Hire Movers in San Diego, CA

Local Full-Service vs. Labor-Only: Which Is Right for You?

Wondering which moving service is best for you? We've broken it down so you can find what works for your needs and budget.

Read more about HireAHelper's Moving Services

The Cost of Moving Services in San Diego, CA

With HireAHelper, you can choose between two types of moving services with different price points. Pick the one that best suits your budget and situation:

• Full-service moves are a stress-free, hands-off experience for anyone who doesn't mind spending a little more to save time — and their back from all that heavy lifting.
• Labor-only is a great way to save money. You provide the truck or container, and professional movers expertly load and unload your belongings.

Average Moving Costs in San Diego, CA

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The Cost of Labor-Only Movers in San Diego

If you're happy to drive your own moving truck or already have a storage container but need a hand with the heavy lifting, labor-only is the way to go. Hourly rates for labor-only movers in San Diego are typically around $92.20.

The total cost depends on the size of your place and how long the move takes. You can save even more by booking your move on a Sunday or during July — the cheapest day and month to move in San Diego. Avoid weekends and the end of the month if you can, as those are usually the busiest and most expensive times.

Check out the table below for more details about how the size of your home affects costs:

The Cost of a Local Full-Service Move in San Diego

Full-service moves in San Diego deliver time and back-saving convenience. Your movers load your items, drive them to your destination, and unload them. Don't feel like boxing everything up? Packing service add-ons are also available. While full-service costs more than labor-only (at an average price of around $750.09), it's a truly worry-free experience. Plus, it's a super useful service in a city like San Diego, where traffic and parking can be tricky. 

For the best rates, try to book your move during a less busy time, such as a Sunday — especially in July.

Moving Services in San Diego

How Full-Service Moving With HireAHelper Works

After booking online with HireAHelper, your movers will handle every aspect of moving day so you don’t have to lift a finger. Your moving company will take care of loading, transportation, and unloading at your destination. Want even more support? Many full-service movers offer optional packing and unpacking services to help you settle in faster.

Full-Service Advantages:

• Less Planning: Skip the headache of coordinating truck rentals, parking permits, and loading help—your movers handle everything.
• Less Moving-Day Stress: No need to worry about driving or parking a bulky moving truck—professionals take care of it.
• Peace of Mind: Trust experienced movers to handle your belongings safely from start to finish. Plus, when you book with HireAHelper, you get our $1,000 service guarantee.

How HireAHelper’s Labor-Only Option Works

HireAHelper’s labor-only service gives you complete control of your move while providing the muscle you need to make moving day a breeze. Moving down the road? Your movers can help you load up the rental truck. Moving across the country? Get help loading your PODS in San Diego and help unloading in your new time zone.

Labor-Only Advantages:

• Big Savings: Pay only for the labor—perfect if you're renting a truck or using a moving container.
• Flexible & Customizable: You decide what help you need, whether it’s loading, unloading, or both.
• Easy & Transparent: Compare prices, read verified reviews, and book online in minutes—no hidden fees or sales calls.

Other Ways to Use Moving Labor Help

HireAHelper isn't just for moving day! You can also use our platform to find movers who can help with:

• Moving Furniture: Need to rearrange your home or set up a new space? Movers can lift and position heavy items exactly where you want them.
• Loading Heavy Items for Disposal: Whether you're clearing out old furniture, appliances, or other bulky items, movers can handle the heavy lifting into a trailer, dumpster, or curbside.
• Load or Unload a Storage Unit: If you’re moving items into or out of storage, extra hands can help pack, stack, and organize everything efficiently.

HireAHelper's Moving Guide for San Diego

Tip 1: Prepare for Wildfire Season

San Diego has beautiful weather, but wildfires are a real possibility, especially during the dry season. Even if you're just moving across town, a wildfire could disrupt your plans. Being prepared is key to staying safe and minimizing stress:

• Check the wildfire risk map: Before you move, check the official CAL FIRE Wildfire Hazard Severity Zone Map to understand the risk level in your new neighborhood. 
• Register for AlertSanDiego: Sign up for AlertSanDiego, the county's official emergency notification system, to get real-time alerts about wildfires or other emergencies that may impact your move. 
• Have a backup plan: Prepare for potential wildfire delays by choosing movers with flexible rescheduling policies, identifying temporary storage options in case your new home becomes inaccessible, and planning an alternate moving route in advance.

Tip 2: Get to Know San Diego's Neighborhood Parking Quirks

Parking in San Diego can be a challenge, especially when you're dealing with a moving truck or container. Neighborhoods have different rules, and a little research beforehand can save you a major headache — and a potential ticket. 

Each neighborhood has its own regulations, so be sure to brush up on:

• Street sweeping schedules. Many San Diego neighborhoods have strict street sweeping schedules. Find out the schedule for your old and new addresses to avoid a parking ticket on moving day. If you expect to have your storage container around for a while, check the rules for longer stays, too.
• Permit requirements. Some areas, particularly downtown and near the beaches, may require a transportation permit for oversized vehicles, such as moving trucks. 
• Resident-only parking zones. Be aware of resident-only parking zones, especially in older neighborhoods. You might need a temporary guest permit for your moving truck.

Tip 3: Look Into San Diego's Neighborhood-Specific Rules and HOAs

San Diego is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character — and sometimes, its own rules. Some HOAs have strict guidelines, and some neighborhoods have unique parking regulations. You don't want any unpleasant surprises, so take a look at:

• Homeowners Association (HOA) regulations: If you're moving into a San Diego community with an HOA, get a copy of the rules before you move. They might have restrictions on moving truck access, move-in/move-out times, or where you can place moving containers.
• Noise ordinances: Be mindful of noise level guidelines in your new San Diego neighborhood, especially if you're planning an early-morning or late-night move. Different neighborhoods may have different quiet hours.