Best Moving Companies from Gilbert, AZ to California
If you're moving from Gilbert to California, you're looking at a 611-mile haul that'll take most movers one to six days depending on your service level and season. I've pulled together the top five local operators from Gilbert who handle this route regularly, along with real cost data and what their customers actually say about them.
Top 5 Moving Companies from Gilbert to California
- Gilbert Moving & Storage — 4.76 / 5 (133 Yelp reviews, 218 Google reviews)
- Just-In Time Moving & Storage — 4.66 / 5 (844 Yelp reviews, 1,008 Google reviews)
- A to Z Valley Wide Movers LLC — 4.52 / 5 (126 Yelp reviews, 201 Google reviews)
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK — 4.5 / 5 (102 Yelp reviews, 871 Google reviews)
- Mentors Moving & Storage — 4.62 / 5 (110 Yelp reviews, 286 Google reviews)
Gilbert Moving & Storage
Address: 6056 E Baseline Rd, Suite 149, Mesa, AZ 85206
Phone: (480) 825-8648
Rating: 4.7 / 5
BBB Grade: A+
Gilbert Moving & Storage runs a tight operation. Out of 357 reviews analyzed, 96.6% landed positive. Customers consistently praise the crew for being professional, polite, and efficient—the kind of movers who finish on time without cutting corners on how they handle your stuff.
The standout: transparent pricing and clear communication from booking through delivery. People feel informed every step, which cuts down on surprise fees and stress. That's rare in this industry.
The flip side: a small percentage reported damage to belongings, disputes over charges, and friction with insurance claims. It's not systematic, but it happens. Compare that to their overwhelmingly positive reputation and they're still a solid choice for a cross-country move.
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3190108
Services: Local and interstate moves, full packing/unpacking, storage, crating, antiques, offices, credit card payment
Just-In Time Moving & Storage
Address: 4627 E Ivy St, Mesa, AZ 85205
Phone: (480) 213-0395
Rating: 4.6 / 5
BBB Grade: A+
Just-In Time backs up the "fast and courteous" label with hard numbers. Out of 222 reviews, 98% were positive. Their crews earn consistent praise for speed, professionalism, and—this matters on long hauls—respect for your belongings and your timeline.
What jumps out: clients often paid less than their initial quotes, which suggests honest estimating rather than padding to squeeze extra money later. Politeness from both office and field staff gets repeated praise. People describe moves as "stress-free" and "seamless"—not hype, based on their feedback volume.
Negatives are rare (1.4%) but real: damage to items, insurance claim headaches, and crew loading issues. For a company this large and busy, that's actually below average.
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1759501
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, storage, full-valuation coverage, credit card payment
A to Z Valley Wide Movers LLC
Address: 2316 E Rawhide St, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Phone: (602) 422-6409
Rating: 4.5 / 5
BBB Grade: A+
A to Z trades on efficiency and fair pricing. Of 344 reviews, over 83% were positive. Customers highlight speedy moves, attentive care, and skilled crews—the nuts and bolts of a good relocate.
The trade-off is clearer here: just over 15% of feedback flagged problems—damaged items, late arrivals, communication lapses after issues. A few mentioned difficulty reaching the company to resolve claims. That's a higher complaint rate than the top two, though still within industry norms.
They're a solid option for straightforward moves with standard belongings. But if you've got high-value items or fragile goods, I'd want to double-check their insurance coverage and get everything in writing.
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2812373
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, antiques, storage, full-valuation coverage, credit card payment
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
Address: 1916 S. Gilbert Road, Suite 2, Mesa, AZ 85204
Phone: (480) 559-8085
Rating: 4.5 / 5
BBB Grade: A+
Two Men and a Truck delivers on the "moving made easy" promise for most clients. Of 306 reviews, 75.8% highlighted efficient, careful service and professional crews. People consistently mention finishing ahead of schedule, flexible booking, and clear updates.
The caveat: 22.9% reported real problems—property damage, lost items, broken belongings, and late arrivals. Some crews showed unprofessional behavior under stress. That's a notably higher complaint rate than the top two options on this list.
They're worth considering if you want a national brand with proven local presence. Just confirm details upfront, especially around fragile goods, and keep a close eye on packing to catch issues early.
