Movers in
Oakland, CA
From Jack London Square lofts to Rockridge Victorians and Oakland Hills estates, we navigate narrow streets, steep driveways, and third-floor walkups across every East Bay neighborhood. Trusted for local, long-distance, and commercial moves.
Get My Oakland QuoteMoving + Storage under one roof, one company, one point of contact Plus complimentary moving blankets, wardrobe boxes, and floor protection with every move.
Who are the best movers in Oakland?
As of June 2026, Ontrack Moving® is an Oakland moving company rated 4.9/5 from 2,847 verified reviews and an asset-based carrier under USDOT #2551548 with a 0% Federal Out-of-Service Rate. Local moves start at $165 per hour for two movers and a truck, and distance, access, and season can affect the final rate. Every Oakland move is backed by our $10,000,000 Combined Protection Tower for building and property liability, while your belongings are covered by standard $0.60/lb cargo liability per article. Final charges are based on actual labor time, materials, access conditions, and any additional services required to complete the move.
Oakland Moving: Quick Facts
- Service Area: Rockridge, Montclair, Grand Lake, Jack London Square, Temescal, Lake Merritt, and all Oakland neighborhoods.
- Specialization: Third-floor walkup moves, Oakland Hills steep driveway experts, loft and warehouse conversions.
- Local Route Knowledge: Highway 13 (Warren Freeway) curves, I-580 truck-lane restrictions, Skyline Blvd staging for hillside shuttles.
- Credentials: USDOT #2551548 | CA License: CAL-T190721.
- Pricing: Local moves start at $165/hour for two movers and a truck. Contact us for an estimate tailored to your move.
- Rating: Rated 4.9/5 based on 2,847+ Verified Reviews on Yelp & Google.
- Oakland Line: (510) 925-2189
The East Bay Moving Specialists You Can Trust
Oakland is a city of third-floor walkups, Oakland Hills homes with steep driveways, and converted warehouse lofts. These aren't challenges for us; they're what we do every day. Our crews know that Highway 13 (the Warren Freeway) curves sharply between Montclair and the 580 interchange, and that I-580's truck-lane restrictions between Grand Avenue and the Bay Bridge approach dictate exactly which lanes a loaded 26-footer can legally use. We plan routes around these constraints before the truck ever leaves our Hayward yard. For third-floor walkups and elevator buildings, our apartment movers coordinate COIs and reserve the freight elevator in advance.
For Jack London Square and Uptown loft conversions, we coordinate freight elevator access, loading dock scheduling, and building management requirements. Buildings like The Ellington on Broadway, The Grand at Jack London Square, and the Broadway Grand lofts require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before your move date. We issue COIs same-day so your building manager has it in hand before the crew arrives.
Every Oakland move is backed by our $10,000,000 Combined Protection Tower for building and property liability, with standard $0.60/lb cargo liability per article on your belongings (additional valuation protection available), and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) for buildings that require it. We've served Oakland and the wider East Bay for over a decade: our Berkeley movers cover the city just north and our Fremont movers handle the I-880 corridor to the south. Our 4.9-star rating from 2,847+ reviews reflects our commitment to every customer.
Why Oakland Residents Choose Ontrack
Specialized expertise for the unique challenges of East Bay moves
Walkup Specialists
Third-floor apartment with no elevator? No problem. Our crews are trained for stair carries, narrow landings, and tight hallways common in Oakland's older buildings. We protect walls and floors while moving efficiently.
Oakland Hills Expertise
Steep driveways, winding roads, and homes perched on hillsides. We assess access before move day and bring shuttle vehicles when needed. Montclair, Piedmont Avenue, and the Hills are our specialty.
Loft & Warehouse Conversions
The Ellington, The Grand, Broadway Grand, and West Oakland lofts all require freight elevator reservations, loading dock scheduling, and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before move day. We coordinate directly with building managers so you don't have to.
