We are not trying to be the fastest or the cheapest, we strive to do consistently excellent work and help with whatever transitions you are going through. We use respect, determination, good humor and technique to get you to the other side. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do work that we are proud of. This is the first time I've ever used a moving company and these folks made it painless. They came in under the estimate and the movers were super friendly and really hard working. The crew were friendly and knowledgeable, thorough and careful.
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Big Family Movers is a local independent moving company founded in 2001 and based in Oakland, CA. We have earned our reputation for efficiency and integrity. Specializing in residential and small business moves, Big Family Movers is working to make our company, Oakland, and the entire Bay Area stronger.
We are pleased to offer discounts to seniors, single-parent families, and non-profit organizations. At Big Family Movers we show up on time, motivated and equipped to handle all of your household moving needs. The entire crew will take a tour with you through every room to see all the items to be moved.
If we are responsible for damage to your property, we will do our best to make you happy before we leave the job. If we are unable to come to an agreement the day of the move, we will resolve issues through our insurance company. In this case, the settlement will be based on the type of insurance you choose when filling out the Contract / Agreement for Moving Services the morning of your move (see Day of the Move). This contract and the California PUC information booket explain your rights as a moving customer and will be provided to you before we start work.
Big Family Movers is proud to be part of the Oakland Grown network of small businesses, BNI Visions of Exchange, and NAPO. We suggest hiring Big Family Movers to professionally load a container provided by ABF/U-Pack or another trucking company, and then hiring a local, independent moving company to unload in your new city.
Reviews (33)
Victoria K.
Jun 28, 2022
I have been meaning to write a review, so this is long overdue. These guys did a fantastic job! Fast, helpful, friendly, and funny too. They showed up early, got straight to work, arrived to the destination exactly when they said they would, and unloaded quickly but carefully. They asked thoughtful questions about how to arrange furniture and boxes.
Only one item broke in the entire process: a cheap, plasterboard TV stand that shouldn't survive a move anyway. I should mention that we used them when the pandemic was still in full effect, and we felt safe like they were taking the precautions seriously and wanted us to feel comfortable. I highly recommend this team!
Only one item broke in the entire process: a cheap, plasterboard TV stand that shouldn't survive a move anyway. I should mention that we used them when the pandemic was still in full effect, and we felt safe like they were taking the precautions seriously and wanted us to feel comfortable. I highly recommend this team!
Julie S.
Jun 08, 2022
Judy L.
Apr 06, 2022
Mandy B.
Apr 06, 2022
Tammerlin D.
Mar 30, 2022
Not sure what happened here. Used them last year and had a great experience. So I wanted to use them again for an upcoming move in June. Called three or four times, left VMs couldn't get a return call. Reached out twice on Yelp. Owner Noah responded on yelp and said he didn't get VM. They were available for my date. Told me to call back. Asked him to call me since no one was responding to VMs.
Never heard back. I called and emailed, one final time to say, I really wanted to use them, but if someone didn't contact me before COB the next day (By this time I had been trying to reach them for a week) I would have to move on. Maybe some pandemic staffing-related issues? Too bad, because I had to find another mover.
Never heard back. I called and emailed, one final time to say, I really wanted to use them, but if someone didn't contact me before COB the next day (By this time I had been trying to reach them for a week) I would have to move on. Maybe some pandemic staffing-related issues? Too bad, because I had to find another mover.
Brenda R.
Mar 11, 2022
It's been one week now since I've used Big Family Movers and I'm still feeling grateful for how easy they made it for me. The quote process was easy and very reasonable. The movers showed up on time. They moved at the right speed - not too fast and reckless but very steady and efficient. The two movers kept communicating to each other for their process.
I stopped worrying and got to focus on my part of move. I felt I could trust them without hovering over and watching their work. They were nice, sweet. They made one of my big stress dissipate. They were referred to me by someone who had recently used them. It's only fair I pass it forward and recommend them to you!
I stopped worrying and got to focus on my part of move. I felt I could trust them without hovering over and watching their work. They were nice, sweet. They made one of my big stress dissipate. They were referred to me by someone who had recently used them. It's only fair I pass it forward and recommend them to you!
Jo M.
Mar 03, 2022
Susan T.
Jan 01, 2022
If I could give Big Family Movers 10 stars that would be perfect! We used them for 4 complicated moves from Berkeley to Vallejo, with stops in Pt. Richmond in between. They are absolutely a great, reliable team. They arrived on time, were masked as needed, professional, efficient, and extremely careful with our belongings, even those things that we had not packed very well ourselves!
