Moving in Santa Barbara can feel overwhelming, whether you’re heading across town or planning a long-distance relocation. Between packing, heavy lifting, and making sure nothing gets damaged, it helps to have movers you can count on. Choosing the right company means fewer surprises, less stress, and a smoother move from start to finish. To make the choice easier, we’ve pulled together five of the most reliable moving companies in Santa Barbara, looking at what they offer, how much experience they bring, and what customers say about working with them.
Best Moving Companies in Santa Barbara at a Glance
Lompoc Van & Storage
Founded in 1959, Lompoc Van & Storage is a long-standing, family-owned company offering local, long-distance, and international moves. We provide secure storage options, hold a 4.8 Google rating, and are members of IAM, CMSA, Preferred Movers Network, and Move for Hunger.
Meathead Movers
Established in 1997, Meathead Movers is a family-owned business known across California for its licensed and insured moving services. With a 4.7 Google rating, they provide local and long-distance relocations, packing, concierge services, and storage solutions, and are members of the CMSA.
Movegreen
Movegreen, in business since 2007, combines eco-friendly practices with full-service moving and storage. They are licensed and insured, ProMover certified, members of CMSA, and carry a 4.9 Google rating. Their services include residential, commercial, and long-distance relocations.
Jared’s Moving Services
Operating since 1998, Jared’s Moving Services is a locally owned company that specializes in piano and antique moves alongside standard residential and office relocations. They are licensed and insured, provide storage support, and maintain a 4.9 Google rating.
Platinum Movers
Founded in 2010, Platinum Movers provides licensed and insured residential and commercial moving services with packing and loading support. While they do not run their own storage facilities or international services, they hold a 4.9 Google rating and are noted for reliable crews and efficient moves.
Quick Comparison: Top Santa Barbara Moving Companies
| Company | Lompoc Van & Storage | Meathead Movers | Movegreen | Jared’s Moving Services | Platinum Movers |
| Family Owned & Operated | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | unspecified |
| Storage Offered | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | unspecified |
| International Moves | ✓ | unspecified | ✓ | unspecified | unspecified |
| Dedicated International Move Manager | ✓ | unspecified | unspecified | unspecified | unspecified |
| Fully Licensed & Insured | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Google Review Rating | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.9 | 4.9 |
| Year Founded | 1959 | 1997 | 2007 | 1998 | 2010 |
| Moving Associations | IAM, CMSA, Preferred Movers Network, Move for Hunger | CMSA | ATA ProMover, CMSA | unspecified | unspecified |
✓ = Available, x = not available
A Closer Look at the Top Moving Companies in Santa Barbara
Want a closer look at what makes these moving companies stand out? If you’d like more details about these moving companies’ service options and flexibility, take a look at the company profiles below.
1. Lompoc Van & Storage
Since 1959, we at Lompoc Van & Storage have been a trusted family-owned and operated moving company serving Santa Barbara and the Central Coast. We provide residential, commercial, long-distance, international, and specialty moving services backed by more than 65 years of experience. As a Certified ProMover and member of IAM, CMSA, Preferred Movers Network, and Move for Hunger, we maintain high industry standards for professionalism and customer care.
What services do we offer at Lompoc Van & Storage?
Residential moving services
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
- Apartment and condo moves
- Labor-Only moves
- Packing services
- Custom crating
Commercial moving services
- Office and business moves
- Corporate relocations
- Commercial decommissioning
- Specialty office equipment moves
Storage services
- Warehouse storage
- Warehouse Dock Receiving
- Interior Design Warehouse Receiving
Specialty moving services
- Antiques
- Emergency moves
- Senior moves
- Pianos and organs
- Senior moves
- Gun safes
- Estate cleanouts
- Junk removal
- Moving supplies
Military moving services
- PCS and military relocations
- Military storage options
International moving services
- Full-service international relocations
- Dedicated international move manager
Logistics services
- Fulfillment logistics (3PL)
- First and final mile delivery
- FF&E
Does Lompoc Van & Storage have storage options?
Yes. We offer 30,000 sq ft og secure storage facilities for both short- and long-term needs. Our warehouse provides a safe and reliable solution for customers who need to store belongings during a move or for extended periods.
How well do previous customers rate Lompoc Van & Storage?
We hold a 4.8 Google rating, with customers praising our professionalism, careful handling, and transparent pricing. Many highlight our moving crews and reputation for reliable service in the Santa Barbara area.
Some of our Google Customer Reviews include:
- “…I would love for them to do all of my moves if I could!” – Bianca Canales.
- “Crew was super nice and thorough in their job! Would recommend” – Asa Button
- “This is an amazing team!! They work super fast and are great at communicating any changes on you[r] appointment or shipment.10/10 recommend.” – cjpolarbear1
2. Meathead Movers
Founded in 1997, Meathead Movers has become a household name across Southern California, including Santa Barbara. Known for its unique “student-athlete movers,” the company offers a wide range of services for both residential and commercial moves.
What services does Meathead Movers offer?
Residential moving services
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
- Apartment and condo moves
- Packing and unpacking
- On-site moving
Commercial moving services
- Office relocations
- Corporate moves
Storage services
- Traditional storage units
- Climate-controlled mini storage
- Wine storage
Specialty moving services
- Concierge services
- Senior moves
- Last-minute move
Does Meathead Movers have storage options?
Yes. Meathead Movers offers both traditional and specialty storage, including mini and wine storage facilities.
How well do previous customers rate Meathead Movers?
Meathead Movers has a 4.7 Google rating, with customers praising their efficiency, reliability, and professional crews.
Some of their Google Customer Reviews include:
- “The movers were fast and handled my belongings with care, thank you.” – Tanisha Johnson.
