Find the best moving companies in Burlington, VT for your move to California. Compare quotes, costs, and reviews from local interstate movers.
Tell us about your move and we'll connect you with vetted, top-rated moving companies.
Out of the moving options in Burlington, here are five companies that actually handle long-distance moves to California well.
7 Ambrose Pl, Burlington, VT 05401
Rating: 4.5 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (43) | Google (348) | BBB Grade A+
Positive: 97% | Negative: 3%
Local Muscle Movers consistently earns praise for efficiency and affordability. Across 267 reviews, customers highlight on-time service, professional crews, and careful handling of belongings. People appreciate transparent quotes and moves that finish ahead of schedule. The team gets marked up for genuinely polite interactions and communication that matches what you'd expect.
The downside: a small slice of reviews mention damage to items, inconsistent professionalism between crews, or estimates that don't match final bills. It's not common, but it happens.
Years in Business: 14 | DOT #: 2162841
Services: Local moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, crating, safes
Phone: (802) 899-0908
430 Meadowland Drive South, Burlington, VT 05403
Rating: 4.4 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (42) | Google (117) | BBB Grade A+
Positive: 72% | Negative: 26%
Booska has 78 years in business, and they show it with high marks for efficiency and careful handling. Out of 168 reviews, clients praise responsive service, reliable work, and moves completed without damage. Crews are organized, friendly, and trustworthy. You'll find customers returning for repeat business.
The catch: about 26% of feedback flags inaccurate estimates that balloon into higher final costs. Some report damaged or missing items and poor follow-up from the office, especially on claims. If you go with Booska, push hard for a detailed written estimate and clarify what's included before committing.
Years in Business: 78 | DOT #: 786533
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, offices, pianos, full-valuation coverage, storage, cash/credit card payment
Phone: (802) 864-5115
276 East Allen Street, Suite 6, Winooski, VT 05404
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (13) | Google (29) | BBB Grade A+
Positive: 59% | Negative: 35%
Vermont Moving & Storage attracts loyalty through professionalism and respect for your belongings. Over 46 reviews, customers spotlight efficient crews, clear communication, and care during the move. Many report that final costs matched or beat quoted prices, and staff follow-up was helpful.
The flip side is serious: 35% of reviews highlight damage to items, bills that exceed quotes, and last-minute cancellations with no compensation. Insurance and claims processes frustrated some customers, particularly when dealing with breakage or loss of sentimental pieces. This outfit does solid work most of the time, but the track record on handling mishaps is uneven.
Years in Business: 18 | DOT #: 1596307
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, offices, pianos, art, antiques, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes, cash/credit card payment
Phone: (802) 527-8200
1860 Williston Rd, STE 4, South Burlington, VT 05403
Rating: 4.2 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (2) | BBB Grade F
Positive: 95% | Negative: 5%
Two Men and a Truck delivers professionalism and efficiency that customers genuinely appreciate. The 95% positive feedback centers on on-time arrivals, quick finishes, polite staff, and fair pricing. Many note they save money compared to the initial quote. Crews pay attention to detail and roll with last-minute changes.
The small print: a handful of customers report missed appointments or sudden cancellations, which is rare but noteworthy when it happens.
Years in Business: 17 | DOT #: 2527384 | State License #: 1187131
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, pianos, storage, safes, credit card payment
Phone: (802) 239-1354
167 Colchester Rd., Rt. 2A, Essex Junction, VT 05452
Rating: 4.2 / 5 | Reviews: Yelp (3) | BBB Grade A+
Positive: 85% | Negative: 8%
Mclure stands out for professionalism, care, and organized workflow. Across feedback, customers praise polite staff, careful handling, and efficient service. Packing is solid, arrivals are on time, and the team's positive attitude makes the difference. That last point matters—it's what separates tolerable moves from forgettable ones.
Only 8% reported issues: inaccurate estimates, unprofessional moments, or surprise price jumps. Complaints are outnumbered by praise by more than ten to one, making this company stand out for reliability.
Years in Business: 109 | DOT #: 86305
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, international moves, offices, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, full-valuation coverage, storage, cash/credit card payment
Phone: (802) 878-5344
Here's what specialty services are offered by movers in the area:
| Service | Companies | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 5 | 83.33% |
| Pianos | 6 | 100% |
| Art & Antiques | 2 | 33.33% |
| Fragile-only packing | 2 | 33.33% |
Expect these ballpark ranges depending on your home size and moving method. All figures assume a roughly 3,023-mile move:
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,547 – $6,324 | $1,427 – $3,667 | $1,543 – $3,208 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $4,753 – $9,543 | $2,554 – $5,249 | $1,705 – $3,747 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,943 – $14,500 | $3,322 – $7,104 | $2,091 – $4,557 |
Note: These are estimates based on typical moves from this area. Your actual cost depends on load weight, extra services, parking access, fuel prices, and timing. Use our moving cost calculator to get a more precise range tailored to your situation.
A studio or one-bedroom typically runs $1,547 to $6,324. Two or three bedrooms land in the $4,753 to $9,543 range. A larger move—four or five bedrooms—sits between $8,943 and $14,500.
These numbers assume standard full-service packing and loading. Specialty items (pianos, antiques) or services like crating will push costs higher.
If you're using moving containers, expect $1,427 to $3,667 for a small move. Two or three bedrooms run $2,554 to $5,249. A larger home—four bedrooms or more—typically costs $3,322 to $7,104.
Container companies give you flexibility: load at your pace, store if needed, and the company handles transport and unloading in California.
Renting a truck is usually the cheapest option—but you do all the work yourself. Studio or one-bedroom: $1,543 to $3,208. Two to three bedrooms: $1,705 to $3,747. Four bedrooms or larger: $2,091 to $4,557.
Fuel is factored in. Keep in mind you're responsible for packing, loading, driving, unloading, and returning the truck.
Before you pack, understand what financial change you're walking into.
| Metric | Burlington, VT | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $2,200 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $495,758 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,546 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 112 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 8.75% | 13.3% |
What this means:
| Factor | Burlington, VT | California |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 44,743 | 39,029,342 |
| Political lean | Democratic (76-21) | Democratic (59-41) |
| Summer high | 81°F | 87°F |
| Winter low | 9°F | 59°F |
| Annual rainfall | 36″ | 22″ |
| Annual snowfall | 72″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 43.33 | 28.43 |
What to expect:
Going from Burlington to California isn't just about hiring movers. Handle these details first:
California offers museums, parks, sports, and university towns with genuine character.
Museums
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
Sports
Universities
7 to 21 days on average, depending on whether you use a moving company, container, or rental truck. Summer moves take longer due to higher demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before you book.
Two movers in Burlington list custom crating for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before booking, ask about their crate specs and whether they can customize to your needs.
Work with a company that takes car care seriously. Check out our auto transport guide for vetted options and costs.
Economic opportunity and weather. California's job market and year-round sunshine draw people from colder, smaller markets.
Four movers in the area take cash, though most prefer traceable payments. Standard practice: deposit to secure your date, balance due at pickup or after delivery. Confirm details before booking.
Local guides:
Popular routes from Vermont:
Additional resources:
Stop guessing. Compare moving quotes from vetted companies in Burlington and lock in real numbers for your move to California. Takes five minutes, zero obligation.