Over our bookings with them we met our favorites -Fred, Eric, Victor and Shawn - and would book them again in a heartbeat if we ever move in the future. The company owner, Noah, was always available and professional and reached out to give us a unexpected discount. We cannot recommend them enough!
Over our bookings with them we met our favorites -Fred, Eric, Victor and Shawn - and would book them again in a heartbeat if we ever move in the future. The company owner, Noah, was always available and professional and reached out to give us a unexpected discount. We cannot recommend them enough!
Jennifer M.
Jan 01, 2022
I can't recommend Big Family Movers highly enough! Every step of the way, they were stellar. I have not had to move for 15 years, so I was nervous. Noah, the owner kept in contact with us and answered every annoying question we had. It was daunting as we had to move from the East Bay to Sonoma Valley. The team of Victor, Anthony and Michael showed up promptly and started their plan right away.
They were kind, diligent, focused and funny. That combination is really important, as I was emotional about leaving my beloved East Bay, back to the hometown of my youth. No matter how prepared you think you are, there are always "the crumbs", those things you haven't packed, odd things, like 8 globes! They were ready, and packed them for us. Use these peeps, it was a great experience for us.
They were kind, diligent, focused and funny. That combination is really important, as I was emotional about leaving my beloved East Bay, back to the hometown of my youth. No matter how prepared you think you are, there are always "the crumbs", those things you haven't packed, odd things, like 8 globes! They were ready, and packed them for us. Use these peeps, it was a great experience for us.
Emma W.
Oct 13, 2021
Jon P.
Aug 26, 2021
I've moved a lot and it is never fun. I actually had a blast with the crew. Professional but also a great and fun attitude. There was a lot of work including 3 flights of stairs. Never a grumble, always a smile. When I said "please be careful on the table", they took that to heart and made sure it landed safe and sound. I've had so many bad experiences with other movers and this was so refreshing. I'd really recommend them, especially if your past experiences have been bad. They are legit.
Janice M.
Jul 12, 2021
Big Family Movers just packed and moved me from a 2,600 sq ft house. I highly recommend them. The packing was excellent and the movers were all very pleasant and easy to work with. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They were on time both days. I thought their pricing was very reasonable. I heartily recommend them!
Jack A.
Jul 07, 2021
Fred, Eric and Tony were a wonderful crew for our move in early June. They arrived on time and masked up; they were friendly and communicative during the entire process; they were super efficient and skilled, very helpful, and got the move done on time and within budget, even when we neglected to take our bed apart ahead of time and had to do so mid-move. We hope to stay put in our new spot for a while, but when we move again we'll be sure to call Big Family Movers!
Jennifer Z.
May 29, 2021
I am so lucky to have contracted Big Family Movers for my move today. After a 20 year partnership with the father of my child and living in our co-owned home for the last 12 years, I really wasn't sure how I was going to start again being a single mom. Starting this new chapter of our lives was a huge mountain that seemed very daunting. Big Family Movers was able to ease one aspect of this transition with promptness, courtesy, humor, and a lot of hard work.
Thank you to the two gentlemen who worked today. I'm sorry that I forgot your names but I will not forget your support. Moving is never easy but Big Family Movers gave me a huge head start.
Thank you to the two gentlemen who worked today. I'm sorry that I forgot your names but I will not forget your support. Moving is never easy but Big Family Movers gave me a huge head start.
Matt K.
May 22, 2021
Extremely respectful, speedy, and kind movers. Easily will choose this group of movers again without hesitation. They gave a rather reasonable estimate to move, and it ended up being much less as they were speedy and knew what they were doing. None of our furniture was damaged (or lost), and we were very happy with the results. We moved from Pleasanton into Oakland a couple of months ago and chose Big Family Movers after a couple referrals from friends.
They moved a few rooms worth of materials, including some heavy solid wood dressers that were full of clothes (heavy). There was no issues with their capability of moving or speed what so ever. These movers showed up on time, they got the job done quickly, and they were super friendly, something hard to find these days. Each employee showed respect for our property, and gave clear guidelines, guidance, and asked plenty of questions regarding your move.
They moved a few rooms worth of materials, including some heavy solid wood dressers that were full of clothes (heavy). There was no issues with their capability of moving or speed what so ever. These movers showed up on time, they got the job done quickly, and they were super friendly, something hard to find these days. Each employee showed respect for our property, and gave clear guidelines, guidance, and asked plenty of questions regarding your move.
Sally V.
Apr 15, 2021
Karen C.
