Best Moving Companies in Bakersfield for Your Move to Massachusetts
You're looking to move from Bakersfield, California to Massachusetts, and the first question is always the same: which moving company won't overcharge you or damage your stuff?
I've reviewed the five most active interstate movers operating out of Bakersfield. Here's what the customer data shows.
Top 5 Bakersfield to Massachusetts Movers
- Meathead Movers — 4.64 / 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage — 4.38 / 5 stars
- Express Moving & Storage — 4.38 / 5 stars
- Hansen's Moving and Storage — 4.36 / 5 stars
- Fit Movers LLC — 4.34 / 5 stars
Meathead Movers
Rating: 4.6 / 5 | Positive reviews: 88% | Negative reviews: 10%
Address: 2334 Perseus Ct, Bakersfield, CA 93308
License #: 0189849 | Years in business: 27 | DOT #: 921143
Review summary: Out of 274 reviews, 88% praise polite, professional crews who move fast and handle valuables carefully. Customers consistently note clear communication and respectful service. The main complaints center on occasional damage, estimate discrepancies, and unexpected charges—issues that show up with many movers, but less frequently here than at competitors.
Services: Local moves, interstate moves, packing, unpacking, storage, credit card or cash payment.
Contact: (661) 335-6191 | Yelp | Google | BBB A+
Mentors Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Positive reviews: 91% | Negative reviews: 8%
Address: 3101 Gilmore Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308
Years in business: 19 | DOT #: 2911596
Review summary: Among 239 reviews, 91% highlight rapid, careful moves with professional crews who protect belongings. Customers value efficient coordination and responsive communication. About 8% reported damaged or lost items and slow management response. Despite these gaps in claims resolution, Mentors earns consistent marks for reliability and professionalism above the industry average.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, piano/hot tub/pool table/art/antique moving, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, fragile-only packing, safes.
Contact: (661) 220-5155 | Yelp | Google | BBB A+
Express Moving & Storage
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Positive reviews: 90% | Negative reviews: 10%
Address: 3818 Buck Owens Boulevard, Bakersfield, CA 93308
License #: 0190666 | Years in business: 15 | DOT #: 076235
Review summary: From 114 reviews, nearly 90% praise courteous, professional crews and efficient service. Customers highlight careful handling, affordable pricing—uncommon in this market—and speedy moves. A smaller portion reported rude staff, property damage, or unexpected charges. Overall, Express delivers solid reliability and value relative to competitors.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, storage.
Contact: (661) 325-0162 | Yelp | Google
Hansen's Moving and Storage
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Positive reviews: 92% | Negative reviews: 7%
Address: 3501 Sillect Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93308
License #: 0130609 | Years in business: 53 | DOT #: 2728836
Review summary: Of 306 reviews, 92% report smooth moves with professional, polite staff who work efficiently and protect belongings carefully. Many cite on-time completion, accurate estimates, and flexible services. A small subset noted damaged items, surprise charges, and weak communication—typical industry friction, but less common here. Hansen's stands out for superior staff conduct and property care.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, storage, credit card payment.
Contact: (661) 834-2411 | Yelp | Google | BBB A+
Fit Movers LLC
Rating: 4.3 / 5 | Positive reviews: 95% | Negative reviews: 4%
Address: 2020 Eye St PMB 116, Bakersfield, CA 93301
License #: 0192218 | Years in business: 6 | DOT #: 3455958
Review summary: From 315 customer reviews, an impressive 94.6% praise efficient service, professional and polite staff, careful handling, and affordable rates. Customers frequently note punctuality and respectful treatment of belongings. Only 4.4% reported damage, unexpected charges, or missing items. Fit Movers earns high marks for courtesy and speed, though those needing absolute perfection in item protection should discuss expectations upfront.
Services: Local and interstate moves, international moves, packing, unpacking, office moves, pianos, crating.
Contact: (661) 525-3414 | Yelp | BBB A+
Specialty Services Available in Bakersfield
If you need something beyond the standard move, here's what the local market offers:
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 100% of companies |
| Piano moving | 40% |
| Crating | 20% |
| Art/antique moving | 20% |
| Fragile-only packing | 20% |
Moving Costs: Bakersfield to Massachusetts
Here's what you're likely to pay for a 2,985-mile move from Bakersfield to Massachusetts, depending on home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Movers | Moving Containers | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 bed | $1,399–$5,616 | $1,447–$3,436 | $1,531–$3,184 |
| 2–3 bed | $4,178–$7,817 | $2,540–$4,957 | $1,693–$3,465 |
| 4+ bed | $7,402–$11,988 | $3,510–$7,204 | $2,054–$4,344 |
These are estimates based on verified pricing data as of January 2026. Your final cost depends on move size, added services, parking challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling. Always compare quotes from multiple movers.
Full-Service Moving Companies
For a studio or one-bedroom move, expect $1,399–$5,616. A two- or three-bedroom runs $4,178–$7,817. Four or more bedrooms typically cost $7,402–$11,988. You're paying for labor, equipment, and the movers' expertise—worth it if you want to avoid doing the heavy lifting yourself.
Moving Containers
Moving containers like PODS give you flexibility: load at your pace, and they ship when you're ready. Costs run $1,447–$3,436 for a studio, $2,540–$4,957 for two to three bedrooms, and $3,510–$7,204 for larger homes. You handle packing and unpacking, which cuts labor costs.