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2527384
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card payment
Mentors Moving & Storage
Address: 3416 S 48th St, Suite 3, Phoenix, AZ 85040
Phone: (480) 605-1782
Rating: 4.6 / 5
BBB Grade: A+
Mentors brings speed and care in tandem. Nearly 89% of 126 reviews praised efficiency, punctual arrivals, courteous crews, and gentle handling. Customers appreciate transparent quotes and timely updates—the kind of attention that makes a long-distance move feel managed rather than chaotic.
The downside: a handful flagged lost or broken items, final costs well above estimates, and slow company response to complaints. These incidents are far less common than at comparable operators, but they do happen. A few cases involved substantial damage and little follow-up.
Mentors is a solid mid-tier pick. If you're moving high-value or fragile pieces, verify insurance coverage up front and keep a detailed inventory.
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2911596
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves; packing; pianos; hot tubs; pool tables; art; antiques; crating; shipment tracking; full-valuation coverage; storage; fragile packing; safes; credit card payment
Moving Services Available in Gilbert
Out of 67 Gilbert-based movers that handle interstate relocations, here's what specialty services show up most often:
- Interstate: 85.07%
- Pianos: 79.1%
- Antiques: 53.73%
- Art: 50.75%
- Small moves: 56.72%
- Fragile-only packing: 34.33%
Cost to Move from Gilbert, AZ to California
Here's what you can realistically expect to pay. These are ballpark figures based on a 611-mile move; actual costs vary by season, move size, add-ons, and truck availability.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,061–$3,428 | $651–$1,686 | $459–$808 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,979–$5,022 | $1,223–$2,380 | $453–$950 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,552–$7,141 | $1,633–$3,107 | $613–$1,135 |
Costs include estimated fuel. Final charges depend on your specific belongings, access constraints, timing, and market conditions.
Professional Moving Company Costs
A studio or one-bedroom move from Gilbert to California typically runs $1,061–$3,428. Two to three bedrooms? $1,979–$5,022. Larger households with four-plus bedrooms usually fall in the $3,552–$7,141 range. Those numbers assume full-service moving with packing and unpacking included.
Moving Container Costs
If you prefer to pack yourself and let a container company handle transportation, expect $651–$1,686 for a small load, $1,223–$2,380 for two to three bedrooms, and $1,633–$3,107 for a four-plus bedroom home. Container companies like PODS are popular because you load on your schedule and they pick up when you're ready.
DIY Truck Rental Costs
Truck rental is the cheapest option if you're willing to do the heavy lifting yourself. Budget $459–$808 for a studio/one-bedroom, $453–$950 for a two to three-bedroom, and $613–$1,135 for a four-bedroom-plus move. Those figures already fold in estimated fuel.
What Drives the Cost
Several factors shape your final bill:
- Move size: Larger homes and more belongings directly increase cost.
- Season: Summer is peak moving season in Arizona. Expect to pay premium rates June through August.
- DIY vs. professional: Going with a professional mover costs more upfront but saves you time, physical strain, and liability. A DIY rental is cheaper but you absorb all the work and risk.
- Service level: Packing, unpacking, and specialty handling (pianos, art, antiques) all add to the bill.
To estimate your move, use our calculator and compare quotes from multiple companies. Most will provide free estimates.
Before You Move: Gilbert vs. California
California generally costs more to live in than Gilbert. Rent, home prices, taxes—they're all steeper. Here's how they stack up:
| Factor | Gilbert, AZ | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,250 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $571,870 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,484 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 113 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 2.5% | 13.3% |
Rent: California's 18% cheaper on average. That might seem backwards—it's not. California has pockets of affordability that offset pricey coastal areas.
Home prices: California homes run about 35% more. If you're buying, budget for a bigger mortgage.
Income: California salaries are roughly 43% higher on average, so there's some financial breathing room despite higher taxes.
Cost of living: Overall, California is about 19% pricier. It adds up in groceries, utilities, and services.
Taxes: This stings. California's income tax is 13.3% vs. Arizona's 2.5%. That's 432% higher—a real hit to your take-home pay if you're earning a California salary.
Jobs: Unemployment runs 20% higher in California, so competition for roles is stiffer.