Feb 21, 2021
I had experience observing Big Family Movers a couple of years ago while helping a friend move. The employees were strong, efficient, careful, courteous, and friendly. I recently contacted Noah Smith, the company owner, about an upcoming move. He is great with communication, always returned my phone calls in a timely fashion, and had a lot of valuable information for me.
Our current move will be to another state, and Big Family Movers does local moves only, but if we ever need a local move, he will be the first person I contact! Thank you, Noah, for your expertise, suggestions, and maintaining a great group of employees!
Our current move will be to another state, and Big Family Movers does local moves only, but if we ever need a local move, he will be the first person I contact! Thank you, Noah, for your expertise, suggestions, and maintaining a great group of employees!
Michael W.
Jan 24, 2021
We recommend Big Family Movers for your East Bay move! Noah was easy to reach before the move, and responsive to our questions. We hadn't moved in a while, so we had some.beginner questions. He answered them all promptly and helpfully. On the day of the move, the crew was speedy and friendly. Almost before we realized it, all of our boxes were on the truck.
The crew wrapped our furniture with great care, and were able to navigate a challenging large couch out of the apartment without taking anything apart. Unloading was equally as fast and as careful. The team wore masks at all times, and we felt very safe around them. Highly recommended!
The crew wrapped our furniture with great care, and were able to navigate a challenging large couch out of the apartment without taking anything apart. Unloading was equally as fast and as careful. The team wore masks at all times, and we felt very safe around them. Highly recommended!
Tara Y.
Jan 23, 2021
My parents had used Big Family Movers years ago, and couldn't say enough great things about them. After calling a couple of local movers, a quick conversation with Noah confirmed for me that they have the best gig in town. Noah was professional and flexible. His team, Victor and Anthony, showed up masked, on time, and like clockwork, had me moved in just over three hours!
These guys could not have been nicer, more efficient, competent, and friendly (and during Covid!). Total pros. Everything was handled with care, placed in the right space, and they even had tips for me about some furniture placement. I cannot recommend this company more, and if you are lucky enough to score Victor and Anthony, know you are in the most capable hands! They made an incredibly stressful endeavor as smooth as possible. I don't foresee going anywhere anytime soon but would use them again in a heartbeat if I needed to.
These guys could not have been nicer, more efficient, competent, and friendly (and during Covid!). Total pros. Everything was handled with care, placed in the right space, and they even had tips for me about some furniture placement. I cannot recommend this company more, and if you are lucky enough to score Victor and Anthony, know you are in the most capable hands! They made an incredibly stressful endeavor as smooth as possible. I don't foresee going anywhere anytime soon but would use them again in a heartbeat if I needed to.
Mandie C.
Jan 18, 2021
Right off let me say, I have had to use Big Family Movers twice in the last 10 months due to unforeseen circumstances. We got the same mover specialists, Eric and Victor, that we when we moved into our place. These two guys are the ultimate best/efficient/communicative/quickest/strongest movers ever. I don't have enough words to express how awesome/friendly/hardworking Eric and Victor are!
They moved us into a place up lots of stairs in Mar. 2020, in rain, on the first day of lockdown for the pandemic. They returned to move us out Jan 2021, down the stairs, still in a pandemic. They wore masks the whole time and respected distancing even while moving stuff! They made quick work of moving our stuff out, heavy boxes and furniture were no match for them.
They also bring closet boxes for you to use to move closet items and had a couple extra to put my loose stuff into like pillows and small stools to make moving it a little more efficient. Victor was also communicating the whole time while the move was happening, about range of time to complete the move out/move in and he estimated within minutes. Very impressive!
The estimate that Noah (owner/manager) gave me over the phone was accurate and no secret fees or hidden agenda. We had to move quite suddenly (within days notice) and Noah was clearly trying to help schedule something for us. He responded to my calls and texts in a timely manner and was honest/straightforward which I appreciated immensely. He was able to schedule us within two days--and while I imagine not possible every time, and of course you should plan weeks in advance to move-- I was so grateful he found a team and was able to schedule us in such short notice.
He saved us a lot more heartache and headaches! It seems like this company can move all across the Bay Area, even in SF; we moved from San Leandro to Alameda and then within Alameda. I was recommended this company by a friend who used their services and it was worth every penny! Back in Mar. was the 1st time we have ever used movers and man, it was worth it!
We were stoked to have Eric and Victor again to move us. While I hope to not have to move for a loooong time to come, when/if that day does arrive down the road, I will once again book Big Family Movers!
