Irvine, CA → Malibu, CA · Short-haul move
About 73 road miles heading northwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $1,700–$2,530, delivery in 1–2 days, 625 carriers on the Irvine side and 7 in Malibu.
Malibu sits about 73 miles northwest of Irvine, so this is an in-state move that most movers classify as a short-haul move.
Because the two cities are close together, most companies quote this move by the hour: a crew of two to four movers plus a truck, with the drive of about 1 h 58 min counted as billable travel time. A typical two-bedroom household lands between $1,700 and $2,530, before packing or storage.
On the Irvine side there are 625 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (239 of them authorized for interstate work), and 7 around Malibu (2 interstate). For an in-state move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Malibu.
Irvine has a population of about 318,764 and Malibu about 10,000. Irvine is considerably denser (4,690 people per square mile versus 537), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination.
| Home size | Crew | Hours | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2 movers | 3–5 h | $950 | $1,160 | $1,420 |
| 1 Bedroom | 2 movers | 4–6 h | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,620 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 3 movers | 5–8 h | $1,700 | $2,070 | $2,530 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 4 movers | 7–10 h | $2,560 | $3,130 | $3,810 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 5 movers | 9–13 h | $3,750 | $4,570 | $5,570 |
$220–$320
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,090–$1,600
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$1,700–$2,530
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Irvine, CA → Malibu, CA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Home Express Delivery Service LLC
Legal name: Maeflower Logistics LLC
Legal name: Success Trucking INC
Legal name: Malibu Demolition INC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $950 to $1,420 for a studio, $1,090 to $1,620 for a one-bedroom, $1,700 to $2,530 for a two-bedroom, $2,560 to $3,810 for a three-bedroom and $3,750 to $5,570 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 73 road miles (62 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 1 h 58 min.
For a move this short, loading and delivery normally happen on the same day. Most crews finish a two-bedroom home in 5 to 8 hours plus the drive.
No. Because both Irvine and Malibu are in California, this is an intrastate move regulated by the state rather than the FMCSA. Still, choosing a carrier with an active USDOT number is the easiest way to confirm the company is a registered motor carrier with insurance on file.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $220 to $320 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,090 to $1,600. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Irvine–Malibu corridor.