irvine to ga

---
title: "Moving from Irvine, CA to Georgia: Costs, Companies & What to Expect"
description: "Planning a move from Irvine to Georgia? Real cost ranges, top-rated movers, and practical tips for this 2,326-mile cross-country relocation."
author: Sean Sullivan
keywords: ["moving from Irvine to Georgia", "Irvine to Georgia movers", "cost to move Irvine to Georgia", "Irvine CA moving companies", "California to Georgia moving", "long distance movers Irvine", "Irvine moving costs"]
---

If you're moving from Irvine to Georgia, you're looking at a 2,326-mile haul — one of the longer interstate routes out of Southern California. That distance drives every decision: who you hire, what you pay, and how long you wait for your stuff to arrive.

This guide gives you the real numbers by home size and service type, profiles the top-rated Irvine movers working this route, and covers what to expect on the other end in Georgia. No fluff — let's get into it.

## Top Movers in Irvine for a Move to Georgia

Out of 86 Irvine-area movers capable of handling interstate moves, these five have the strongest review records for routes like this one:

1. Meathead Movers — 4.72 / 5
2. Best California Movers — 4.66 / 5
3. NorthStar Moving Company — 4.62 / 5
4. Maison Moving — 4.50 / 5
5. California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company — 4.44 / 5

Before you call any of them, [estimate your move cost](/calculator) first. Knowing your baseline makes it much easier to spot an inflated quote.

## Meathead Movers

**2430 South Grand Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705**

- Yelp: [4.7 / 5 — 401 reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/meathead-movers-santa-ana-3?osq=meathead+movers)
- Google: [4.7 / 5 — 11 reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=anaheim+meathead+movers&oq=anaheim+meathead+movers&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i60.7321j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#lrd=0x80dcd94b1b448f3b:0x80800199e1901f0d,1,,,)
- BBB: [Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/santa-ana/profile/moving-companies/meathead-movers-1126-1000068324)
- State license #: 189849 | DOT #: 921143 | 27 years in business

Out of 596 reviews, 76.7% are positive — well above industry average. Customers consistently highlight the crew's hustle, professionalism, and communication. The complaints that do surface involve furniture damage and costs running higher than originally quoted. Neither is unusual in this business, but both are worth addressing directly before you sign anything. Ask about their damage claim process and get pricing itemized in writing.

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, storage | Cash and credit card accepted

---

## Best California Movers

**15 Hubble, Irvine, CA 92618**

- Yelp: [4.6 / 5 — 186 reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/best-california-movers-and-storage-los-angeles-2)
- Google: [4.6 / 5 — 846 reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=Best+California+Movers&sca_esv=dcee15e95790235e)
- BBB: [Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/north-hollywood/profile/moving-companies/best-california-movers-1216-1418575)
- State license #: T0192283 | DOT #: 3489907 | Rate: $109/hr | 6 years in business

Over 1,177 reviews, more than 98% positive. That's a legitimate number and hard to fake. Customers call out efficient crews, careful handling, transparent pricing, and fast communication. The rare complaints touch on item damage, estimates that came in below final charges, and slow claims resolution. Claims handling is where a lot of movers lose otherwise happy customers — ask about it before you commit.

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, crating, storage | Credit card accepted | Deposit required

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## NorthStar Moving Company

**300 Spectrum Center Dr Ste 400, Irvine, CA 92618**

- Yelp: [4.6 / 5 — 58 reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/northstar-moving-company-irvine-2)
- Google: [4.6 / 5 — 320 reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=northstar+moving+irvine+ca&rlz=1C1CHBF_enPH1019PH1019)
- BBB: [Grade A+](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/northridge/profile/moving-companies/northstar-moving-company-1216-13019167)
- State license #: 0182466 | DOT #: 1836576 | 30 years in business

Thirty years in the business and a 94% positive rate across 68 customers reviewed. The feedback points to an organized crew that goes beyond the basics — good for last-minute changes and larger, more complex moves. The occasional complaints involve difficulty reaching representatives and a few scheduling hiccups. Communication is the thing to nail down early with any mover on a route this long.

**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage | Cash and credit card accepted

---

## Maison Moving

**1371 Santa Fe Dr., Tustin, CA 92780**

- Yelp: [4.5 / 5 — 506 reviews](https://www.yelp.com/biz/maison-moving-tustin)
- Google: [4.5 / 5 — 856 reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=maison+moving+%26+storage+tustin+ca)
- BBB: [Grade NR](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/tustin/profile/moving-and-storage-companies/maison-moving-1126-100037842)
- State license #: 0190726 | DOT #: 76628 | 17 years in business

Eighty-four percent positive across 293 reviews is decent, but that 14% negative rate is the highest on this list and worth taking seriously. Most complaints circle back to damaged or missing items and frustration with the claims process afterward. The baseline service — professional, timely, organized — gets good marks. What I'd tell a friend: document your belongings carefully before the truck leaves, and confirm your coverage in writing.