They moved us into a place up lots of stairs in Mar. 2020, in rain, on the first day of lockdown for the pandemic. They returned to move us out Jan 2021, down the stairs, still in a pandemic. They wore masks the whole time and respected distancing even while moving stuff! They made quick work of moving our stuff out, heavy boxes and furniture were no match for them.
They also bring closet boxes for you to use to move closet items and had a couple extra to put my loose stuff into like pillows and small stools to make moving it a little more efficient. Victor was also communicating the whole time while the move was happening, about range of time to complete the move out/move in and he estimated within minutes. Very impressive!
The estimate that Noah (owner/manager) gave me over the phone was accurate and no secret fees or hidden agenda. We had to move quite suddenly (within days notice) and Noah was clearly trying to help schedule something for us. He responded to my calls and texts in a timely manner and was honest/straightforward which I appreciated immensely. He was able to schedule us within two days--and while I imagine not possible every time, and of course you should plan weeks in advance to move-- I was so grateful he found a team and was able to schedule us in such short notice.
He saved us a lot more heartache and headaches! It seems like this company can move all across the Bay Area, even in SF; we moved from San Leandro to Alameda and then within Alameda. I was recommended this company by a friend who used their services and it was worth every penny! Back in Mar. was the 1st time we have ever used movers and man, it was worth it!
We were stoked to have Eric and Victor again to move us. While I hope to not have to move for a loooong time to come, when/if that day does arrive down the road, I will once again book Big Family Movers!
Kristine C.
Oct 24, 2020
This is the second time I've used Big Family Movers and both times, they've been professional, friendly, and hard-working. They were on time, got the job done in 3 hours, wore masks, and were careful with my fragile items. They also were flexible and moved a few pieces of furniture around until I was satisfied with their final spot. Thanks Austin and Ryder! You all were great! The first move was with Eric, and I can't remember the other gentleman's name, but they were just as friendly and efficient!
Sanjay G.
Oct 04, 2020
These guys were amazing. This is the first time I've ever used a moving company and these folks made it painless. They came in under the estimate and the movers were super friendly and really hard working. They packed our whole apartment and moved us into our first home. Not a single thing was broken or lost. One of the movers even came back to drop off a small cheap stool that they found hidden in the truck. I'd definitely go with them again
Sugah Puddin
Jan 12, 2020
Natalie S.
Aug 16, 2019
Just another 5 star review for this crew! Noah the owner was very kind, a good communicator, and gave us an accurate estimate. The guys who helped us the day of our big office move (one of the hottest days this summer) were all so friendly and positive. I wanted to be friends with them all and really appreciated their good energy even with a super long and hot day. This place was the best price I found (out of 6 local moving companies), and they were beyond amazing and appreciated. I would recommend anyone moving go with this company.
Linda Terrell Nunes
Jul 24, 2019
I've heard so many nightmare stories, though the years, of people's experiences with moving companies. Not with Big Family Movers. Our own family had a last minute move.on a weekend and BFM was able to come to the rescue - with grace and professionalism. We highly recommend interviewing your movers before you hire AND having Big Family Movers at the top of your list!
Jade S.
Aug 03, 2018
EBMUD was unexpectedly doing work in front of our house on moving day. It was a super stressful and unfortunate situation, as the road in front of our house was being dug up in front of our eyes! I was so worried it would be an issue with Big Family Movers, but they handled the situation so well, with positivity and professionalism despite a very frustrating circumstance that ended up adding a lot more steps and work to their day. I am so grateful for Big Family Movers and would definitely recommend them!
Ben Bloom
Aug 01, 2018
Big Family Movers is a great option for small and mid-sized moves in the Bay Area. I have gotten to work with Al Hillard, a manager at Big Family Movers, on several occasions. He is a genuine and sincere professional with years of experience in the moving industry. The whole team at Big Family Movers is fantastic.
Jeanne Henzel Swartz
Feb 27, 2018
Jennifer Linford
Oct 04, 2017
Rubab W. Riaz
Sep 19, 2017
Judith Rosenthal Schwartz
Aug 22, 2017
These folks are great. The first time I used them I was a single mom. and I got a discount for that! The guys were all friendly, knowledgeable, and strong. Certain items needed to be disassembled and then. reassembled, which all happened seamlessly. The last time I used them they were just as great. I referred them to a friend and he was very pleased. This company is run extremely well, and you can tell because so many of the guys have been working there a long time.
Sean Noonan
Jan 22, 2015
Joel No-Pasaran Tena
Sep 09, 2014