Carrier vs. Broker: Know the Difference Before You Book
Why hiring a direct carrier like Ontrack protects your Oakland home and family
| Factor | Ontrack (Carrier) | Moving Brokers |
|---|---|---|
| Who enters your home? | Our own direct-hire employees, professionally screened and trained on Oakland-specific logistics | Unknown subcontractors assigned at the last minute, no local knowledge |
| Oakland Hills access | Oakland Hills Steep-Grade Navigation Protocol: driveway grade assessment, shuttle van pre-staged at Skyline Blvd, insurance on file | Crew arrives without prep, truck gets stuck on grade, no contingency plan |
| Victorian home protection | Rockridge Victorian Access Procedure: doorframe padding, floor runners on hardwood, narrow-hallway navigation with blanket wraps | Standard boxes, no doorframe awareness, scuffed hardwood and chipped trim |
| Property liability | $10M general liability covering floors, walls, common areas, and building structures | Claims bounced between broker and subcontractor with no clear responsibility |
| Price on move day | Transparent estimate with no surprise fees for stairs, hills, or long carries | Low-ball estimate on the phone, then price increases when the truck arrives |
| Federal safety record | 0% Out-of-Service Rate under USDOT #2551548 | No USDOT number, no federal safety record, no accountability |
Ontrack is a licensed carrier (USDOT #2551548, CAL-T190721), not a broker. Your belongings ride on Ontrack trucks with Ontrack crews.
Federal Safety Record: Ontrack vs. Industry Average
The Out-of-Service Rate is the percentage of DOT inspections that result in a vehicle or driver being pulled off the road for safety violations.
Ontrack Moving
Out-of-Service Rate
USDOT #2551548 | Zero vehicles pulled for safety violations
National Carrier Average
Out-of-Service Rate
FMCSA National Average as of January 2026
Verify Us Yourself
Enter USDOT 2551548 into the FMCSA SAFER database. You will see our insurance status, safety record, and 0% Out-of-Service Rate. This is a public federal record that any customer can check.
View FMCSA SAFER RecordHow Your Oakland Move Is Protected
Two separate coverages protect your property and your belongings
$10M Property Protection
Our $10M general liability policy covers damage to your building's floors, walls, elevators, and common areas. This protects Oakland Hills estates, Jack London Square lofts, and Rockridge Victorians during the moving process.
COI on File
Oakland HOAs and building managers at Lake Merritt high-rises, Jack London lofts, and Rockridge condos require a Certificate of Insurance before move day. We issue COIs with fast turnaround so your building has it in hand before the crew arrives.
Belongings Coverage
All moves include $0.60 per pound basic liability as required by federal and California state law. Additional protection is available for customers who want coverage beyond the basic mandate.
Important: Property protection ($10M general liability) covers the building and its structures. Belongings coverage ($0.60/lb basic) covers your household goods. These are two separate policies. Additional belongings protection is available upon request.
How We Handle Narrow Roads in the Oakland Hills (Montclair & Skyline)
Standard 26-foot trucks cannot fit on many Oakland Hills streets. Our 3-step Hillside Shuttle Protocol solves this.
The Assessment
Before move day, we scout your address using Google Street View and, when needed, a physical drive-by. We measure driveway grade, turning radius, overhead clearance from tree canopy, and distance from the nearest staging point on Skyline Boulevard or Mountain Boulevard.
The Shuttle
If the 26-foot truck cannot reach your door, we deploy sprinter vans or smaller box trucks that can navigate the tight switchbacks above Highway 13. Our crew loads your belongings at the home and ferries them in multiple trips to the staging area below.
The Trans-Load
At the staging point on Skyline Blvd or Mountain Blvd, we transfer everything into the full-size rig. Items are re-padded, re-stacked, and secured for the final leg, whether that's across town to Rockridge or across the state to Phoenix.
The shuttle protocol adds time but protects your home and belongings. We quote it upfront with fees disclosed before move day.
Our Oakland Moving Team in Action
Professional movers who treat your belongings like their own.
Organized Loading
Truck Stacking
Furniture Disassembly
Expert Care
Floor Protection
Home Care
Residential Moving
Oakland Homes
Rug Handling
Specialty Items
Expertise in Oakland Neighborhoods
From the waterfront to the hills, we know every corner of Oakland
Rockridge
Charming Craftsman homes and tree-lined streets near College Avenue. We navigate the mix of single-family homes and apartment buildings with care, protecting hardwood floors and vintage details.
Montclair
Hillside homes with stunning views and challenging access. Steep driveways, narrow roads, and switchback turns are our specialty. We bring the right equipment for every Montclair move.