**Services:** Local, interstate, international, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, storage | Credit card accepted

---

## California Movers Local & Long Distance Moving Company

**8204 Mirasol, Irvine, CA 92620**

- Google: [4.4 / 5 — 276 reviews](https://www.google.com/search?q=California+Movers+Local+%26+Long+Distance+Moving+Company+8204+Mirasol+Irvine+CA&sca_esv=8ee2ae06d5e30386)
- BBB: [Grade F](https://www.bbb.org/us/ca/san-francisco/profile/moving-companies/california-movers-local-long-distance-moving-company-1116-895373)
- State license #: 0192676 | DOT #: 2890482 | Rate: $159/hr | 9 years in business

The F from the BBB is a real flag — I'm not going to gloss over it. That said, the Google profile tells a different story: 98.6% positive across 142 reviews, with customers praising fast, careful, friendly crews. Only two reviewers reported problems. The gap between those two ratings is worth investigating before you book. Ask specifically what the BBB complaints were about and how they were resolved.

**Services:** Local, interstate, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, crane vans, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes | Credit card accepted | Deposit required

---

## Local Moving Services in Irvine, CA

Here's a breakdown of specialty services among the 86+ Irvine movers that handle interstate moves:

| Service | # of Movers | % Available |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate | 79 | 91.86% |
| Small moves | 37 | 43.02% |
| Antiques | 55 | 63.95% |
| Art | 54 | 62.79% |
| Pianos | 66 | 76.74% |
| Fragile-only packing | 25 | 29.07% |

Piano movers are easy to find in Irvine. Fragile-only packing is offered by fewer than a third of local companies — if you need it, confirm early.

## Cost to Move from Irvine, CA to Georgia

At 2,326 miles, this is a real long-haul move. Here's what the pricing looks like across three service types:

| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,235 – $4,925 | $1,240 – $3,049 | $1,281 – $2,355 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,351 – $7,346 | $2,140 – $4,346 | $1,318 – $2,803 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,101 – $10,803 | $2,853 – $5,894 | $1,700 – $3,543 |

*Estimates based on a 2,326-mile move from Irvine, CA to Georgia, using pricing data as of January 2026. Costs vary based on home size, access constraints, timing, add-ons, and fuel. Get multiple quotes before committing.*

### Cost to Hire Movers from Irvine to Georgia

Studio and one-bedroom moves run $1,235–$4,925. The spread is wide because it reflects the difference between a bare-bones carrier and a full-service operator with packing, storage, and coverage included. Two- to three-bedroom households typically fall between $3,351 and $7,346. Larger homes — four bedrooms and up — land between $6,101 and $10,803.

For a move this long, I'd put a national [long-distance moving company](/best/long-distance-movers) on your quote list alongside the local operators above. The logistics of a 2,300-mile job are genuinely different, and carriers that do it every week handle routing and timing better than ones that don't. [SafeShip Moving](/company/safe-ship-moving) is one I'd include in that consideration — they specialize in interstate relocation and tend to communicate better than average on delivery windows.

### Cost of Moving Containers from Irvine to Georgia

[Moving containers](/best/moving-containers) make sense on a route like this if you want to pack on your own schedule without driving cross-country yourself. Smaller loads run $1,240–$3,049; two- to three-bedroom moves typically land between $2,140 and $4,346; larger households should expect $2,853–$5,894. Compare at least two container companies on pricing — rates vary more than you'd expect.

### Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from Irvine to Georgia

[Renting a truck](/best/truck-rentals) is the cheapest option in raw dollar terms. Studios and one-bedrooms: $1,281–$2,355. Two to three bedrooms: $1,318–$2,803. Four-plus bedrooms: $1,700–$3,543. Fuel is already factored into these ranges.

What isn't factored in: multiple days of driving, motels, meals on the road, and every pound of lifting being on you. Most people who've done a 2,300-mile DIY move tell me they'd pay for help the next time. That said, if your budget is tight and you've got help loading and unloading, it's a viable path.

## Factors Influencing Moving Costs from Irvine to GA

- **Move size:** More square footage, more stuff, higher cost. The gap between a one-bedroom and a four-bedroom move can be $5,000–$8,000 on this route.
- **Time of year:** Summer moves (May–August) drive up rates industry-wide. Fall and winter moves typically get better pricing and more carrier flexibility.
- **DIY vs. professional:** The cost difference is real. So is the effort difference. Know what you're actually trading off.

## What to Know Before Moving from Irvine to GA

Leaving Irvine for [Georgia](/movers/georgia) is a significant financial reset. Irvine consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in the country. Georgia's cost of living, by comparison, is substantially lower across nearly every category — and that shows up quickly in day-to-day life.

### Compare Cost of Living: Irvine vs. Georgia

| | Irvine, CA | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $4,000 | $1,221 |
| Average home cost | $1,561,760 | $326,617 |
| Average per capita income | $114,027 | $71,355 |
| Cost of living index | 165 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 5.49% |

*Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation (Irvine); Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo (Georgia)*

What those numbers mean on the ground:

- **Rent** in Georgia runs about 69% cheaper than in Irvine. That's not a slight discount — it's a fundamentally different monthly budget.
- **Home prices** are roughly 79% lower, which puts ownership within reach for people priced out of Southern California entirely.
- **Income** averages about 37% lower in Georgia. If you're bringing a California salary remotely, you're in strong shape. If you're job-hunting locally, plan carefully.
- The **overall cost of living** is about 45% lower, which compounds across groceries, utilities, transportation, and services.
- **Unemployment** is roughly 33% lower in Georgia than in Irvine — a reasonably healthy sign for the job market.
- **State income tax** in Georgia tops out around 5.49%, compared to [California's](/movers/california) 13.3%. That difference shows up directly in your paycheck every month.

