California Moving Company

Local moving in California typically costs $95-$150 per hour for a two-person crew with truck. A standard three-bedroom home takes 4-6 hours, putting the total between $426 and $4,017. Add-ons like packing, disassembly, and long carries increase the total. Call (855) 822-2722 for an itemized estimate.

Long-distance moves from California start at $600 for studio apartments and go up to $5,200 for four-plus-bedroom homes. The final price depends on shipment weight, distance, and access at both locations. Star Van Lines provides binding estimates so your price won't change after booking.

Search our USDOT number 4176875 on the FMCSA SAFER website (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov). This federal database confirms our operating authority, MC number 1607491, insurance status, and safety record. Any legitimate interstate mover should be able to provide a verifiable USDOT number.

Common surcharges include shuttle fees (if a full-size truck can't reach your address in San Francisco or Hollywood), long-carry charges for distances over 75 feet from truck to door, stair fees, and elevator waiting time. We disclose all potential charges in your written estimate before you book.

Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels: Released Value Protection (free, covers $0.60 per pound per item) and Full Value Protection (paid, covers repair, replacement, or cash settlement at current value). Star Van Lines is fully insured under USDOT #4176875 and can explain both options when you request a quote.

California requires new residents to apply for a DL within 10 days of establishing residency, one of the shortest deadlines in the country. Visit any California DMV office (dmv.ca.gov) with proof of residency and your current out-of-state license. Vehicle registration has a 20-day deadline, and most vehicles need a smog check before you can register.

Yes. Most vehicles brought into California must pass a smog check before registration. The state requires biennial smog inspections for most vehicles, and certain areas require testing at STAR-certified stations. Some vehicles may be exempt depending on model year and fuel type, so check with the DMV before scheduling your test.

California's cost of living index is 110.7 (US average = 100, BEA RPP 2024). The biggest driver is housing. Median home value is $734,700, more than double the national average. State income tax tops out at 13.3%, the highest in the nation. But median household income is $99,122, partially offsetting those costs. And not every part of the state is expensive. Cities like Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento are considerably cheaper than the Bay Area or LA.

Interstate moving demand peaks May through September. Fall and winter moves (October through March) typically offer more scheduling flexibility and lower rates. Southern California has mild year-round weather, so timing there is more about demand than climate. Northern routes face real winter risks, though. I-5 over the Grapevine and I-80 over Donner Pass can close for snow. Book 6-8 weeks in advance regardless of season.

Yes. We offer open and enclosed auto transport. Most California-origin vehicle shipments go to Texas, Arizona, and Nevada. Your move coordinator can add vehicle shipping to your moving quote, and it's usually more economical to bundle it with your household goods rather than booking separately.

Proposition 13 limits annual property tax increases for existing owners. But when a property changes ownership, it's reassessed at current market value. So if you're buying a home, your property tax will be based on the purchase price, not the previous owner's lower assessment. Check with your county assessor's office for specific rates and exemptions.

Yes, both. Insurers have raised rates or stopped writing policies in high-risk fire zones across the LA foothills, wine country, and Sierra Nevada foothills. If you're moving to a fire-prone area, get insurance quotes before closing on a home. Wildfires can also disrupt moving schedules. During active fire events, highway closures and mandatory evacuations may delay your pickup or delivery by days. Your coordinator will monitor fire conditions on your route.