Grand Lake
Classic apartments and bungalows near the Grand Lake Theatre. Street parking coordination, stair carries, and efficient loading are handled with the professionalism Grand Lake residents expect.
Lake Merritt
High-rise apartments and condos with lake views. We coordinate elevator reservations, loading dock access, and building management requirements for smooth Lake Merritt moves.
Jack London Square
Waterfront lofts and converted warehouse spaces with industrial character. Freight elevator coordination, loading dock scheduling, and handling for open-concept layouts with high ceilings.
Temescal
Hip neighborhood with older apartment buildings and Victorian homes. Third-floor walkups, narrow staircases, and tight street parking are everyday challenges we handle with expertise.
Moving to Oakland, California
From Lake Merritt to the Oakland Hills, Oakland offers diverse neighborhoods, vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community.
Downtown Oakland
From the Fox Theater to Jack London Square, we navigate the one-way streets and high-rise loading docks of the central business district.
Lake Merritt
Oakland's jewel. We serve the historic apartments and modern condos surrounding the lake, with high-rise coordination expertise.
Rockridge & the Hills
Craftsman bungalows, hillside estates, and tree-lined streets. Our crews handle the unique access challenges of Oakland's most desirable neighborhoods.
Built for Oakland's Unique Challenges.
Third-floor walkups. Steep Oakland Hills driveways. Jack London lofts. Our crews handle the moves other companies turn down.
Full-Service Moving Company in Oakland
Complete moving solutions for every Oakland need
| Service | Best For | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland Residential Movers | Apartments, Condos & Houses in Oakland | Crew, Truck, Blankets, Floor Protection, Furniture Assembly |
| Walkup Moving | Third-Floor Apartments, No Elevator | Stair Carry Specialists, Wall Protection, Efficient Loading |
| Oakland Hills Moving | Montclair, Piedmont Avenue, Hillside Homes | Steep Driveway Expertise, Shuttle Service, Careful Navigation |
| Loft & Warehouse | Jack London Square, West Oakland Lofts | Freight Elevator Coordination, Loading Dock, COI Provided |
| Oakland Commercial Movers | Downtown Oakland, Uptown Offices | After-Hours Moves, IT Disconnect/Reconnect, Cubicle Setup |
| Oakland Long Distance Movers | Oakland to Phoenix, LA, Portland, Seattle | Dedicated Truck, GPS Tracking, Scheduled Delivery Window |
| Specialty Items | Pianos, Safes, Fine Art, Antiques | Custom Crating, White Glove Handling, Secure Storage |
| Full-Service Packing | Busy Professionals & Families | All Materials Provided, Fragile Item Wrapping, Labeling |
| Storage | Short & Long-Term Needs | Secure Storage, Flexible Terms |
| Junk Removal | Decluttering & Cleanouts | Same-Day Pickup, Donation Drop-Off, Eco-Friendly Disposal |
Moving within the region or coordinating between multiple cities? See our Bay Area movers page for the full service footprint.
All services include: Licensed movers (USDOT #2551548 | CAL-T190721), workers compensation, and liability coverage.
Residential Moving
Apartments, condos, Craftsman homes, and single-family houses throughout Oakland. Full packing services available.
Commercial & Office Moving
Startups, creative agencies, and corporate offices in downtown Oakland and beyond. Weekend and after-hours availability.
Long-Distance Moving
Relocating from Oakland to anywhere in California, Arizona, or beyond. Licensed for interstate moves with USDOT #2551548.
Packing & Storage
Professional packing services and secure storage facilities. Short-term and long-term options at competitive rates.
Ontrack Moving is your trusted Bay Area & Phoenix Movers, serving all Oakland neighborhoods from the Hills to West Oakland and Jack London Square.
How Our Oakland Moving Process Works
A smooth move in Oakland starts with a clear process. From the first phone call to the last box placed, we handle the logistics before, during, and after move day.
Request a Quote
Submit the online form or call with your addresses, home size, and schedule. Oakland logistics vary block by block, so we ask whether you are in the Hills above Montclair with steep switchback driveways, a converted West Oakland loft with a freight elevator, or a Craftsman on a tight Grand Lake side street where we coordinate parking with the city.