Lifestyle: Gilbert vs. California
Gilbert is hot, quiet, and growing fast. California is massive, mild, and packed with opportunity. Here's the breakdown:
| Factor | Gilbert, AZ | California |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 267,918 | 39,029,342 |
| Political lean | Republican 52-48 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 105°F | 87°F |
| Winter low | 39°F | 59°F |
| Annual rain | 9″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 14.77 | 28.43 |
Weather: Gilbert is brutally hot in summer (105°F). California's cooler (87°F). But California gets snow (7″/year) and more rain (22″ vs. 9″). If you can't stand heat, California wins. If you hate wet winters, think twice.
Politics: Gilbert leans Republican; California leans Democratic. Matters if local politics affect your day-to-day life.
Safety: Gilbert's crime index (14.77) is lower than California's (28.43). That said, crime varies wildly by California neighborhood—LA differs from Sacramento differs from rural areas.
Size: California is massive. Gilbert is a suburb. If you want anonymity and endless options, California delivers. If you prefer community feel and open space, Gilbert's your speed.
What works in Gilbert: Quality schools, fantastic weather (if you like heat), beautiful nature nearby, safe neighborhoods, tranquil pace, low taxes.
What's hard about Gilbert: Hot summers, high cost of living locally, traffic, low air quality (dust, ozone), quieter nightlife.
What works in California: Abundant jobs, pleasant weather overall, outdoor recreation, cultural diversity, quality of life in many regions, farm-to-table food scene.
What's hard in California: Astronomical cost of living, heavy tax burden, natural disaster risk (earthquakes, wildfires), terrible traffic in major metros, controversial state laws.
Practical Details Before You Move
A few things to nail down before moving day:
HOA and building rules: Check your new community's moving policies. Some buildings restrict move times or require advance notice. Gilbert neighborhoods may have their own HOA rules about truck parking or access.
Elevator reservation: If either your current or new place has an elevator, reserve it for moving day. This prevents conflicts and ensures you have dedicated access.
Truck parking permits: Some California cities require permits for moving trucks. Check with your destination city's parking authority ahead of time.
California moving licenses: When you contact a California mover for a quote, verify they have a "T Number" from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This confirms they've met insurance, safety, and financial stability requirements and passed criminal clearance. You can verify any California mover's license on the CPUC's official website.
USPS change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving day. This ensures mail forwarding starts smoothly.
Moving insurance: Standard moving company liability (Released Value Protection) covers only 60 cents per pound per item—inadequate for most belongings. A 25-pound TV damaged in transit gets you $15. Buy full-value protection or third-party moving insurance if you have high-value items.
Use a moving checklist: Our moving checklist keeps you organized and prevents last-minute scrambles.
What to Do in California
California offers endless options. A few highlights:
Museums:
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks:
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports:
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities:
- Stanford University
- UC Berkeley
- UCLA
- University of Southern California
- UC San Diego
FAQ
How long does a move from Gilbert to California take?
Plan for one to six days depending on your service level and time of year. Full-service movers typically take three to five days. Summer moves may stretch longer because of seasonal demand and traffic.
What's the availability of custom crating in Gilbert?
38 movers in Gilbert offer custom crating for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. Confirm with your chosen company that their crate dimensions and materials match your items before booking.
How do I ship a car from Gilbert to California?
Check out resources on car shipping or use our auto transport calculator to compare rates and carriers. Several operators specialize in Arizona-to-California routes.
Why do people move from Gilbert to California?
Economic opportunity and milder weather are the big draws. Cost of living pushes people away from Gilbert—though California's overall cost is higher, certain regions offer better value for specific industries or lifestyles.
Do Gilbert movers accept cash?
15 Gilbert-based movers accept cash, but it's uncommon in the industry. Movers prefer traceable payment methods for liability and record-keeping. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to secure your move date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm payment methods and schedules with your mover before signing.
Moving Resources
Long-distance and interstate movers: If you're exploring other routes from Arizona, check our guides on best long-distance movers and full-service movers.
Moving containers and truck rentals: Compare moving container costs and rental truck options to find your best fit.
Related routes: Interested in other Arizona-to-California moves? Browse popular Arizona to California routes.
Guides: Our moving cost guide and moving tips cover the essentials. The moving checklist keeps you organized.
Ready to Compare Quotes?
The fastest way to lock in the best rate is to use our calculator and request estimates from multiple movers. Most provide free quotes within 24 hours. Compare their ratings, services, and pricing side by side—then make your move with confidence.