Hire Movers in San Jose, 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 Jose, CA

San Jose moving costs differ based on the type of service. Labor-only movers typically cost less because they handle loading and unloading your truck or moving container, but they don’t provide transportation.

If you'd rather someone else handle everything, full-service movers have you covered. It costs more, but they manage the loading and unloading, and provide their own truck that they’ll drive to your new place. In both cases, you can often pay for add-on services for packing and furniture assembly.

Here's how the prices compare.

Average Moving Costs in San Jose, CA

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The Cost of Labor-Only Movers in San Jose

Labor-only movers are a favored choice for budget-conscious movers who are happy to take care of the transportation. You pay for your movers to load and unload your belongings, while you rent and drive the truck or arrange a moving pod.

This service costs an average of $87.94 per hour, but rates can vary depending on when you book your movers. Booking on lower-demand days—typically Mondays or during April—can help save you money.

See the table below for a detailed breakdown of what a labor-only move costs.

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

Opt for a local full-service moving company if you'd like to outsource the loading, transportation, and unloading. While it costs more, the convenience is unmatched, and the only thing you’ll need to focus on is settling into your new place.

On average, this service costs $905.91, though rates tend to rise during peak moving times, like weekends and summer months. You may find better deals on Mondays or in April when demand is lower.

Here’s a look at the typical cost range.

Moving Services in San Jose

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 Jose 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.

Tip 1: Reserve Street Parking with a Tow-Away Permit

Get a Tow-Away Permit from the City of San Jose's Department of Transportation. It lets you temporarily reserve curbside or metered parking for things like construction, events, or in this case, your move. This ensures you'll have ample space for your moving truck or moving pod.

Tip 2: Donate, Sell, or Dispose of Unwanted Items Before Your Move

The less you have to pack, the quicker and cheaper your move will be, so clear out any unwanted items ahead of time.

It’s a good idea to donate or sell anything that's in good condition, but for the items that can’t be donated—like old, stained mattresses or broken appliances—you'll need to dispose of them properly. Drop them off at your local landfill or schedule a free junk pickup. San Jose allows residents to schedule pickup for up to 12 items, but be sure to confirm which items are accepted.

Tip 3: Avoid Driving During Rush Hour

San Jose's high population makes rush hour traffic difficult to navigate, especially if you’re driving a moving truck. Whenever possible, avoid moving during the morning commute from 7-9 am or the evening commute between 4-7 pm. Also, plan your moving day route to avoid the US 101 Corridor, Bayshore Freeway, El Camino Real, and Sunol Grade, where traffic tends to get especially bad.