Pre-Move Planning
We confirm your move date, crew size, and any special requirements. For Oakland Hills homes, we assess driveway access. For lofts, we coordinate elevator and dock reservations.
Move Day Execution
Our crew arrives on time with the right equipment for your Oakland home. We pad Victorian staircase banisters, lay runners on refinished hardwood, and blanket-wrap furniture before carrying it through narrow Oakland doorways. Items go room by room at your new place.
Post-Move Support
Our crew reassembles furniture, positions items per your layout, and does a final room-by-room check with you before signing off. Our Hayward facility sits just 20 minutes south on I-880, so whether you land in Temescal, Rockridge, or the Lake Merritt corridor, any follow-up gets the same crew back to your door fast.
Oakland Waterfront & Victorian Logistics
Beyond the Hills, Oakland's loft conversions and period Victorians demand their own procedures.
Jack London Square Loading Dock Sequence
The Challenge:
Buildings like The Ellington on Broadway, The Grand at Jack London Square, and the Broadway Grand lofts have shared loading docks with timed access windows. Missing a dock reservation can push your move back by hours or into the next day. Freight elevators serve multiple floors and are shared with other tenants.
Our Protocol:
We submit COIs and dock reservation requests 48 hours in advance. On move day, our foreman checks in with building management before unloading begins. Crews stage materials in the loading bay in reverse unload order so freight elevator trips are minimized. Floor runners are laid from the elevator to your unit before the first piece moves. When a dock window is tight, we pre-pad and pre-wrap offsite and arrive ready to roll.
Rockridge Victorian Access Procedure
The Challenge:
Rockridge and Temescal Victorians have doorframes as narrow as 28 inches, tight interior staircases with angled landings, and bay window alcoves that trap oversized furniture. Original redwood trim and baseboards cost thousands to repair if gouged. Street parking on College Avenue and side streets is limited and requires advance coordination.
Our Protocol:
We measure every doorframe and staircase landing during the pre-move survey. Oversized pieces are disassembled to their minimum pass-through profile and wrapped in quilted pads before threading through narrow passages. Non-marring blue tape and padded corner guards protect original woodwork at every contact point. For street-level access, we coordinate temporary no-parking zones so the truck parks directly in front of the home.
Typical Long-Distance Routes from Oakland
Direct delivery without the middleman delays common with national van lines
| Route | Est. Transit | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Oakland → Phoenix, AZ | 2 to 3 Days | Corporate relocations, snowbird returns, family moves |
| Oakland → Los Angeles, CA | 1 to 2 Days | Entertainment industry, graduate school, family relocations |
| Oakland → Seattle, WA | 2 to 3 Days | Tech corridor transfers, Pacific NW relocations |
| Oakland → Portland, OR | 2 to 3 Days | Remote worker relocations, startup transfers |
| Oakland → Eugene, OR | 2 to 3 Days | University of Oregon, Willamette Valley relocations |
| Oakland → Denver, CO | 3 to 4 Days | Corporate relocations, outdoor lifestyle moves |
| Oakland → San Diego, CA | 1 to 2 Days | Military relocations, biotech transfers, retirement moves |
All interstate routes are fully authorized by the FMCSA under USDOT #2551548 for compliant interstate transport across state lines.
Professional Movers vs. DIY: What Oakland Residents Should Know
Compare your options for an East Bay move
| Factor | Ontrack Moving | DIY Truck Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Third-Floor Walkups | Trained stair-carry crews with wall protection and floor runners | Back injuries, wall damage, and slow progress without experience |
| Oakland Hills Access | Shuttle trucks for steep driveways, trained hill drivers | Rental trucks on steep grades risk brake failure and cannot turn around |
| Loft Conversions | Freight elevator coordination, dock scheduling, COI provided | Denied access without COI, no dock reservation, delays |
| Time Required | 4 to 7 hours typical for a 2BR (crew does all work) | 12 to 16+ hours with friends who may cancel |
| Insurance | $10M property liability + $0.60/lb basic belongings coverage | You are liable for all damage to property and belongings |
| Parking & Access | We coordinate street parking and building access in advance | Circling for parking with a 26-foot truck on College Avenue |
For Oakland families with walkups, hillside homes, or loft conversions, professional movers save significant time and prevent property damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving in Oakland
Quick answers about walkups, Oakland Hills, parking, and pricing. For a precise estimate, use the quote form above.