Rental Trucks
Truck rentals are the cheapest option—$1,531–$3,184 for a studio, $1,693–$3,465 for two to three bedrooms, $2,054–$4,344 for four-plus bedrooms. But you're doing all the driving and loading. These quotes include estimated fuel.
What Affects Your Moving Cost
Move size: A studio costs far less than a full house.
Season: Summer rates are 20–40% higher than winter. If you can move off-season, you'll save money.
DIY vs. professional: Self-moving is cheap but exhausting. Hiring movers costs more but gives you your life back.
Distance and accessibility: A straight shot costs less than a move with stairs, elevators, or tight parking.
Cost of Living: Bakersfield vs. Massachusetts
Here's the financial reality before you move.
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. rent | $1,695 | $1,588 |
| Avg. home cost | $389,732 | $623,131 |
| Per capita income | $73,827 | $96,505 |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 9.0% |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.9% |
Rent: About 6% cheaper in Massachusetts—that's real monthly savings.
Housing: Homes cost roughly 60% more in Massachusetts. Budget accordingly if you're buying.
Salaries: Massachusetts incomes run 31% higher. If you land a comparable job, you'll likely earn more.
Taxes: Despite Massachusetts's reputation, state income tax is 32% lower than California's. That 9% versus 13.3% difference adds up over a year.
Jobs: Unemployment is 34% lower in Massachusetts, so the job market is tighter.
Overall cost of living: Roughly equivalent—you won't face sticker shock on groceries or utilities, but housing is the wild card.
Life in Massachusetts vs. Bakersfield
The two places are night and day.
| Factor | Bakersfield, CA | Massachusetts |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 7,001,399 |
| Political lean | Republican (51–46) | Democratic (61.5–36.3) |
| Summer high | 97°F | 82°F |
| Winter low | 38°F | 16°F |
| Annual rainfall | 7 inches | 49 inches |
| Annual snow | 0 inches | 47 inches |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 13.92 |
Weather: Massachusetts summers are cooler (82°F vs. 97°F) and winters are brutal (16°F vs. 38°F). You'll need heating bills, snow removal, and winter gear. But the greenery and seasonal variety are real perks if you like that.
Rain and snow: Expect 49 inches of rain and 47 inches of snow annually in Massachusetts. Bakersfield gets 7 inches of rain and zero snow. Plan for muddy boots and roof maintenance.
Politics: Massachusetts leans Democratic; Bakersfield leans Republican. If local politics matter to your decision, that's a shift.
Safety: Massachusetts has a significantly lower crime index (13.92 vs. 58.49). That's a meaningful difference in neighborhood feel.
Population density: You're moving from a 900K-person city to a state of 7M. Urban density is much higher.
Before You Move to Massachusetts
Don't just book movers and call it done. A few logistics can derail a smooth move.
HOA rules: Some communities restrict move-in days or require advance notice. Check before you book.
Elevator reservations: Many apartment buildings require you to reserve the elevator days ahead. Miss this and you're paying for a truck that can't get in.
Truck parking permits: Some Massachusetts cities require a permit for moving trucks. Check your city's parking regulations—typically available online or at City Hall.
Moving company licensing: Massachusetts requires movers to be licensed by the Department of Public Utilities – Transportation Oversight Division. They must carry cargo insurance and file public tariffs. Verify your mover's license before hiring.
Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before moving. Set your official move date so mail forwarding starts on time. Start here at USPS.com.
Moving insurance: Released Value Protection is free but covers only 60 cents per pound per article. If you have valuable items, ask your mover about full-value coverage or third-party insurance.
Moving permits: You don't need a moving permit in Massachusetts, but always check local parking rules.
Use our moving checklist: It'll catch the things you'd otherwise forget.
Timeline: How Long Does the Move Take?
A move from Bakersfield to Massachusetts typically takes 7–21 days, depending on the service. Summer moves may take longer due to high demand. Ask your mover for a specific delivery window before you book.
What to Do in Massachusetts
Once you're settled, there's plenty to explore.
Museums: Museum of Fine Arts, House of the Seven Gables, Plimoth Patuxet, Whaling Museum, JFK Hyannis Museum.
Parks: Stage Fort Park and Beach, Salem Witch Trials Memorial, Forest Park, Veterans Memorial Park.
Sports: Boston Red Sox (MLB), Boston Bruins (NHL), Boston Celtics (NBA), New England Patriots (NFL), New England Revolution (MLS).
Education: MIT, Harvard University, Boston University, Tufts University, UMass Amherst.
FAQ
How long does a Bakersfield to Massachusetts move take?
Typically 7–21 days, depending on the moving company and whether you move during peak season (summer takes longer).
Can I find movers that do custom crating?
Yes. Two Bakersfield movers offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, and fragile items. Ask when you request a quote.
What's the best way to ship a car?
Contact a professional car shipping company that specializes in California to Massachusetts routes. They handle the logistics and protect your vehicle.
Why do people move from Bakersfield to Massachusetts?
Natural beauty, strong education system, job market, and lower crime rates are common draws.
Do any Bakersfield movers accept cash?
One mover accepts cash, but it's rare in the industry. Most prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check for documentation. You'll typically pay a deposit upfront and the balance at pickup or delivery.
Next Steps
The best way to cut through pricing confusion is to compare quotes from multiple movers. Get at least three estimates before you decide. You'll see real numbers and can spot outliers fast.
If you're considering long-distance movers or exploring moving containers as an alternative, both deserve serious consideration. Each has trade-offs.
Got questions about a specific mover? Reach out—I'm happy to help.