- “We’ve used meatheads a few other times in the past and have never been disappointed…” – Paul Ferro.
- “What a great company. Seamless experience from first communication. The movers were professional, friendly, and took great care moving our furniture.” – Tara Rosenthal.
Meathead is also accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
3. Movegreen
Movegreen, founded in 2007, stands out for its eco-friendly approach to moving. They plant trees for every move and use reusable eco-boxes, earning a reputation as a sustainable moving option in Santa Barbara. They are ProMover certified and members of CMSA.
What services does Movegreen offer in Santa Barbara?
Residential moving services
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
- Apartment and condo moves
- Packing and unpacking
- White-glove delivery
Commercial moving services
- Office and commercial moving
- Corporate relocation
Storage services
- Storage services
- Portable storage units
- File and document storage
- Warehousing
Military moving services
- Military moves
International moving services
- Full-service international relocations
Specialty moving services
- School moving
- Piano movers
- Senior moving
- Junk removal
- Labor-only moves
- Moving supplies
Logistics services
- Fulfillment logistics (3PL)
- FF&E services
Does Movegreen have storage options?
Yes. Movegreen provides portable storage units and full-service warehouse storage.
How well do previous customers rate Movegreen?
Movegreen holds a 4.9 Google rating and an A+ BBB accreditation. Customers frequently highlight their responsiveness and professionalism.
Some of our Google Customer Reviews include:
- “The Crew of Kenny and Ram were excellent for my office move. They were on top of everything. They were professional as well. John, the manager was also very responsive, and I chose MoveGreen for that reason,” – Heather Winstead.
- “Efficient, friendly, thorough.” – Melanie Jacobson
- “Great experience. Jose, Angel, and Tony were careful, efficient, and very nice,” – Jennifer Grappone.
4. Jared’s Moving Services
Locally owned and operated since 1998, Jared’s Moving specializes in piano moving, but the company can complete residential and commercial moves as well. With decades of experience, they remain a trusted option for delicate and high-value items.
What services does Jared’s Moving offer?
Residential moving services
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
- Apartment and condo moves
- Packing and unpacking services
- Furniture assembly and disassembly
Commercial moving services
-
- Office relocations
- Single employee moves
- Specialized office equipment moves
Storage solutions
- Secure, climate-controlled storage
Specialty moving services
- Piano and organ moves
- Artwork moves
- Electronics moves
- Moving concierge service
Does Jared’s Moving Services have storage options?
Yes, they offer climate-controlled storage solutions for both short and long-term durations. The type of storage they offer is unspecified.
How well do previous customers rate Jared’s Moving Services?
Jared’s Moving holds a 4.9 Google rating, with customers frequently praising their efficiency, hard work, and skill.
Some of their Google Customer Reviews include:
- “I cannot say enough about how great Jared and his team were with a complicated move. They were accommodating, hard-working, creative about making it all happen…” – Jolene Nannette.
- “Great communication, showed up on time! All around good experience!” – Nancy Ramirez.
- “Super fast, did not feel like they were milking the time at all, no damage, they were careful with everything !!!” – Sara Peri.
5. Platinum Movers
Platinum Movers is a Santa Barbara-based company known for efficient residential and commercial relocations. They provide packing, loading, and unloading services but do not operate their own storage facilities or handle international moves.
What services does Platinum Movers offer?
There are no individual services pages or a list of services offered on the website. The Better Business Bureau lists Platinum Movers’ services as the following:
- “Residential moving and storage
- Commercial moving and storage
- Packing service
- Loading service
- Unloading services
- Local relocation support
- Interstate moving options
- All-inclusive moving solutions (including packing and storage)”
Does Platinum Movers have storage options?
This is unknown. Although it is not listed on the Platinum Movers website, storage is listed as a service on their BBB page. According to Nextdoor, “They are also capable of providing estimates for storage unit sizes…”
How well do previous customers rate Platinum Movers?
Platinum Movers maintains a 4.9 Google rating, with many customers praising their courteous crews and reliable service. Some reviews mention unexpected extra charges, so it is recommended to confirm estimates in writing.
Some of their Google Customer Reviews include:
- “Platinum Movers were amazing! Eric and his crew went above and beyond for a complicated move… I highly recommend them and would absolutely use them again!” – Dayna Vainstein.
- “Erick and Angel were great. They were able to accommodate my wife and I day of and went above and beyond to make sure our move went smooth…” – Travis Causey.
- “Life savers!!! They came in a pinch, were professional, thorough, quick, and took great care of everything they touched!” – Mary Kathryn Marrs.
Platinum Movers Inc. is also accredited by the BBB with an A+ rating.
How We Chose the Top Santa Barbara Movers
To build this list, we evaluated over 20 local moving companies based on public reviews, licensing, years in business, services offered, and professional affiliations. We prioritized movers with:
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- At least 4.7 Google rating (with 50+ reviews)
- Verified licensing and insurance
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- Industry memberships in CMSA, IAM, ATA ProMover, or BBB A+ rating
- Breadth and specialization of services
- Unique capabilities or niche strengths, such as concierge-level coordination, antique transport, military relocations, etc
Choosing the Right Santa Barbara Moving Company
At the end of the day, the best mover is the one that fits your specific needs. Lompoc Van & Storage, Meathead Movers, Movegreen, Jared’s Moving Services, and Platinum Movers all have proven track records in Santa Barbara, but each brings something different to the table. Perhaps you’re looking for a dedicated international moving manager, specialty care for antiques, or decades of family-owned experience. Pick the mover that matches your priorities, and you’ll set yourself up for a move that is easier, faster, and far less stressful.