How much do movers cost in Oakland?
Local moves in Oakland typically range from $165-$195 per hour for a 2-man crew. This includes the truck, equipment for stairs and hills, and standard liability coverage. Third-floor walkups and Oakland Hills homes with steep driveways may require a larger crew. Stairs and long carries are itemized in your written estimate upfront. Call (510) 925-2189 for a free estimate.
Can you move furniture out of a third-floor walkup apartment?
Absolutely. Third-floor walkup moves are one of our specialties in Oakland. Our crews are trained for stair carries and use proper lifting techniques, furniture blankets, and wall protection. We handle everything from studio apartments in Temescal to large units in Grand Lake, regardless of floor level or elevator access.
Do you handle steep driveways in the Oakland Hills?
Yes. We use a 3-step Hillside Shuttle Protocol. First, we assess your driveway grade, turning radius, and overhead clearance via Google Street View and a physical drive-by. If our 26-foot truck cannot reach your door, we deploy sprinter vans to shuttle belongings to a staging point on Skyline Blvd or Mountain Blvd. There, we trans-load everything into the full-size rig for the final leg.
How do you handle loft moves in Jack London Square?
Buildings like The Ellington on Broadway, The Grand at Jack London Square, and the Broadway Grand lofts require freight elevator reservations, loading dock scheduling, and a Certificate of Insurance (COI) before move day. We issue COIs same-day and coordinate directly with building managers so everything is approved before the crew arrives.
Do I need a parking permit for moving day in Oakland?
Yes. Oakland requires an Obstruction (OB) Permit from the Oakland Department of Transportation whenever a moving truck needs to block street parking, a curb, a sidewalk, or a traffic lane. You apply through OakDOT at 250 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, in person or through the city's online permit portal, and the tow-away No Parking placard must be posted 72 hours before your move. Non-metered curb space is billed per 25 feet per day, metered spaces are billed per meter per day, plus a one-time application fee and a city surcharge. In neighborhoods like Rockridge, Temescal, and Grand Lake where curb space is tight, this reserves your loading zone ahead of time. We coordinate the OB permit during pre-move planning based on your specific address. See our Oakland moving permit guide for the full OB Permit fee breakdown and application steps.
How far in advance should I book movers in Oakland?
We recommend booking 1-2 weeks in advance for most Oakland moves. Weekend and end-of-month dates fill up faster, so 2-3 weeks ahead is ideal for those times. Summer months (May-September) are the busiest, so book 3-4 weeks ahead during peak season.
What is the best moving company in Oakland?
Ontrack Moving is consistently rated among the top moving companies in Oakland with a 4.9/5 rating from over 2,847 verified reviews on Google and Yelp. We specialize in Oakland's unique challenges: third-floor walkups, Oakland Hills steep driveways, and Jack London Square loft conversions. Our USDOT #2551548 and CAL-T190721 licensing means you're protected, and our local crews know every neighborhood from Rockridge to Fruitvale.
How can I verify that Ontrack Moving is a real carrier and not a broker?
Enter USDOT 2551548 into the FMCSA SAFER database at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. You will see our federal safety record, insurance status, 0% Out-of-Service Rate, and operating authority. Brokers cannot produce this record because they do not operate trucks.
What is Ontrack's safety record for Oakland moves?
Ontrack Moving holds a 0% Out-of-Service Rate under USDOT #2551548, compared to the national carrier average of 22.26% as reported by FMCSA. Our Hayward headquarters is less than 15 minutes from most Oakland neighborhoods, staging every East Bay move with direct-hire crews and company-owned trucks.
Why should I avoid moving brokers for my Oakland move?
Moving brokers do not own trucks or employ crews. They sell your move to the lowest-bidding subcontractor, often resulting in price increases on move day, unknown workers entering your home, and liability disputes if something is damaged. Ontrack is a licensed carrier (USDOT #2551548, CAL-T190721) that maintains direct custody of your belongings from your Oakland address to your destination.
How long does it take to move from Oakland to Phoenix?
Oakland to Phoenix moves typically take 2 to 3 days for delivery. Your belongings travel on a dedicated truck via I-5 South to I-10 East or via I-580 to I-5 to I-10, depending on traffic and load staging. We provide a scheduled delivery window before the truck departs. See our Oakland to Phoenix moving page for route details.
