ballpark figures based on verified quotes across thousands of moves on this route.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Truck Rental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 bed | $1,161–$5,224 | $1,264–$2,990 | $1,306–$2,379 |
| 2–3 bed | $3,522–$7,274 | $2,183–$4,213 | $1,332–$2,861 |
| 4+ bed | $6,486–$11,248 | $2,883–$5,954 | $1,682–$3,614 |
Note: These estimates reflect a 2,345-mile move as of January 2026. Actual costs vary based on move scope, add-ons, parking/access constraints, fuel, and timing. Get at least three quotes for accuracy. Use our moving cost calculator to estimate your specific move.
Full-Service Moving Company Costs
Hiring professional movers is convenient but pricier. A studio or one-bedroom move runs $1,161–$5,224. Two to three bedrooms: $3,522–$7,274. Four or more bedrooms: $6,486–$11,248. These prices reflect the crew's labor, equipment, insurance, and fuel.
Moving Container Costs
Moving containers let you load at your pace and the company handles transport. Studio/one-bed: $1,264–$2,990. Two to three bedrooms: $2,183–$4,213. Four-plus bedrooms: $2,883–$5,954. This method works well if you have flexible moving dates.
Truck Rental Costs
Renting a truck is the cheapest option—but you do all the work. Studio/one-bed: $1,306–$2,379. Two to three bedrooms: $1,332–$2,861. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,682–$3,614. Costs include estimated fuel. This assumes you can handle packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.
What Affects Your Moving Cost
Several factors shift your final bill:
- Move size: More belongings = higher cost. A four-bedroom home costs significantly more than a studio.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. Moves in June–August typically cost 10–20% more than winter moves.
- DIY vs. professional: DIY (truck rental) saves money but demands your time and physical effort. Professional movers cost more but handle logistics and reduce your stress.
- Fuel costs: Gas prices fluctuate. A 2,345-mile move is fuel-sensitive.
- Access and parking: Limited parking or difficult building access (narrow hallways, multiple flights) can add surcharges.
Before You Move: Cost of Living & Lifestyle Differences
Bakersfield to Georgia is a major lifestyle shift. Here's what changes:
Cost of Living Comparison
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Georgia | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,695 | $1,221 | 28% cheaper in GA |
| Average home price | $389,732 | $326,617 | 16% lower in GA |
| Per capita income | $73,827 | $71,355 | ~2% lower in GA |
| Cost of living index | 100 | 91 | 9% lower in GA |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.6% | 39% lower in GA |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.49% | 59% lower in GA |
Bottom line: Rent is notably cheaper in Georgia (28%), home prices are lower (16%), and you'll pay significantly less in state income tax (59%). Georgia's cost of living overall is about 9% lower, which translates to real breathing room in your budget if your income stays the same.
Climate & Lifestyle
| Factor | Bakersfield | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Summer high | 97°F | 90°F |
| Winter low | 38°F | 33°F |
| Annual rainfall | 7" | 50" |
| Annual snowfall | 0" | 1" |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 20.58 |
| Population | 909,235 | 11,029,227 |
Climate reality: Georgia summers are milder (90°F vs. 97°F), meaning lower air conditioning bills and more comfortable outdoor time. Winters are slightly colder (33°F vs. 38°F), but the real difference is rain: Georgia gets 50 inches annually vs. Bakersfield's 7 inches. Expect lush landscapes, humid summers, and occasional snow (1 inch/year). Bakersfield's bone-dry heat trades for Georgia's humidity and seasonal rainfall.
Safety: Georgia's crime index (20.58) is significantly lower than Bakersfield's (58.49), suggesting safer neighborhoods and stronger community security overall.
Practical Logistics Before Your Move
Don't get caught off-guard. Here's what you need to handle before moving day:
HOA & Building Rules
Check your new neighborhood's moving rules early. Some HOAs restrict moving times or require advance notice.
Elevator Reservation
If you're moving into a multi-story building with an elevator, reserve it in advance.
Truck Parking Permits
Some Georgia cities require parking permits for moving trucks. Check local rules before your move date.
State Licensing & Insurance
Georgia moving companies are regulated by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Verify your mover's license and insurance before booking. You can check status on the GDPS website.
Moving Insurance Options
Insurance varies by state. Released Value Protection (no charge, included) covers up to 60 cents per pound per item—minimal but better than nothing. For full-value coverage, discuss other options with your mover or get a third-party policy.
USPS Change of Address
Submit your USPS change of address at least one week before you move. Set your official move date so mail forwards seamlessly to Georgia.
Moving Permit
Georgia doesn't require a moving permit, but check local parking rules with your city or county.
Use a Moving Checklist
Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
What to Do in Georgia
Once you're settled, Georgia offers plenty:
Museums
- Tybee Island Light Station and Museum
- Augusta Canal Discovery Center
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
- St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
- Hay House
Parks
- Amicalola Falls State Park
- Chattahoochee Bend State Park
- Cloudland Canyon State Park
- F.D. Roosevelt State Park
- Fort Yargo State Park
Sports Teams
- Atlanta Braves (MLB)
- Atlanta Falcons (NFL)
- Atlanta Hawks (NBA)
- Atlanta Dream (WNBA)
- Atlanta Blaze (MLL)
Universities
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- University of Georgia
- Georgia State University
- Emory University
- Kennesaw State University
FAQs
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Georgia take?
Expect 7–18 days depending on service type and season. Summer moves may take longer due to demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before booking.
Can I ship my car from Bakersfield to Georgia?
Yes. Auto transport is available. We have guides for shipping a car across this route if you need detailed logistics.
What's the fastest way to move?
Full-service movers are fastest. They handle all logistics. Truck rentals are slowest because you're driving. Containers fall in the middle and work well if you have flexible timing.
Do Bakersfield movers accept cash?
One mover (Meathead Movers) accepts cash, but the industry favors traceable payment methods and clear receipts. Expect to pay a deposit upfront; the balance is due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment terms with your mover.
What happens if items get damaged during the move?
This is why insurance matters. Released Value Protection covers minimal damage (60 cents per pound). For higher-value items, pay for full-value coverage or third-party insurance upfront. Document everything and file claims promptly.
Why are people moving from Bakersfield to Georgia?
Economic opportunity, lower cost of living, milder summers, safer neighborhoods, and a larger metro area (Atlanta) draw people east. The tax savings alone (59% lower state income tax) are significant for many.
Next Steps
You've got the data. Now it's time to move. Compare quotes from Bakersfield movers to see what your actual move will cost. Get at least three estimates, ask about hidden fees, and verify licenses before signing anything.
If you're still researching, check out our guide on how to choose a mover or browse long-distance movers across the country.
Good luck with the move.