### How Life Is Different in Irvine, CA vs. Georgia

| | Irvine, CA | Georgia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 11,029,227 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democrat (51–49) |
| Summer high | 82°F | 90°F |
| Winter low | 46°F | 33°F |
| Annual rain | 13″ | 50″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 20.58 |

*Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces (Irvine); Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow (Georgia)*

A few things worth actually thinking through:

**Climate:** Georgia summers are genuinely hot — 90°F highs with humidity that makes it feel warmer. Irvine's dry 82°F is a different experience. Winters flip: Georgia drops to around 33°F, colder than Irvine's mild 46°F floor. Budget for real HVAC and actual winter gear.

**Rain:** Georgia gets 50 inches annually versus Irvine's 13 inches. That's a big shift — lush landscapes and frequent rain, not the semi-arid Southern California rhythm you're used to. Keep an umbrella in your car.

**Crime:** Georgia's crime index (20.58) comes in lower than Irvine's (31.01), which surprises most people. That said, outcomes vary significantly by city and neighborhood — do your homework on the specific area you're moving to.

**Politics:** Both lean slightly Democratic at the statewide level, though local dynamics shift considerably depending on where in Georgia you land.

### Other Considerations When Moving to Georgia

A few things that tend to get overlooked until move week:

- **HOA rules:** Many Georgia communities have specific moving hours, entrance requirements, or truck restrictions. Check before you schedule.
- **Elevator reservation:** If your destination building has an elevator, reserve it. Don't assume it'll be available.
- **Truck parking permits:** Some Georgia cities require permits for moving trucks parked on public streets. Verify locally before your move date.
- **State licensing:** Georgia movers are regulated by the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS), covering insurance requirements and consumer complaints. Verify your mover's license on the GDPS website before you sign anything.
- **Moving permits:** Georgia doesn't require a statewide moving permit, but local parking rules vary by city.
- **Change of address:** File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move date so mail forwarding starts correctly.
- **Moving insurance:** Released Value Protection is included at no extra charge by most movers, but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item. For a flat-screen TV or a piece of furniture you actually care about, that's almost nothing. Ask your mover about full-value coverage, or look into a third-party moving insurance policy.
- **Moving checklist:** Use our [moving checklist](/resources/moving-checklist) to keep track of everything that needs to happen in the weeks before and after your move.

### Things to Do in Georgia

One genuine upside of a big move: you become a tourist in a new place for a while. Georgia has real things to explore.

**Museums:**
- Tybee Island Light Station and Museum
- Augusta Canal Discovery Center
- National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center
- St. Simons Lighthouse Museum
- Hay House

**State 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

## FAQ

### How long does a move from Irvine to Georgia take?

Seven to 18 days is the typical range, depending on your service type and how far into Georgia you're going. Summer moves often run toward the longer end. Before you book, ask your mover for a written delivery window — not an estimate, an actual commitment. That one question reveals a lot about how organized a company really is.

### What's the availability of custom crating among Irvine movers?

About 63 Irvine-area movers can build custom crates for art, antiques, and sensitive electronics. If you're shipping anything irreplaceable, confirm that the crating materials and dimensions match your specific item — don't assume standard crates will work.

### What's the best way to ship a car from Irvine to Georgia?

Auto transport makes far more sense than driving on a 2,326-mile route. See our [car shipping guide](/best/car-shipping) for top-rated carriers and typical pricing. Get at least three quotes — rates on a California-to-Georgia shipment vary more than you'd expect between carriers.

### Why are people moving from Irvine to Georgia?

Mostly economics. Georgia offers dramatically lower housing costs, a meaningfully lower tax burden, and a growing job market — particularly in the Atlanta metro. For remote workers keeping California salaries, the cost-of-living arbitrage is significant. For families who want homeownership, it opens doors that Southern California has essentially closed.

### Where can I find the best long-distance movers for this route?

Start with the five companies profiled above. For a broader set of vetted options on interstate moves, see our [best long-distance movers](/best/long-distance-movers) guide. If this is your first time moving cross-country, read through [how to choose a mover](/resources/how-to-choose-a-mover) before you start collecting quotes — it'll save you time and help you avoid the most common mistakes.

### Can I pay with cash?

Currently, 37 Irvine movers accept cash as a payment option. That said, cash creates a thin paper trail on a move that could run several thousand dollars. Most movers require a deposit to hold your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery. Confirm the payment schedule and accepted methods before you book — and keep in mind that a credit card gives you more recourse if something goes wrong.

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Ready to see what your specific move will cost? Use the [MoveFinders moving cost calculator](/calculator) to get a baseline estimate before you start talking to companies.