How long does it take to move from Oakland to Los Angeles?
Oakland to Los Angeles is a 1 to 2 day move depending on home size. We run this corridor regularly with dedicated trucks, so your belongings are not consolidated with other shipments. See our Oakland to Los Angeles moving page for transit details.
How long does it take to move from Oakland to Seattle?
Oakland to Seattle moves take 2 to 3 days via the I-5 corridor through Oregon. We provide GPS tracking and a scheduled delivery window so you know exactly when to expect the truck in Seattle. See our Oakland to Seattle moving page for more details.
How long does it take to move from Oakland to Portland?
Oakland to Portland typically takes 2 to 3 days. The route follows I-5 North through the Central Valley and into Oregon. Dedicated truck, GPS tracking, and a firm delivery window are included. See our Oakland to Portland moving page for transit details.
Oakland to Palm Desert, 6 estimates compared
Caesar, Arturo, Javier and Ricardo were awesome! I received 6 estimates for our move from Oakland to Palm Desert. Ontrack was the most professional from start to finish. Paul did the walk through and was our first in-person contact with Ontrack along with Carmina in the office. We knew almost immediately that these were the people we could trust.
Verified on Google
Two-day Oakland Hills move handled end-to-end
We chose Ontrack after reading great reviews as to their navigation of the (sometimes harrowing) Oakland Hills. What I encountered was end-to-end excellence, from customer service to their excellent moving team. I knew our move would be a large one, so I booked a 26' truck and five-person crew... The foreman, Guillermo, assessed our situation and calmly confirmed we'd need two trucks. Before I could panic, he had contacted his team and we arranged a two day move. Guillermo's team wrapped our furniture and had the truck loaded swiftly... As I now unpack, I'm finding everything in excellent condition.
Verified on Google
Reliable full-service moving experience
Ontrack Moving Company is a trusted, reliable, and professional moving service... With years of experience in the moving industry, Ontrack Moving offers a range of services, including local and long-distance moves, packing, and secure storage solutions.
Verified on Google
Two-story condo to apartment move
Jonathan and Selso were the best! From being on time to taking care of every piece of furniture to make sure all was wrapped properly. Made the move from a two story condo to an apartment look so easy. Very professional and courteous... Would highly recommend them for your next move!
Verified on Google
Fast, efficient, and professional crew
Best moving company hands down! They do not drag. They are fast and efficient! Ivan, Francisco and Victor were so professional and nice. They know what they are doing. They even put together furniture for me! You can’t beat the price and quality. I 100% recommend using this company and these movers.
Verified on Google
Packing and loading container support
Super appreciated the OnTrack team, Alejandro and his partner, who came out to support us with packing for our move and loading the moving container. They were communicative, friendly and professional, and they packed carefully and thoughtfully. Would definitely hire again!
Verified on Google
Recent Moves in Oakland and the East Bay
A Rockridge family downsizing from a 4-bedroom Victorian needed help navigating the tight one-way streets near College Avenue. Our crew wrapped original built-in shelving, carried a grand piano down the front stairs, and delivered everything to a smaller home in Berkeley the same afternoon.
A photographer relocating from a Jack London Square loft needed climate-aware packing for framed prints and studio lighting equipment. The crew coordinated freight elevator access, loaded everything onto our truck, and placed overflow gear into secure, monitored storage while the new Alameda space was finalized.
An Oakland Hills couple moving from a hillside home off Skyline Boulevard required shuttle service for the steep, narrow driveway. Our team ran a smaller truck up the hill, transferred items to the full-size vehicle on the main road, and completed delivery to a single-story home in Walnut Creek before noon.
A Lake Merritt couple moved from a one-bedroom condo to a new build in San Ramon, CA. Crew handled freight elevator scheduling at the Oakland tower, loaded by mid-morning, and delivered to Dougherty Valley the same afternoon along Interstate 580 and 680.
Moving Services Near Oakland
Ontrack Moving serves communities throughout the East Bay and beyond.
San Francisco Bay Area
Our Hayward headquarters is 15 minutes from Oakland. Each page below covers neighborhood-level logistics, local crew experience, and community-specific moving protocols.
